Williamston’s Main Street Program Director Caroline Alex has announced that she is resigning her position with the town’s economic development program effective Dec. 26. Alex has served as the programs coordinator for one year. She will be taking a position with Clemson University.
Williamston Mayor Mack Durham said he was “happy for Caroline” and “the town was fortunate to have had such a talented person to help get the program founded.” He said he was equally excited to begin the process of finding another professional to carry the program forward.
Durham said he will work with Main Street SC Director Beppie LeGrand and Main Street Williamston Board Chairman Jonathan Fowler during the interview process to find a new director for the Main Street Williamston program.
During the first year of the program, Alex participated in a number of state training sessions and one national training session while the organization focused on organizing and planning.
A branding charrette developed new Main Street and Historic Williamston logos which were displayed on new banners placed along Main Street.
Four Committees were established to support the program including Organization, Promotions, Design and Economic Restructuring.
The Organization Committee began efforts for a fundraising initiative, however the Chairman of the Committee, Joan Ragsdale recently resigned her position.
The Promotions Committee, headed by David Meade, is working on an events calendar and a brochure about the program.
The Design Committee, headed by Debbie Chapman, began working on a plan to beautify gateway entrances with the help of our volunteers and local Master Gardeners and other projects. They are also teaming up with the Palmetto Area Cultural Arts Center (PACAC) and local art students to fill vacant storefront windows with artwork that celebrates Williamston.
The Economic Restructuring Committee, headed by Jim Simpson, is working on a Main St. property inventory while also researching and planning to create a Master Plan for the town. They also helped with input on the town’s new sign ordinance.
The Main Street Williamston Advisory Board has adopted by-laws and applied for501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status.
The town has two years left of a three year committment with the Main Street program.
