Community Celebrates Milestones and Progress at Uptown Greenwood Annual Meeting

Community Highlights from Uptown Greenwood Annual Meeting

On Tuesday, the Uptown Greenwood Development Corporation (UGDC) held its annual meeting in the charming city of Greenwood. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and nostalgia as business owners and community advocates gathered at The Museum.

Greenwood’s Uptown area prides itself on being an accredited Main Street America community since 2022, one of only five such designations in South Carolina. This year marks the 40th anniversary of UGDC’s concerted efforts to boost local businesses. Originally formed in 1983, the nonprofit’s mission was to create functional arcades and a supportive loan pool for Uptown businesses. These days, the organization provides exposure, marketing assistance, training, networking events, and advocacy for local enterprises.

Bittersweet Announcements and Celebrations

During the meeting, Community Development Director Lara Hudson made an important announcement. She shared that she will be transitioning to a new role as the human resources director for the City of Greenwood. Hudson reflected emotionally on the close-knit community and growth UGDC has fostered under her leadership.

“I think what I’ve loved about working in Uptown is that it’s such a tight-knit community,” Hudson remarked. “We were really able to grow the Uptown Development Corporation, as a board. For a long time, it was just hosting events, and we were really able to become the economic development arm for the city.”

Acknowledgment of Service

The evening was also marked by heartfelt acknowledgments as outgoing UGDC board member Kay Self was honored for years of dedicated service. Self, along with Hudson, and other prominent community figures like Lesley Lane and Gibson Hill, had their contributions highlighted.

A Glimpse into Uptown’s Progress

In showcasing Uptown’s progress, the discussion tapped into the impact of technology and community efforts. Using Placer.ai software, officials were able to track approximately 53,000 attendees at this summer’s S.C. Festival of Discovery. To navigate the challenge of vacant properties, UGDC has drafted an ordinance aiming to impose fees on property owners not actively using or marketing their spaces.

“All those vacant buildings, it costs us money,” Hudson noted, emphasizing the economic burden inattentive property owners impose on community development.

Awarding Local Businesses

The awards segment of the evening was especially vibrant, with Hudson presenting accolades to various standout businesses in Greenwood:

• Milo Award: David Lindsey Clothier
• Best Customer Service Experience: Aroma’s Uptown
• Best Social Media Usage: Main and Maxwell
• Best of the Newbies: Sweet Indulgence
• Best of the Oldies: Thayer’s Gifts and Home Decor
• Best Visual Merchandising/Window Display: Mary Frances Limited

**Sweet Indulgence**, led by a beaming Charity Martin, secured the high-spirited **”Best of the Newbies” award**. Martin, along with Hudson and Hill, posed for a commemorative photo, reflecting the celebratory tone of the evening.

Looking Forward

The future looks promising for Uptown Greenwood. As the community navigates transitions and acknowledges milestones, key initiatives are set to attract further investments and enhance the vibrant, walkable nature of Uptown. With dedicated plans focused on design, organization, promotion, and economic vitality, Uptown Greenwood stands as a testament to what community spirit and strategic planning can achieve.

With the community’s continuous support, UGDC anticipates another fruitful year, enriching both the local economy and the quality of life for all Greenwood residents.

Stay connected with us for more updates on this incredible journey of growth and community building!