It's been a while since I last checked in and during that time a lot has been going on in Downtown Conway, SC.  Chestnut Mandolins owner, Jennings Chestnut passed away shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.  Mr. Chestnut was an active member of the downtown business community and will be missed deeply by all those who knew him.  For more about Jennings follow these links:

Chestnut Mandolins….and Banjo and  Jennings Chestnut

As the sign on the door says, Chestnut Mandolins is now closed after it's "Final Day" Saturday.

Who's Moving?

Signature Salon has moved from the corner of 4th and Laurel to 3rd Ave across from the Rivertown Bistro.  The new location looks great and I'm happy they've decided to stay downtown.

Little Angels is moving from it's current location behind Vanite Salon to 3rd Ave across from Curtains & Things.  Owner Angie Grainger and her husband have purchased the building and will begin moving very soon.  I think they've made a very wise decision for two reasons.  First is that they can start turning that rent into a personal investment.  And I think they've timed it well. Conway has had a rough year, but I think 10 years from now they'll be greatly rewarded.  Secondly, I believe they'll see a big increase in customer traffic.  I wonder if they'll allow customers to use the backdoor.  I hope so, there's a lot of parking back there.

The Gentle Cycle on Main Street is changing ownership. Joan Gemmell, the current store owner  is moving and has sold the store.  The new owner plans to maintain the name and theme that is currently in place.  Joan will be missed, but with all of the family that she'll leave behind I'm sure she'll be back.  In the short time since Joan opened the Gentle Cycle she has been an active part of the downtown community.  She coordinated the Conway Christmas Wreath Auction, supported CREATE!Conway Art Walks, and Hearts for Hunger.  I look forward to meeting the new owner and hope she can pickup right where Joan left off.

The Better Business Bureau has moved from their Laurel Avenue office to a location on 3rd ave next to the Crafty Rooster.

Economy

Everyone I've spoken with experienced at least a minimal increase in business for February over last year.  Last year February and March were torturous, so a marginal increase is still not very good.  On the other hand any increase is welcomed.  As for March the first week is off the a great start.

CREATE!Conway 1st Saturday Art Walk Gives March a Huge Lift.

About six months ago downtown business owners, artists, and citizens met to form a new nonprofit organization to promote the arts in Conway.  The first matter of business was to revive the 1st Saturday Art Walks.  After this past Saturday I can confidently say "mission accomplished!"  The recession hit the galleries especially hard and during the past two years we've lost all but two.  Not willing to give up, CREATE!Conway set out to turn the entire downtown into a gallery for at least one day each month.  Each 1st Saturday Art Walk has been better that the one before, and this latest one was amazing.  I expected it to take a year or more to return to the successful attendance numbers of the past Art Walks.  However, after only six months this group has produced a monthly tourism machine that just surpassed the highest marks of any previous Art Walk.  The Bodega reported doubling sales over last year on the same Saturday.  Pop's Glass Station is saying they had great day, the best single day sales in over a year.  Good feed back was heard from all over downtown including Flamer's and Forgotten Times Antiques.  The Art Walks are from 10am to 5pm, but it appears the sweet spot is from 11:00am to 3:30pm.

I think the most exciting part is the momentum.  Each month new artists and businesses join in and more people show up to walk around.  Every week there's a new development within CREATE!Conway.  A new festival is planned, connection made, person joined, article written, tv appearance, and on and on.  I really don't have room to explain it all, but I'll try to get you up to speed over the next few weeks.

Funny Quotes Made By Prominent Conwayites Regarding CREATE!Conway

"Conway's a small town, I don't think it can support another group like this" - there's not another group like this.

"I don't see the need for an arts organization in Conway" - some don't...they can't be helped

"How can you have an art walk? There aren't any artists left in Conway." - now that's just funny

"I can't believe they've done all this with less money than what some local nonprofits spend on their phone bill."- refers to a $3,400 annual phone expense on a local 990 form

Other Notes

Another group has been working feverishly to promote Conway as well.  After 6 months the City's Tourism Committee has moved into the final stages of producing a 3 in x 8.5 in rack card to distribute to the state's visitor centers.  Expect printing and distribution in a month or so.  I look forward to seeing how my photos look printed on the same page with the official city logo, it feels good to share.  Just a suggestion, the committee members should attend a morning Art Walk meeting and see how they can support that event.  Let's get everyone working together this year.