CASTING A COMMUNITY-LED VISION that will ENHANCE the Tourism Economy and overall QUALITY OF LIFE in union county, sc
We Need Your Input...
Public Meeting at Main Street Junction
Thursday, September 12, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Help cast a vision that will ensure strategic decision making for tourism development in Union County, SC.
Take the COmmunity input Survey
Plan Purpose
To create a community-led vision and plan to ensure strategic decision-making that will enhance the tourism economy and overall quality of life throughout Union County.
The Union County Regional Tourism Plan is funded by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The Catawba Regional Council of Governments is providing administrative and grant program support to the County. The planning process is being led by the Union County Tourism Department and a Project Steering Committee representing the entire community.
The primary purpose of the tourism plan is to identify the County's unique cultural, architectural, historic, and natural resources and to develop strategies that will help attract visitors and businesses, as well as encourage greater use of local assets by current residents.
The Union County Regional Tourism Plan will provide a vision for increasing the economic impact and vibrancy of the visitor economy, improving the quality of life for local residents, and helping to attract and grow small businesses.
The Union County Regional Tourism Plan is funded by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The Catawba Regional Council of Governments is providing administrative and grant program support to the County. The planning process is being led by the Union County Tourism Department and a Project Steering Committee representing the entire community.
The primary purpose of the tourism plan is to identify the County's unique cultural, architectural, historic, and natural resources and to develop strategies that will help attract visitors and businesses, as well as encourage greater use of local assets by current residents.
The Union County Regional Tourism Plan will provide a vision for increasing the economic impact and vibrancy of the visitor economy, improving the quality of life for local residents, and helping to attract and grow small businesses.
Plan Goals
ASSETS
Identify the County’s existing tourism assets and evaluate current conditions and their ability to support community and economic development.
PARTNERS
Engage local stakeholders and community leaders to establish a vision for enhancing tourism opportunities and the quality of life within the County and Municipalities.
GAPS
Identify new and innovative projects to fill existing gaps and help support and realize the County’s vision for the future.
UNITY
Endorse a unified and agreed upon collection of projects which inspires community and civic pride, encourages entrepreneurship and investment in small businesses, and promotes tourism.
VISUAL
Create a plan that generates interest and inspires the community by including high-quality imagery and other graphics that help effectively communicate plan recommendations.
STRATEGY
Provide Union County and its partners with implementation strategies and recommendations that will help attract visitors, residents, and businesses.
Plan Process
01
Direction Setting
The consultant team has conducted a direction-setting meeting with the Project Steering Committee to discuss key opportunities and constraints. The team will conduct an extensive field analysis to assess existing conditions in the County.
02
Discovery and Analysis
Conduct an on-line survey and a series of interviews and focus groups meetings with community leaders and stakeholders to gather ideas and help establish the overall project direction.
03
Draft Plan Development
With guidance from key stakeholders and steering committee members, the consultant team will create a plan framework that introduces preliminary recommendations intended to stimulate tourism development.
04
Final Plan Development
The final plan will feature the agreed upon recommendations, a phasing schedule, estimate of probable costs, and an outline of potential funding sources.
Project Coordinator:
Curtiss Hunter
Union County Tourism Director
Union, SC
[email protected]
Consultant:
Eric Woolridge
President, Principal Planner
Destination by Design
(828) 386-1866
[email protected]
