By Ammie Ruddle
A local business decided to pack up and relocate to another part of the county.
Raymond’s Gymnastics announced that for the 2022-2023 season, they will be moving to the Pendleton County Industrial Building shell 2 in Upper Tract.
According to social media, Krystal Raymond said, “We still plan on building our own facility! It is just taking longer than planned! And it has caused a lot of stress and anxiety trying to get it built asap! This allows us more time and the use of an awesome facility!”
In other business, the members of the Pendleton County Economic and Community Development Authority, discussed providing forums to “meet the candidates”. The EDA office will invite local, regional, and state candidates to appear in-person to introduce themselves and discuss their platform to constituents as well as answer questions.
Dates for these forums will be announced mid-August. EDA board members plan to schedule the forums in early fall to take place in three regions of the county, North Fork, South Fork, and Franklin. They also plan to broadcast the forums on social media for those that cannot attend.
The vote to move forward with the “meet the candidates” forum was a majority for, one against the motion.
EDA board members discussed moving forward with the Pendleton Business Center planning and evaluation with El Roberson and E.T. Boggess Architect for a multi-phase development of the existing facility. There are plans for renovations, documenting and assessing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire safety, security, as well as other replacements and repairs that may need completed.
This motion was approved with a majority vote as well.
Officials with the On the Rocks Craft Trail featuring Dry Run Spirits Distillery, Swilled Dog, Still Hollow Spirits, and Big Fish Cider, requested a $1,000 contribution from the EDA office to assist with the startup cost of the trail. The money will be used for marketing purposes.
EDA board members discussed the mutual benefits of working with the craft trail. By contributing the requested monies, EDA will gain marketing access to two additional counties, including Randolph and Highland counties.
Board members unanimously agreed that their contribution will help promote tourism growth in Pendleton County.
Last on the agenda was discussion of the Micro Grant Program for Pendleton County Businesses. For the third consecutive year in a row, the EDA will offer grant funds to a local business. Details will not be released until Aug 1. However the award will total $5,250. The EDA will be providing $3,000, Pendleton Community Bank will be providing $1,750, and Summit will provide the remaining $500 of the overall grant.