SPRING LAKE — The Spring Lake Board of Aldermen is expected on Monday to consider a contract to host an economic development retreat, as well as look at approving monthly “Main Street” community showcases.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Grady Howard Conference Room at the municipal building.
Hayes Group Consulting, based in Sanford, is proposing a retreat to assist the town in establishing a long-term economic development strategy.
Hayes Group managing partner Charles Hayes suggests a one-day retreat to focus on seven primary goals. Those include establishing a framework for a strategic plan; building on the mission and vision drafted at a council retreat last February; and teaching the board best practices about economic development planning.
The proposed fee of $6,658 covers the retreat, materials and travel. The town would provide meeting space for the retreat.
Also on the agenda, the Greater Sandhills Chamber has submitted a special-event permit application for First Friday on Main, a community showcase for local businesses, residents and nearby communities.
The permit must be approved by aldermen before the chamber can advertise or secure any vendors. The permit application was submitted Aug. 15 by chamber Vice President Lillian Anderson, and the first event is proposed for this Friday. Even though that’s less than a week away, Anderson said, she hopes the permit will be approved.
“It could be a big deal for the town, and I feel strongly about this,” Anderson said.
Anderson said the chamber plans to host a beer tent and bring in about 30 vendors.
In the application, Anderson asked the town to co-sponsor the showcase.
“I don’t want the town of Spring Lake to have to pay for anything,” she said.
Anderson said she visited businesses and sent letters to property owners who do not live in town to make them aware of the event. The owner of Nak Won, a Korean restaurant on Main Street, was concerned that his Uber delivery drivers would not be able to get through, she said, but was otherwise excited about the project.
“I’m extremely hopeful that this will happen,” Anderson said.
If the permit is approved, Anderson, similar programs are planned on the first Friday of October and November to help “bring life” to Main Street.
Mayor Kia Anthony also will present an ordinance declaring a road closure for First Friday. Anthony and Alderwoman Sona Cooper are listed as board members on the chamber’s website.
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