We talk about investing in communities, creating a sense of place, revitalizing downtown, redevelopment, and entrepreneurship – and we walk it.
Creative EDC was formed in 2012 and headquartered in Elkin, NC, hometown of Crystal Morphis. We didn’t locate here because Elkin is the center of economic development. We’re in Elkin because we believe in investing in small towns. Our first office was in a 100-year old tobacco warehouse redeveloped into office suites, banquet facility, retail, and restaurant. We made a commitment to locate in downtown and be a part of a redevelopment project.
In 2015, we made a new commitment to downtown. January 31 we moved into a 105-year old building on Main Street. We are renovating the 2nd floor for our office and leasing retail space on the Main Street level. We are investing in our downtown and supporting other entrepreneurs.
Is our one small project going to transform our town, a former mill town trying to recover? No, but building by building, entrepreneur by entrepreneur, project by project, we will make a difference.
Does your company walk what you talk? Are there changes, however small, you can make to invest in what you believe? Buy local, hire local, sponsor local non-profits, redevelop a struggling area. Be strategic in your company’s investments.
As economic developers, we believe we have an obligation to invest in the economy of our community. If we don’t invest, who will?