Author Archives: EW Admin
From the new Executive Director
I am thrilled to have been chosen as the Executive Director of Envision Williamston. I’ve been working with nonprofit organizations for the past 30 years in volunteer, board member, board executive, outreach employee, and CEO roles. I’m ever grateful for the experience I’ve gained in each aspect of this field and for the mentors I’ve had over those years. There is always more to learn and strategy to share and I believe that while we’re living we need to be learning. As a nonprofit leader, fund management is important to me and in 2014 the nonprofit organization I was leading was the recipient of the Angel Award from SC Secretary of State Mark Hammond. This is an annual award given to 10 nonprofit organizations in SC for responsible fund management. I bring that same diligence and sense of responsibility to Envision Williamston and look forward to standing alongside others to bring opportunity, vitality, and engagement to Williamston and her residents.
I was raised in rural WV and am grateful for my roots. I was taught early to work hard and learned to garden, cook, butcher, and preserve foods. I still have a passion for cooking and baking, as well as small town and locally owned business. My husband and I make an effort to support small businesses and love to see them thrive. My hope for Williamston is the same as the hope I have for my own hometown and others like it; to experience growth, prosperity, community engagement, small-town values, safety, and peace.
The challenges we currently face are like none we have experienced before but I know we can take this time to make ourselves better and stronger than ever. I look forward to the end of the pandemic and a return to events and gatherings. May we have a celebration like no one has seen when this is over!
Lisa Cope
Executive Director, Envision Williamston
12 West Main Street
Williamston, SC 29697
864-847-7473
LisaCope@envisionwilliamston.com
Lisa Cope named Executive Director
Envision Williamston has named Lisa Cope the new Executive Director of the organization.
Cope is a resident of Liberty. She brings over thirty years of experience in working with non-profit organizations to her new role at Envision Williamston.
Heart & Home Designs and Boutique named Main Street Challenge Winners
Heart & Home Designs and Boutique recently held a ribbon cutting for their new businesses located in Williamston.
Owners are Debbie Alexander and Paula Phillips.
Alexander and Phillips have been long time friends for almost 20 years and both are residents of the Williamston and Pelzer area.
After doing several area craft festivals including Westy’s Vintage Market in West Pelzer and the Spring Water Festival in Williamston, they decided to open in Williamston. Their business idea was chosen as one of the winners of the Envision Williamston Main Street Challenge, which provides grant money to help a new local small business open. “We are so proud of this award,” Phillips said.
Home & Heart Designs and Boutique offer unique quality handmade items including farmhouse decor as well as repurposing vintage items into one-of-a-kind home decor.
They have jewelry including earrings, bracelets and necklaces and offer a variety of women’s apparel and accessories.
They have candles and wax melts and even face masks.
Home & Heart Designs and Boutique is located at 1110 Anderson Drive in Williamston.
Store Hours are: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm
For more information, visit us on Facebook @ Heart & Home Designs and Boutique
COVID-19
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Envision Williamston, like so many other organizations, put a number of projects, events and promotional plans on hold during 2020. We hope to return our mission of promoting the Town of Williamston soon!
Envision Williamston Re-opens Application Process for 2019. Application Deadline is January 31, 2019.
Due unforseen circumstances, Mr. Travis McCurly will not be able to fulfill his obligation as winner of the Main Street Challenge. The Envision Williamston Board of Directors voted to reopen the application process. Applications are available now and must be turned in by end of business day on Friday, January 31, 2020. Click here to download the application. The winner will be chosen by the end of February 2020, and should be prepared to have their business open to the public no later than June 1, 2020. For questions, please contact Tony Brown, Envision Williamston, Executive Director at 864-847-7473 or tony.brown.ew@gmail.com.
Envision Williamston announces Main Street Challenge winners
Envision Williamston recently announced winners of the Main Street Challenge grant program for 2019. The winners are Travis McCurly “Brew N Q” and Kristy Johnston “Phoenix: Born Again Retail”. Brew N Q is currently a BBQ catering company, competition BBQ cook team and soon to be restaurant to locate in Williamston. In addition to low and slow smoked BBQ, homemade sides and desserts, they plan to use SC certified products and offer local craft beer from the Upstate. Phoenix will be a gift, consignment and resale shop. They plan to offer quality clothing, children’s items, accessories and gifts at affordable prices. The winners are eligible for up to $10,000 in incentives offered through the Envision Williamston Main Street Challenge. Congratulations to Travis and Kristy!
New mural “Unbroken Chain of Mineral Spring Water” now up
The latest Envision Williamston mural is now up. The fifth mural placed in Williamston over the last year or so, is on the side of the building located across from Calvary Church and near the new Anderson Drive “Gateway Welcome Sign”, also an Envision Williamston project. Thomas Addison’s mural design of “Unbroken Chain of Mineral Spring Water”, was brought to life by Palmetto High Art students Kerrigan Campbell and Rebecca Stephen. Art Teacher Gregg Davis led the students over the past several months to complete the project.
Pictured are Roxanne Hall, Envision Williamston Board Chair Roxanne Hall and Palmetto High art students Kerrigan Campbell and Rebecca Stephen with Teacher Gregg Davis.
Williamston Downtown Acceleration Program (WDAP) Puts Williamston on the National Map!
Envision Williamston hosts Main Street Directors
Envision Williamston Executive Director Sonya Crandall talks with other Main Street Directors about beautification projects the local group has recently completed including the “Adopt A Rest Stop” locations throughout the town.
The group participated in a walking tour spotlighting Envision Williamston projects throughout the downtown and park area of Williamston.
Envision Williamston Facade Grants improving looks of area businesses
Envision Williamston has awarded 28 facade grants through The EW Façade Improvement Grant Program, which is designed to stimulate additional improvements to the exterior of commercial buildings within the Town of Williamston. The funding of this program is provided through the Palmetto Business Association in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission and Envision Williamston. A number of Williamston area businesses have recently completed upgrades and several more will over the next week. For more information www.envisionwilliamston.com or contact Sonya Crandall at sonyacew@gmail.com.