Just a few weeks into their three month study project in Blowing Rock, Doyle Hyett and Delores Palma have nothing but praise for the environment and lifestyle of Blowing Rock. That, and discovering all the assets the town has going for it have left a lasting impression on their firm that has prepared retail strategy proposals for some of the most progressive and successful municipalities in the country.
In Blowing Rock at the invitation and support of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (TDA), HyettPalma, in its 25-year history, has earned the reputation as being one of the most successful and innovative research and strategy firms for retail revitalization in the world. Their success, to a large measure, is tied directly to their unique research model, developed, owned and used exclusively by HyettPalma for projects throughout the nation.
Delores Palma, President and Doyle Hyett, Chairman of the firm returned to Blowing Rock last week to continue their research of Blowing Rock’s business community, working with TDA Executive Director Tracy Brown, to produce a detailed review and recommendations to provide a blueprint for the success of the town’s retail environment. Their formula for what will eventually be their assessment and recommendations consist of community meetings, issue sessions, focus groups, solid economic research, and experiencing the atmosphere of the town’s retail environment first hand.
Both Hyett and Palma have dedicated their professional careers to the economic renaissance of America’s downtowns.
“Blowing Rock has been one of our most enjoyable experiences in our 25-year history,” Doyle Hyett said in an interview with The Blowing Rocket on Thursday of last week. “We are amazed with all the assets this town has going for it, especially for a town this size,” he said. “The beauty, health, prosperity and cultural resources make the quality of life in this community exceptional.
“Another observation is the passion the people have for the town and its unique charm, and the commitment they have made to keep it a unique, prosperous, and a friendly place that welcomes everyone to share their many assets.”
Hyett said that, without exception, the citizens of Blowing Rock and everyone they have involved in their research have been totally cooperative, gracious and forthcoming.
Hyett said the meetings and interviews held thus far have focused on three primary objectives:
√ Opinions of downtown Blowing Rock as it stands today.
√ Issues they think downtown Blowing Rock is facing.
√ Opinions of what must be done to make downtown Blowing Rock the best it can be in the future.
“We were tremendously impressed with the turn out we had for our initial public meeting last week,” Hyett said. “We had an overflow crowd and their input provided us with valuable information that will go into our final report.”
That meeting took place July 29th at the Blowing Rock School cafeteria and involved every topic from the make up of businesses downtown, to parking and pedestrian flow.
“If there is one single factor we have noted in our research thus far, it would be that everyone that calls Blowing Rock home feels an ownership in the community and a passion for its lifestyle,” Hyett said. “And, they back that up with being directly involved in projects and programs that protect and enhance that lifestyle.”
TDA’s Tracy Brown said the HyettPalma firm has been great to work with.
“Their formula for research and recommendations pertaining to retail renaissance is based on the success they have enjoyed all across the nation, and we are privileged to be able to work with them, and note their commitment to stay focused on their mission, supported by their philosophy of ‘the more citizens involved, the merrier’.”
Brown said that while the TDA and their assembled committee of citizen support volunteers will receive a preliminary report in early August, the study and interpretation will continue through August, with a final report due at a meeting in Blowing Rock scheduled for September 8th at 7 p.m. at the Hayes Performing Art Center.
“We want to assure the citizens of Blowing Rock that everyone will have an opportunity to have input into the study,” he said. “Those that were unable to attend the public meeting, or were not involved in a direct interview, are welcome to submit their observations, thoughts, suggestions and ideas to me at our Visitor Center.”
The TDA welcomes written input via letters, e-mail or fax, and all written comments will be given to HyettPalma for inclusion into their research, study and recommendations pertaining to the retail future of the town.
The TDA may be addressed at P.O. Box 2445, Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605, or by e-mail at tbrown@visitblowingrock.com or by faxing comments or observations to (828) 295-4643. Statements may also be brought by the Visitor’s Center and left for the TDA Executive Director. Comments and observations will be received through August 31st.