Mariah Price, representing Fort Mill Economic Partners, told the council the group has focused this year on DiscoverFortMill.org and digital outreach, reporting more than 1,500 users in the last 28 days. She said a recent advertising grant from the South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism agency helped increase analytics and engagement with local businesses.

Price described this year’s Strawberry Sprint & Stroll 5K and fun run as the organization’s primary fundraiser, drawing a little over 900 participants and enabling a donation of "a little over $3,000" to Fort Mill Care Center. She said next year’s race is scheduled for April 25 and the race website launches Dec. 1 with an early-bird registration special.

On communications, Price said Fort Mill Economic Partners publishes a quarterly newsletter (about 265 subscribers) that highlights downtown projects, and she invited the public to an official unveiling of a new downtown art mural on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 4:00 p.m.

Price also summarized a utility infrastructure matching-grant program to encourage downtown commercial revitalization, providing reimbursable awards up to $15,000; the first recipient was Speckled Pear Market, awarded in June, and additional applications are under review. Finally, she outlined a planned micro-transit pilot intended to serve the town’s three commercial districts: organizers are still seeking funding partners (including county support and public-private partnerships) before signing contracts and launching the program next year.

Price closed by noting two new business members on the Economic Partners board and thanking volunteers and town staff for their collaboration.