Any type of social gathering is likely to create opportunities for folks to take part in conversations on a variety of topics and to share their unique and collective perspectives. Heather Joi Kenney, president and CEO of Gateway CDC in Henderson, wants the entire community to come out to an informal “social” from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12.
Southern Charm Event Venue, 200 S. Garnett St., is the gathering spot, and Kenney said the event is open to all in the community. In fact, there needs to be a good representation from the community, she said, to hear a variety of perspectives about what’s working well and what could use improvement.
On a recent TownTalk segment, Kenney said it’s good to hear what’s great about a community, but it’s also important to know what’s not so great. The April 12 gathering is a time to celebrate and imagine the bright future that awaits Henderson.
Surely one of the positive points within the community include events that take place in and around the Breckenridge Street area, bordered by Perry Memorial Library, McGregor Hall and the police department.
Attendees to the April 12 event who come early and sign in will get a $5 coupon to use at the Soulbachi food truck, which will be parked nearby on Breckenridge from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Kenney is a real “glass half full” person, and she and her organization are interested in revitalization – of properties, of mindsets, of attitudes – that have a real impact on Henderson and its future.
“The Henderson Vision” is one tangible facet of this revitalization. Established through $25,000 in grant funds from Duke Energy’s Hometown Revitalization program, Gateway was able to help downtown businesses with microgrants to pay for façade improvements, as well as some interior renovations, Kenney said.
That money has been spent, but she expects more money will be coming in, through grantors like Duke Energy, but also from local government support and from collaboration with other community partners.
Downtown revitalization has been a recent focus, but Kenney said it’s important to include areas near the city’s heart as well – William Street, Chestnut Street, as well as areas like Flint Hill and West End.
“We are working to raise some more funds so we can help additional businesses,” she said.
Kenney challenged city and county officials – as well as absentee landlords – to step up to show support for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
