Town of Candor
Economic need
Candor is located in tier 2 Montgomery County, where the unemployment rate is 6.6 percent. The town, population 825, has a poverty rate of 14 percent. Median income is only about three-quarters of the state median ($15,105 per capita compared with $20,307).
The textile and apparel industries, which have occupied a significant role in the local economy, have been laying off workers or closing doors altogether. Three mills in or near Candor closed about six years ago, costing nearly 2,000 jobs. Since then others have reduced their workforce. In the last three years, the town has lost an additional 238 manufacturing jobs. More jobs are at risk: Five of the seven remaining industries are in the fragile traditional manufacturing category.
The strain shows on downtown Candor. Fifteen out of 23 storefronts are vacant. These include five entire buildings. Sixty percent of the second floors that could be used for apartments also are vacant.
History
Before manufacturing, agriculture drove the local economy, and peaches remain a significant crop. The town celebrates this heritage with a Peach Festival every July. In addition, to help area farmers sell directly to consumers, the town opened a farmers market in a commercial corridor just outside of town.
It is now working to reclaim another part of its heritage. Concerned about the deterioration of the vacant 1920s-era train depot, the town board appointed a historical and revitalization committee in July 2005. The depot occupies a prime location downtown. Private activity also is taking place. The owners of three of downtown's vacant buildings have begun renovation.
A growing Hispanic population is adding a new element—and economic stimulus—to the town. Hispanics own seven downtown businesses. Furthermore, Our Lady of America's Catholic Church is moving from nearby Biscoe and building a new 600-seat church adjacent to town. The church, with a 1,200-member congregation, largely serves the Hispanic community.
Vision/Goals/Expectations
Through STEP, Candor has two primary goals. One is cultural. It intends to build on its history while also building bridges to unite the town's established community with the new, Hispanic community. The second is to assume greater control of its economic destiny. It previously relied heavily on county agencies for economic development leadership. Among its potential strategies for revitalization are annexation of the commercial area just outside of town, building restoration and reuse projects, and designation of a portion of new tax revenues to its economic recovery program.
Contact
Michelle Smith, Town Clerk
214 S. Main Street
Candor, NC 27229
Phone: (910) 874-4221
Fax: (910) 974-4299
E-mail: townofcandor@earthlink.net
