Surry County Cluster
Economic need
Declining economies and rolling hills link the three towns of the Surry County Cluster. Surry is a tier 3 county with a countywide unemployment rate of 6 percent, but the towns have all have seen demise of traditional manufacturing (especially textiles) and felt economic effects of declining agriculture, especially tobacco. The county seat of Dobson, population 1480, has a poverty rate of 23 percent. In Elkin, population 4,100, one company has slashed its payroll from 3,000 to 600. And in recent years, job losses in Pilot Mountain have exceeded the total population of approximately 1,300.
History
All three towns have undertaken planning efforts to try to turn their economies around. Dobson's future may lie in its position as a seat of government. The town is designed around the courthouse square with offices and retail stores surrounding it. The town currently lacks any significant industrial employment. In Elkin, a woolen mill remains the largest employer, but the town also sees potential in recreation focused on the Yadkin River and Big Elkin Creek. It has started working on downtown revitalization and has a Main Street Program manager on staff. Pilot Mountain is viewed primarily as a bedroom community for Winston- Salem. It recently formed a downtown revitalization committee.
Vision/Goals/Expectations
Through their cooperation in STEP, with shared resources and a collective vision, the towns of the Surry County Cluster hope to create critical mass to stimulate further economic development. Their initial vision calls for embracing their rural heritage and agricultural tradition, building on the success of local wineries, continuing downtown revitalization programs, and encouraging the arts and crafts trade.
Contact
Surry County Economic Development Partnership
614 South Main Street
P.O. Box 1282
Dobson, North Carolina 27017
Phone: 336-386-4781
Fax: 336-386-4893
E-Mail: surryedp@surry.net
