Cheraw Town Council recently appointed an economic committee for the community to aggressively seek out new industry and promote economic growth.

Mayor Andy Ingram said committee response was enthusiastic at the initial meeting March 27.

Members of the committee include Johnny Coble, Harold Lomas, Cathy Griggs, Council Porter, Robert Calhoun, Jimmy Williamson and Connie Young.

They will be Cheraw's representatives to the state Department of Commerce (DOC), Ingram said. They will attend Charlotte Partnership meetings as well as meet with local industries, suppliers and customers. They will also give support to Cherry McCoy, Chesterfield County Economic Development Board director, focusing on the town of Cheraw.

The recent “charrette” study, performed by Clemson University, gave a guide to the town of where retail needs are not being met. Ingram said to reach out to potential retailers will be part of the committee's focus. The charrette will be made available to community groups wishing to screen it.

Like most small rural towns, Cheraw has become proficient at writing grants. Without some grant funding, many necessities normally covered in the general fund might have to wait. However, grants are usually specific as to use of funds.

The town is in the process of applying for a special “Competitive Grants Program” through the state that can be used for health and environmental, travel and tourism as well as economic development. The fund could provide seed money for Cheraw Inc. to operate.

The town has also qualified for an opportunity grant from the DOC, which will allow it to address several downtown projects if funded.

For more information on this story, please read the April 6, 2006 edition of the Cheraw Chronicle/Chesterfield Advertiser.