Business View Magazine | March 2019

MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA 170 opment. We support such affiliate groups as the SC Community Development Association and South Carolina Business Licensing Offi- cials Association. I manage Main Street South Carolina, the state’s Main Street America Coordinating Pro- gram, which provides key technical assistance to member cities as they push to improve their downtowns. We have seen our Main Street SC participants inspire other cities across the state to dedicate resources and revitalize their downtowns. BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GROWTH Development achievements require local government officials to have strong leaders, a defined direction, inspiration, and patience. Cit- ies must also remain on the lookout for poten- tial partnerships with the counties, the state, federal agencies, and the private sector. Consider our state’s need to invest in water and sewer infrastructure. This is a vital need of economic development, and one that our growing population has made all the more critical. Many municipalities —Aiken, Bates- Conway Riverwalk Credit – City of Conway The City of Conway’s three-phased riverwalk project began in the 1990s and includes a riverfront park, arboretum and boat ramp. Photo: City of Conway.