Homegrown Innovation in Milton, North Carolina

Presented by DRF Summer Interns Sarah Turner and Ato Ghansah

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Milton At A Glance

Incorporated 1796

Entire town on National Register of Historic Places

.38 sq. miles

Population 148: 0-4 yrs. old 4% 5-17 yrs. old

15% 18-64 yrs. old

58% 65 and over

23%2

Our Initial Perceptions

• Small town with a BIG history

• Culture of creativity• Popular local

businesses• Central location• Dedicated/

motivated residents

• Little youth/youth involvement

• Limited external promotion

• A few doing the work of the many

Assets

Challenges

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Needs

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Priority Discussion

Determination of how we could

best assist

Marketing Strategic Planning

Deliverables Social media

presence

Opportunity for social media internship

Tangible promotional materials

Basis for a major community project

Assistance with Milton Street Fair/Thomas Day Performance Festival

Recommendations for future improvement

Resources for DRF 5

Social Media Visit “Milton, North Carolina” on Facebook

300+ likes

Facilitation of social-media internship opportunity in Milton

Featuring: Businesses of the week Updates on community events Citizen spotlights Historical trivia This weekend in Milton

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Social Media cont’d.

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Social Media cont’d.

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Promotional Materials

Milton Brochure Historical

information Highlighting

local attractions Markets Milton

as “day-trip destination”

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Promotional Materials cont’d.

Thomas Day House & Union Tavern Updated

brochure Membership

card TDH video

VHS DVD10

The Milton Art Garden

A creative, community space

Fostering collaboration between organizations

Resources Grant writing tips/examples Sample Memorandums of

Understanding Contact information Budget

Recommendations Art Landscaping Community garden Venue

(Example)

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Recommendations Bringing Milton Art

Garden to fruition

Creation of walking trail

Improving connectivity

Community center in Commercial Row

Recreational use of the Dan River

“Love notes”

Ex. Painted manhole covers

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Impact

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Increased public

awareness

Influx of tourism

Improved economic

vitality

Long-term

community

sustainability

Thank You

We’d like to offer many thanks to the citizens of Milton, the Danville Regional Foundation, our fellow interns, and everyone in attendance tonight.

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