Blythewood Economic Development & Tourism

Movie Gallery opened in Blythewood in the 1990s, serving as a hub for families, students, and neighbors to enjoy movies and video games together. In 2010, we made the difficult decision to close the store due to the decline in physical media rentals and the rise of digital streaming. Even so, the Blythewood location left a lasting mark on the community, and we are proud to have been part of its history.

We founded The Blythewood Economic Development and Tourism with one goal, to make a real difference in our town’s growth and future. Blythewood has the people, potential, and passion to build something extraordinary, and we are committed to helping that vision come to life.

While challenges may arise, our focus will not waver. We stand united in our mission to grow the economy, empower local businesses, and create opportunities that bring people together.

Together with our residents, business owners, and community partners, we will shape a future we can all be proud of. Join Us! Because when we work together, Blythewood thrives.

— The Board of Directors —
Blythewood Economic Development and Tourism

Turn Fall Visitors into Year-Round Customers

Fall is a wonderful time to showcase everything Blythewood has to offer. With cooler temperatures, seasonal events, community gatherings, and the beginning of the holiday shopping season, local businesses have an excellent opportunity to welcome new visitors and turn them into loyal, year-round customers.

As families and visitors explore local festivals, enjoy fall activities, shop for the holidays, and dine at local restaurants, businesses can make the most of the season by creating memorable experiences and encouraging customers to return throughout the year.

This Season's Action Steps:

Welcome every visitor with warm, outstanding customer service.
Partner with neighboring businesses to promote fall shopping, dining, events, and local attractions.
Keep your business active on social media by sharing fall photos, seasonal specials, upcoming events, and community happenings.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive online reviews.
Collect customer email addresses so you can promote holiday events, seasonal sales, special offers, and upcoming community activities.
Create a reason for customers to come back—whether it's a holiday promotion, special event, loyalty program, or seasonal experience.

Remember:

Every visitor who enjoys their fall experience in Blythewood can become an ambassador for our community. A great experience today can lead to repeat visits, new customers, business investment, and positive word-of-mouth throughout the year.

"Strong businesses build strong communities. Together, we can make Blythewood a destination where people choose to shop, dine, explore, invest, and stay, this fall and throughout the year."

Crystal, of Blythewood Economic Development & Tourism, outlines how Blythewood is preparing for rapid growth, especially due to Scout Motors. The approach emphasizes strategic planning, attracting diverse businesses, enhancing tourism, and creating a vibrant ecosystem, led by Executive Director Edward Straiter's global investment perspective. Collaboration between government, nonprofits, and residents is key to making Blythewood a recognized destination for business, tourism, and quality of life.

"Keeping Opportunity at the CORE of the Community."

What is CORE™?

Created by Blythewood Economic Development & Tourism (BED&T) Founder & Executive Director Edward Straiter, CORE™ is a community-led model for economic development. Built on decades of experience across business, investment, tourism, and public-private partnerships, CORE™ proves that a community’s greatest economic assets are already within it: our residents, entrepreneurs, businesses, property, culture, and investors.

Rather than focusing solely on outside recruitment, CORE™ connects local assets to drive sustainable growth from within.

The CORE™ Principles

C — Community: Placing local community needs at the center of development.

O — Owned: Creating pathways for local ownership, investment, and business growth.

R — Resident: Treating residents as key stakeholders in their community's future.

E — Empowerment: Connecting people and organizations with the tools, capital, and relationships to thrive.

Why CORE™?

Traditional development asks what can be brought into a community.

CORE™ asks: What can a community build from within?

CORE™ operates alongside government as part of a broader economic ecosystem. It brings residents, businesses, nonprofits, and investors directly into the decision-making process.

Born in Blythewood. Built for the Southeast.

BED&T is an independent, community-driven nonprofit based in Blythewood, South Carolina. While our work begins locally, our vision is regional: providing a scalable model for community-led economic development across the Southeastern United States.

Join the Movement

BED&T is connecting with leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations across the Southeast who believe communities should shape their own economic future.

If your community has talent, ambition, and resources—you already have a CORE.

What will you build with it?

The Blythewood Economic Development and Tourism Board of Directors is excited to announce several new projects aimed at enhancing our community's infrastructure, recreational facilities, and overall tourism appeal. Our organization is committed to securing funding and implementing initiatives that will support long-term growth, strengthen community engagement, and position Blythewood as a vibrant destination for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Before announcing these initiatives, our team conducted an extensive three-month community survey and research effort to better understand the needs and priorities of the Blythewood community. During this process, we gathered input from residents, local business owners, and community stakeholders through discussions, online feedback, and independent research. This effort helped ensure that the projects we are pursuing reflect the real interests and future vision of the community.

The insights gained from this detailed survey played a key role in shaping our plans. By listening to the community and carefully evaluating opportunities for growth, the Blythewood Economic Development and Tourism Board is committed to pursuing projects that enhance quality of life, support local businesses, increase tourism, and contribute to the long-term success of the Town of Blythewood.