New Sign Welcomes Visitors Downtown

Town officials this week officially unveiled a new "gateway" sign at the corner of E. Main Street and US 70 that welcomes motorists into Clayton's downtown area.

Joining Mayor Jody McLeod for the official ceremony was Town Council members Art Holder, Bob Satterfield and Michael Grannis; Downtown Development Association (DDA) members Ed Knight and Boo Carver; Chamber of Commerce President Wanda Markuson and Interim Director Jazz Woodward and downtown business owners Courtney Trasti and Dee Norris of The Loft. Charles Bryant and Ann Duck of Suburban Real Estate, Century 21 on US 70 business also joined the festivities.

“This sign is very important to our businesses downtown, and we thank the mayor and our town officials for making this day possible,” said Businesswoman Joyce Blackley, who was chair of the DDA when planning for the sign began.

Town officials picked Signage of the Carolinas, a downtown business, to lead the project. The company teamed with All American Iron Works, another downtown business, for the wrought iron framework and Atlantic Stone in Benson for the stonework.

"It's an entry sign, a gateway sign," said Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen. "It establishes a boundary, and lets people know they're entering downtown."

The sign has long been a goal of the DDA, which continues to champion improvements downtown. The group is contemplating signs at other entrances into downtown.