The town of Canton recently launched a new and improved website thanks to grant money for improving economic development in the town.

The website was just one small project funded by a $100,000 grant from the N.C. Rural Center’s Small Town Economic Prosperity program (NCSTEP) which the town received in 2010. The purpose of the grant is to encourage growth and prosperity in town, with an emphasis on the downtown business district.

Although the local leadership team, called STEPUP Canton, has developed several projects, the grant is set to expire July 1, and there is still plenty of money left to use.

A fresh, new website was a top priority for the group from the beginning. It was also at the forefront of campaign promises when all four aldermen and Mayor Mike Ray ran for their seats on the ...