The Saluda Community Alliance (SCA) is a non-profit organization formed through the merger of the Saluda Downtown Foundation (SDF) and the Saluda Business Association (SBA). Together, these two longstanding organizations united to support the economic vitality, beautification, and cultural development of Saluda, North Carolina.
Our History
The Saluda Downtown Foundation worked to strengthen Saluda’s downtown through education, cultural development, historic preservation, and the arts. Over the years, the SDF:
- Helped develop and raised funds for the Ella Grace Mintz Stage in Top of the Grade Park
- Founded the Top of the Grade Concert Series, held annually since 2014 as a free community gathering
- Designed Pace Park and helped raise funds for landscaping, creating a welcoming downtown courtyard
- Launched the Friends of Saluda grant program, helping local businesses improve storefronts with planters and awnings
- Sponsored the Sister City program with Carunchio, Italy, providing a cultural exchange experience for Saluda residents
- Created wayfinding signage and maps at the entrance and throughout downtown Saluda
- Organized Saluda’s first Volunteer Fair in 2019, engaging more than 20 organizations and 120 volunteer positions
- Brought the Saluda Arts Festival and Saluda Community Chorus under one roof to better coordinate events, fundraising, and volunteers
- With the help of the SBA and TDA, established the Saluda Visitors Center in June 2020 — a volunteer-operated welcome space showcasing local businesses and lodging
- When Hurricane Helene struck, rallied the community and raised critical funds to help local businesses weather the storm — ensuring that the heart of Saluda’s Main Street could recover, reopen, and carry on
The Saluda Business Association was founded in 1995, growing to represent approximately 80 area merchants, service providers, artisans, craftspeople, building contractors, and community members who love Saluda. Over the years, the SBA:
- Owned and maintained saluda.com, the official town guide for visitors and residents
- Sponsored and produced the Hometown Christmas Stroll
- Developed and funded the Saluda Rack Cards, distributed to 10 visitor centers throughout western NC and interstate welcome centers
- Produced special promotional materials including the Saluda Adventure Guide
- Funded and placed the Saluda advertisement in the Blue Ridge Parkway directory
- Co-funded the Polk County Map, including providing the artwork
- Purchased the iron benches on Main Street
- Sponsored and funded the re-printing of “Saluda 100 Years” by Charlene Pace
- Sponsored and funded the re-printing of Saluda School’s 4th grade “Through Your Eyes” books
- Coordinated with the NC Department of Transportation to place strategic road signs drawing visitors into Saluda
- Initiated the effort to fund and purchase National Registry plaques for historical buildings in town
- Represented Saluda in the Foothills Economic Partnership Group
- Represented Saluda in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, influencing their Historic Town web page
- Attended Saluda City Council meetings to advocate for the business community
Together, these organizations helped build the foundation that Saluda’s community stands on today. The Saluda Community Alliance carries that legacy forward — united, stronger, and rooted in the same love for this town.
The Saluda Community Alliance cordially invites you to become a member, and right now is a great time to join!