The local economy is showing ever-so-slight signs of improvement, members of the Anson Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) reported at the regular monthly meeting Thursday morning.

Realtors Don Scarborough and Carroll Anderson said that the real estate market is seeing some small signs of recovery. “Of the past three or four years,” Scarborough said, “this is definitely the best year.”

Anderson added that banks’ stinginess with loans was part of the problem. “Rates are lower,” Scarborough agreed. “But banks have more risk. It’s very difficult to get a loan. We are looking for normal again.”

Tourism director Dave Smith gave the AEDC a brief update on tourism in the county, saying he’s currently working on a “resume” of sorts, which will identify film sites in the county for television and movie producers.

Chamber of Commerce executive director Lynn Edwards talked about the chamber’s many upcoming events, including the Discover Anson Bike Ride Nov. 3, the chamber’s 50th annual dinner Nov. 13, and the Big Game Hunt Nov. 23-24.

AEDC chairman Chuck Horne said he’d happened to see in a magazine that some counties in North Carolina are benefiting from finding shell buildings or shovel-ready sites that are “move-in ready” for companies.

“There is an obvious shortage of shell buildings and shovel-ready sites in Anson County,” Fred Sparger said. “We ought to know what the shortage is here. We need to know what we have and what we don’t have.”

Sparger added that he’d like for the AEDC to hear from an expert in the field, and would look into having a speaker come to a future meeting. “I’d like for this group to hear from someone who helps pick a site and determine at what point are we eliminated, or were we even ever considered?” he said.

Historical society director John Dunlap said “we’re struggling as always,” but had a positive story to tell about a recent prestigious visitor to the county, who was impressed with Anson’s historical buildings such as the Boggan-Hammond House and the medical museum.

The AEDC will next meet on Oct. 18 at 7:30 a.m. at the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, 107-A E. Wade St., Wadesboro.