The City of Thomasville has been designated as an accredited Georgia Exceptional Main Street (GEMS) program by the National Main Street Center and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Office of Downtown Development for 2026. The accreditation recognizes the Main Street program for meeting the standards of performance in 2025.
According to Main Street Director Katie Ketchum, this distinction means that Thomasville’s Main Street program is ranked among the best in the state of Georgia. “It is truly an honor for our Main Street program to once again be recognized as a Georgia Exceptional Main Street,” said Ketchum. The designation highlights Thomasville’s leadership in downtown revitalization and community development, placing it among just 20 statewide, out of 101 accredited Main Street Programs, to receive the distinction.
“Through the dedication of our Main Street team and unwavering partnership with our downtown merchants, we continue to preserve and enhance the vibrancy of our downtown for residents and visitors alike,” said Ketchum. “This designation truly reflects what we can accomplish when we work together.”
Maintaining Georgia Exceptional Main Street status is a strong reflection of Thomasville’s continued commitment to excellence in downtown development,” said Cherie Bennett, Director of the Office of Downtown Development at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. “This recognition shows that Thomasville is not only meeting the standards of the Georgia Main Street Program but continuing to build on its momentum through strong leadership, local partnerships, strategic investment, and a clear vision for the future of downtown.
Thomasville’s Main Street Program began in 1981 and was one of the first in Georgia. In 1998, Thomasville earned the National Great American Main Street Award. “It’s the generations of visionaries and leaders who have paved the way to Thomasville’s success,” said Ketchum. “Since our program was founded, there has been a net gain of 385 businesses and more than 1,503 jobs in the downtown business district. It is the kind of success that has made Thomasville the example other communities often emulate.” Over the last five years, downtown Thomasville has seen 71 million dollars of private and public investments, with 57 new net businesses opening and 255 new net jobs created in the downtown area.
“The GEMS recognition reflects both the dedication of the Main Street team and the strength of the community that supports them,” said City Manager Chris White. “Our downtown thrives because of the committed staff who care deeply about our small businesses and the ongoing support from our City Council, local businesses, property owners, and the community as a whole.”
For more information on Thomasville’s Main Street program or the GEMS accreditation, please contact the City of Thomasville’s Main Street office at 229-227-7020.