THOMASVILLE RECEIVED 2018 NATIONAL MAIN STREET ACCREDITATION

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The City of Thomasville has been designated as an accredited Georgia Exceptional Main Street (GEMS) program by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the National Main Street Center. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its Coordinating Program partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs in recognition of their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.

“I’m extremely proud that our program continues to be named a GEMS program, as this is an accreditation that has to be earned each year,” said Main Street Director April Norton. “This is a testament to the commitment our entire community has made to the main street approach, which is exemplified through a focused, deliberate path that encompasses economic vitality, design, organization and promotion. All of these areas together help to not only revitalize but also strengthen our downtown economic district.”

Jessica Reynolds, Director of the Office of Downtown Development and Georgia Main Streets for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, agrees that this honor illustrates the commitment Thomasville has toward creating a healthy downtown. “Time and time again, the Thomasville Main Street Program has proven to be leaders in the field of downtown development,” she said. “With over eight million dollars’ worth of private and public investment happening downtown in 2017, it’s easy to see why Thomasville continues to set the bar for what it means to be one of Georgia’s Exceptional Main Street cities.”

Thomasville’s Main Street Program began in 1981 and was one of the first in Georgia. Since then, there has been a net gain of 289 businesses and more than 1,050 jobs in the downtown business district. It is this kind of success that has made Thomasville the example other communities often emulate.

“During 2017, 979 promotional events welcomed more than 122,000 people to our downtown,” said Norton. “Twelve new businesses opened or expanded during 2017, creating 40 new jobs. These figures help to illustrate the importance of downtown as an economic engine for our community.”

Norton said that earning the distinction of being named a Georgia Exceptional Main Street program is a point of pride for the entire community. “We have a strong downtown because of the support we receive from our City Council, downtown businesses, property owners and local community members,” she said. “Together, we’ve created a thriving downtown with unique experiences for our citizens and visitors to our community. This award shows what we’ve all achieved, together.”


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