During the November 12th regular meeting of the City Council, the City of Thomasville was 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 2020.
According to Main Street and Business Development Director April Norton, this distinction means that Thomasville’s Main Street program is ranked among the best in the state of Georgia. “It is an honor to again be recognized and named a GEMS community,” she said. It is a testament to the commitment of our entire community 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 impact.”
Jessica Reynolds, Director of the Office of Downtown Development with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs presented a gateway sign to the Thomasville Main Street program and addressed the Thomasville City Council, stating, “Over the last three years alone, downtown Thomasville has seen 20 million dollars of private and public investments, with 58 new businesses opening and 225 net new jobs created in the downtown area.”
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,” Norton said. “Since our program was founded, there has been a net gain of 308 businesses and more than 1,180 jobs in the downtown business district. It is the kind of success that has made Thomasville the example other communities often emulate.”
Alan Carson, City of Thomasville City Manager, said that the distinction of being named a GEMS program is reflective of the Main Street staff and the supportive community. “We have a strong downtown because of the support we receive from our City Council, downtown businesses, property owners, and members of our community,” he said. “We also have a dedicated staff that truly care about our community and work hard to support our small businesses. Together, we’ve created and continue to grow a thriving downtown with unique experiences for our citizens and visitors. This award shows what we’ve been able to achieve together.”
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.