Canton Welcomes New Downtown Development Manager

CANTON, GA -- Velinda Hardy, of Social Circle, has been hired as the new Downtown Development Manager for the City of Canton.

Hardy’s passion for all things downtown has led her from Opelika, Alabama through Newton and Walton County in Georgia, and now to Canton. Her first day with the city will be March 20.

She will start a new chapter for the City of Canton as their first Downtown Development Manager, focused on serving downtown Canton as an ambassador and relationship builder to improve economic growth and development.

She is charged with working directly with Canton’s Main Street Board and Downtown Development Authority, guiding downtown development growth through the Main Street Approach, relying on concentrated efforts in raising awareness of the central business district, building opportunities for investment by private partners, seeking ways to expand job growth and retail offerings for the community, working with other City staff in developing events and activities that showcase downtown Canton, and positioning Canton for quality growth.

Hardy jumped at the chance to be a part of the many great projects in Canton.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to join the team in Canton," Hardy said in a release. "In each community I’ve served, my focus has always been how to grow and strengthen the people and economy, and I cannot wait to hit the ground running for downtown Canton."

With a background of 14 years in Main Street, working with Tourism and Chambers, Hardy has a strong track record as an advocate for businesses and entrepreneurs, City of Canton Manager Billy Peppers said in a release.

“Velinda Hardy is a natural fit for Canton because she’s been through the specific and intricate planning and programming issues we deal with every day,” Peppers said. “I have full confidence she’ll be able to bring her demonstrated success to our city and will capitalize on the incredible progress we’ve made. I am looking forward to seeing where Velinda will lead downtown Canton.”

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