Cartersville Receives Downtown Development Program of the Year Award

Staff Report

The Cartersville Downtown Development Authority & Main Street Program received the Downtown Development Program of the Year award at the annual Georgia Downtown Conference held in Decatur.

The award was presented during the Georgia Downtown Awards of Excellence Event at the Historic DeKalb County Courthouse. Held each year in conjunction with the Georgia Downtown Conference, the awards program recognizes outstanding achievements in downtown development across the state of Georgia.

“It was such an honor to receive this award in a room filled with hundreds of people from across the state of Georgia involved in downtown development,” said Cartersville DDA/Main Street Manager Tara Currier. “Cartersville is fortunate to have so many people dedicated to a thriving downtown, and this recognition is a direct reflection of many people working together to achieve great things. From a dedicated board of directors, countless city departments and their staff, downtown business and property owners, our elected officials, and many volunteers, this award signifies strong partnerships and great working relationships. I am proud to be part of all the progress, events and activities happening in downtown Cartersville, and am humbled by the Georgia Downtown Association’s recognition of our work.”

As the premier conference on downtown revitalization in the state, the conference promotes downtown and economic development through public awareness, governmental relations and education. The conference provides an opportunity for downtown and community development professionals and state and local leaders alike to grow their knowledge regarding programs, activities and tools to aid in revitalization efforts.

With over 50 applications received, competition for this year’s awards was fierce but a few outstanding projects stood out amongst the group. This year’s winners received recognition in four different categories including design, promotions, organization and economic development representing the four pillars of the Main Street Four Point Approach.

The city of Cartersville, a Main Street community since 1987, was the recipient of the Downtown Development Award of Excellence.

As shared during the awards program, Cartersville received the Award of Excellence in recognition of the work on the recently completed in-house master plan, and the various projects, events and activities that have been completed and/or are a goal for completion over the next several years.

Also noted during the program was the fact that over the last decade, Cartersville has added $38.2 million in public and private investment downtown. The 64 net new businesses in downtown have helped to create 315 net new jobs in Bartow County. Additionally, there have been 88 building rehabilitations and 33 public projects.

“Every year the competition gets harder and harder,“ said Billy Peppers, director of the Office of Downtown Development. “The projects and programs recognized here tonight represent some of the most progressive and forward thinking communities and programs in the state. I couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments and can’t wait to see what 2015 will hold for Georgia’s Downtowns.”

The Downtown Development Authority of Cartersville was established in 1981, and Cartersville became a National Main Street Program in 1987.

The mission of these organizations is to collaboratively enhance the downtown district by following the Main Street Four Point Approach®, assisting entrepreneurs and current downtown business and property owners, and ensuring downtown remains a vibrant and exciting place to live, work and play through various events and activities planned through the office.

(Photo: front Row (left to right) Billy Peppers, director, office of downtown development; Lara Jeanneret, DDA board; Tara Currier, DDA/Main Street manager; Nancy Jackson, DDA chair; Andy Bowen, DDA board; and Tommy Lowmon, Georgia Downtown Association president. Back Row (left to right) Jim Ballew, DDA board; Bill Chandler, DDA board; Deborah Ballew, volunteer and downtown business owner; Earline Burke, DDA board; Jill Mitchell, DDA board; Kim Bowen, volunteer; and Dan Porta, Cartersville assistant city manager. Credit: city of Cartersville)