July/August 2024 by GeorgiaMunicipalAssociation

WHERE TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION

SINCE 1960

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July/August 2024

Volume 1 • No. 31

Editorial and Advertising Offices: 201 Pryor Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30303

Phone:

404.688.0472

Fax: 678.686.6289

E-mail: gacities@gacities.com

CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Larry Hanson

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Latisha Gray, APR

MANAGING EDITOR

Ashley Bailey

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Lindsay Podrid

ADVERTISING SALES

Lynne Norton

EDITORIAL BOARD

Aileen Harris

Alan Dickerson

Arica Ratcliff

Brian Wallace

Chris Higdon

Chris Obenschain

Cindy Eidson

Claire Chan

Dana Goodall

Emily Davenport

Kay Love

Lisa Nguyen

Noah Roenitz

Rusi Patel

Ryan Bowersox

Sherri Bailey

GMA OFFICERS

President: Madison Mayor Fred Perriman

First Vice President: College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom

Second Vice President: Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby

Third Vice President: Suwanee Mayor James Burnette

Immediate Past President: Perry Mayor Randall Walker

How Bainbridge Became A Surprise Hub foR the ArtS

BY ALIA HOYT

Tucked away in southwest Georgia, the rural city of Bainbridge has long been known for its outdoorsy opportunities, thanks to its picturesque landscape and expansive waterways. Now, the city’s scope is expanding into somewhat unexpected territory as the local community reframes Bainbridge as an impressive hub of the arts.

Bainbridge’s renaissance-of-sorts started with small, but critical details cultivated by city officials. As all downtowns do, Bainbridge typically has buildings that are vacant, for sale, or for lease. To protect and also beautify the vacant buildings, the city found an attractive workaround — historic postcards relevant to the city were selected and enlarged, then used to cover the windows. Everyone can agree that this creative solution is far more pleasing to the eye than boarded (or even worse, broken) windows.

Additionally, the city has also enlisted the help of local artists to create one-of-akind “for sale” and “for lease” pieces in place of generic signs. “This easy pivot on the norm gives passsersby something a little less bland to look at, and hopefully generates interest in the buildings, as well,” says Amanda Glover, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority of Bainbridge.

associated with the artistic process helps people think outside the box.”

A nonprofit organization, the Firehouse Arts Center hosts a gallery featuring artists from all over southwest Georgia, ranging from paintings to sculptures to glasswork. “We want the community to have access to be inspired by fine artists and maybe even create their own,” Kornse, who grew up in Bainbridge, explains.

“Once the venue was refurbished and made available to the public, the city enlarged and displayed photos of the historic Hook and ladder Fire Brigade from the late 1800s so that visitors can enjoy a visual representation of the site’s significance.”

The group also puts on fun and educational arts-related activities, camps and classes, many of which are free or low-cost. The center is also involved in the majority of Bainbridge-area festivals in various capacities, including a “Chalk Walk” and the “Sketchbook Pin-up” initiative. “People of all ages display their sketchbook art pieces and sell them,” Kornse explains, noting that this is an effective way to encourage artistic involvement in the community and foster a sense of creativity.

The city also uses photographic art to pay homage to its notable roots. The Hook and Ladder is an open-air event space that was long ago used by the Bainbridge Fire Department as a livery stable. Once the venue was refurbished and made available to the public, the city enlarged and displayed photos of the historic Hook and Ladder Fire Brigade from the late 1800s so that visitors can enjoy a visual representation of the site’s significance.

Bainbridge’s DDA Works Well With Others

City officials have also banded together with local art creators and organizations to further propel Bainbridge’s creative revitalization. Key to this effort is an ongoing relationship with the Firehouse Arts Center, helmed by executive director Chelsea Kornse. “I am a firm believer that you can’t have much progress without a focus on the art,” Kornse. “The creativity

The center also recently took ownership of the Wine Walk event, traditionally held by the city. Ticketholders for the event, which is a fundraiser for the Firehouse Arts Center, travel between local businesses and enjoy wine samples and the creations of local artists. The group has big plans to scale up the event in the coming years, however. Ideas include using vacant buildings to serve as pop-up galleries, holding workshops, and artisan showcases.

Local artists are also making their way in the downtown Bainbridge area. Among them is Brent Warr, who returned to his hometown in 2023. He purchased The Warehouse At Calhoun, an abandoned train warehouse, and has since converted it into five commercial retail spaces, as well as eight luxury loft-style apartment units. Warr’s furniture, art, and lighting studio produces one-of-a-kind pieces that are commissioned by galleries and collectors all over the world. Having

worked previously in art-centric meccas like New York City and Atlanta, Warr is thoughtful about the potential for up-and-coming artists in Bainbridge.

“I think there is an opportunity and space available for other artists not from Bainbridge, to move here or work here full time due to the lower cost in studio and work space as compared to neighboring communities like Thomasville and Tallahassee,” he says, adding, “I believe the arts scene in Bainbridge has a large upside, and plenty of room for growth in the coming years.”

Ideally, as the city and its partners continue to see the merit in Bainbridge’s arts scene, this will trickle down even more readily to locals. “Art should be accessible for all, and I think there is a natural barrier for people in the south and in more rural communities to be exposed to it,” Warr says. “I think that by just being in Bainbridge as a full-time working artist, it has the potential to help kids in high school see that a career in the arts is attainable and sustainable.”

History: Located in Fayette County, Peachtree City is renowned for its unique lifestyle and extensive network of golf cart paths. With a population of around 38,000, this city offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.

Established in 1959, Peachtree City was one of Georgia’s first planned communities. It was designed with a vision to create a self-sustaining community that seamlessly integrates residential, commercial, and recreational areas. This foresight has resulted in a city that is both well-organized and picturesque, a testament to its appeal to families, professionals, and retirees alike.

A standout feature of Peachtree City is its 100+ miles of multi-use paths, predominantly used by golf carts. These paths connect neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, and parks, making golf carts a popular and convenient mode of transportation. This unique aspect not only enhances the city’s charm but also fosters a close-knit community feel.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Peachtree City. The city boasts numerous parks, including the scenic Line Creek Nature Area, which offers hiking trails and fishing spots. Lake Peachtree and Lake Kedron provide opportunities for boating and relaxation by the water. The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre, affectionately known as “The Fred,” hosts a variety of concerts and cultural events, adding to the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Peachtree City’s commitment to quality of life, sustainability, and community makes it a truly exceptional place to live and visit.

Fun Fact: Peachtree City is often referred to as “Golf Cart City” due to the prevalence of golf carts. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see high school students driving golf carts to school!

Newnan Fire Training Facility

Public Safety Complex

City Hall

Imagine the Possible: Envisioning Our Future

FRED PERRIMAN, GMA PRESIDENT

As I begin my term as president of GMA, I am filled with a sense of hope and possibility. The theme of our recent annual convention, “Imagine the Possible,” resonates deeply with me and serves as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision.

“IMAGINE

THE POSSIBLE” speaks to the unlimited potential within our cities. It’s a call to action, encouraging us to look beyond our current challenges and dream big for the future. But dreaming is just the first step. To transform these dreams into reality, we must plan, strategize, and commit to hard work.

One initiative that perfectly encapsulates this theme is the newly launched Georgia Reads Campaign. Announced during our annual convention, this initiative is a partnership between the Georgia Council on Literacy, GMA, Georgia City Solutions, and the Share the Magic Foundation. The campaign aims to improve reading skills across all age groups, fostering a culture of literacy that will benefit our communities for generations to come.

Malcolm Mitchell, CEO and Founder of the Share the Magic Foundation, will serve as the Georgia Reads Coach. His inspiring message during the convention highlighted the transformative power of reading. By investing in literacy, we are investing in the future of our cities. Improved literacy rates lead to better educational outcomes, stronger economies, and more engaged communities.

Imagine what our cities can become when every citizen has the opportunity to read, learn, and succeed. Literacy is not just about reading books; it’s about opening doors to new possibilities. It lays the foundation for a

brighter future, where every child can achieve their full potential and every community can thrive.

The Georgia Reads Campaign is a shining example of what we can achieve through collaboration. GMA, with its extensive network and resources, is perfectly positioned to support and amplify such initiatives, bringing city leaders together and serving as the collective voice of cities. By working together, we can tackle challenges and drive meaningful change across all our communities.

GMA is committed to helping cities dream big and create places where every citizen can thrive. It provides the services, programs, and guidance we need to address our unique challenges while fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared learning.

As we move forward, let us remember that the possibilities we imagine are only as real as the actions we take to achieve them. The Georgia Reads Campaign is just one of the many opportunities we have to come together to tackle a common goal and make a tangible difference in the lives of our citizens, building a better future for all.

I urge you all to embrace the theme of “Imagine the Possible” in your own communities. Let’s work together to transform our visions into reality, creating a future where every community thrives, every child has a chance to succeed, and our collective efforts lead to a better tomorrow for all.

Imagine the Possible: Celebrating Record Success and Looking Ahead

LARRY HANSON, CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

After returning from our Annual Convention in Savannah, I walked into the lobby at GMA and the first thing I saw was a cardboard cut-out promoting the Cities United Summit in January 2025.

AND I THOUGHT, YES, THAT’S right, that’s who we are at GMA. It’s time to turn our attention to the next big event. Organizations who do this, those that are constant and consistent in always looking forward, are the ones who excel. With that said, I do want to take just a minute to share the results of our recent Convention.

The 2024 Annual Convention is one for the books, but also one for the ages, in my opinion. What an incredible event, and record-setting in many ways. Let me mention a few to support my statement:

• We had record attendance of over 2,800 total attendees.

• We had a record setting number of exhibitors and exhibit spaces, with 205 exhibitors and 220 spaces rented.

• We had a record 50 training classes, with most filled to capacity.

• We had a record number of training participants with over 2,400 training seats filled.

• We had an increase in sponsors and exceeded our budgeted sponsor revenue.

• We had an amazing theme, Imagine The Possible, that many of you referenced in your evaluations as one of the best ever, with some saying it should become a permanent slogan for GMA.

These are major achievements that demonstrate member engagement and member support of GMA.

These also represent the overall effort of our employees, the Conferences & Management Services Department, our Conference Planning Committee, and the relentness pursuit of improvement and excellence by all.

What I love most is our commitment to improvement and to bettering the experience for members. This year and every year our employees bring forth new ideas and ways to improve as we learn from each Convention. For example, this year the following features were added:

• A new GACities app for convention attendees that was useful and well received.

• A rolling cart with a badge printer was a nice and personal touch to expedite registration.

• Snacks during the breaks between sessions. (Yes, our members like snacks a lot!)

• The return of our successful district meetings, including the addition of a meaningful program.

• Four dynamic, keynote-equivalent speakers, including Ben Nemtin, Rodney Bullard, Kim Greene, and Malcolm Mitchell.

• Thoughtful and intentional planning of panels and other speakers based on issues important to members.

• A willingness to change and to try new ideas. Why do we emphasize change? Because everything changes; our members change; the issues change; the needs of our cities change.

So…we must embrace change if we want to be successful year after year. How do we do this?

• Employee engagement; this program was built by a large team of GMA Staff.

• Member-driven surveys asking our members what they want in the sessions and training.

• Great partners, including the UGA CVIOG, the Douglasville video team, and incredible sponsors and supporters.

• A great team of employees on site, dedicated to supporting our members and enhancing their experience.

• Working around challenges such as an ongoing facility expansion and other factors beyond our control.

• Annual evaluations by you, our members that we read and take to heart.

For an event of this magnitude, it takes an entire organization coming together. Every person here at GMA plays a role either directly or indirectly in this event. And it is a year-round effort that intensifies from January to June each year. It is all hands on deck, and that is why it is successful. And, of course, it takes

members who want to learn, want to be engaged with other leaders, and look for takeaways to make them better leaders.

I want to say this to you; I am grateful for each and every one of you. I’m grateful for your work, your dedication, your commitment, your teamwork. I’m grateful for your active participation and for your support. I’m grateful for your feedback and suggestions and the opportunities they provide for improvement to make us better. I feel blessed to come to work each day at GMA and for the opportunity to serve with such a great team and to serve the best members anywhere in the country.

As we move forward together, let us all Imagine The Possible in all that we do, Let us Imagine The Possible for our cities, the citizens we serve, for the services we provide, the opportunities we can create, and for the sense of community we can create if we make it our priority. Let us Imagine The Possible in setting the standard for engagement and leading the way with civility, transparency, and with a vision for a successful future.

Thank you for everything you do for GMA, and always know we are here to serve you and are honored to do so.

Georgia Council for the Arts: Cultivating Community Growth Through Grant Opportunities

The mission of Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) is to cultivate the growth of vibrant, thriving Georgia communities through the arts. The arts strengthen economic health by creating jobs in multiple industries, driving tourism, and providing opportunities for young people.

GCA PROVIDES A VARIETY OF GRANTS TO support programs that enrich communities and strengthen the arts sector in Georgia, including education and literacy programs, facility restoration and enhancements, rehabilitation programs, and much more.

Examples of programs or organizations funded through GCA grants include Wilkes County’s Bartram Trail Regional Library System, which used a Project Grant to provide monthly art and craft workshops to more than 2,500 children and 1,100 adults through its “A Year of Art” program. The Vibrant Communities Grant supports arts programming in rural and underserved communities. In Hartwell, Georgia, the Veterans of Foreign Wars used funding to create a mural honoring military service members. Another Vibrant Communities Grant recipient, the City of Rockmart funded a unique Chainsaw Sculpture as part of a public art development strategy for their downtown district.

An Arts Education Program Grant recipient, Oconee Performing Arts Society in Greensboro, Georgia, presented several school programs including vocal music workshops, theatrical productions that featured American historical figures, and afterschool music and theatre camps. In White County, the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association used an Arts Education Program Grant for their “Celebrate the Arts Festival” featuring performers with disabilities for students in grades 3-6.

Funds awarded by GCA include appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Grant recipients include not only arts organizations such as theatres and museums, but non-arts entities such as schools, libraries, and civic clubs.

Supporting Artists

GCA believes that artists are the foundation of all arts-based economic and community development successes in the state. GCA maintains the Teaching Artists Registry and the Vibrant Communities Artist Registry as a means of promoting the work of Georgia artists across the state. To support the professional lives of working artists, GCA also regularly publishes calls for artists and residency and conference opportunities for artists on its social media.

Supporting Arts Organizations

Strategic facilitation of the arts can transform communities, and GCA’s funding for arts organizations supports those organizations whose work demonstrates a significant benefit to the community. In addition to grants, GCA provides research and

economic impact data about the arts industry to inform messaging and promote professional development and capacity-building opportunities for the field.

Supporting Communities

As part of GCA’s efforts to support the arts industry in Georgia, GCA also helps communities connect with artists and arts organizations in meaningful ways that influence and shape economic development and cultural vitality. For communities that want to strategically incorporate arts to create spaces where people want to live and visit, GCA offers connections and resources to support these initiatives. GCA can provide numerous examples of how communities can use the arts to solve challenges, such as using public art and painted walkways to slow traffic at busy intersections. GCA also provides local staff consultations, grant funding, artist lists, and resources and research on best practices in public art, arts education, arts and aging, and many other relevant art topics.

To learn more about grant opportunities and how to apply, visit gaarts.org/grants.

From June 20-25, 2024, municipal leaders from across the state gathered in Savannah for the Georgia Municipal Association’s Annual Convention. This year’s theme, “Imagine the Possible,” inspired attendees to explore innovative solutions and visionary strategies for their cities. Here’s a breakdown of each day’s highlights:

RECAP OF THE 2024 GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION

ANNUAL CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS:

June 20: Pre-Convention Activities

The convention kicked off with registration at the convention center and three hotels Attendees networked and prepared for the days ahead, setting the stage for a productive and engaging conference.

June 21: Opening Day

The official start of the convention featured seventeen classes offered by GMA and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government through the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute. Classes focused on planning and zoning, neighborhood revitalization, water management and data literacy, among others. The day concluded with a mentor/mentee meet and greet and the GMA Board of Directors meeting featuring remarks by Senator Jon Ossoff.

June 22: Policy Committees and Marketplace Opening

Saturday featured another round of training classes and meetings of the Association’s six policy committees. The committee meetings featured remarks by various members of the General Assembly, discussions on legislative issues of interest to cities and the adoption of proposed 2025 policy recommendations. Later in the day, the Municipal Marketplace was filled with attendees visiting the more than 200 exhibitors who were present to showcase a variety of products and services available to cities.

• Revenue & Finance Policy Committee Meeting: Discussions on the 2024 property tax and sales tax changes and the implications for cities in the coming years.

• Municipal Marketplace Opening Ceremony: The exhibition showcased various products and services tailored to municipal needs, followed by a lively opening reception.

June 23: Opening General Session and Annual Business Meeting

Sunday began with a worship service, followed by the GMA Opening General Session. Randall Walker, Mayor of Perry and GMA President, provided opening remarks followed by the Parade of Flags and National Anthem, both a GMA convention tradition and a ceremonial start to the day.

Notable highlights from the day included:

• Ben Nemtin, inspirational keynote speaker and former star on the MTV show The Buried Life, shared inspiring stories from his journey of making the impossible possible, encouraging attendees to dream big and take action within their communities.

• The Legislative Policy Council Meeting reviewed recommendations from the standing policy committees and made votes to move the proposed legislative policies for 2025 to the full membership for final approval.

• City managers gathered at lunch for a time of networking and to hear a panel discussion on the current state of the insurance market where cities are facing unprecedented challenges and a surge of claims driven by economic and social inflation, severe weather events and a deteriorating tort environment.

• R apid fire sessions for large and small cities featured presentations on successful programs and projects that can be scaled and replicated by other cities.

• Rodney Bullard, CEO, The Same House, delivered an inspiring speech on community-driven movement

• The GMA Board of Directors and Officers were elected and installed. The 2024-2025 officers include:

• President: Madison Mayor Fred Perriman

• First Vice President: College Park Mayor Bianc a Motley Broom

• Second Vice President: Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby

• Third Vice President: Suwanee Mayor James Burnette

June 24: Panel Discussions, Literacy Campaign Announcement and Awards Luncheon

Monday’s agenda featured a general session, concurrent workshops, an Awards Luncheon and District Meetings. Highlights of the general session included:

• A panel discussion on “State Investments in Georgia’s Cities” moderated by GMA’s Director of Governmental Relations, Jim Thornton, which featured Commissioner Christopher Nunn of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Deputy Commissioner Brad Saxon of the Georgia Department of Transportation and Executive Director Hunter Hill of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority.

• An update on Georgia City Solutions programs and activities from Kay Love, Managing Director

• An inspirational address by Malcolm Mitchell, executive director of the Share the Magic Foundation, on the transformational impact of literacy. He then announced the Georgia Council on Literacy’s Georgia Reads Campaign, a partnership of the Council, Share the Magic Foundation, GMA and Georgia City Solutions. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of the need to improve reading skills in all age groups, encourage activities to increase literacy rates and recognize community partnerships that are actively contributing to a more literate Georgia. Mitchell moderated a panel discussion on the importance of the campaign that included:

• Speaker Jon Burns

• First Lady of the House Dayle Burns

• Senator Billy Hickman

• Scott Johnson, Chairman of the Georgia Council on Literacy

• L arry Hanson, GMA CEO and Executive Director

Highlights of the Awards Luncheon included:

• Clerk of the Year: Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk for Stockbridge, was recognized by the Georgia Municipal Clerks Association. Holiday was presented the award by the 2023 Clerk of the Year and GMCA President Deborah Walker-Reed of St. Marys.

• Municipal Government Hall of Fame Inductees: Four remarkable city leaders were inducted into the Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame. Honorees included:

• Paul Radford, City Manager for the City of Sugar Hill

• Wille Thomas Edmondson (posthumous), M ayor of LaGrange

• Nancy Harris, former Mayor of Duluth

• R andall Walker, Mayor of Perry and GMA Immediate Past President

• Georgia Cities Foundation Awards: GCF celebrated and honored civic engagement and sustainable development achievements. Honorees included:

• Renaissance Award: Kenneth George Clark

• Starr Award: Lyn Menne

• Legacy Partner Award: Fox Gives

• Cities and Organizations of Civility: More than 17 cities and 4 organizations were recognized as Cities and Organizations of Civility throughout the state:

• Cities: Adrian, Buena Vista, Hoschton, Jefferson, Jesup, LaFayette, LaGrange, Locust Grove, Monroe, Mount Zion, Oconee, Palmetto, Pooler, Rockmart, Rome, Temple, Walnut Grove

• Organizations: Central Savannah River Area Regional Commission, LaFayette Downtown Development Authority, Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, Southern Georgia Regional Commission.

• Cities of Ethics: The cities of Alapaha and Mableton were newly designated as Cities of Ethics, and 22 cities were recertified. The Southern Georgia Regional Commission was recertified as an Organization of Ethics.

The day concluded with district meetings and a closing event featuring food, entertainment, and networking opportunities, ensuring a memorable end to the convention’s penultimate day.

June 25: Closing Day

The final day ended with ten more training classes that focused on topics such as municipal taxation, succession planning and the roles and responsibilities of council and staff.

The 2024 GMA Annual Convention was a resounding success. It provided valuable insights, facilitated collaboration, and inspired Georgia’s municipal leaders to envision and create a prosperous future for their communities.

SINCE 2008, “LIVE IN THE HALL” HAS BEEN A VIBRANT HIGHLIGHT of the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Annual Convention in Savannah. This cherished production has not only entertained, but also fostered a sense of unity and pride among Georgia’s municipal leaders, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the City of Douglasville, Chatham County’s communications department and the Georgia Municipal Association.

The origins of “Live in the Hall” stem from former GMA Communications Director, Al Outland and the department’s vision to create an

engaging platform that would celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry of Georgia’s municipalities. With the support and creativity of the City of Douglasville and Chatham County, this vision transformed into a dynamic and multifaceted showcase. From its humble beginnings, featuring several leaders from the local, state and federal levels, the production has grown into a signature event, drawing in several attendees via its annual Facebook live stream.

Key to the production’s success is the dedicated partnership with Douglasville, Chatham County and GMA.

GMA Cares About Your Financial Wellness

When you’re on top of your finances, you’re on top of your life and ready to make more of the moments that matter.

TO SUPPORT YOU IN REACHING YOUR FINANCIAL goals, GMA has added a new financial wellness benefit for our members – Momentum! We’re doing this because we believe the financial confidence of our members and their employees is a critical component of overall wellness and success.

Why It’s Important

Studies show that individuals spend an average of 28 hours per month worrying about their finances. An equally troubling statistic is that 70% of individuals believe their employer has little concern for their financial well-being. We’re aiming to change that.

How The Program Works

Momentum is designed to inspire, educate, and equip people to gain financial confidence. It is not a program

that simply educates people about money, instead, it focuses on what matters most to them – their values. It also shows how financial confidence can help people spend more time doing what they love and less time worrying about money.

GMA actively invests in the future of our members and their employees and is proud to cover 100% of the associated costs of this benefit for members enrolled in one of our Risk Management & Employee Benefits Service (RMEBS) programs including Life and Health, Retirement, Workers’ Compensation, and GIRMA.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Candace Amos, Senior Health & Financial Wellness Consultant, today by emailing her at wellness@gacities.com.

REVIVING THE ARTS: Fox Gives’ $500K Grant Fuels Hartwell Theater Restoration and Community Enrichment

BY NIKKI PERRY

The performing arts are making a comeback in Downtown Hartwell, thanks to repeated support from the South’s flagship theater.

FOX GIVES, THE PHILANTHROPIC ARM

OF Atlanta’s iconic Fox Theatre, awarded the Hart County Community Theatre (HCCT) a multi-year grant of $500,000 to restore its historic venue. Fox Gives had previously funded emergency plumbing work at HCCT. This larger award over the next 1-3 years will support a full-scale renovation.

The multi-year grant program is new to Fox Gives. Formerly known as the Fox Theatre Institute, the nonprofit has donated $3.2 million in one-time grants to 96 historic theater revitalization projects throughout the Southeast since 2008.

“We are so humble and so grateful that the Fox chose us for this incredible program,” HCCT President Lani Sessoms said. “We are so proud to be the first recipients of this. It’s amazing the changes that this is going to bring for us, and for our community.”

HCCT is a focal point of the small North Georgia tourist town on Lake Hartwell, which is one of the most visited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation, according to the Corps. Millions of people visit in the summer, but Hartwell’s 5,000 residents maintain a close-knit community that supports the arts.

Hartwell Economic and Community Development Director Jason Ford called the Fox Gives grant “transformative” for the theater, as well as arts and culture in downtown Hartwell.

“That theatre is in the center of what has become our entertainment district,” Ford said. “With the location and programming that the theater already has in place, by saving that structure it will revive that area of downtown.”

HCCT and blues club High Cotton Music Hall are bookends on Depot Street, with restaurants in between. Ford said it creates a natural flow for the entertainment district. Theater-goers eat and shop throughout downtown, creating a ripple effect that benefits all local businesses.

Continuing a Legacy

Fox Gives is more than a funder. The organization will be an active participant in the renovation of HCCT.

“They are going to help us source all the experts we need, from structural engineers to historical architects, so we are able to do the project the right way, preserving the historical integrity of the building,” Sessoms said.

Originally a grain warehouse, the century-old Weatherly Furniture Company building became the community theater’s home in 1983, bought for $30,000 after extensive fundraising by volunteers. Those same volunteers spent the next two years constructing a stage, restrooms, lighting booth, concessions, and backstage areas, including a brand-new electrical system and structural improvements. The theater opened in 1985.

Now, almost 40 years later, the façade and internal structures need significant repairs, and improvements are needed to make the theater more comfortable for patrons.

Leigh Burns, director of community partnerships for Fox Gives, said, “Our mission is to ‘Preserve and Share the Fox Theatre.’ We are continually engaged

with non-profit organizations that want to continue to rehabilitate and program historic theatres. We work with them to not only physically support preservation but with programming and professional development from Georgia Presenters.”

Selection of HCCT for the grant was based on the past success of the organization, significance of the historic property, their programming, location in a thriving downtown, great leadership and tremendous input from the city of Hartwell to see the landmark thrive, Burns said.

“There is a high level of commitment from their all-volunteer board, who really do work on everything,” Burns said. “On top of that, we could see how much the city of Hartwell, the council, the mayor, the DDA, and the community championed them.”

Sessoms is a Hartwell transplant and retired drama teacher who has been involved with many theaters in metro Atlanta over past 30 years. “I have never been

involved in a theater that has as much volunteer spirit as this one does,” Sessoms said.

“[The grant award] really is a testament to all those people’s hard work,” she said.

The multi-year grant also includes a college scholarship and vocational programming for the local school system.

Hart County High School will take part in the All-Access Pass Program. Students interested in the arts will learn first-hand about backstage roles and receive complimentary admission to select shows. The program is meant to spark interest and bring awareness to the many career paths available in the entertainment industry.

One student will be awarded a $5,000 college scholarship after the 2024-2025 school year. A committee will be appointed to oversee the scholarship process, Burns said.

Fox Gives

the

awarded

Hart County Community Theatre with the first-ever multi-year grant, funding restoration of the historic venue in downtown Hartwell, Ga.

HINESVILLE

POWDER SPRINGS

FAIRBURN

VILLA RICA

Elevate Your City’s Leadership with GMA’s Supervisory Leadership Development Program

Are you ready to enhance the leadership within your city? Look no further than GMA’s Supervisory Leadership Development Program, tailored specifically for supervisors and emerging leaders.

THIS PROGRAM AIMS TO NURTURE MANAGERS and leaders who serve as exemplary role models, recognizing their profound impact on organizational culture and structure.

Investing in leadership is crucial to building trust and fostering a positive work environment. To lead effectively, supervisors and managers must cultivate a comprehensive toolkit of knowledge, skills, and behaviors that drive organizational success.

Comprehensive Course Offerings

With 17 diverse class options, your city can customize its learning experience by choosing a single class, a selection of classes, or the entire series to earn the prestigious GMA Supervisory Leadership Development Certificate. The program combines classroom and self-guided coursework, with each session offering 3 hours of intensive instruction.

Available Classes:

• Emotional Intelligence Leader

• Roles of a Supervisor

• Supervisory Leadership

• Ethics

• Strategic Planning, Management & Evaluation

• Organizing Your Work & Time

• Working with the Budget

• Team Building

• Communicating with Employees

• Selecting, Onboarding & Developing New Employees

• Accountability in the Workplace

• Evaluating Performance

• Motivating Employees

• Leading Change

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Workplace Safety, Security & Wellness

• Quality Customer Service

To explore the classes, pricing, and additional ways GMA can support your city’s growth, please contact your GMA Member Services Consultant or email us at consulting@gacities.com.

HAROLD F. HOLTZ MUNICIPAL TRAINING INSTITUTE OFFERS MORE CLASSES

AUGUST-OCTOBER

The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, operated via a partnership between GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, will offer several training classes this August, September and October.

DOWNTOWN CLASS OFFERED IN AUGUST

On August 26, the Downtown Development Authority Basic Training and the Creating a Downtown Renaissance: Advanced DDA classes will be held in downtown Thomasville as part of the Georgia Downtown Conference. To register for the classes, visit the 2024 Georgia Downtown Conference registration on GMA’s website. Those eligible for training certificates can earn six hours towards a training certificate for completing either one of these classes. The early registration fee for each class is $305.

FALL TRAINING SET FOR ST. SIMONS

On September 26-27, the Two-Day Fall Training Event will occur at the Sea Palm Resort on St. Simons Island. The classes on Thursday and Friday will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The fee for each class is $305.

The Thursday classes are:

• M aking Citizen Engagement Work in Our Communities (this class is on the required list)

• M anaging Growth: Economic and Natural Resource Issues

• How Shall We Live? Practical Ethics for Public Life (this class is in the advanced leadership track).

The Friday classes are:

• Effective Branding and Marketing Strategies for Municipal Governments

• Municipal Finance I (this class is on the required list)

• Steering Through the Storm: Guiding Your Community Through a Disaster (this class is on the required list).

Those eligible for training certificates can earn six hours towards a certificate for completing each class.

To register and view lodging information for the Fall Training Event, please visit the calendar page on GMA’s website.

TRENDS IN URBAN DESIGN OFFERED AT GMA

The three-hour class Trends in Urban Design for Local Leaders will be offered at GMA’s headquarters in downtown Atlanta on Thursday, October 17, 2024. The fee is $190.

Designed to give municipal leaders an understanding of the practice, history, and relevance of good urban design, this class informs leaders of emerging design trends applicable in cities big and small. In fun and creative hands-on activities, the basic principles of successful urban design are taught in a manner that seeks to arm local officials with the tools necessary to advance the principles of effective urban design in their home communities.

Those eligible for training certificates can earn three hours towards a training certificate by completing this class. To register for the class, please visit the calendar page on GMA’s website.

DDA BASIC CLASS OFFERED VIRTUALLY IN OCTOBER

The training institute will also offer the Downtown Development Authority Basic Training Class live via Zoom over two days on October 29 and 30. The class will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Participants must attend both days to earn credit for completing it. This class provides six hours towards a training certificate for those eligible. It meets the state mandated training requirement for DDA Board Members.

To register, visit the calendar page on GMA’s website.

UPDATES AROUND GMA

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Heart & Soul Downtown Workshop was held in early June in the City of Suwanee, with 68 participants in attendance for the six-hour workshop. The workshop targeted municipal elected officials and staff interested in learning about downtown revitalization and infill development. Workshop participants were given opportunities to view plans and projects with local staff and officials from the host city, who discussed their downtown and neighborhood strategies, success stories, and lessons learned. The workshop included formal presentations and tours.

GEORGIA CITY SOLUTIONS

GEORGIA CITY SOLUTIONS’ INTRODUCES MAYOR’S MASTERPIECES

In late April, Georgia City Solutions (GCS) launched “Mayor’s Masterpieces,” a new initiative under the Mayor’s Reading Club Program. Funded partly by a 2023-2024 grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts, Mayor’s Masterpieces is an art activity toolkit designed to complement the Georgia Caroline children’s book series. This toolkit provides children with experiential learning opportunities about local government and civic engagement through reading and art. It includes six art projects suitable for grades K through 4, complete with instructions in lesson plan format and supply lists.

To highlight the program, GCS organized reading and art events in ten cities including Albany, Butler, Carrollton, Clarkston, Harlem, Madison, Monroe, Summerville, Trion, and Savannah) during May and June. At these events, local mayors read a book followed by an art activity facilitated by artists, teachers, or librarians.

The art activities included creating thank-you cards for first responders, designing a city hall, making a mayor puppet, and crafting a paper plate city or floats for a community parade. In Savannah, the event was held during the GMA Convention at the Kid’s Activity Corner in the Municipal Marketplace, where several mayors read from the Georgia Caroline books. Following the reading, the children collaborated to build a dream city and community and created thank-you cards for our dedicated first responders. Some children also participated in an

activity where they completed the sentence, “If I were Mayor, I would…”

Each mayor who participates in the Mayor’s Reading Club program receives a Mayor’s Masterpieces art activity toolkit, which includes supplies for one art activity for 30 kids. The toolkit can be shared with schools, libraries, and other literacy partners.

Continuing with the literacy theme, GCS is proud to partner with the Georgia Council on Literacy, Malcolm Mitchell of Share the Magic Foundation, and GMA in the Georgia Reads statewide literacy initiative announced during the GMA Convention. This initiative aims to foster literacy improvements across Georgia and will provide 10 Georgia communities a $25,000 reward for literacy efforts. If you are a mayor and not yet part of the Mayor’s Reading Club program, we encourage you to join literacy champions across the state to improve economic mobility one book at a time.

2024 GCS GOLF OPEN & FUNDRAISING UPDATES

Strong, vibrant, and well-managed cities are crucial to Georgia’s quality of life and prosperity. This belief drives Georgia City Solutions’ (GCS) strategic efforts to implement programs and initiatives that help cities tackle the challenges of intergenerational poverty. Achieving this requires strategic collaborations, partnerships, and financial support. Our success in reaching our fundraising goals directly determines our ability to support and expand these vital programs and initiatives.

GCS carefully allocates funds to programs in the focus areas of Youth Leadership and Engagement, Municipal Workforce Development, Equity and Inclusion, and Literacy Improvement. GCS helps cities create a path forward with a unique approach of scaling, replicating, and customizing programs to suit the needs of each municipal government and partner organization.

One of the ways GCS raises funds and awareness about our mission is through the annual golf tournament. The 2024 GCS Golf Open was held on Monday, May 13th, at Bull Creek Golf Course in Midland. The City of Columbus hosted the event. Despite the rainy, soggy weather, everyone in attendance had a great time.GCS board member, Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson and City Manager Isaiah Hughley, supported the event and played golf. Approximately $38,000 was raised from the event.

A critical part of our success is the unwavering support of our amazing partners and sponsors. We extend a huge thank you to our 2024 Golf Open sponsors and supporters who share our belief that every city deserves the opportunity to reach its full potential.

We offer a special thanks to our lunch and dinner sponsors, James, Bates, Brannan, and Groover, and ESG Operations, respectively. Other sponsors include Parker Young Construction; Falcon Design Consultants; Bradford Settlement; Brown, Readdick, Bumgartner, Carter, Strickland & Watkins, LLP; Georgia 811; and Genex and more as shown in the image on the right.

Fundraising is important, but raising awareness and engaging partners in this critical work is equally important. On May 20th, GCS held a kick-off luncheon at GMA headquarters for the newly established GCS Ambassador Program. This program is designed to raise awareness and funds while fostering a community of dedicated individuals who share a passion for the mission of GCS in building strong, vibrant communities. The inaugural group of 26 Ambassadors includes city elected officials representing each of GMA’s 12 districts. Ambassadors will help raise awareness about the mission, programs, events, and impact of GCS with city officials and others. They will encourage individuals, businesses, and organizations within their community and sphere of influence to support GCS financially and create opportunities for GCS to present to organizations and individuals about the important work of GCS and the opportunities for support.

This program is part of our comprehensive fundraising strategy developed in collaboration with Coxe Curry & Associates to address the operational and programmatic needs of GCS going forward. The strategy leverages the GCS brand and formalizes fundraising efforts by creating a Friends of Georgia Cities Program that includes exclusive donor benefits and sponsorship opportunities based on giving levels starting at $50.

We need ambassadors to help spread the word about GCS by using their influence and following to elevate the GCS mission.

Nurturing Healthy Communities

BY SARA BAXTER

A new workshop from Georgia Cities Solutions (GCS) brings city, county, community, and business leaders together to have conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

“IF YOU HAD A SUPERPOWER, WHAT IS ONE thing that you would change in the world?”

That is the “icebreaker” question that Freddie Broome, GMA’s Director of Equity and Inclusion, posed to the group at the first Nurturing Health Communities “Dinner and Learn” workshop held in May in St. Marys. Without participants knowing it, almost every answer centered around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). And that was Freddie Broome’s intention.

“It was designed to show everyone how DEIB’s ideology is already integrated into conversations, theories, concepts, morals, and beliefs,” said Broome. “It helped them see the connection between DEIB and their personal lives, making the topic more relatable and engaging.”

After the icebreaker, Broome spent the next 90 minutes exploring the definitions of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, facilitating a group discussion, talking about the challenges and illustrating ways to move forward. The thinking is that by incorporating the values and tenets of DEIB, communities get stronger and healthier.

Those attending the inaugural Nurturing Health Communities workshop were leaders and key stakeholders from Camden County, including the Chamber of Commerce, the County Commission, as well key officials from the cities of St. Marys, Woodbine and

Kingsland. Members of the Camden County School Board were also invited but had a scheduling conflict.

St. Marys Mayor Pro Tem Lisa James, who also sits on GMA’s Board of Directors and the Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council, was happy to host the event. “As an elected official and a stakeholder in the community, I thought it would be great if we could all have a starting point to think about and understand what a healthy community means,” James said. “A healthy community is something we all strive for, and this is a good way for us to see how it connects with equity and inclusion.”

Building a healthy community was the main motivator for Woodbine City Administrator Samantha Young to attend the workshop.

“I thought it would be a wonderful way to arm myself with more knowledge as it relates to DEIB.” Young said. “I want to make certain that we are doing exactly what we need to be doing to create an environment where all employees and community members feel accepted and included and to know that their perspectives and opinions are very important to us.”

Broome believes this workshop provides a unique opportunity for elected officials, city leadership and community stakeholders to come together and examine how DEIB can significantly impact a community’s quality of life. It also increases knowledge and raises awareness of what can be a difficult conversation.

“This workshop is not just about understanding DEIB, but about harnessing its transformative power,” Broome said. “By embracing these fundamental concepts, we can create environments that enhance the quality of life and foster inclusive live, work and play communities.”

“Nurturing Healthy Communities” is designed to give community leaders words of encouragement as well as help them understand that if they want things to change and improve, they must change their mindset and start seeing things differently.

“There are a lot of challenges when it comes to DEIB and there’s a lot of discomfort at every level,” James said. “This workshop helps people understand the significance of this issue in their community. It’s not only about race and ethnicity; anyone can experience exclusion. The session offers a basic introduction, allowing participants to feel comfortable and recognize that discomfort is not something to fear. It’s more about enhancing what we are already doing.”

Broome hopes that those who attend these workshops will leave with a better understanding of how to build a sustainable community that enhances the quality of life by creating an environment that embraces differences, promotes equity, encourages inclusion, and creates a sense of belonging.

James believes that all communities want to be healthy – on all levels. “At the end of the day, those of us who are in public service all have the same core values, because you don’t get into public service without some propensity of wanting things to get better,” she said. “By connecting the core values of DEIB with what we are already doing – which is trying to improve our communities – we can create a better quality of life. While it might be a little scary at first, the journey towards common goals often starts with taking the first step together.”

Young also encourages other cities to look into participating in “Nurturing Healthy Communities.”

“It is worth it for every city to get some level of training and be willing to shift and change with the times,” she said. “If cities would take advantage of these trainings, it would help them have a better understanding

of all members of society, and allow us to coexist, get along and do some wonderful things together.”

GCS is offering this new program to all its cities, with the intent to bring city, county, community, and business leaders together to have conversations. The program can be offered as Lunch and Learn or Dinner and Learn.

For more information, please contact Freddie Broome at fbroome@gacities.com or 470-249-6423.

About the Author: Sara Baxter is a freelance writer based in Decatur, GA. She specializes in telling stories for nonprofit organizations.

The Uplift of Mill Hill Macon

BY CHIAMAKA NWIGWE, GMA FEDERAL RESEARCH INTERN

Mill Hill is a small neighborhood in the eastern part of Macon, with a rich musical history. It is home to some of the most famous artists in American history such as Little Richard, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers.

ALONG WITH ITS RICH MUSICAL HISTORY, IT WAS also the home to textile manufacturers that employed large populations of Macon. However, the introduction of new technology into their factories and outsourcing to low-cost Asian textile companies with the establishment of NAFTA led to fewer jobs for Georgians and disinvestment in the surrounding neighborhoods (New Georgia Encyclopedia).

Over time, properties in the area fell into disrepair and now require renovation and restoration. Due to inadequate urban development planning, community developments in other parts of Middle Georgia left the neighborhood of Mill Hill behind. Thus came the Mill Hill Placemaking Project, an initiative by the Macon Arts Alliance to revitalize and renovate the community. Macon-Bibb County officials and the Urban Development Authority continue to support this initiative.

The Macon Arts Alliance is an umbrella agency for arts and creative organizations in Macon whose mission is to foster and support the advancement of arts and culture in Central Georgia (Mill Hill Placemaking Project). This collaboration between the Macon Arts Alliance and Macon-Bibb County has been ongoing since before Macon Arts Alliance was designated the official arts agency for the City of Macon and Bibb County and reaffirmed in 2014 by the newly consolidated Macon-Bibb County at their first official meeting (Macon Arts Alliance).

Additionally, placemaking, according to Michigan State University, “is the process of creating quality

places that people want to live, work, play and learn in,” (Michigan State University). Placemaking projects benefit cities by stimulating tourism, business migration and formation, economic development and prolonged social interactions in these attractive settings. The Mill Hill Placemaking project shares these same goals.

The Mill Hill placemaking project established a partnership between different organizations such as the Macon Arts Alliance, Macon-Bibb Urban Development Authority, Philanthropic Nonprofit Arts & Culture, National Endowment for the Arts’ Our Town Program, Macon Roving Listeners, and John S. & James L. Knight Foundation. The project goals are to assist with the rehabilitation of residential properties such as single-family homes, creating art for the neighborhood, gathering data from community members on how to better their community, and provide funding for these projects.

This placemaking project is broken down into phases to measure the impact on the community development and adjust their strategy for the rest of the neighborhood beginning with the neighborhood known as the “Birthplace of Macon.” This project progressed with the restoration of the 1920 Bibb Mill No. 1 Auditorium as a Community Arts Center, restoration of Historic Mill Cottages for rehabilitation and sale to artists with seven completed homes, and the creation of an Asset Map and Cultural Master Plan for the neighborhood. These developments all shape the future of Mill Hill (Macon Arts Alliance).

With the progress of this project, there have also been some mixed reviews about how this project will benefit the neighborhood. 58% of Macon’s demographic is Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black (Census Bureau). Some community members see the project as a much-needed uplift for the community to stimulate economic development in that area. Others fear it will lead to gentrification, pricing residents and commercial tenants out and contributing to homelessness. News stories covering this project have shed light on some of these concerns.

Officials within the Arts Alliance dispute the notion that the project would displace residents in the area. Jonathan Harwell-Dye, Director of Creative Placemaking at the Macon Arts Alliance, sees it is as a collaborative effort between participating organizations and the residents to know what the best way is to improve their neighborhood (The Macon Telegraph). This project strives to bring different organizations together to revitalize the Mill Hill community and make Macon-Bibb County part of the conversation of community success.

SOURCES

Placemaking Definition

The Georgia Economic Placemaking Collaborative

Mill Hill Placemaking Project

Macon Local News

Mill Hill Macon GA Placemaking Project 2018 Report

The Macon Newsroom

Georgia Textile Industry History

Macon Arts Alliance – Mill Hill Overview

Macon Arts Alliance – Master Plan 2018

GMA Data Tools

Macon Arts Alliance – Cultural District Master Plan

Arts, Culture, and Community Policing

BY REGINA GRESHAM, GMA LEGAL ASSISTANT

As we begin to enjoy the beautiful months of Georgia’s summer heat, there are sure to be many outdoor attractions, such as art and community festivals, throughout this great state.

MANY CITIES HAVE ESTABLISHED COMMUNITIES that display all types of cultural arts through festivals, outdoor entertainment, sidewalk restaurants and cultural attractions.

Most arts and culture entertainment festivities are expressed by a display of local talents such as artists, musicians, murals with cultural characteristics, and even vendor pop-up shops for small businesses. All

these activities are designed to build strong cultural communities through the expression of art as a tool for engagement.

While cities enjoy displaying all types of outdoor entertainment and activities through arts and culture, it is extremely important that every citizen is reassured of their safety. The only way to provide this safe and legal protection is by using the city’s police department and other public safety officers. It is important to know that cities are obligated to provide protection while serving to build strong communities.

Sometimes, there is an unfortunate separation between police, public safety officers, and the communities they serve. The level of trust can sometimes be severed due to power dynamics, poor training when dealing with medically or mentally challenged individuals, and, in worst-case scenarios, through the improper use of force by law enforcement.

Significantly, these issues can be countered through proven methods that involve building policing and cultural and community partnerships, which can bring communities and law enforcement together as one community.

The research particularly highlighted the need for law enforcement to invest heavily in relationship-building efforts with community organizations, artists, creative practitioners, and public members. Importantly, the research involved law enforcement utilizing artsbased engagement with the community to build and repair community relations. The research further noted that a high level of commitment was needed from all levels of a police force to achieve the broad cultural change desired by both law enforcement and members of the public.

One key finding of this research revealed that building these arts, cultural, and community partnerships creates understanding and empathy between those serving to protect and the community being protected. It develops a sense of equity and support, but a far more significant benefit is providing mutual arts and culture initiatives that offer communities and police departments the opportunity to understand one another’s experiences and perspectives.

“There are many ways to engage in positive community policing of large and small outdoor festivals. One of the first ways is to embark on partnerships that are culturally centered around arts and culture projects, which can build trust with the public especially with marginalized and unheard members of the community.”

There are many ways to engage in positive community policing of large and small outdoor festivals. One possibility is to embark on partnerships that are culturally centered around arts and culture projects, which can build trust with the public, especially with marginalized and unheard community members.

Taking the proper steps can help create a sense of public trust, safety, and protection with local police departments. This is supported by research out of the United Kingdom that weighs the potentials and challenges with policing communities and the effect these actions have on its arts and culture.

Offering model partnerships to explore broader, safer police and community engagements focused around arts and culture can help build lasting community relationships and, increase pubic trust, and confidence. Taking these steps when policing vulnerable people and those at risk of feeling marginalized can result in long-lasting improvements in police-community relations.

The result of this offers plenty of options for cities to begin building healthier communities. Cities that invest in local culture and promote local artist through murals, entertainment, and festivals can see both social and economic benefits. Doing so may also help improve trust and improve relations over the long term.

EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR GEORGIA DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE

AS THE GEORGIA DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION (GDA) GEARS UP TO CELEBRATE ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY, EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING FOR THE UPCOMING GDA CONFERENCE IN THOMASVILLE FROM AUGUST 26-29, 2024. THIS LANDMARK EVENT PROMISES A DYNAMIC BLEND OF TRAINING, NETWORKING, AND THE CELEBRATION OF INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES IN GEORGIA’S DOWNTOWNS, LEAVING ATTENDEES INSPIRED AND REENERGIZED.

A MILESTONE WORTH CELEBRATING

GDA has spent the last quarter-century transforming downtowns across Georgia, fostering economic growth, preserving historic sites, and enhancing community vibrancy. The 25th-anniversary conference will celebrate these accomplishments while looking forward to future innovations and developments.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

This year’s conference theme. “Advancing Together: 25 Years of Impact” reflects GDA’s dual focus on honoring its legacy and envisioning new possibilities. Here’s what attendees can look forward to:

CONCURRENT SESSIONS & MOBILE WORKSHOPS: The conference will feature various concurrent sessions and mobile workshops tailored to meet the needs of downtown professionals. These sessions, covering topics such as grant writing, digital marketing, and strategies for public-private partnerships, have been designed to equip attendees with practical skills and knowledge they can apply directly to their work in their communities. In addition, mobile workshops will include topics such as Living the SouthLife Tour, T’velo Brewing, and A Nod to the Past 1861 Distillery Tour.

HISTORY TOURS: Attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore Thomasville’s rich history through guided tours. These tours will highlight the city’s

historical landmarks, architectural treasures, and success stories in downtown revitalization. By learning from Thomasville’s example, participants can gain insights into how historic preservation can drive economic and cultural growth. Some historic tour sites include sites such as Pebble Hill Plantation, the Jack Hadley Black History Museum, the Thomasville History Center and the Lapham-Patterson House, as well as the Taste of Thomasville Tour Experience and the Sweet Cacao Truffle Making Class.

SPONSOR SHOWCASE MIXER: For years, the GDA Conference has served as a prime opportunity for networking. This year, attendees will have the opportunity to have one-on-one time with sponsors and exhibitors in a more relaxed setting for attendees to build relationships, share experiences, and forge new partnerships.

AWARDS CEREMONY: The conference’s highlight will be the Awards Ceremony on August 28th. These awards recognize outstanding contributions to downtown revitalization and innovation, honoring individuals and projects that have significantly impacted Georgia’s communities.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

While celebrating past achievements, the GDA conference will also serve as a platform for envisioning the future. Sessions will explore emerging trends in urban development, the role of technology in community building, and strategies to adapt to changing economic and cultural landscapes.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION, REGISTER TODAY

The GDA’s 25th Anniversary Conference is more than an event; it celebrates community, progress, and the collective effort to create vibrant, resilient downtowns. Whether you are a city planner, business owner, community leader, or simply passionate about the future of Georgia’s downtowns, this conference offers valuable insights about positioning Georgia’s downtowns as the state’s most viable economic engine.

Register today to participate in this landmark event and join GDA in shaping the future of our beloved downtowns. Together, we can continue to build thriving, dynamic communities that reflect the best of Georgia’s spirit and heritage.

GEORGIADOWNTOWNASSOCIATION.COM/CONFERENCE

“I LOOK FORWARD TO CONNECTING WITH DOWNTOWN PROFESSIONALS FROM ACROSS THE STATE EVERY YEAR AT THE GEORGIA DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE. LEARNING BEST PRACTICES FROM MY PEERS IN AN INSPIRED SETTING REENERGIZES ME AND PREPARES ME TO IMPLEMENT THE NEW IDEAS I GAINED AT THE CONFERENCE.”

—

EMILY HOPKINS, PRESIDENT OF GDA AND VICE PRESIDENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OF NEWTOWN MACON

“AS PAST PRESIDENT OF THE GEORGIA DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION, I AM DEEPLY HONORED TO REPRESENT THE SMALL TOWNS THROUGHOUT GEORGIA. IN MY ROLE AS COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND PROJECT DIRECTOR FOR WARREN COUNTY, AND AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HOMETOWN WARRENTON, INC. I WITNESS FIRSTHAND THE INCREDIBLE EFFORTS TO DEVELOP AND REVITALIZE OUR COMMUNITIES. SEEING THE TRANSFORMATION OF WARRENTON AND OTHER TOWNS BRINGS ME IMMENSE SATISFACTION AND CONTINUALLY REMINDS ME OF THE PROFOUND POSITIVE IMPACT WE CAN MAKE IN OUR LOCAL AREAS.”

JEFFREY FOWLER, PAST PRESIDENT OF GDA

Fairs and Festivals

8/2

TGIFF Presents: Pep Rally Winder

Downtown Disco Perry

First Friday Concert Tifton

8/3

Hometown Pride Adel

8/4

Concerts by the Springs: Harvest Moon Sandy Springs 8/9

Chalk Art Festival & DFAL Art Walk Duluth

National Night Out & Lawrenceville Movie Club Lawrenceville

8/10

Chalk Art Festival Duluth

Kick N’Rhythm Fayetteville

Woodstock Summer Concert Series-Who’s Bad Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience Woodstock

8/11

Duluth Farmers & Artisan Market Duluth

8/15

Family Fun Night-Super Hero Night Woodstock

8/16

Logtown Concert Series Adairsville

8/16-8/17

Butterfly Daze/Carter

Historical Auction Plains

8/23-10/4

Movies by Moonlight Sandy Springs

8/24

Sounds of the Springs Concert Series Powder Springs

Multicultural Night Duluth

ArtRageous Festival & Live Paint Project Braselton

8/25

Duluth Farmers & Artisan Market Duluth

8/31

Marietta Art in the Park Marietta

Toon Fest Pop-Up Duluth

Grape Stomp Fest Blairsville

9/5

Fall Brown Bag Series Powder Springs

Oktoberfest Helen

9/6

TGIFF Presents: Bark in the Park Winder

Fall Film Series-Coc Perry

9/7

Blue Ridge Mountains

Wine & Jazz Festival Ellijay

Summer Concerts: Face to Face

Billy Joel & Elton John Tribute

Johns Creek

Festival of Arts Fayetteville

9/8

Concerts by the Springs: Grains of Sand Sandy Springs

Duluth Farmers & Artisan Market Duluth 9/11

Patriot Day Commemoration Johns Creek 9/12

Fall Brown Bag Series Powder Springs

Taste of Woodstock Woodstock 9/13

ArtWalk Jasper Jasper

Live in the DTL & Around the World in the DTL Lawrenceville

9/14

Downtown GetDown Concert Series Eatonton

Pup-A-Palooza Johns Creek

Duluth Fall Festival Concert Duluth

Good Word Brewing Presents Les Bon Duluth

Around the World in the DTL Lawrenceville

Woodstock Summer Concert Series-Eddie Montgomery w/Across the Wide Woodstock

Cumming Art Fest Cumming

Buford Fall Concert featuring Tyler Hubbard Buford

9/19

Fall Brown Bag Series Powder Springs 9/20

Logtown Concert Series Adairsville

9/20-9/21

Clermont Days Clermont

9/20

Food Truck Friday-Tailgate Takeover Perry

9/21

Suwanee Fest Suwanee

9/21-9/22

Stargaze and Slumber Winder

S’mores ‘N Snores Duluth

9/21

Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Music Festival Blue Ridge

9/22

Duluth Farmers & Artisan Market Duluth

Braselton Brew Fest Braselton

9/26

Fall Brown Bag Series Powder Springs

Taste of Carrollton Carrollton

9/27-9/28

Blue Stone Arts and Music Festival Sandy Springs

9/27

Cultura: Fiesta Latina Lawrenceville

9/28

Sounds of the Springs Concert Series Powder Springs

Plains Peanut Festival Plains

Perry International Festival Perry

9/28-9/29

Duluth Fall Festival Duluth

9/28

2nd Annual Bogart Fall Festival Bogart

The Autumn Artisan Market Thomasville

Lavonia Fall Festival Lavonia

Temple Founders Day Temple

9/29

Porchfest 2024

Young Harris

Ellijay Bacon Fest Ellijay

Literary Fair Johns Creek

To place a free Fairs & Festival listing contact gacities@gacities.com.

Please submit listings at least eight to ten weeks ahead of publication date.

GEORGIA GEMS

THE LUNCH BOX MUSEUM – A NOSTALGIC JOURNEY IN COLUMBUS

TAKE A TRIP BACK TO CHILDHOOD NOSTALGIA AT THE COLUMBUS

COLLECTIVE MUSEUMS’ LUNCH BOX MUSEUM

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, IS A HIDDEN gem that’s sure to excite any pop culture enthusiast – the Lunch Box Museum. This unique exhibit, housed within the Rivermarket Antique Mall, offers visitors a thrilling trip down memory lane, showcasing a diverse collection of over a thousand lunch boxes that span decades of pop culture.

The Lunch Box Museum, founded by Allen Woodall Jr., a passionate collector, whose collector journey began as a personal hobby and has since blossomed into one of the world’s largest collections of lunch boxes. Woodall’s fascination with these iconic carriers of childhood memories started in the 1980s. With each acquisition, his collection continued to grow, transforming a comprehensive display of cultural history, beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Stepping into the museum, one will become immediately struck by the colorful array of lunch boxes that line the shelves, each telling its own story. From the classical metal boxes of the 1950s, adorned with cowboys and space adventurers, to the plastic renditions of the 1980s, featuring superheroes and cartoon characters, the collection spans the evolution of lunch box design and the shifting tides of popular culture.

A walk through the museum is akin to flipping through the pages of a pop culture scrapbook. You’ll find the Lone Ranger rubbing elbows with Darth Vader, and Scooby-Doo sharing shelf space with the Care Bears. These lunch boxes are more than just containers for sandwiches and snacks; they are miniature time capsules that capture the essence of their respective eras.

Woodall’s collection doesn’t stop at lunch boxes. The museum also features a variety of thermoses, advertisements, and other memorabilia that complement the primary displays. Each item is meticulously arranged to create a visually stunning and historically informative exhibit. Visitors often find themselves lost in reverie, recalling their own childhood lunches and the characters that kept them company.

The museum is a testament to the power of nostalgia and the universal appeal of childhood memories. It’s a place where visitors of all

ages can connect over shared experiences and fond remembrances. For older generations, it’s a chance to revisit a simpler time, while younger visitors get a glimpse into the past, discovering the icons that shaped their parents’ and grandparents’ formative years.

A trip to the Lunch Box Museum is more than just an educational experience; it’s an emotiuonal journey. It evokes the simplicity of childhood and the joy of treasured memories, making it a must-visit destination in Columbus. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just someone looking for a unique and heartwarming experience, the Lunch Box Museum offers a charming and unforgettable glimpse into the past.

Next time you find yourself in Columbus, make sure to carve out some time to explore this Georgia Gem. Let the Lunch Box Museum remind you of the magic contained within those humble containers and celebrate the enduring charm of a simpler, more colorful past.

The Lunch Box Museum is located inside the Columbus Collectives Museums located at 3218

Hamilton Road in Columbus, GA, just north of downtown Columbus, just east of US HWY 27/ Veterans Parkway. The museum is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the museum is $5. For more information, visit columbuscollectivesmuseums.com.

Traffic

Transportation

Program

Land

Surveying and SUE Services

Civil Site Design

Industrial Hygiene

Environmental Due Diligence

Geotechnical

Dam Inspections

Materials Testing

Bridges/ Structures