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Vidalia Main Street A Great Place to Stop, Shop, Eat and Play An Exciting Future Lies Ahead for Vidalia’s Main Street by Paula Dees-Toole, Executive Director “Stay Main Street connected ~ partnership helps accomplish your goals and provides a successful Main Street Program.” As Main Street Director, I am proud for the merchants and property owners who have invested in our historic district. The City of Vidalia partners with the MAIN STREET PROGRAM, and without their investments, this growth would not be possible. We are anxiously anticipating the completion of our Historic PAL this fall. Not only will the project draw crowds to the downtown area for events, but it will generate sales for our merchants during events. A vibrant downtown lifestyle creates enthusiasm for those who work, live and visit our city. We are the center of community activity where everyone feels connected and can appreciate our city’s rich heritage, delight in its place of businesses and feel the heartbeat of Vidalia and Toombs County’s future. The revitalization of our downtown district by private investors and The City of Vidalia over the years has created a Southern town with charm and character. Together, let’s celebrate our accomplishments; it will benefit merchants, property owners and our community, providing an economic impact for Vidalia. 2016-17 National Accreditation Once again, Downtown Vidalia “Main Street” has been designated as an accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by 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®. “We are thrilled to recognize this year’s nationally accredited Main Street America communities for their outstanding work,” says the National Main Street Center. “We are experiencing an exciting era for America’s cities and towns, with a growing recognition of the importance of strong local enterprise, distinctive character, engaged residents, and sense of place. These are things that Main Street America programs have been working to protect and advance for years, strengthening the economic, social, and cultural fabric of communities across the country.” Established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980, the National Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic districts. DESTINATION VIDALIA MAIN STREET & BEYOND 114 Toombs County Magazine From the President’s desk… Ross Kelly As we are winding down from the hustle and bustle of the recent 40th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival, we as an association are reminded of the importance of teamwork. Teamwork could be one of the most important words I feel used to describe the vision of the founders of the Downtown Vidalia Association. A vision that today’s members very proudly portray in their dayto day duties and interaction with other members. It seems that each association member has their own ideas and skill sets to bring to the table for all members. Whether it’s Tish Holland’s (Arlene’s Fine Jewelry) great social media marketing skills or Josey Crew’s (Gaston Crew Lifestyle & Interiors) nifty scavenger hunt business promotion idea, each member has assets that affect the overall strength of the association itself. As President I can’t think of a time at a meeting where one member stressed a concern or need and another member hasn’t quickly flown to the relief of the needy member with ideas or offerings of help. All this is done in the name of charity and good will because our association is a voluntary one! There is way more advantages to being part of such an organization other than the monetary ones. To work alongside like and different minded, goal driven individuals who at the drop of a hat put aside their own wants and needs for the benefit of their community, their fellow business owner, their customers and each other is one of the greatest feats I see that our great little association has been able to accomplish with ease. Not a member of the Downtown Vidalia Association? Not Main Street members enjoy numerous why should you, instead why wouldn’t you? benefits…just being connected helps you accomplish your goals. SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKING, COFFEE BEFORE HOURS, TOOMBS COUNTY MAGAZINE, NORTHLAND CABLE AD CONCEPTS “complimentary ad” for 30 days, FAÇADE GRANTS, LAMP POST opportunities & MORE. Thank You A special “thanks” to Chair Laura Brown who has led the Promotions “team” for numerous years. Laura has done a great job and her expertise in recruiting VOLUNTEERS is a great asset. Our mission of planning events to promote shopping, growth and prosperity to downtown and beyond, takes A TEAM! THANKS TO OUR 40th Annual Onion Festival Sponsors… ALLEN MORRIS/FARMER’S INSURANCE


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