Vidalia Main Street
A Great Place to Stop,
Shop, Eat and Play
Dreams do Come True
by Paula Dees-Toole, Executive Director
It is magic, but perseverance and patience.
As Main Street Director, I am happy to
share “another dream” coming true in our
HISTORIC DISTRICT.
When I became director in 1999, we
simply had to create a work plan for day-today
operations and a long-range plan of action
for goals and our mission, as well as focus on
economic development for our HISTORIC
DISTRICT & BEYOND.
It began on a small scale, but MY how it
has grown over the years. As I near the end
of my journey as Director, it is bittersweet. I
have had many goals and dreams, but “it takes
time” and patience; it is my hope that they
will continue as I leave the scene of action.
I have worked with so many wonderful
leaders, Board of Directors, Committees and
volunteers, there is no way to name everyone.
Together we have grown the organization
and our downtown program. This would
not have been possible without all of our
volunteers. From the beginning, it was my
mission to make Vidalia shine throughout
the state on MAIN STREET…Thanks to all
of you who have served and supported THE
MAIN STREET PROGRAM over the years.
We have been a GREAT TEAM and I will
forever be thankful for all the memories and
accomplishments.
Small business is tough and the MAIN
STREET APPROACH, implemented by
Department of Community Affairs Office
of Downtown Development, was the leader
in helping small towns thrive. Since being
selected as a Main Street in 1989, Vidalia
Main Street has been annually certified as
a National and Georgia Class Main Street.
The City of Vidalia and Downtown Vidalia
“Main Street”, serving as two entities in one,
has successfully proven the State & National
Main Street Program has been the driver to
coordinate and implement the key to our
success.
As a team, we had the vision to ensure
continued development of Vidalia’s historic
district as a strong economic engine for
Toombs County, while preserving the
historical integrity and small-town character
of our city.
The Main Street focus has always been
to promote downtown “our sweet onion”
and the city as a destination for history,
retail, antiques, dining, arts, professional
services, family entertainment and hospitality.
Certainly with THE PAL renovation soon to be
complete, downtown will continue to create a
cultural and retail magnet for visitors, tourists,
and residents alike. Our city is healthy and
our downtown is vibrant…as an organization
we look forward to continued growth, an
exciting future for our children, youth and
those who will follow in our footsteps. We
are grateful to the City of Vidalia for your
vision to preserve THE PAL. It has been a
unique historic preservation project for our
community and historic district. Our Vidalia
Convention & Visitor’s Bureau brings great
entertainment and community events to The
Stage at City Park and now the PAL will be
available to enhance the downtown night life
for years to come.
DESTINATION
VIDALIA MAIN STREET & BEYOND
From the President’s desk…
Ross Kelly
Economic
Re-Development
Why should Vidalia residents invest
in our city’s economy to aid in economic
redevelopment?
The main goal of economic redevelopment
is to revitalize and improve the economic wellbeing
of a community, through the efforts of
city, state, and local merchant organizations that
involve business/job establishment, business/job
retention, tax base enhancements, and quality of
life. As there is no single definition for economic
redevelopment, there is no single strategy,
policy, or program for achieving successful
economic redevelopment. Communities differ
in their geographic and political strengths and
weaknesses. Each community; therefore, will
have a unique set of challenges for economic
redevelopment.
If you have been in Vidalia lately you may
have noticed a sign posted in the window of a
vacant building that reads, “This space is not
empty, and it’s full of opportunity”. That’s exactly
how the Design & Economic Restructuring
committee of The Downtown Vidalia “Main
Street” Association views these vacant properties.
Most of these available units are just filled with
potential and opportunity for would be business
owners and entrepreneurs. It’s the duty of the
D.V.A. to its members, to make sure individuals
or groups know these opportunities are available
and ready for development. For information on
available units please contact the D.V.A. office at
912-537-8033.
GOIN’ POSTAL
GRANT PRESENTATION
SUNKISSED TANNING
GRAND OPENING
COFFEE BEFORE HOURS
AT MARY’S INTERIORS
RIALTO RIBBON CUTTING