HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20171010_GEMS.docxPRESS RELEASE: Contact: Chantel Morton
For immediate release Development Authority/Main Street Executive Director
(912) 472-5071
cmorton@cityoftybee.org
Tybee Island Receives Recognition as a Georgia Exceptional Main Street Program
Tybee Island, GA (October 10, 2017) – The City of Tybee Island was presented with a 2017 Exceptional Main Street award at this year's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Fall Conference
Awards Ceremony. The awards ceremony was held on Wednesday, October 4. Tybee Island is one of eight Georgia Main Street communities that was selected this year to join other programs
across the state as proven leaders that have a strong economic impact with an equally strong historic preservation ethic.
According to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, only 16 of the 94 cities that participate in the Main Street program stand out amongst the rest to be part of the Georgia Exceptional
Main Street (GEMS) Program this year. These cities were carefully selected based on their community’s proven efforts to maintain a strong economic base through a healthy business climate,
rehabilitation projects, and strong historic preservation ethic. In addition to Tybee Island, the other GEMS communities include Bainbridge, Brunswick, Columbus, Dahlonega, Greensboro,
Madison, Milledgeville, Moultrie, Newnan, Rome, Statesboro, Thomasville, Tifton, Toccoa, and Valdosta. “These communities are united by common attributes that help make them the strongest
commercial historic districts in the state – a strong commitment to historic preservation and planning, stable leadership and active municipal support,” said Jessica Reynolds, Director
of the Office of Downtown Development at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which houses the Georgia Main Street program.
As one of the eight new GEMS cities, Tybee Island has access to special one-on-one technical services offered by the Office of Downtown Development, such as strategic planning sessions,
board retreats and work plan development, along with scholarship opportunities and discounted rates for professional training and design services. The City of Tybee Island has been
part of the Main Street program since 2010. In 2014 when city officials activated the Development Authority, the boundaries of the program expanded to within city limits and the name
changed to the Development Authority / Main Street Program. The program serves as a central hub for businesses and local organizations and for property owners and officials to utilize
financial and technical resources that are available. In 2016, the program’s community impact summary report shows that there was over $7 million of private/public investments, a total
of nine net new businesses with 23 jobs created, and 59 public events held with approximately 35,000 in attendance and 1100 volunteer hours dedicated.
Tybee Island, Georgia is the northernmost barrier island of Georgia. With a wild bird sanctuary, over three miles of ocean beaches, and salt marshes on the back river, outdoor recreation
activities abound for residents and visitors to the island. As a key defense point to the important Savannah port, Tybee’s Fort Screven, Tybee Post Theater, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee
Island and Cockspur Lighthouses combined with the unique architectures of the island’s raised cottages form a rich backdrop for history buffs. Attracting a strong artistic community,
there are several local art galleries. Keeping the island interesting year round are several art festivals, community based events and activities, and annual parades and festivals.
The Marine Science Center cooperates with Georgia’s DNR to protect threatened sea turtle species by searching for nests, protecting their eggs, and making sure hatchlings make it to
sea. For
visitor information, stop by http://www.tybeevisit.com/, and to find more about the City of Tybee Island, visit our web site at http://www.cityoftybee.org/.
The Tybee Island Development Authority/Main Street Program is managed by a staff person and a volunteer board of directors and committees working with partners to ensure the vision of
improving the quality of life for those that live, work, and visit Tybee Island and enhancing the cultural experience while preserving the community's barrier island heritage. The program
follows an annual work plan which improves aspects of the town, while focusing on economic development within the context of historic preservation to enhance the quality of life. With
broad-based community support, it integrates a practical management strategy by using the proven Four-Point Approach®. For more information, visit http://www.cityoftybee.org/Development-AuthorityMai
n-Street-Program.
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