Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend

Official Georgia Farmers Market from the Master Gardeners

Art to see and buy from local students and seasoned GAHA members

Music          Storytelling             More Vendors          Fun for Everyone      

To be part of the Farmers Market call Chris Clebert (706) 972-9301

To be a vendor on the square call Mona Lowe (706) 635-4711 ext. 5 

we’re all getting together in Downtown Ellijay from 5-8 p.m.

Stores will be open late.

There will be music, and vendors, and lots of fun.

Join us. For details call the Chamber of Commerce at 706.635.7400.

DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty announced the selection of “BoomTown 2.0” cities, with Ellijay joining Main Street/Better Hometown cities Columbus, Cordele, Jefferson, Madison and Woodstock.  The 18-month program will apply a variety of tools and resources in the historic downtown core of each city, focusing on redeveloping areas to stimulate job growth.

“Renovating a community is a lot like renovating a house,” Beatty said.  “You need time, a sense of humor, a lot of different tools, and experts that know how to use those tools.  We’ve got most of the tools that we need; now we’re going to use them all together to enhance our communities and grow jobs.” BoomTown will combine tools like Opportunity Zones, Urban Redevelopment Plans, Job Tax Credits, and Historic Preservation Tax Credits, all with the assistance of department staff and the support of the Georgia Municipal Association.

“We’re focused on rebuilding our communities and making them places where families can live, work and play.  What better place to start than in our downtowns, the places that are full of Georgia’s history and culture,  and already have water, sewer, electricity, streets and sidewalks in place?” asked Commissioner Beatty.  “These six cities have demonstrated their desire and ability to make change – so we’re going to partner with them to help them change the job scene in their downtowns.”

Mayor Al Hoyle, Downtown Development Authority Chair Larry Robinson, and Better Hometown Manager Mona Lowe met with DCA staff Monday to hear details of the program and discuss local needs. The next step will be selection of a task force to help DCA schedule services to Ellijay, which will include a visit from development specialists who will assist in identifying possible projects. Some members of the local task force will receive training in feasibility analysis for building reuse. DCA will also assist the downtown in creating a “ready for business” plan, and will provide technical assistance in the use of state job creation tools.

Members of the authority are Larry Robinson, chair; Melinda Hadden, vice-chair and organization committee chair; Jeff Riblet, treasurer and economic restructuring chair; Patty Kyle, design committee chair; Jim Stover, marketing and promotions chair; Kent Sanford and Al Fuller. Mona Lowe is recording secretary.