DCA recognizes Main Street Toccoa’s 20 years of service

Main Street Toccoa was recently recognized at the state level for its 20 years of service to downtown businesses.

The recognition came as the Georgia Main Street Cities celebrated the success of the state program at the 30th Anniversary luncheon held in Atlanta during the Annual Mayors Day Conference of the Georgia Municipal Association on January 25.

"Main Street Toccoa’s overwhelming success is due to the City's perseverance in revitalizing downtown and preserving its historic character," said Mike Beatty, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, who presented the award to Toccoa representatives Mayor Bob Troup and Community Planning and Downtown Development Director Connie Tabor.

"As the Georgia Main Street Program celebrates its 30th Anniversary, we extend our gratitude and congratulations for your role in this exceptional effort," said Beatty.

In 1979, Georgia was one of six pilot states to join the new National Main Street Program, which is now administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Toccoa became a member of the Georgia Main Street Program in 1990. Each year, Toccoa's program is reviewed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for forwarding to the National level for accreditation. At the luncheon, Toccoa was recognized along with other Georgia cities achieving 20 years of service or longer.

As a Georgia Main Street City, Toccoa follows the Four-Point Approach of downtown management, which includes committees chaired by members of Toccoa’s Downtown Development Authority board of directors. They are: Chair Lynn Cox, Vice Chair Terry Carter, Joe Sewell, Pam Keener, Marilyn Hall, Matthew Farrow, Jarvis Swilling, and Toccoa City Commission Liaison Janice English.

CAPTION: Toccoa Mayor Bob Troup, left, and Connie Tabor, Community Planning and Downtown Development Director, accept a plaque recognizing Main Street Toccoa’s 20 years of service. Presenting the award is Mike Beatty, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.