Main Street Toccoa recognizes local businesses and volunteers

Downtown business owners, community leaders, and volunteers were recognized for their contributions to Main Street Toccoa's success over the last 20 years.

The Main Street Toccoa Program recently held its annual Awards Reception at Toccoa City Hall and many of Main Street's past board members (seen in the picture above) came to kick of the 20th year celebration.

Over the last 19 years, Main Street Toccoa saw 109 businesses and 309 employees come to Toccoa's downtown as well as 60 business expansions. More than $25 million have been reinvested in downtown by private businesses and property owners since the program began in 1999.

During 2009 Main Street Toccoa's infrastructure improvements and state recognition continued. The City of Toccoa recently spent $60,000 in matching funds for Phase III Streetscape Project located on Sage Street from Currahee to Railroad Street. The GA Trust recognized Main Street Toccoa for Historic Preservation receiving the Excellence in Commercial Rehabilitation Award. And the GA Department of Community Affairs selected “Mission Toccoa” as the Best Downtown Special Event in GA for 2009.

This year, property and business owners reinvested more than $800,000 in downtown properties and buildings. Specifically, ten businesses/property owners spent $200,000 in building renovation projects. Seven façade grants were given to property owners from the city and DDA. There were also $600,000 private dollars spent in business and property acquisitions.

During the awards program a video presentation offered a looked back over Toccoa Main Street's accomplishments (view the video on Main Street Toccoa's YouTube Channel or on facebook).

Over 20 past members of the Downtown Development Authority were honored for their many years of service as well as the following businesses and people who were given awards for their hard work in 2009:

Downtown Awareness Award – Domino’s Pizza, Beth and Michael Griner
Best Historic Renovation – Dan Pressley
Best Adaptive Reuse – The Stephens County Market Building
Best New Construction – The Stephens County Museum
Main Street Newcomer Award – BJ’s Family Restaurant
Best Historic Preservation – Whistle Stop Antique Market
Special Recognition – WNEG Radio, WNEG TV, The Toccoa Record
Outstanding Volunteer – Jeremiah Young

A special 20th Main Street Anniversary Award was given to the Stephens County Government for their help in starting the Main Street Program and for their support over the 20 years. Stephens County Board of Commissioners Chair, Dean Scarborough as well as Jonesy Haygood, Stanley London and County Clerk Beth Rider accepted the award.

Toccoa Main Street also used the event to thank members of the Main Street Promotions Committee and the 2010 Downtown Development Authority.