GEMS Re-Certification

Press Release

Release: Immediate

Contact:  Connie Tabor, 706.282.3269

RE: Toccoa Recertified as a GEMS Community

TOCCOA, GA – The City of Toccoa is proud to report that Toccoa has been recertified as a Georgia Exceptional Main Street (GEMS) community for 2017.

Of the 94 Main Street programs that participated in the highly competitive annual assessment process, only 16 cities were selected for GEMS designation, the highest designation awarded to Main Street communities. Collectively, these communities, including Toccoa, represent 473,200 Georgia citizens and 8 service delivery regions.

Jessica Reynolds, Director of the Office of Downtown Development at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) said, “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.”

As GEMS communities, these Main Street programs gain access to special one-on-one technical services offered by the DCA, scholarship opportunities, and discounted rates for training and design services. Toccoa was honored to be selected as one of the first GEMS communities when the designation was awarded. Its recertification ultimately proves the value that the City of Toccoa places in downtown development, planning, and its Main Street program.

Community Development Director Connie Tabor said, in reference to the recertification, “It is an honor to be selected as a GEMS community again this year. We have been a GEMS pilot program since 2014. The elected officials, businesses, volunteers, and citizens have all played a role in downtown’s success. We continue to move forward in downtown economic development.”   

The Main Street Office is happy to answer any questions regarding its certification as a GEMS community. Please contact Community Development Director Connie Tabor at 706.282.3269 for inquiries.

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