Graphic courtesy of City of Thomasville

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Thomasville’s Main Street program has resulted in a significant impact on the local economy.

During the city’s 36-year Main Street status, downtown Thomasville has seen a net gain of 285 businesses and 1,036 jobs.

More than $87 million has been invested in private and public improvements.

“We’ve had six new businesses open in downtown already this year,” Main Street Director April Norton told Thomasville City Council members at a recent workshop.

Thomasville’s Main Street program has been recognized on state and national levels as one of the nation’s most successful programs.

Norton said downtown development impacts the local economy with new businesses and jobs and with the many special events conducted in the downtown area.

Downtown events have proven to be one of the most successful means to bring visitors to downtown, Norton said. In 2016, more than 475 promotional events were held in the downtown area. 

“This includes everything from our Rose Show and Festival to First Friday events and everything in between,” said Norton. 

She also reported that cumulatively, nearly 12,000 volunteer hours and more than 110,000 attendees resulted from the events.

Norton reported that there were 16 new or expanded businesses in the downtown area during 2016, resulting in an additional 76 new jobs.  

Some 15 building rehabilitation projects totaled $1.3 million in improvements to downtown.

“Every dollar a community uses to support its local Main Street program leverages an average of $18 in new investment, making Main Street one of the most successful economic development strategies in America,” Norton told council members.

In 1998, Thomasville was the first Georgia city to receive the Great American Main Street Award, awarded through the National Main Street Center. The program also has earned accreditation from Main Street America as a Georgia Exceptional Main Street.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820