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March 24, 2008 - The Downtown Development Authority of Blairsville is getting lots of things done in a relatively short period of time. Much of their continued success is due to the intelligent, progressive, seven-member board of directors. Of course, as all seven leaders will admit, the real legwork is done by Project Manager Janet Hartman and the volunteers.

It’s no secret that the DDA has an exceptional manager and an active group of volunteers. The volunteer committees (and sub committees) work tirelessly to promote Downtown Blairsville as a great destination, to plan attractive streetscapes and green space, to keep the DDA website fresh and up-to-date, to support existing businesses, to seek out new businesses for the downtown area, to provide opportunities for local citizens to have fun in downtown, and to reconstruct the economic basis of the historic downtown business district.

People from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, folks from the Better Hometown Program, state officials, and dignitaries from surrounding counties are amazed at the progress being made in the Blairsville Downtown area. They ask, “How has the Downtown Development Authority of Blairsville been able to progress at such an outstanding rate?”

Blairsville is a special place with some pretty amazing people. The DDA Board of Directors, Janet Hartman, the Blairsville City Council, the Mayor’s office, the Union County Historical Society, the Blairsville-Union Chamber of Commerce, the Blairsville Police department, the Union County Sheriff’s Department, local medical emergency personnel, the North Georgia  News, local clubs, and the DDA volunteers have one thing in common. They all love Blairsville and want it to be the best hometown possible. From planning a special event to deciding on traffic control, the various groups pitch in on every occasion to lend their expertise.

All DDA activities depend on cooperation and community involvement. DDA volunteers are quick to take on responsibilities. Committee chairs can delegate tasks and have confidence that the job will get done. The talented volunteers work well together - one person may be a marketing expert and another may be good at selling tickets. Together they can make things happen. When someone new attends a committee meeting, their talent is quickly spotted and put to work. DDA volunteers do not like to waste time.

There are many fun projects underway for 2008. Special events include the Night before the Climb (a party to welcome Tour de Georgia race teams), the Great American Clean-Up, the Mountain Gospel Convention and Downtown Spring Arts and Crafts Festival, the Bluegrass Festival, Hometown Halloween on the Square, and Hometown Holiday on the Square (at Christmas).

Janet Hartman says, “I am continually impressed with the level of commitment and dedication each DDA volunteer brings to the group. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work them and learn from them. We are always looking for new people and new ideas to add to our great group. If you have an interest in what is happening downtown, please join us! You can visit a committee meeting or volunteer for a specific project or event.”

Other exciting programs and developments include the Façade Grant Program available to business owners in the designated downtown area and the Transportation Enhancement Grant.

The Blairsville City Council established the DDA and ultimately has final say over its activities. DDA Board members include Chairperson Kay Jones, Mary Ruth Cook, Rhonda Mahan, Jim Williams, Robert Head, W.C. Nelson, and Cary Cox. For more information about the DDA call Janet Hartman at (706) 994-4837 or visit www.downtownblairsville.com.