GREENE COUNTY
Greensboro, with its quaint historic downtown, has seen six businesses close in the last six months.
It signals a problem most small downtowns in the United States face in attracting — or, more importantly, maintaining — occupancy in areas experiencing a decline in visitor traffic and sales.
Small downtowns have often retained occupancy through city and federal grants for business owners and have incorporated several strategies that foster “Main Street” charm by improving parking and historic facades, aligning businesses, and attracting potential residential housing.
The reported business closings in Greensboro include Scratcher’s Creek City Market (formerly the Ripe Thing), a florist, LaFarm, The Palms, Family Ties restaurant, and Bonnie’s Coffee Shop.
Terry Lawler, chairman of the Greensboro Downtown Development Authority, is currently running for the Greene County District 1 commissioner’s seat. He is a 10-year Greene County resident and a former Georgia State Representative in Cobb County’s District 20.
“Greensboro has experienced a downturn in the economy,” Lawler said. “Businesses need steady foot traffic and marketing incentives to drive their businesses. The city is not unique to this turndown.”
Greensboro City Manager Autron Hayes shares similar sentiments.
“Closure of any business is not something we like to see,” Hayes said. “The current economic climate presents challenges for small businesses here, downtown, and nationwide. The city remains committed to fostering a vibrant downtown environment.”
Lawler said the city is using a $4-million state grant to address crumbling sidewalks and parking areas. The streetscape project will bring new sidewalks, streetlights, and signage to West Broad Street and continue north.
Lawler works closely with the city’s Mainstreet director, Kendrick Ward.
Main Street America leads a movement dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns, neighborhoods, and commercial districts nationwide.
The city also recently sponsored the first “Art in Auction” at Festival Hall, which featured several artists, a bourbon tasting, and presentations. The event continued the next day and featured other artists in downtown businesses, who demonstrated and showcased their creations for purchase.
The city is also aggressively courting new businesses, which include a new financial institution and a new restaurant and florist.
“We have a busy event calendar for visitors and shoppers,” Lawler said. “We have 24 major events [per year] in the city. This is roughly two major events every month that draw visitors to downtown and showcase our city.
“We also feature several promotional events at Festival Hall, concerts, weddings, award ceremonies, and more that help bring in visitors to the community. Promotional signage for the city is featured at two well-traveled welcome centers to encourage visitors.
“We have seen through tracking applications an increase in visitors over the last two years,” he added. “We have promotional signage at two state visitor centers, which also promote the city.”