Acworth's Main Street efforts among 18 recognized by state

The Georgia Main Street program has recognized the city of Acworth as a Georgia Exceptional Main Street community, one of 18 in the state.

GEM S repr e sent s ome of the best Main Street Programs offered by the state. These Main Streets “have gone above and beyond expectations by making a strong and positive impact in their communities,” according to a city statement.

Jessica Reynolds, the director of the Office of Downtown Development with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, attended the December meeting of Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood and the City Council to relay the mission of the Georgia Main Street program and the significance of Acworth’s GEMS recognition.

Reynolds congratulated Acworth on the “commitment to excellence and stable leadership” that led to this designation.

Over the past three years, Downtown Acworth has seen $21 million in private and public investment, with 13 new business openings and 43 new jobs. Main Street events have attracted more than 140,000 visitors to Downtown Acworth during that same time period.

Reynolds presented the city with a gateway sign to recognize the GEMS designation, reading “Welcome to Downtown Acworth, a Georgia Exceptional Main Street City!”

These signs will be displayed throughout Historic Downtown and the Parkside Redevelopment.

Acworth’s GEMS designation “would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Acworth Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Acworth Parks, Recreation, and Community Resource Assistant Director of Operations and DDA Director Jeff Chase and all of the other boards and commissions that contribute their time and energy to the city,” the city statement added.

CONTRIBUTED Jessica Reynolds, director of the Office of Downtown Development with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, presented Acworth officials with a sign to recognize its GEMS designation.