The Downtown Statesboro Development Authority’s Annual Meeting took place on March 27, 2018. The banquet reviewed of all the accomplishments the Downtown made during 2017.  The economic impact reached $4.6 million dollars in private and public investments last year. In addition, Downtown Statesboro was the lead applicant for the America’s Best Communities competition resulting in a one million dollar prize to be used to develop the Boro Blue Mile.

Throughout the presentation, Mr. Allen Muldrew began by showing all the advancements the DSDA made to their new website, as well as the new Boro Blue Mile website. He continued by mentioning all 19 new businesses that the Downtown district gained in 2017.

The Downtown Statesboro Main Street Program has many incentives for new business owners in the Downtown area including ; the DSDA Incentive Package, Revolving Loan Funds and Façade grants. We were able to partner with the  Georgia Cities Foundation and Georgia Municipal Association and award a downtown business a $500,000 revolving loan.

Some goals and plans implemented throughout the year included acquiring green space for a Downtown dog park, completion of two Homes for Heroes,  and revitalization of the neighborhood.

The Statesboro Mainstreet Farmers Market resumes on April 7, 2018. Visiting the Farmers Market is a great way to support local Statesboro farmers and artisans. In an effort to get students more engaged with Downtown events, the Georgia Southern Center for Sustainability and the Office of Leadership will offer a shuttle ride so that students travel downtown and shop at the market.

Attending F1RST Friday events Downtown is another great way to support local businesses, as well as discovering all Downtown Statesboro has to offer. The DSDA helps orchestrate 17 events throughout the year. These events include F1RST Fridays, festivals, and other community happenings .7,651 volunteer hours were logged and almost 70,000 people were counted in attendance at these promotional events.

Overall, 2017 was a very successful year for the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority and all of their partners.

Congratulations to all of our Brick Award recipients!

2018 Most Creative Expansion
Philip Klayman, 3 Tree Coffee Roasters

2018 Teamwork Award
Home Builders Association

2018 Downtown Visionary Award
Jason Boyles

2018 Downtown Entrepreneur
Al Chapman, Del Sur Taquería & Cantina

2018 Best Downtown Supporter
Phyllis Thompson

Board Member 2014-2018
Tim Durden & Brad Sheffield