Downtown It’s a Lifestyle!

My Dream to Make Magic Downtown...Vidalia!

TEAMWORK ~ The Foundation of Our Success

A State & National Main Street City ~ A City of Excellence

In the early 1980’s the heart of downtown Vidalia had been abandoned by many property owners and thanks to a select few, the early 1990’s brought revival to our historic district…in 2006, you must stand in line to purchase property “downtown” ~ Everyone wants to invest, work, dine, relax and live here.

  These property owners who were born and reared in Vidalia had a dream to revitalize the historic district and to preserve our history.  We are fortunate that these investors “stepped up to the plate” and sparked a fire in downtown that continues today…renovations are taking place throughout downtown. The completion of the ISTEA project in 2002 created yet another interest to preserve and enhance the downtown.

Most recently, the one-way pair project has been completed and will improve access and traffic flow throughout the city. It will also connect the North and South sides of the historic district, creating togetherness and visibility for all businesses.  Our city officials have plans for yet another ISTEA project on the north side of downtown.  This will create the beautication and pedestrian friendly atmosphere needed to complete the entire historic shopping district.

Concerned merchants and citizens who had a stake in downtown organized the Downtown Vidalia Association in the late 1980’s.  A Main Street program was being organized throughout the State and National Trust, in an effort to revitalize small downtowns. Our founding fathers worked together to provide the State designation of Vidalia Main Street. In 1989, Downtown Vidalia Association and Vidalia Main Street merged as one entity. The partnership between the City of Vidalia has been an asset, enabling the organization to reach the designation of a National Main Street City. The Main Street program in Vidalia has certainly made a difference in our historic shopping district.  Our mission statement recognizes that downtown is a lifestyle that we enjoy.  It is the historic core of the community where everyone gathers to feel connected.  This lifestyle enables us to preserve our heritage and plan for the future growth as we leave a legacy for our children.  We are responsibility for revitalization, development, short and long-range planning, grant program assistance, way-finding signage and beautification, while we offer specific benefits for our members. Membership is a key component of our success and stability to serve as welcome/information center in the historic district.

We are led by a *BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMITTEES and volunteers...the Executive Director carries out the work plan and serves as a liasion to all entities in the community. 

   The Ladson Genealogical Library is nestled in the heart of our downtown, which draws thousands of tourist and visitors from all over the United States, who shop downtown.

   The Historic Pal Theater, one of our older historic properties has been renovated and is an asset to downtown providing theatrical productions, concerts, workshop and other endless opportunities.

OUR DREAM COME TRUE of actually having a home “downtown” has been very effective.  In March of 2006 we opened our new office/information & welcome center at 128 Church Street.

           I read an article recently, which said it’s reaffirming to know how the community folks come together and achieves what seems like insurmountable odds.  It was quoted, they really believed in their abilities to affect change, to be patient and persevere, working together in a cooperative spirit.  Our downtown TEAM has done just that over the years as we continually reach our goals and dreams. The membership has grown much beyond our dream since March.  I’m beginning my 10th year, as the Executive Director and it is exciting to see the accomplishments over the years ~ opportunities are endless.  Our downtown offers a diverse and a balanced mix of retail, professional and now residential space that makes us unique and unlike many other cities.

           Our organization is made up of a TEAM of volunteers, Committees and The Board of Directors who lead the Main Street work plan ~ they have a passion for preserving downtown and offer expertise that provides new opportunities for our community. We are funded by our MEMBERSHIP, The City of Vidalia & The Toombs County Board of Commissioners.                                                                                                      

           We have been entrusted with the mission to continue to educate our community, especially our youth, that downtown is our heritage and that small business owners are dependent on community support.  The youth are our leaders of tomorrow ~ we will be leaving the scene of action; our DREAM & GOALS must be continued. The efforts to revitalize downtown…positive attitudes, commitment, investments and teamwork have brought us to where we are today!

We are a TEAM – with a mission…Together Everyone Achieves More.

        2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Sandy Dixon~ Vice President: Ross Kelly ~ Treasurer: Val Holton ~ Secretary: Sherri Pfau ~ Pete Frost ~ Melissa Boyd ~ Carla Carpenter ~ Steven Dingler

Ex-Officio:

Vidalia City Council: Lisa Chesser ~ Toombs County Board of Commissioners: Buddy West ~ Toombs County Manager: Doug Eaves- ~ Toomb/Montgomery Chamber of Commerce: President Bill Mitchell ~ Vidalia Area Convention & Visitors Bureau: Executive Director Ingrid Varn ~ Seasoned Advisor to Board ~ Martha Horne