City of Bainbridge, Georgia: May 2011

In honor of Historic Preservation Month, the Downtown Development Authority and Bainbridge Main Street held an Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, May 24 to honor downtown businesses. A large crowd gathered in Willis Park to say “thank you” to the businesses that have become cornerstones in Downtown Bainbridge.

Mayor Edward Reynolds welcomed the crowd and presented certificates to businesses who received Façade Grants from the Downtown Development Authority from 2009 to 2011. One of the many goals of the Downtown Development Authority is to encourage reinvestment in the Main Street Business District. One way they do this is to offer merchants grants of up to $1500 to work on their facades. The businesses that have applied for and received Façade Grants since 2009 are Airgas Test, LLC, Cleveland and Robbins, Sweet’s Barber and Beauty Shop, The Bon Air Hotel and The Hairworks.

Main Street Manager Dit Albritton recognizes Facade Grant recipient Sweet's Barber and Beauty Shop

Community Development Director Amanda Glover then recognized downtown’s Cornerstone Businesses, those that have been in Downtown Bainbridge for 25 years or more. While some of these businesses may have changed ownership or locations over the years, they have invested in Downtown Bainbridge and become a staple in the lives of the citizens of Bainbridge. Sixteen businesses were recognized, including Alderman’s (56 years), Cox-Ware Funeral Home (85 years), Edwin J. Perry III, Attorney At Law (37 years), Edward Jones Investment (27 years), Isaacs Bakery & Deli, Inc. (84 years), Jake’s Pawn Shop (63 years), James Conger, Attorney (32 years), Janet’s Fabrics (33 years), Jerry Maxwell, CPA (32 years), Jim’s Style Center (43 years), Joe’s Barber Shop (37 years), Kres Jewelers (62 years), Reeves Linens & Gifts (39 years), Sweet’s Barber and Beauty Shop (44 years), The Money Tree (39 years) and Young Fashion (29 years).