“A Proactive Approach in a Reactive Economy” JoAnne Lewis Executive Director Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Authority

“A Proactive Approach in a Reactive Economy” 1950s Ind 50s, Economic Development came to the forefront in Douglas-Coffee County - Committee of the Chamber, a young Mayor with gut and support from local Voters! Focus on Industrial Development – NOT retail. 1959 Georgia Constitution birth DCCIDA.

“A Proactive Approach in a Reactive Economy” 1980s 1970s 1st to build Spec Building 70s brought a new strategic focus on job growth. Jobs had come in 60, due to ID work in the 50s Partnerships had been formed with GDIT and GEDA Question came – What’s next to keep it going? Spec Building! Still Retail was not on the radar of DCCIDA; but soon it would due to flight of retail to strip centers. Retail Flight to Strip Centers!

“A Proactive Approach in a Reactive Economy” 1980s 80s broght a new focus of retail – it was called Main Street City, County and IDA partnered to fund MainStreet Program – tool to address retail growth Tool came in the form of downtown development (fill empty buildings) and historic preservation At the same time the community accepted the sprawl of business – growing retail jobs and business. MainStreet is still at work – preserving the core of Douglas – growing jobs and business. mainstreet

“A Proactive Approach in a Reactive Economy” 1990s Things we good! Retail continue to grow in strip centers and new shopping centers began to appear. We were investing in public infrastructure and private retailers were growing jobs and business. The Computer changed the way we communicate and GLOBAL ECONOMY became a buzz word! We were told the fight for jobs and business would change – And it did!

“A Proactive Approach in a Reactive Economy” Turn of the Century PARTNERships became more important that ever! The fight for jobs and business became intense Internet change the way we did business – more important change the way investors did business! MORE important that even for partnership - ECG Douglas-Coffee County IDA dba Douglas-Coffee EDA

“A Proactive Approach in a Reactive Economy” When our focus changed – so did our results - Industry told us we needed a new movie theater and business friendly hotel!

“A Proactive Approach in a Reactive Economy” It’s more than a name on a sign – it’s a face in your community. - When it comes to retail development, a 3rd party partner is critical to the process

“A Proactive Approach in a Reactive Economy” That’s why we depend on ECG!

“A Proactive Approach in a Reactive Economy”

“A Proactive Approach in a Reactive Economy” JoAnne Lewis Executive Director Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Authority