Paula Toole
Executive Director, Downtown Vidalia Association

Downtown

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 is underway 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, to be coordinated with the one-way pair project.  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 mid 1980’s.  A Main Street program was organized throughout the State and National Trust, in an effort to revitalize downtowns in small cities. Our founding fathers worked together to provide the State designation of Vidalia Main Street city in 1989.  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 and supporters. 

Membership is a key component of our success…it isn’t just about generating dollars, it is about being able to deliver specific benefits to small businesses and/or just citizens that recognizes the importance of the organization throughout the community, not just downtown. As a TEAM, we are creating an atmosphere of special worth that comes with being a member of DVA “Main Street”, combined with the benefits.  The power of the organization itself allows us to tap into resources for marketing and advertising of small business.  Our goal is for everyone within our city to think, “How can I “not be” a member of this productive organization.  MEMBERSHIP isn’t confined to only downtown business/property owners; it is open to anyone who appreciates the services we provide as well as the numerous events organized by our *Promotions Committee.

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 is currently under renovation and will be an asset to 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 and marketing 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 to ensure stability for downtown.  The membership has grown much beyond our dream since March.  I’m beginning my 8^th year, as the Executive Director of this great organization, 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 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 which enables us to achieve our goals...there is harmony and a concerted effort to create economic development for the Sweet Onion City.                                                                                                                       

 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.

I encourage you to support the downtown efforts…if you aren’t a member and would like to partner with us, we invite you to become a member and a volunteer so that we may continue the events and long term goals we have planned for the future.

Toombs County is my home, where I was reared…I’ve reared my children here!  I want my grandchildren to be a part of the community and have pride in their heritage and help carry on these DREAMS.

~Paula Toole Executive Director Vidalia Downtown Association