The May meeting of the Gray Downtown Development Authority started with a presentation of a company also working to help downtown businesses.
The May 11 meeting was called to order by DDA Chairman Sherri Rollins. The agenda began with a brief finance report.
Rollins said finances were within budget, and Butler Hall was doing well.
Greg Mullis, general manager of Tri-Co Go, was next on the agenda. He spoke to board members about the progress of Tri-Co Go in downtown Gray. He said they have been able to serve downtown businesses for about three months, which was something that people had requested.
Mullis said he would like to have an event soon to show what the company is doing.
“We can serve any downtown business,” he said.
He added that the crews installing the fiber lived in Gray for three months and used a method called stitch boring that is less visible.
“It good to be able to serve where we originally didn’t think we could.”
The manager introduced Tri-Co Go Business Development Representative Haley Bates. The representative gave a quick overview of rates, which varied with capacity.
Mullis said Tri-Co Go specializes in helping small businesses get their calls where they need to go.
“We can make two employees look like a Fortune 500 Company,” he said.
The director said Tri-Co Go takes pride in its customer service.
He said the company has the Morris Bank Recreation Center covered with WIFI via access points that are connected by scanning QR codes.
He added that same coverage is available at all county parks.
Rollins commented that fiber is a lifeline for downtown businesses.
Back to the agenda
The chairman gave an update of progress for 104 Eatonton Hwy. She said the hole for the door and the door would be installed this week, but the EPD is coming back for another check.
Rollins said it could be a few nights before the next step is taken for the business.
Main Street Manager Ashley Roberson reported five more dates were booked for Butler Hall events since the last meeting. She said five dates are scheduled in May and three for June.
Roberson said April’s strategic planning session went great, and she’s received the reports from the session.
That included mission and vision statements and guiding principles.
The manager said the Spring Festival was a success despite the rain that held up the final concert. She also said she would like to have a fundraiser for Mainstreet.
With no more business, the meeting was adjourned to closed session to discuss leases.
The next meeting of the DDA is June 8.
