Gray Downtown Development Authority members celebrated the successful renovation of another property and subsequent new business during their August meeting.
DDA Chairman Sherri Rollins called the Aug. 12 meeting to order. The first agenda item was the finance report, and Rollins noted that Butler Hall’s numbers were still looking good. The report showed its revenue was over budget estimates with the busiest months ahead.
Rollins pointed out that August would be the last rental income from the East Clinton building. She said Gray City Council members would discuss the future of the building at their next committee meeting.
Ashley Roberson said the expenses of the renovation of 123 W. Clinton St. had been paid.
The chairman stated the remodeled building was amazing and one of the best the DDA had done.
“For such a small space, it turned out really nice,” she said. “The ice cream shop is doing great. Their business plan is working.”
Cone Crazy opened for business Aug. 3.
Roberson gave the update for Butler Hall and stated three new wedding packages had been sold and four events held since the last meeting. She said five events were scheduled for August and nine in September.
“Every Friday and Saturday are booked through the month of November,” she added.
Roberson commented that the landscaping at the venue looked good and continued to the marketing report. She talked about a free trial with on online wedding marketing company that had generated 12 leads in three weeks.
Roberson said the company had several options. Rollins said the exposure seemed good, and DDA members agreed by consensus to try the small package.
“It honestly surprised me how many leads we got,” Roberson said.
In her capacity as Main Street Gray director, Roberson said she would be attending the Georgia Downtown Conference in Thomaston at the end of the month. She said the conference is always interesting, and one of the best parts is the networking of ideas.
“I truly love sharing ideas with other Main Street directors,” she said.
Roberson reminded members that the Georgia Downtown Association would be stopping in Gray Sept. 17 for a meet up. She said they would gather at Butler Hall at 10 a.m., tour downtown and end with lunch.
In her chairman’s report, Rollins said the ice cream shop shows the amount of foot traffic that can be generated by a small business.
“Somehow the word is out that ‘Gray is booming,’” she said.
Roberson announced that the first branding session by Marketing 360 was scheduled Sept. 5 from 5-7 p.m. at Butler Hall. She said she spoke to Georgia Power, and the decorative light poles for West Clinton Street would hopefully be installed before Christmas.
Roberson said the Main Street Fall Festival date was Sept. 17.
The meeting was adjourned to go into closed session. The next Gray DDA meeting is scheduled Sept. 9.
