Brooks County Development Authority

County Development Authority Seeking Retail Marketing

Source: Quitman Free Press

Date Published: April 20, 2011

By: Bonnell Holmes, Editor

While industrial development remains the prime focus of the Development Authority, it is recognized community and retail development are essential to the overall viability of our county.

"We began working with Electric Cities of Georgia's (ECG) Community Development Team on available retail properties in Quitman. This effort began with Harvey's Food Lion group which resulted in the decision to construct a new building for the Harvey's grocery store. Along with the creation of a retail specific brochure available properties were submitted to two national retail chains," said Tina Herring, Brooks County Development Authority executive director.

To further this effort the Industrial Authority will be conducting a Franchise Opportunity Seminar in the near future. Several franchises have contacted Brooks County looking for investors/franchisees to locate within the community and have found Quitman is a prime location for many franchise opportunities specifically designated for small/rural communities. These franchises run anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on the requirements.

"Working closely with Destination Brooks and other state and local agencies we hope to revitalize the retail segment of Downtown Quitman as well.

We are also looking for small tracks of property along Highway 84 to submit to ECG's retail site database for consideration by potential retail prospects. If interested in submitting your property, contact the Brooks County Development Authority at (229) 263-9085," Herring said.