DDA Approves New Logo, Address
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has a new logo along with a new mailing address, as approved by board members during Monday’s regular meeting of the board.
Board members have been working on drafting a logo for the organization for months in an effort to rebrand the authority under new representation after being somewhat defunct for a few years. The logo as shown depicts the door structure that leads into the building from the backside entrance off Forsyth Street.
The door, forest green in color not to be confused with olive or hunter which were their other color choices, signifies the authority’s service to the community. That service is best described by the slogan printed within the logo—”Opening The Door To Opportunity.”
The completion of the logo process will aid in the continued branding of the organization as it can now be utilized for the authority’s official letterhead, website, and all other marketing tools.
In addition to the logo, authority members voted to approve the downstairs address of 351 South Forsyth Street as their new address so as to not conflict with The Shoppes of Monticello located at 139 West Washington. Of course it is not a new physical address but rather a change in the mailing address. The downstairs level was the former location of a business now relocated.
The downstairs area will also function as the Youth Advisory Council headquarters where the 15 youth recently inducted into the program will meet on the third Monday of each month to discuss and plan community projects. The designated area will also allow for the YAC activities to not interfere with The Shoppes daily operations, noted DDA Director Michele Celani.
In terms of branding the authority, Michelle Amarra of SCB Prodictions located in Henry County, was present Tuesday evening to provide authority members with information about content and marketing services offered by her company. She noted that the company offers a wide variety of services including photography, video production, social media, television advertising, website design, and billboard. Services can be tailored to individual specifications or combined in package deals ranging in cost from $150 per month upward.
Authority members also heard from David Thompson, chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission, who was there to offer his knowledge and assistance on any of the guidelines for historic preservation projects in the downtown area.
Candice Mock, a small business owner in Monticello, also spoke to authority members about developing some form of network that would support small business growth and engage the community. She said her main concern was how could new small businesses be expected to open and stay open if the current businesses can’t remain open.
Daniel Jeffries of Monticello introduced himself to the board as he is interested in filling the vacant seat on the authority left by the resignation of Amanda Edge. Mr. Jeffries is employed as a comptroller in Lithonia while being locally known as the “clock man.” His interest was bringing smart growth to Jasper.
County Commission Chairman Bruce Henry was present at the meeting and he spoke about a local group of citizens planning a trash pickup day for February 27. He said they plan to meet on the Square at 8:30 a.m. and disperse throughout the county.
The Shoppes of Monticello Director Wanda Cummings reported that the community continues to be complimentary of the venue. She reported that January and February have been slow which is typical after the holiday season. It was also reported that a Facebook campaign is in progress and that eight new vendors joined The Shoppes in January and that a waiting list is in place.
DDA Director Celani’s update included a tour of home and gardens planned for May 8 is still in the process. The authority’s new website is currently up and running; presentation of the art designs are to be revealed to the HPC this month; and the Funderburg Park Art Committee is in the process of being composed.
Other action included the approval of the work contract for Tamara Haase to complete the Welcome Mural; convert lights in The Shoppes to LED; pursue the NEGRC bikeway/pedestrian grant; proceed to construct a wall in the DDA office until the doors can be reconstructed; voted to utilize Microsoft Teams for committee meetings; remove DDA Chairman Wendell Yoder from all authority committees; and proceed with a marketing survey.
