DVA Brings Businesses Christmas Boost

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The Downtown Vidalia Association brought Christmas cheer to three downtown business owners on Thursday, December 7, as it presented each with a $1,500 Boost Grant.

The Boost Improvement Matching Grant Program comes from the Design & Economic Restructuring Committee and allows commercial tenants or property owners to receive reimbursements of 50% (not to exceed $1,500) of the cost for internal or external renovations of their facilities. The DVA gives these grants out several times a year to members who apply for the extra financial boost.

“I’m so happy to have the opportunity to help give downtown business owners a ‘boost’ through this grant program,” DVA Executive Director Tonya Parker remarked. “We have a beautiful downtown area, and this grant has done nothing but continue to make it better! The Boost grant is available exclusively to DVA members and serves to help maintain businesses within the area.”

Rand Brotman, Sherry Ann Dyal, and Edna Fisher Chambers were all presented with a ceremonial check by DVA members as they showcased the work which the grant helped fund.

Brotman used the grant to help renovate two commercial spaces along U.S. Highway 280 West and Church Street into retail areas and apartments. Two new businesses — Evie J Boutique and Hempocracy — are tenants of these areas, as the second floor spaces above the stores are apartments and are rented.

Dyal has been in business downtown for six years, and used the funding to install a new awning above her store, The Printed Word, which has not only helped to cool her store, but has also made her products more visible from the outside window.

Chambers, who has had her business, Edna’s Marketplace Boutique, in the downtown area for 23 years, used her Boost Grant to help with the cost of renovating her interior flooring which she said has provided an excellent facelift to the facility.

For more information on DVA membership or the Boost Grant, contact Parker at (912) 5378033.

REVAMPING THE INTERIOR – Edna’s Marketplace Boutique used the grant to renovate indoor flooring, which provided a nice update to the longtime business. L to R: Jenn Martinez, Brad Owens, Executive Director Tonya Parker, Vice President Wendi Cason, Tish Holland, Eric Smith, Cindy Reddick, and Edna Fisher Chambers.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

NEW AWNING – The Printed Word used its Boost Grant to help fund the installation of a new awning outside of the store. L to R: Cindy Reddick, Brad Owens, Executive Director Tonya Parker, Tish Holland, Jenn Martinez, Sherry Ann Dyal, and Vice President Wendi Cason.Photo by Makaylee Randolph