FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 12, 2025
TIFTON, Ga. – Downtown Tifton’s Main Street Program held a ribbon cutting in celebration of 8 years of being a Georgia Exceptional Main Street Community (GEMS) on September 11, 2025.
Community leaders, stakeholders, visionaries and Tifton-lovers gathered Thursday afternoon as the GEMS sign was hung and the ribbon was cut.
In the state of Georgia, there are 20 GEMS communities, with Tifton representing one of them. GEMS represent some of the state's most vibrant downtown districts. These designated cities have demonstrated an exceptionally positive impact in their communities as measured by the Monthly Reporting and the Annual Assessment Process.
Downtown Tifton’s Main Street Manager, Hillery Culpepper, reflects, “Being recognized as a GEMS community truly is an honor as it showcases the great things Downtown Tifton is accomplishing. We truly are thankful for all the hands that have come together to help us reach and maintain this level of achievement for the last 8 years.” Hillery adds, “Now, it is time for us to showcase and celebrate this honor.”
Along with the sign used in the ribbon cutting ceremony, three other signs will be placed throughout the entrances and key locations of Tifton’s Downtown district for community members, visitors, and local friends to see.
Downtown Tifton’s Main Street Program was established in 1980, as one of the original pilot state coordinating programs, and is a part of the Georgia Main Street Program. The goal of Georgia’s Main Street Program is to revitalize historic downtowns and commercial districts by fostering economic development, historic preservation, and community engagement. Downtown Tifton achieves this through a comprehensive approach that includes promoting local businesses, attracting investment, and enhancing the overall character of the area. To learn more about Downtown Tifton, please visit downtowntifton.com.
###
Download the full release here: /DocumentCenter/View/2004