Rome celebrates 2021 wins for downtown businesses, activities
The Downtown Development Authority awards celebrated downtown Rome businesses and influencers for 2021 with the organizer of the Rome Shakespeare Festival, Gail Deschamps, receiving a special nod.
Deschamps was posthumously awarded the Quality of Life Award which was received by the festival’s artistic director Drew Davidson and executive director Julie McCluskey.
The Golden Nail Award for restorations and physical improvements went to Harry and Terri Pierce for their renovations at 324 Broad St., the new home of the Burkhalter Law Firm. Christie and Michael Meyer of Honeycream at 4 E. Third Ave. also shared the award.
Heather Seckman of the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority received the Volunteer of the Year Award.
Kevin Dillmon, owner of Blossom Hill BBQ and Burgers, 304 N. Fourth Ave. received the Economic Partnership Award.
“It doesn’t matter where you go (across the state) everybody is talking about Rome,” said City Commissioner Randy Quick, the liaison to the DDA.
DDA Director Aundi Lesley reported that there were 29 private rehab projects downtown this year and 18 new businesses.
The agency has been instrumental in the new, refreshed look of downtown and has been responsible for more than $24,000 in facade improvements over the past year.