Hammons Receives Georgia Downtown Development Professional Designation

(September 9, 2014 - Atlanta, Ga.)  Cail Hammons has successfully completed the Georgia Downtown Association’s Professional Development level two review, and as a result has received the designation of Senior Georgia Downtown Development Professional.  The 2014 Downtown Development Professional designees were recently recognized at the Awards for Downtown Excellence Ceremony held during the Annual Georgia Downtown Conference in Decatur, Georgia.

In order to be eligible for the level two review, a candidate must have: at least five years of experience in the field of downtown development; 120 hours of documented training class time in downtown development; fifteen hours of service as a trainer in various downtown-related topics; and five letters of recommendation.  In addition, the candidate must document programmatic success through a written and oral presentation of a case study and pass a written exam.

“The Senior Georgia Downtown Development Professional has demonstrated proficiency in the application of critical knowledge, skills, and tools in the professional practice of downtown development in Georgia”, said Ann Arnold, Chair of the Professional Development Program. “The Georgia Downtown Development Professional Program distinguishes downtown managers who have reached a milestone of professional success in Georgia and who are committed to continuing professional growth.”   

The professional development program designates three levels of professional success, each requiring and recognizing more professional success than the preceding level.  The program has been endorsed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the University of Georgia’s Fanning Institute.  

Hammons was hired by the city of Greensboro in 2006 as the Better Hometown Program Manager.  During her time as city staff she has helped to identify and secure grant funding for city projects, overseen the development of Greensboro’s business recruitment and incentives package, managed the redevelopment of Greensboro’s Festival Hall, and served as a liaison between the downtown business community and the city.  In January 2014, Hammons was reassigned to the role of Community Development Director where her efforts have focused on developing neighborhood revitalization strategies for the city. 

The Downtown Professional Development Program is organized by the Georgia Downtown Association (GDA). GDA is a non-profit association that promotes the economic redevelopment of Georgia's traditional downtowns. Through advocacy, education and marketing, GDA works to focus the public's attention on the value of downtown. GDA is an independent association that supports both public and private sector efforts targeted at enhancing Georgia's downtowns.
 
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Media Contact:

Chris Higdon
Georgia Municipal Association
678-651-1018
chigdon@gmanet.com