Small Business Saturday coming November 30

We all know about Black Friday. And there’s even Cyber Monday.  But Downtown Greensboro is most excited about Small Business Saturday, the day we all shop small and support small business around the country.

Small Business Saturday is November 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and it is quickly becoming one of the biggest shopping days of the year for small business.

“Small Business Saturday is a national promotion spearheaded by American Express,” explains Greensboro Main Street Director, Cail Hammons.  “The movement has carved out a niche for small businesses in the busy opening weekend of holiday shopping, and Greensboro is happy to take part in the excitement.” 

Small Businesses Saturday encourages consumers to go out and celebrate small businesses in force. This helps local entrepreneurs offer more jobs, which in turn invigorates the economy. Shoppers go out and support their favorite small business and search for savings on unique merchandise while experiencing spectacular service – a cornerstone of many small businesses.

Consumers are a key part in helping small businesses thrive. By shopping or dining at a small business throughout the year, you’re showing your support for all the small businesses in your neighborhood and reinvesting in the community you call home. 

American Express cardholders can even register for a one-time $10 statement credit when you shop during Small Business Saturday.

“Greensboro is a terrific place to shop year-round,” says Hammons. “But our shop owners are especially looking forward to showing off Greensboro’s famous small town service to our customers this holiday season.”

For more information about Small Business Saturday visit www.shopsmall.com.  For more information about Greensboro’s plans for the holidays visit www.GreensboroHoliday.com.

Greensboro Team Attends Workshop In Rome, Ga

Ten members of the Greensboro Community Housing Team attended a housing workshop in Rome, Georgia as part of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH).  Greensboro was accepted into the state’s GICH program in 2012 and has successfully completed its first year of participation. 

The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing is a three-year program that provides technical assistance and collaboration for communities as they work towards neighborhood revitalization.  The GICH program is presented by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the University of Georgia, the Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia Power, and Georgia EMC.

"Our Greensboro team has learned a great deal about neighborhood revitalization through the GICH program," explains housing team member and Better Hometown director Cail Hammons.  "We are off to a great start in the GICH program."

Greensboro’s Housing Team has worked to conduct neighborhood clean ups, complete a volunteer-led housing assessment, increase public communication, and intensify code enforcement efforts.  In addition the team has provided leadership and public input on the city’s latest Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award of $500,000 for water line improvements in the Mill Village neighborhood.

If you are interested in learning more about the Greensboro Housing Team or in receiving assistance for your neighborhood, please contact Annie Grant at Greensboro City Hall at (706) 453-7967 or complete an online interest form at www.greensborocommunityhousing.com 

The Greensboro Community Housing Team was formed in 2012 to address housing challenges within the city of Greensboro.  The team is made up of volunteers from across the community and seeks to improve housing conditions in Greensboro with technical assistance from the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing.

Audience Delighted by Live Music 

(Greensboro, Ga. – July 1, 2013) Despite the weather forecast on June 28, a record crowd attended the second annual Pickin’ on the Greene.  

Just as the road closures began that afternoon, the dark clouds rolled into Greensboro with the idea of heavy rain, thunder and lightening. However, just as the event started the skies began to clear and the music began filling the streets of downtown.

People from near and far drove to Greensboro, Ga. to enjoy music by local favorite, Pullin’ Strings and Dahlonega natives, The Fiddleheads. The courthouse lawn and most of North Main Street were filled with people who came out to see a great performance.

“It is really a wonderful thing when the local community bears the threat of bad weather to come support a local event” states Kendrick Harris, Event Coordinator for the Greensboro Better Hometown program. “I was thrilled with the turnout and believe this event will continue to be a summer favorite for the residents of Greene county and other surrounding areas.”

Pullin’ Strings kicked off the entertainment line-up for Pickin’ on the Greene at 7pm. The band’s music spans different genres, such as folk, bluegrass, rock, country and gospel. The group is made up of Marvin Payne, Sibley Bryan, Brian Doty and Robert Lewis, who all live, work and play in Greene County.

The Fiddleheads are based out of Dahlonega, Ga. and blends bluegrass and urban sound, which entertained the crowd with great music and unique cover songs. The band found national acclaim as contestants on the hit reality show, America’s Got Talent.

“The Fiddleheads delighted the audience for a solid two hours,” comments Harris. “I believe their younger style was a fresh look at today’s bluegrass music.”

In addition to the great live music, Pickin’ on the Greene highlighted area community and non-profit groups. The Circle of Friends Humane Society brought dogs up for adoption, 4-H had a bake sale, Relay for Life had a “make your own” trail mix bar, Liberty United Methodist Ladies sold homemade ice cream and Christ City of Faith had barbecue ribs and chicken.

“We have outstanding charities and community groups that help make Greensboro a vibrant city,” adds Harris. “I was glad Greensboro could showcase some of our wonderful local organizations. “

This was also the first year Pickin’ on the Greene had a T-shirts for sale and a cash bar outside of Festival Hall. T-shirts sold for $15 the night of the event and if you didn’t get a chance to pick up an event T-shirt they are still available in the Chamber of Commerce for a limited time.

Greensboro Better Hometown and the Downtown Merchants would like to thank DOCK 103.9 and Lake Country 94.7 for supporting Pickin’ on the Greene.

Up next for downtown Greensboro is the 6th Annual Back to School Bash on August 3.  For more information, please visit www.greeneb2sb.weebly.com.

(Greensboro, Ga. – June 21, 2013) Gather your family, friends and neighbors for a toe-tapping good time in Downtown Greensboro this Friday.  The Greensboro Better Hometown Program in partnership with the Greensboro Business Association will present Pickin’ on the Greene from 7-10 pm on Friday, June 28 in the streets of Downtown Greensboro.  Don’t miss this free family friendly event!

Pickin’ on the Greene is the newest event in downtown’s line-up.  The free family-friendly event will feature live entertainment by The Fiddleheads and special guest Pullin’ Strings in North Main Street along with children’s activities, tractor pulled hay ride, official Pickin’ on the Greene T-Shirts, festival food and of course shopping and dining; all set against the backdrop of Lake Oconee’s Hometown.

Pullin’ Strings will kick off the entertainment line-up for Pickin’ on the Greene at 7pm. The band’s music spans different genres, such as folk, bluegrass, rock, country and gospel. The group is made up of Marvin Payne, Sibley Bryan, Brian Doty and Robert Lewis who all live, work and play in Greene County.

“I am excited to participate in Pickin’ on the Greene again this year,” remarks Marvin Payne, doghouse bass player for Pullin’ Stings. “ It is a great community event with lots of activity and great music!”

The Fiddleheads are a group of bluegrass-inspired, genre-crossing musicians from Dahlonega, Georgia. The band began in 2009 and wows audiences with their renditions of traditional bluegrass ballads, modern rock, and songs from the pinnacle of 80′s pop music.

In 2011, The Fiddleheads performed for millions of people on America’s Got Talent TV show and made it all the way to the quarterfinals with their version of “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. 

“The Fiddleheads are sure to put on a lively show for Greensboro,” comments Better Hometown Event Coordinator Kendrick Harris. “Their take on popular music turned bluegrass is a lot of fun. They are upbeat and great entertainment for people of all ages.”

In addition to great live music, Pickin’ on the Greene will highlight area community and non-profit groups.  Several groups will be around selling great items.  Christ City of Faith will have a booth selling great BBQ, Greene County 4-H will have wonderful baked goodies, and Liberty United Methodist Church will be selling homemade ice cream.  Also expect to see Paw Paw’s peanuts selling boiled and roasted peanuts and Cool Treats selling popsicles and shaved iced.  Circle of Friends Animal Society will have pet items for sell as well as their pet adoption. There will also be an old fashion hayride for kids and adults alike.  In addition, Festival Hall will provide a cash bar for the evening on its outdoor plaza.

“We have outstanding charities and community groups that help make Greensboro a vibrant city,” adds Harris. “One goal for the event is to showcase local non-profit organizations as vendors. “

New this year is official Pickin’ on the Greene merchandise! This year we will have shirts for sell for only $15! Stop by our tent to receive your official Pickin' on the Greene shirt.

Also, be sure to check out our local merchants in the official Pickin’ on the Greene shirt. Many merchants will be open late, such as, Traditions Old and New, Genuine Georgia, Main Street Café, Los Torres Mexican grill, The Yesterday Café, Dreamcatchers Antiques, and many others.

Pickin’ on the Greene is a free community event that you will not want to miss! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy live music, great food from community organizations, and relax with your friends, family and neighbors, all in Lake Oconee’s Hometown.

Greensboro Better Hometown and the Downtown Merchants would like to thank DOCK 103.9 and Lake County 94.7 for their continued support for Pickin’ on the Greene.

For more information about Pickin’ on the Greene, please contact the Greensboro Better Hometown Office at (706) 453-7674.   Pickin’ on the Greene is online!  Search for DowntownGreensboroGA to find our Facebook page and keep up with all of the latest updates from Lake Oconee’s Hometown.

Pullin' Strings Excited to Perform June 28

(Greensboro, GA-June 13, 2013) For the local musicians who make up Pullin’ Strings, sharing the stage with the Dahlonega band The Fidlleheads, is sure to be a fun time. 

For those of us in Georgia’s Lake Country looking for a toe-tappin’ good time, it is an evening in Downtown Greensboro that you simply will not want to miss!

Greensboro’s second annual Pickin’ on the Greene will take place from 7-10 pm on Friday, June 28 with headliner The Fiddleheads and special guest Pullin’ Strings.  The free event will showcase historic downtown Greensboro as Americana and Bluegrass tunes fill Main Street.

Dahlonega-based The Fiddleheads band is widely known for their appearance on “America’s Got Talent” TV show.  The band is known for their bluegrass rendition of Brittney Spear’s “Toxic” as well as other well-known current pop, 80’s and 90’s songs turned bluegrass.

Opening for The Fiddleheads is local favorite Americana group, Pullin’ Strings. 

“We are humbled to have the opportunity to play at ‘Pickin’ on the Greene’ again,” remarks Sibley Bryan, five-string banjo player for Pullin’ Stings. “It is a great community event that draws the local community as well as people from neighboring communities to downtown Greensboro.”

Pullin’ Strings will kick off the entertainment line-up for Pickin’ on the Greene.  The band’s music spans different genres, such as folk, bluegrass, rock, country and gospel. The group is made up of Marvin Payne, Sibley Bryan, Brian Doty and Robert Lewis who all live, work and play in Greene County.

In addition to great live music, Pickin’ on the Greene will highlight area community groups and non-profits.  The 4-H will be selling baked goods and PawPaw’s Peanuts will be on hand selling everyone’s favorites such as boiled peanuts.  In addition, Festival Hall will provide a cash bar for the evening on its outdoor plaza.

Local groups can register to participate in the event by contacting the Greensboro Better Hometown Office, 706-453-7674

“We hope to see the whole community out for this event,” says Robert Lewis, lead vocals and rhythmic guitar for Pullin’ Strings.  “We think this is a night in downtown that our friends and neighbors will really enjoy!”

For more information about Pickin’ on the Greene or to register an organization to participate please contact the Greensboro Better Hometown Office at (706) 453-7674.

(Greensboro, GA-June 9, 2013) All Greene County community organizations are invited to be a part of Downtown Greensboro’s summer event, “Pickin’ on the Greene”.

Greensboro’s second annual “Pickin’ on the Greene” will take place from 7-10 pm on Friday, June 28 with headliner The Fiddleheads and special guest Pullin’ Strings.  The free event will showcase historic downtown Greensboro as Americana and Bluegrass tunes fill Main Street.

The Better Hometown program would like to extend the opportunity for community organizations to be involved in the event.  Vendors are encouraged to sell food items or offer children’s activities.

“We have outstanding charities and community groups that help make Greensboro a vibrant city,” adds Better Hometown Event Coordinator, Kendrick Harris. “One goal for the event is to showcase local non-profit organizations as vendors. “

Several groups are already slated to participate.  PaPa’s Peanuts will be on hand selling boiled and roasted peanuts. Circle of Friends Animal Society will have pet items for sell as well as their pet adoption. In addition, Festival Hall will provide a cash bar for the evening on its outdoor plaza.

The "Pickin’ on the Greene" planning committee still needs organizations to sell hamburgers and hotdogs, sponsor a jump house for the event, sell ice cream or other festival food like fresh lemonade or baked goods, and offer family-friendly event activities. Local groups can register to participate in the event by contacting the Greensboro Better Hometown Office.  There are no fees for vendor spaces, only a charge for electricity.

“Our hope is that local groups and non-profits can benefit from this downtown event,” explains Harris.  “This is a wonderful opportunity for community organizations to raise funds.”

For more information about “Pickin’ on the Greene” or to register an organization to participate please contact the Greensboro Better Hometown Office at (706) 453-7674 or email at kharris@greensboroga.gov.

(May 24, 2013 – Greensboro, Ga.)  The Greensboro Community Housing Team is working to collect information about the city’s residential areas as part of its housing assessment project.  The neighborhood survey will help to determine how much of the city's available housing is in need of maintenance or repairs.  

"Completing a housing assessment is an important first step in improving the city's residential areas," explains housing team member and Better Hometown director Cail Hammons.  "The baseline data that we collect will be helpful as the housing team works to obtain funding from grants or donations."

Volunteers from the Greensboro Housing Team will visually assess properties from the public right of way and note the condition of residential lots and structures across the city.  Housing team members will not access private property or interview property owners.

The team is also hoping to collect information from property owners who are interested in receiving assistance in making needed repairs or maintenance to their homes.  

"As the housing team's efforts grow we hope to be able to connect home owners with the resources they need to improve their property," explains Hammons.  "We are currently working to determine what kind of needs exist and who might be interested in receiving help."  

If you are interested in registering your home for future assistance or volunteer programs offered by the Greensboro Housing Team, please contact Annie Grant at Greensboro City Hall at (706) 453-7967 or complete an online interest form at www.greensborocommunityhousing.com  

The Greensboro Community Housing Team was formed in 2012 to address housing challenges within the city of Greensboro.  The team is made up of volunteers from across the community and seeks to improve housing conditions in Greensboro with technical assistance from the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing.

(April 8, 2013 – Greensboro, Ga.)  The Greensboro City Council recognized volunteers who assisted with the city’s annual Clean Up Day at is regular meeting on Monday, April 1, 2013.

Volunteers from across the community canvased the city picking up trash in an effort to help improve Greensboro’s residential neighborhoods during the city’s annual Clean Up Day.  The city council expressed it appreciation to the volunteers for their efforts to beautify the city and to the Greensboro Community Housing Team for taking the lead in organizing Clean Up activities across Greensboro.

Greensboro’s new Community Housing Team built on the annual city-wide Clean Up Day to offer organized Clean Up activities in Mill Village, the Railroad Neighborhood,  and other areas throughout Greensboro.  Volunteer teams used trash bags provided by the city to pick up and bag litter.  The collected trash was later picked up and disposed of by city workers. 

Volunteer Led Clean-ups Take Place Across the City

Greensboro’s new Community Housing Team is leading the way in cleaning up the city.  The team took the lead in the city’s annual Clean Up Day that took place over last weekend.

Greensboro’s city-wide clean up is an annual event that offers citizens an opportunity to dispose of general trash and debris.  The Community Housing Team built on this effort with organized Clean Ups in the Mill Village and other areas throughout Greensboro.  Volunteer teams used trash bags provided by the city to pick up and bag litter.  The collected trash was later picked up and disposed of by city workers. 

Greensboro’s Public Housing Director, Robert Motley took the lead on beautifying Greensboro’s public housing and the surrounding areas. 

“We got permission to clean up several abandoned lots around public housing,” explains Motley.  “These abandoned lots were littered with mattresses, trash and other junk and had a negative effect on the neighborhood as a whole.”

The Greensboro Business Association voted unanimously at its January meeting to donate $1,000 to support Festival Walk, Downtown Greensboro’s newest park.  The association’s support of Festival Walk will help with the finishing touches around the benches on the walkway.

The Greensboro Business Association (GBA) is an independent group of business owners. 

GBA membership is made up of business from within the city limits of Greensboro. The assocation works as a team to benefit the Greensboro business community and downtown Greensboro.