Emerging Leaders Discuss the 5-year plan for Downtown Decatur

Executive Director Kelly Thomas of the Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority spoke to the Chamber's Emerging Leaders young professionals development class on April 6, at the Chamber's Contractor Service & Fabrication Board Room. Thomas discussed with the group the 5-year plan for downtown called "Forward Decatur".

In the plan, DDRA has two project areas selected as the highest priority: Beautification of the 6th Avenue Gateway between the river bridge and Delano Park by adding more landscaping, repairing sidewalks and moving power underground and the development of Downtown Commons which is a 7.4 acre site located west of downtown.

The end of the luncheon provided an opportunity for a question and answers session where Thomas was able to get input on the growth downtown from the attendees.

This Emerging Leaders series was made possible by Presenting Sponsor Stovall Marks Insurance and Supporting Sponsor Morgan County Association of REALTORS®. The luncheon provides the opportunity for anyone 20-40 years old to grow as a leader and network with other young professionals in the area.

At the next Emerging Leaders young professional development event on June 1, Executive Director John Joseph of the Decatur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center will provide an exciting update on how the Best & Brightest Initiative is now partnering with Decatur Morgan Hospital and Decatur City Schools to explore ways to recruit more nurses and teachers.