Moultrie Scene January 2023 | Page 17

based on what they sell , it increases our sales tax , which provides money for the cities and for the counties to reinvest and things like roads and bridges and just the different services that the county and cities provide ,” Willis said .
Looking into the future , the officials envision continued growth in the county ’ s and downtown area ’ s economic development .
“ Every year it builds on itself ,” Johnson said . “ There was a time when events took precedence , but now the economic development has really taken off , and I believe that ’ s from the building blocks of building a strong downtown since 1989 . It ’ s an important place for the community to come together not only for events , but to do business as well .”
She concluded , “ We ’ re going to continue work on helping developers find the best incentives to do business here , on supporting our small businesses and making our events even bigger and better . All of that together will bring people here . It will bring new businesses and visitors .”
“ Every year it builds on itself . There was a time when events took precedence , but now the economic development has really taken off , and I believe that ’ s from the building blocks of building a strong downtown since 1989 . It ’ s an important place for the community to come together not only for events , but to do business as well .”
— Amy Johnson , City of Moultrie ’ s Downtown Economic Development and Public Relations director
Longhorn Steakhouse is under construction in late November on the corner of Highway 37 East and Veterans Parkway . Its opening is expected in 2023 . Photo by Kevin C . Hall
Harbor Freight opened its 48th Georgia store in October on Moultrie ’ s Veterans Parkway . Photo by Kevin C . Hall
JANUARY 2023 MoultrieScene 17