July 2019
South Georgia Insider
Cover photo by  grigoryanfoodstudio.com
Fire up the grill! Grady Ranch is the cover story in the spring/summer issue of South Georgia Business + Culture Magazine.
Covering South Georgia from manufacturing to rural prosperity and downtown revitalization to a taste of southern classics. Full magazine online at sgamag.com
What’s for dinner? The summer months are the perfect time to fire up the grill, and though the U.S. beef market has experienced a sales decline in the past decade, Americans still consume approximately 58 pounds of meat per capita. 

A food trend that continues to emerge is the growing preference for grass-fed beef. According to Nielsen data, retail sales of labeled grass-fed beef went from $17 million in 2012 to $272 million in 2016. 

The jump in preference to grass-fed beef is good news for Grady Ranch, a fourth-generation farm located near Whigham, a small Southwest Georgia community in Grady County. READ MORE
 
Across the United States, the topic of rural prosperity is an emotionally charged debate, as rural communities often feel left behind in the urban-rural economic divide.
 
Though the issues are complex, and each town is unique, rural communities share similar challenges including loss of population, insufficient access to healthcare, limited educational resources, inadequate infrastructure (broadband connectivity), slow job growth, and an expanding level of poverty.
 
With 159 counties in Georgia, approximately 88 percent are considered rural; and 26 percent of Georgians live outside urban areas.
Tyler Thomas, co-owner and chef at
The American in Bainbridge

Relatively new to Southwest Georgia's culinary scene, The American, located in Downtown Bainbridge, is quickly gaining the attention of avowed foodies. Case in point, Georgia's "100 Plates Locals Love" named The American's Heirloom Tomato Pie to its coveted list of food favorites. The pie, which is made in a cast ironed skillet, features blended cheeses and heirloom tomatoes baked in a flakey crust.

For owners Tyler and Heather Thomas, the accomplishment of opening a restaurant was years in the making. While living in Tallahassee, the couple made a happenstance visit to Bainbridge, which put their dream of opening a restaurant in motion.  READ MORE
The American's Cornbread Fried Chicken gives a twist on a southern classic.
The American's Heirloom Tomato Pie was named a Georgia "100 Plates Locals Love."
Downtown Revitalization
Amanda Glover, executive director of the Bainbridge DDA

Another “sold” sign pops up, adding to the growing list of businesses eager to be a part the revitalization in downtown Bainbridge.

Amanda Glover, executive director of the Bainbridge Downtown Development Authority (DDA) says the recent surge in real estate activity is due in large part to the city’s designation as a Georgia Rural Zone, which provides tax credits for economic growth in the downtown area. READ MORE
Adel Mayor L.L. "Buddy" Duke III, City Manager John Flythe, and DDA Director Brandie Dame.
 
Once a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, small downtowns across America are struggling to find a new normal. While the Main Street revitalization movement has ignited hundreds of small towns, many are still in need of an awakening.
 
For the small community of Adel, located off I-75 between Tifton and Valdosta, the time for change has arrived.  READ MORE
Business Spotlight
South Georgia Insider

The "South Georgia Insider" is a monthly e-newsletter that promotes the region's business climate, economic growth, and cultural visibility.

Submit company and community news, expanding or new industry announcements, job announcements and promotions, corporate awards, professional recognitions, and business related events. Submissions are accepted for individuals or businesses located in South Georgia. Email information and related photos to editor@sgamag.com.
Email editor@sgamag.com to have your company featured as a Business Spotlight in the South Georgia Insider.
Dana Williams, Colony Bank
The time is right for the big move. Though the housing market has seen its share of ups and downs, owning a home remains the American Dream for most adults.
 
A decade after the housing market collapsed, which impacted millions of homeowners, there was a shift in U.S. households to move toward renting instead of buying.
 
According to a Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau housing data, while the total number of households in the U.S. grew by 7.6 million between 2006 and 2016, the number of people owning their home remained relatively flat, in large part due to the continual effects of the housing crisis.

Dana Williams, mortgage originator with Colony Bank in Valdosta, says now is an excellent time to buy a home in Lowndes County.   READ MORE
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