When you visit a town with a personality like Tifton, it’s hard not to experience love at first sight. Whether it’s building community or welcoming and supporting small businesses, this town has its heart set on being one of the most welcoming cities in the state.
Known as the friendly city, Tifton and its leaders strive for business-friendly policies and practices to foster economic development.
The popular saying “bigger is better” couldn’t be farther from the truth for this town that operates like a family. As you take a stroll through downtown, affectionately referred to as the living room of the community, you’ll notice the emphasis on local businesses.
“Our small businesses are what makes this community what it is, and it makes it grow…so we love our industries, and we love our large chain businesses, but our small businesses are the heart of our community,” explained Melody Cowart, President & CEO Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce.
The love for local business in Tifton doesn’t stop at ensuring resources are easily accessible; it runs through the culture of the town’s citizens as well. When COVID-19 disrupted the lives of many, including Gray Ghost Comics co-owners Scott Beasley and Andrew Elder, the town made sure to do their part in keeping their business afloat.
“During COVID, we couldn't be open, of course, but we had people that were saying, ‘hey, what can we buy? What can we do?’ They want to keep us going. I don't think that many people can say that for their business. They wanted to make sure we succeeded during that tough time,” Beasley shared. Learn more about the Gray Ghost Comics and the importance of “third-places” here.
As Georgia’s small and rural communities continue to look for sustainable ways to strengthen their local economies, Tifton understands that entrepreneurship stands out as a powerful driver of growth. As Georgia Power’s Scott Purvis puts it, “Entrepreneurship is a vital part of their overall economic development strategy. It is the best way to grow your economy from within.”