Economic Symposium a Success, Says Rhoades

Last week’s economic symposium in Royston is being hailed as a success.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and hosted by the City of Royston, Mainstreet Director Candy Rhoades said the event was an opportunity for local businesses as well as area municipal and county governments to learn more about funding options and other resources available to them.

Rhoades said about 90 people turned out during the three-hour event last Thursday at the Royston Housing Authority.

“We had so many people there at 10:30a we opened early,” she said. “We had 90 in attendance overall.

Rhoades said representatives from Franklin, Hart, Stephens, Elbert and Habersham counties and municipalities also came to get information. She said said most of the private citizens who attended were looking for information on how to start a new business or expand their farm operation.

“We had people interested in farm assistance, we had several there that were starting a business and we had vendors there who could talk with them about how to go about doing that,” Rhoades said.

About 15 vendors, including representatives from the USDA, Small Business Administration, and local banks were on hand to speak with attendees.

Rhoades said the regional representative from the USDA was also there and took time to tour downtown Royston with Rhoades.

“She was very pleased at the growth and to see that several buildings were being renovated and some new buildings being constructed,” she said. “She was very pleased to see the activity in our community.”

Rhoades said a similar USDA economic symposium is planned for later this fal in Middle Georgia.