Emancipation Day Celebration parade in Thomaston, Georgia, on 5-26-18. Thomaston's is the oldest celebration of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation in the country.

Thomaston is the place to be, thanks to Georgia EMC

After years of decline, people and businesses are returning to the new and improved Thomaston, GA

Snapshot Overview

Location: Thomaston, Georgia

Partner: Georgia EMC

Key Challenge: After the closure of local mills and factories, Thomaston and the surrounding Upson County faced the loss of thousands of jobs and subsequent population decline, vacant downtown storefronts, and weakened civic engagement.

The Narrative

Thomaston, the county seat of Upson County (county pop. 28,500), is located about 90 minutes south of Atlanta. After years of economic hardship following the closure of mills and factories, city leaders discovered Community Heart & Soul through the local electric cooperative. With coaching and support from Georgia EMC, Thomaston-Upson Heart & Soul engaged thousands of residents whose stories and ideas shaped 10 Heart & Soul value statements that continue to guide community development, local decision-making, and revitalization efforts today.

The Challenges

Challenge #1

Restoring community engagement:

Many residents felt disconnected from local decision-making and discouraged by years of decline, which weakened community engagement and optimism. The mill closures affected not only the local economy, but also the town’s identity and confidence.

Strategy:

With the support of a Community Heart & Soul coach from Georgia EMC, local volunteers and leaders engaged more than 6,700 residents through public events, story circles, a traveling chalkboard and virtual conversations that invited people from all backgrounds to share what they loved most about Thomaston and what they wanted for its future. The area now enjoys the benefits of increased volunteerism and celebrates achievements with a new Unsung Hero Awards tradition.

Thomaston-Upson Community Heart & Soul, Thomaston Up On The Square image

Challenge #2

Downtown revitalization:

Thomaston grappled with vacant storefronts, run-down lots, and population loss. The downtown struggled to attract new businesses and investment, contributing to a visible sense of decline.

Strategy:

Through Community Heart & Soul, residents identified priorities such as preserving small town character, creating welcoming public spaces, supporting small businesses, and building a more vibrant downtown experience. Those priorities were translated into Heart & Soul value statements that now guide redevelopment decisions, community programming, beautification efforts, and investments in downtown spaces.

Challenge #3

Economic development:

In the early 2000s, two mills, one in operation since the late 1800s, and the Yamaha Piano Manufacturing plant shuttered operations. These closings resulted in the devastating loss of nearly 5,000 local jobs and subsequent population and local business decline.

Strategy:

Using the resident-driven value statements and a list of 20 action items, work began on attracting business, families and visitors back to Thomaston. Among the priorities identified by residents are the creation of a downtown farmers market, recruitment of national chains, incentives for businesses that offer new entertainment options, more community events and upkeep of downtown facades and historic buildings.

Group photo at the Georgia State Capitol with the Thomaston Upson Community Heart & Soul team to celebrate Community Heart & Soul Day

The Result

With support from Georgia EMC and local partner Upson EMC, the Community Heart & Soul process helped drive major revitalization efforts in Thomaston and Upson County. In a few years downtown vacancy rates have been cut in half, two dozen façade improvement grants have leveraged more than $400,000 in building improvements, and more than $30 million in public and private investment has been made in downtown Thomaston. Projects completed or underway include a new open-air farmers market and community gathering space, expanded walking and biking trails, downtown beautification efforts, and enhanced festivals and community events. Just as importantly, the process has strengthened collaboration among residents, local government, businesses, and community organizations, creating a stronger foundation for continued resident-driven growth and economic investment.

Thoughts From Our Partner

“Upson EMC is delighted to be a part of Thomaston-Upson Community Heart & Soul. We view our organization as a key partner in the community, and this unique program offers a way for us to work together with residents to engage everyone, recognize our strengths and achieve positive change.”
— Neal trice, Upson EMC President/ceo