Cornelia has been chosen as one of only six communities
in Georgia to participate in Georgia Power’s Retail Ready pilot program, an initiative
designed to help communities attract new retail opportunities and strengthen
existing business districts.
Through the Retail Ready program, Cornelia will receive expert support from
Retail Strategies, a national consulting firm specializing in retail recruitment and
marketing analysis. The program includes an in-depth trade area analysis,
identification of the city’s strongest retail corridors, and a targeted strategy to
market Cornelia to potential retailers and developers.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Cornelia to showcase our community to
the retail industry,” said Community Development Director Jessie Owensby. “With
the help of Georgia Power and Retail Strategies, we’ll be able to position Cornelia as
a prime location for new investment, job creation, and expanded shopping
opportunities for residents.”
The pilot program also provides access to the Retail Academy in Birmingham,
Alabama, where community leaders will learn best practices for retail recruitment
and development. As part of the program, Cornelia will designate a single point of
contact for interested retailers, ensuring a streamlined process for inquiries and site
selection.
“We are proud to represent Northeast Georgia in this statewide effort and
look forward to welcoming new businesses to our growing community,” said
Owensby.
About Georgia Power’s Retail Ready Program
The Retail Ready pilot program is a Georgia Power initiative designed to strengthen
local economies by equipping communities with the tools, data, and strategies
needed to successfully recruit retail. Partnering with Retail Strategies, the program
combines market research, professional training, and relationship-building to help
cities thrive in today’s competitive retail environment.