RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WSAV) — News 3 spoke with Richmond Hill Mayor Russ Carpenter about the city’s future and how it maintains its small-town feel while also meeting the needs of newcomers and current residents. He talked about his goal to
For the city, one way to accomplish Mayor Carpenter’s goals is to bring more downtown space for small businesses to the area.
Mayor Carpenter said, “We currently have plans for a shopping area and senior apartments to start with.” “We already have banks and some companies and there will be more to come. It’s definitely in the works and we’re just waiting for what we’ve been planning for several years to come to fruition. is.”
Citywide growth, along with projects that encourage residents to shop local, will eventually put Richmond Hill on the map.
Summer Beal, president and CEO of the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber of Commerce, said they currently have several monthly members.
“Obviously, Bryan County is one of the fastest growing counties in Georgia,” she says. “That means a lot of new businesses are popping up all over the place. We’re seeing a lot of growth in the chamber alone. We’re getting five to 10 members every month.”
Beal said the chamber is now preparing for a small business boom.
“We are preparing for that,” she continued. “We know small businesses are coming in. They’re popping up left and right here. Also in northern Bryan County. Our job is to support them and help them get what they need. It’s about making sure we can deliver what we’re trying to deliver.”
News 3 interviewed employees at GiGi’s Boutique for their thoughts on the downtown project and the impact it could have on small businesses in the city.
“We have people coming in all the time, and they say, ‘I didn’t want to go to Savannah,'” Jessica Shoemake said. “They’re looking for something local here, so I… I think if we can provide that for them, it’s good for everyone. It’s good for all local businesses.”
