The Ames Regional Economic Alliance hosted its eighth Inter-City Visit September 23-25, bringing more than 30 community and business leaders from across Boone, Greene, Hamilton, and Story counties to Athens, Georgia.
The annual visit gives regional leaders an opportunity to learn from another community, explore new ideas and identify opportunities that could benefit the Ames region. This year’s delegation focused on community partnerships, housing, downtown development, placemaking, workforce development, and major community assets.
The visit opened with a panel on community partnerships featuring representatives from Athens-Clarke County, the University of Georgia, Clarke County School District and other organizations. The delegation then toured Wire Park, a 250,000-square-foot redevelopment that has become a live, work and play hub with more than 100 residential families and 50-plus retail and commercial businesses.
The first day concluded with a behind-the-scenes tour of Sanford Stadium, home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, including the president’s suite and home locker room.
Thursday included a housing panel followed by a walking tour of Downtown Athens. The delegation learned about public art, Athens’ music history and downtown redevelopment, including the transformation of College Square from an active street into a pedestrian space for events and community gatherings. The project provided a timely example as Ames continues exploring opportunities identified through the Downtown Ames Guiding Vision.
The afternoon focused on The Classic Center, a 373,000-square-foot convention center that welcomes approximately 600,000 people annually. With Ames continuing to explore the viability of an events center, the visit offered a firsthand look at how such a facility can serve as an economic and community asset. The delegation also toured adjacent Akins Ford Arena, which hosts hockey, concerts and other events.
Before departing Friday, the group visited the Athens Community Career Academy and learned about workforce development initiatives, followed by a look at YouthForce programming, a collaboration involving the Boys & Girls Clubs and other partners to connect young people with career opportunities.
Thank you to the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and the many individuals who helped plan the visit, as well as our community partners and the outstanding delegation from across four counties who traveled with us.