ATLANTA — Approximately 30 members of the Georgia Downtown Association, including Hinesville Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Vicki Davis, gathered recently at the state Capitol to join Gov. Nathan Deal in proclaiming March 6, 2012, as Downtown Day in Georgia.

The proclamation notes that “Georgia’s downtowns are the heart and soul of our communities, creating places of historical significance for generations and laying the foundation for the small businesses of our state.”

Following the proclamation signing, GDA President Billy Peppers and Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Mike Beatty presented Deal with a ceremonial check symbolizing the $2.9 billion in public and private investments in the downtowns of Georgia’s Main Street and Better Hometown communities since 1980.

The event was held in conjunction with GDA’s third annual Downtown Development Day at the Capitol. Many in the GDA delegation had lunch meetings with their local senators and representatives, where they stressed the importance of Georgia’s downtowns to the state’s economy.