Former Covington Main Street Director has accepted a similar role in a neighboring city after resigning from her position in Covington in February of this year.

Hardy replaces former Social Circle Downtown Director Tim Haney who was in the position for approximately six months, Social Circle City Manager Adele Schirmer said.

Hardy was one of 18 applicants for the position, Schirmer said.

“There were two selection committees involved in the hiring process, and both were extremely impressed with Ms. Hardy’s enthusiasm and experience in downtown and main street programs, her capabilities, her interpersonal skills and her interest in Social Circle,” Schirmer said.

“We are very pleased to be able to add Velinda Hardy to the Social Circle team as our Downtown Director,” she said. “She will be supporting the Main Street program as well as the Downtown Development Authority.  

“Ms. Hardy comes with a wealth of relevant and local experience, as well as enthusiasm for local downtowns.  She brings energy and ideas, she is very familiar with the Georgia Downtown programs and is well respected by the staff at the Department of Community Affairs for her work in Georgia.  She also has experience in Main Street and establishment of programs such as a Farmers Market in Opelika, Alabama.”

Social Circle’s Main Street program’s program is economic development through historic preservation downtown.

“Its role is to create an environment where businesses can thrive downtown,” Schirmer said.  “This is achieved through downtown marketing programs, advocacy for downtown businesses, establishment and management of events and festivals and activities downtown, operation of the Welcome Center, recruiting and supporting the development of new businesses downtown, and more.

“The Downtown Development Authority is also focused on economic development downtown through historic preservation and provides and supports the development opportunities with façade grants, small business programs and facilitation of rehabilitation of historic buildings with state and federal loan and tax credit programs. A current project of the downtown development authority is the creation of a downtown square.”