MINUTES
CITY OF SUWANEE, GA
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
February 18, 2014
Suwanee City Hall
Attending
DDA members: James Davenport, Dax Flinn, Beth Hilscher, Kevin O’Brien, Julie Perdue, Rob Rohloff,
Becky Vickery
Staff: Denise Brinson, Adam Edge
Call to Order
Kevin O’Brien called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m.
Adoption of Agenda
Julie Perdue moved to adopt the agenda (Rob Rohloff 2nd). Motion approved 7-0.
Approval of Minutes
Beth Hilscher moved to approve the October 15, 2013 minutes (Becky Vickery 2nd).
Motion approved 7-0.
Guest Speaker: Michael Deming, Deming LLC, Update on Pierce’s Corner
Michael Deming informed Board Members that Deming LLC is excited to hear the news regarding the
listing of Suwanee’s Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. He said this listing
means conversations related to financing of the Pierce’s Corner Project can now progress. Michael
stated he and his father have had conversations with multiple banks to inquire as to their respective
interests in financing the project. In addition, Michael updated the board about changes made to the
original project design concept. Initially the project called for the removal of walls on the second floor
of the Pierce’s Corner building. However, the State Historic Preservation Department (SHPO) has
requested those walls stay intact. Deming LLC intends to honor SHPOs request and rework the design
concept to meet that standard.
Small Business Development Center
Adam Edge updated the board on his conversation with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
He said this was a follow up on a recommendation made by Billy Peppers from the January 21, 2014
DDA Meeting. Adam mentioned that he had spoken to SBDC about the various reports they compile
which assist local governments in defining their respective local economy. He stated he is awaiting
sample reports from SBDC . He will make a recommendation as to whether or not the City of Suwanee
should pursue paying for such reporting and consultation from SBDC after a review of examples is
completed.
In addition, Adam discussed the fact that SBDC can assist local business owners and entrepreneurs with
various areas of business administration and management. He informed the board that SBDC provides
training, technical assistance, etc. to local businesses to assist them in reaching and sustaining success.
DDA Retreat
Adam Edge informed the board Joel Cordle of the Dahlonega DDA was definitely interested in facilitating
the DDA Retreat. Adam provided the board with Joel’s credentials including his current seven year stint
with the Dahlonega DDA and his previous experience with the Georgia Department of Community
Affairs.
Adam Edge asked Board Members to consider dates in March in which they are available for a half day
retreat. Discussion amongst Board and Staff members present resulted in a unanimous agreement that
the DDA retreat would be held on March 18, 2014 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Other
Suwanee Youth Leaders
Adam Edge invited board members to attend the February 22, 2014 meeting of the Suwanee Youth
Leaders. He said this meeting of SYL would focus on working within a team and other civic and
leadership related topics.
Community Development Institute
Adam Edge provided information to the DDA related to the Community Development Institute. This is a
weeklong training opportunity coordinated by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. It will run
from February 24-February 28, 2014. Adam plans to attend multiple session days and invited the DDA
to join him at either the Mixed Use Development Training or the educational sessions throughout the
week.
Kiwanis’s Shamrock 5K/Suwanee Beerfest
Adam Edge encouraged members of the board who are interested to attend both the Shamrock 5K and
the Suwanee Beerfest. Both of these events will occur on March 15, 2014 in Town Center Park.
Adjournment
Beth Hilscher moved to adjourn the meeting (Dax Flinn 2nd). Motion approved 7-0. Meeting adjourned
7:50 a.m.