artisans, food entrepreneurs, makers—who operate out of their homes or pop-up tents. They have loyal customers, great products, and a clear passion for their craft. What they often don’t have is a permanent, affordable retail space. We want to change that.” The idea behind The Shops at Camilla is simple yet powerful: to provide local vendors with a physical home, thereby giving the downtown area a renewed sense of purpose and vitality. The city envisions a space that functions as both a business incubator and a community gathering place—complete with shared storefronts, collaborative marketing support, and access to resources for entrepreneurs looking to scale up. “We believe in building from the inside out,” Mayor Owens says. “These vendors are already part of the fabric of Camilla. They represent our culture, our work ethic, and our creativity. Helping them grow helps us all grow.” A MODEL FOR RURAL RENAISSANCE Camilla’s model—melding innovation, education, and 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 CAMILLA, GA
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