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Vision Statement:
To improve the quality of life for those that live, work and visit Tybee Island through a healthy business corridor and enhance the cultural experience while preserving the community's barrier island heritage.
Mission Statement:
The Mission of the Tybee Island Better Hometown Program is to:
- facilitate efforts to revitalize, redevelop and enhance the business corridor;
- create a sense of place and improve the quality of life for residents, business owners and visitors using the Main Street Four Point Approach;
- encourage quality economic growth and development while preserving Tybee Island's unique architectural heritage;
- support and encourage the arts as a cultural endeavor and economic engine on the Island.
This effort takes support and assistance from all. Therefore, Committees are forming to help with the foundation of the proven "Main Street four-point approach" tailored to meet local needs and opportunities. The four points are Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring. The four points are combined to address all of the commercial district's needs.
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Welcome to the Corridor!
The Tybee Curve
The Train tracks leading to Tybee's beach paradise! (Courtesy of Tybee Island Historical Society)
 An historic view of Tybrisa from Butler (Courtesy of Tybee Island Historical Society)
 A 2009 view of Tybrisa from Butler!
An historic view of Strand. (Courtesy of Tybee Island Historical Society)
Today's view of Strand from the Tybrisa / Strand Roundabout.
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Tybee is proud to be in the start up process of becoming a Georgia Better Hometown Community.
The Better Hometown program is based on historic preservation and uses the foundation of a proven four-point approach to address revitalization and enhancements for downtowns long term. It is similar to the National Main Street program, but specific to Georgia towns with populations between 1,000 to 5,000. BHT was developed by GA Dept. of Community Affairs as a self-help program designed to improve the community's quality of life through sound planning and implementation with private and public partnerships.
Tybee's designated business corridor for revitalization encompasses the South End historic business area through the North End developing business area. By capitalizing on the corridor's unique assets and qualities, the sense of place and quality of life improves which benefits the businesses, the residents and all that experience the Island.
Assistance to Better Hometown communities is provided through a public-private partnership between many state and national agencies to assist communities with technical assistance and advice designed, in particular, to stimulate downtown revitalization.
The success of the program runs by a comprehensive four-point approach driven by volunteers:
Committees work with the BHT Board of Directors to make projects happen. This structure minimizes confusion, avoids duplication and maintains good communication. Work plans set direction for committees and Board liaisons provide updates at the Board of Directors monthly meetings for review and approval as necessary. Committees typically meet once a month. Following are the committees working to make Tybee even better for businesses, residents and guests!...DESIGN: The Design Committee plays a vital role in preserving and enhancing the physical appearance of Tybee’s Business Corridor. Well planned design provides an area attractive to shoppers, investors, business owners and visitors. This is accomplished by capitalizing on the areas best assets, such as historic features. Some design elements to creating an inviting atmosphere are attractive window displays, parking areas, building improvements, sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping. Design activities also include instilling good maintenance practices, rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging appropriate new construction and developing appropriate design management systems. Meets: Typically the first Thursday each month at 6pm in the Auditorium at City Hall
Committee volunteers follow: Cullen Chambers, Board liaison - Tybee Island Historical Society; Jason Bishop - Mopper Stapen Realty; Bob Ciucevich - Quatrefoil Consulting; Cyndi Kinkle - Tybee Times newspaper; Keith Gay - Tybee Beach Vacation Rentals; Bill Garbett - Tybee Beautification Association; Diane Schleicher- City Manager; Ed Pyrch- Resident / Architect; Jane Coslick - Resident
If you would like to help, please contact the Better Hometown Coordinator @ 786-4573 *123.
ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING: The Economic Restructuring (ER) Committee works to strengthen and diversify the economic base by retaining businesses and recruiting new businesses. The ER committee must develop a thorough understanding of the district's economic condition and its best opportunities, monitor economic performances and focus on incremental changes that will improve the areas foundation. The ER committee will seek opportunities for financial incentives and capital for building rehabilitations and business development.
Meets: Typically the third Wednesday each month at 6pm in the Auditorium at City Hall
Committee volunteers follow: Judy Malins, Board liaison- High Tide Surf Shop; Terry Jackson - Prudential; Sandy Major - Windfall Resources Inc.; Monty Parks - All Points Cafe; Keith Gay - Tybee Beach Vacation Rentals; Gordon Grindstaff - Mogo's Scooters
If you would like to help, please contact the Better Hometown Coordinator @ 786-4573 *123.
ORGANIZATION: The Organization Committee works towards consensus building and cooperation while continuously promoting the program and its mission. The Board of Directors and committee volunteers make up the fundamental organizational structure. This structure divides the workload and clearly states responsibilities. Members ensure that the necessary funding and people are in place for the success of the program. The committee recruits members and volunteers, solicits donations, holds fundraisers, publishes informational communication, and maintains ties with other community organizations.
Meets: Monthly
Committee volunteers follow: John Yarbrough, Board liaison- Spanky's Beachside; SGT Shannon O'Neill - U. S. Army Recruiter; Cyndi Kinkle - Tybee Times newspaper; Jennifer Walden - Spanky's Beachside associate; Dawn Fraizer - Carbo House
If you would like to help, please contact the Better Hometown Coordinator @ 786-4573 *123.
PROMOTIONS: The Promotions Committee works to increase awareness of Tybee Island’s unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses, and visitors through advertising, retail promotional activity, special events, and marketing campaigns. The Promotions committee understands the corridor’s unique assets and qualities, understands the competition, and creates special image campaigns, promotions and special events to promote the business corridor’s public image.
Meets: Typically the last Wednesday each month at 2pm in room 6 at the Old School
Committee volunteers follow: Maureen Grindstaff, Board liaison - Mogo's Scooters; Chris Garbett - Tybee Beautification Association; Mary Anne Street - Tybee Vacation Rental, Arts Association; Terry Spatz - Friends of Tybee Theater; Dicky Trotter - Trotter Promotions; Melba Judd - Beachside Realtor; Cyndi Kinkle - Tybee Times newspaper; Hallie Currigan; Lindsay Fruchtl - Tybee Island Tourism Council
If you would like to help, please contact the Better Hometown Coordinator @ 786-4573 *123.
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS:
Tybee's whimsical feel is due in part to the architectural character, history and uniquesness throughout the island.
Experts in the field of historic preservation and architecture have long worked with property owners on the Island to preserve
buildings that represent the history and spirit of Tybee.
Do you know the benefits of Historic Preservation?
Following is beneficial information about the advantages of HP provided by CRC:
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USEFUL INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES
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Interesting articles from SCORE... February 2010
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Both the Power Point and audio presentations are now available. Please share this valuable information with your staff.
DIRECTIONS:
Download and save the audio and power points to a disk or hard drive.
Travel audio presentation (MP3) Start the audio: Move the progress bar to about 8 minutes and 53 seconds which will be the beginning of the class and the PPT first slide.
You will need to flip your own slides, but you can pause, rewind or fast forward the audio as you desire while you absorb the information.
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Commercial Vacancies for Sale or Lease within Tybee's Business Corridor:
(Information below is not guaranteed to be current.)
Location: 1601 Inlet Ave.
Built: 1961
Sq ft (approx): 2191
Contact: Solomon Properties
Phone: 912-786-5466
Location: 25 Silver Av.
Built: NA
Sq ft: NA
Contact: Tybee Island Realty
Phone: 912-786-7070
Location: 5 Silver Av.
Built: 1979
Sq ft: NA
Contact: Prudential Southeast Coastal Properties
Phone: 912-355-4171
Location: 104 Tybrisa
Built: 1997
Sq ft (approx.): 2378
Contact: Savannah Trust Realty
Phone: 912-231-0667
Location: 1701 Butler
Built: 1910
Sq ft (approx): 4102
Contact: Prudential Southeast Coastal Properties
Phone: 912-355-4171
Location: 1513 Butler Av.
Built: 1965
Sq ft (approx.): 1984
Contact: Solomon Properties
Phone: 912-786-5466
Location: 5th Ave. (from Hwy 80)
Built: NA
Sq ft: NA
Contact: Solomon Properties
Phone: 912-786-5466
Location: 211 Butler Ave.
Built: NA
Sq ft: NA
Contact: Cora Bett Thomas Realty
Phone: 912-233-6000
Location: 406 First St.
Built: NA
Sq ft (approx): 800
Contact: Brian Malins
Phone: 912-604-6389
Location: 405 1st St.
Built: NA
Sq ft: NA
Contact: Solomon Properties
Phone: 912-786-5466
Location: 402 First St. (upstairs)
Built: NA
Sq ft: NA
Contact: Yan Baker
Phone: 912-844-0039
Location: 10 Jones Ave.
Built: 2000
Sq ft (approx.): 1200
Contact: Solomon Properties
Phone: 912-786-5466
Location: 1016 Hwy 80
Built: 1995
Sq ft: NA
Contact: Tybee Island Realty
Phone: 912-786-7070
Location: 1106 Hwy. 80 East
Sq ft:
Contact: Tim Seville
Phone: 507-3561
Location: 1213 HWY 80 B
Sq ft: 240
Contact: Keith Gay
Phone: (912) 786-0100
Location: 1112 E. Hwy 80
Built: NA
Sq ft: NA
Contact: Prudential Southeast Coastal Properties
Phone: 912-355-4171
Location: 1204 E. Hwy 80
Built: 1920
Sq ft: NA
Contact: Coldwell Banker Platinum
Phone: 912-352-1222
Location: 1205 Hwy 80
Built: 1967
Sq ft: NA
Contact: Seabolt Brokers LLC
Phone: 912-233-6609
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Ed Lindsey, Director of the EDA University Center Program for the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute, gave a an in-depth explanation of his findings from registries provided by various lodging companies on Tybee Island on October 5, 2009. This information is the first phase of research which can be beneficial to the businesses of Tybee Island and the community. Mr. Lindsey's presentation can be viewed here...The Power of knowledge!
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(updated: 10-16-09): THOUGHTS ON THE ECONOMY
by Dan Elder, Business Growth Strategist - Business Growth Accelerators
The recovery is on everyone's mind, whether you're hoping it comes or you think it's arrived. The market is obviously up, with the DJIA hovering around 9800 and seems to be stable in that region for now. But, in my opinion it's too soon to tell whether the market improvement is based on hope or an accurate economic forecast. There continues to be what seems to be a balanced tension of market up and down forces in the economy right how and one addition to either side could tip the balance either way.
Some Up Factors:
Obviously the economic markets are up worldwide, restoring some of the wealth lost in the last year.
Oil prices continue to be stable and relatively moderate because worldwide supply continues to outpace demand.
Economic stimulus money is beginning to reach the economy.
The holidays are approaching, with the promise of traditionally higher consumer spending.
Residential housing prices have begun to improve slightly in some markets.
The federal reserve lending interest rates to banks are still at ~0%. Some Down Factors:
Unemployment is essentially at 10%, with forced part timers and those underemployed adding probably an additional 10%.
Some economists are warning of the possibility of a double dip or 'W' recession starting around the holidays.
Forecasts for holiday spending are down because of the high unemployment rate and the fear of those still employed because businesses continue to lay off.
Most of the economic stimulus money went to bail out a few huge financial institutions, with only a small percentage actually targeted at business and retail spending.
Improved real estate prices will bring dormant sellers back into the market, which will push prices back down.
Commercial real estate income will continue to fall because businesses are either not renewing their leases (leaving vacant store fronts) or are negotiating significantly lower lease renewals.
It would be just about financially impossible for the government to create another stimulus package, so what we got is all we get. Obviously neither list is all inclusive; these are just some of the factors that stand out to me at the moment. Will the recovery continue? Well.... The ChallengesBusinesses that are currently profitable have either fixed their customer service to attract the sales necessary to stay alive at the expense of their competition (some) or have cost cut their way back to profitability (most). The danger for the majority who seem to have taken the cost cutting route is that they no longer have the "bench strength" to handle ANY bumps in the road. Typically, layoffs have stretched their staff so thin that they can just handle everyday responsibilities, so a pregnancy leave or a resignation will result in important functions not being performed. When that happens, survival is questionable. Hyperinflation is the economic landmine that must be avoided during the recovery. Even though everyone wants a quick rebound with a return to 100% employment in short order, such an event would be disasterous overall. Businesses have cut inventories to very low levels and manufacturers have cut employment to maintain a low output. If demand returns quickly, businesses do not have the inventory on hand to meet it and will reorder from the factories. Factories no longer have the capacity to rapidly fulfill orders because of low inventory and insufficient staffing to ramp up production. Needless to say, it will take time to recruit, hire, train, and ramp up production, with unmet demand hammering at their doors. With the economy awash in stimulus money and high demand for the few available products, retail prices will rise (supply vs demand) as folks scramble for the limited number of goods available. Unfortunately, a long, slow recovery is the best way forward to avoid this return to the 1970's era of hyperinflation. What will happen? Early clues on how good the holiday season will be for retailers can be found in how soon they start offering perqs like free shipping for low dollar orders and how soon the pre-Christmas sales start. Watch your newspaper and stay tuned. [END]
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(updated: 10-16-09): 7 Relationship-Building Business Strategies
by Barbara Wold, International Speaker, Author and Business Strategist, Global Retail & Consumer Expert
Try these tactics to get customers to think of your company first.
Q: With so much competition, it's hard for a business to keep from blending into the background. What can you do to help customers think of you first when they're ready to buy? A: Successful businesses don't just communicate with prospects and customers for special sales. Today, making your company indispensable is a vital key to marketing success. It's a terrific way to add value, enhance your brand and position against your competition. Here are seven relationship-building strategies that will help you transform your company into a valuable resource: 1. Communicate frequently. How often do you reach out to customers? Do the bulk of your communications focus on product offers and sales? For best results, it's important to communicate frequently and vary the types of messages you send. 2. Offer customer rewards. Customer loyalty or reward programs work well for many types of businesses, from retail to travel. The most effective programs offer graduated rewards, so the more customers spend, the more they earn. 3. Hold special events. With the renewed interest in retaining and up-selling current customers, company-sponsored special events and promotions are returning to the forefront. Any event that allows you and your staff to interact with your best customers is a good bet. 4. Build two-way communication. When it comes to customer relations, "listening" can be every bit as important as "telling." Customers who know they're "heard" instantly feel a rapport and a relationship with your company. 5. Enhance your customer service. Do you have a dedicated staff or channel for resolving customer problems quickly and effectively? One of the best ways to add value and stand out from the competition is to have superior customer service. Top-flight customer service on all sales will help you build repeat business, create positive word-of-mouth and increase sales from new customers as a result. 6. Launch multicultural programs. It may be time to add a multilingual component to your marketing program. Bilingual customer service will also go a long way toward helping your company build relationships with minority groups. 7. Visit the trenches. When was the last time you spent hours, or even a full day, with your customers? There's no better way to really understand the challenges your customers face and the ways you can help meet them than to occasionally get out in the trenches. Try it. You'll find it can be a real eye-opener and a great way to cement lasting relationships. [END]
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Better Hometown Events Listing
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Event Location
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City Hall Auditorium
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Start Date
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3/24/2010 08:30 AM
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End Date
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3/24/2010 10:15 AM
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Your Better Hometown Initiative is bringing Savannah's Small Business Development Center's Business Consultant, Connie Edwards to Tybee for businesses again.
Ms. Edwards will bring us valuable information about
KEEPING YOUR CUSTOMERS...
"Small businesses spend a large amount of time and money trying to get new customers. But few stop to realize that it is easier and less expensive to create repeat customers. Repeat customers also tend to spend more per purchase than new customers. This seminar is designed to teach small business owners ways to establish profitable relationships that will keep existing customers coming back, including follow up techniques, understanding and managing customer expectations, developing solutions and value for customers, and improving competitiveness."
Participants are requested to bring a business card or a promotional piece for a chance to share information about their business with
others prior to the start of the presentation.
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Event Location
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meet at the Park of Seven Flags
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Start Date
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3/20/2010 08:30 AM
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End Date
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3/20/2010 10:00 AM
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Spring is officially here this Saturday! Let's get ready for another exciting season and do some spring cleaning and pruning!
Join your neighbors, coworkers and dedicated volunteers this Saturday for the next
"COME DOWN TO CLEAN UP & SPRUCE UP!"
meet @ the Park of Seven Flags this Saturday @ 8:30am
Share your community spirit to help keep Tybee beautiful by helping "Pitch the Trash" this Saturday. Trash bags and grabbers will be available thanks to the Tybee Beautification Association.
We're also going to be sprucing up the landscaping so bring your pruners and your garden gloves to help welcome the new growth for Spring!
Thanks to all those in advance that can come down to help continued enhancements within the Corridor!
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Event Location
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Room 6-Old School
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Start Date
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2/24/2010 02:00 PM
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End Date
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2/24/2010 03:00 PM
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The Promotions Committee members of the Better Hometown Initiative will meet to review Holiday plans, continued ways to assist island businesses and the annual work plan.
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Event Location
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Tybrisa / Strand Roundabout
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Start Date
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4/15/2010 05:00 PM
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End Date
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4/15/2010 06:00 PM
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This is the final performance of the Third Thursdays on Tybee series. Enjoy musical talent outdoors while experiencing the variety of shops, restaurants and island culture.
Teenager Lacey Caldwell will charm those strolling around Tybrisa and The Strand with her award winning vocals!
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