THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL)--We're taking a look at what makes Thomasville special. It's all part of a series called Our Town Thomasville. Business leaders say there's something for each and every one of the more than 18,000 people who live there. They also say the economy is strong.
Through the years Thomasville has not only stood the test of time but it's kept it's southern charm, charm residents take great pride in.
"It's a friendly, laid back town," said Thomasville resident William Johnson. "A lot of activities revolve around family."
The Thomasville area has more than 120 industries, from bread-making to healthcare.
"We have 50 percent of the retail sales and 40 percent of the jobs in that entire five county area," said Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce President Don Sims."Those are Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell, and Thomas counties."
The largest employee in Thomasville is the John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital with 2,700 employees.
Sims says if he didn't live here, he'd move here.
"We have a great community, very well rounded, very good place to be in athletics or going into the military, or getting a good a education," said Sims.
Business owners say Thomasville's quaint downtown is vibrant with all sorts of specialty shops and restaurants.
People can stroll the historic streets any time of year.
"We moved around a lot growing up in big cities, small towns, so I think I recognize that it is pretty unique and that we still got a central downtown, a lot of cultural activities going on," said Chastain. "We have a center for the arts."
Thousands take part in the annual rose festival and also the Victorian Christmas, an annual favorite among locals and visitors alike, where you can take a step back in time to an era of elegance.
Katie Chastain says the town is a very entrepreneur friendly. She's planning to join her husband full time in a unique business, selling capes with your favorite collegiate sports team logos.
"What my husband and I have found when we started our businesses is that there's tons of people who want to support you in it," said Chastain.
Thomasville is small town living at it's best and that's why people there are happy to call it their town.
