The Lavonia Downtown Development Authority has been awarded the Outstanding Downtown Promotion Award at the 2026 Georgia Downtown Conference for its video series, Listen Up Lavonia. Presented by the Georgia Downtown Association during its conference this week in Rome, Ga, the award recognizes an exceptional promotional effort that enhances the image and visibility of a community through creative marketing, signature events, or innovative outreach. City Manager Robert Ogburn, Mayor Courtney Umbehant, and Downtown Development Director Ashley Rose Umbehant represented the City of Lavonia DDA in Rome to accept the award. Listen Up is a weekly video series on social media that has transformed the way the community connects with Downtown Lavonia. Hosted by Mayor Courtney Umbehant and Downtown Development Director Ashley Rose Umbehant, Listen Up Lavonia takes viewers behind the scenes of what is happening throughout the community. From festivals and new businesses to downtown projects, ribbon cuttings, and community announcements, the weekly videos combine important information with humor, personality, and plenty of unscripted moments. What started with a phone, two community leaders, and a desire to communicate differently has become one of Lavonia’s most recognizable outreach efforts. In making the award, the GDA said the series has expanded Lavonia’s social media reach, attracted new followers, promoted local businesses and events, and introduced Downtown Lavonia to audiences…
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