The City of Lavonia Downtown Development Authority is proud to announce that Listen Up Lavonia has been awarded the Outstanding Downtown Promotion Award at the 2026 Georgia Downtown Conference in Rome, Georgia!
Presented by the Georgia Downtown Association, this award recognizes exceptional promotional efforts that enhance the image and visibility of a community through creative marketing and innovative outreach.
Hosted by Mayor Courtney Umbehant and Downtown Development Director Ashley Rose Umbehant, Listen Up Lavonia is a weekly video series created to share what is happening throughout our community in a way that is informative, approachable, and uniquely Lavonia.
From downtown events and new businesses to community projects, ribbon cuttings, and important announcements, the videos have helped Lavonia reach new audiences, gain new followers, promote our local businesses, welcome new visitors, and strengthen the connection between our community and local government.
What started with a phone, two community leaders, and a desire to communicate differently has grown into one of Lavonia’s most recognizable outreach efforts.
City Manager Robert Ogburn, Mayor Courtney Umbehant, and Downtown Development Director Ashley Rose Umbehant proudly represented the City of Lavonia Downtown Development Authority in Rome to accept the award.
And this recognition marks another exciting milestone for our community: Lavonia is now home to a TWO-TIME state award-winning Downtown Development Authority & Main Street program!
After receiving statewide recognition in 2024 for Lavonia’s Kindness Initiative, bringing home another state award in 2026 reflects the continued creativity, growth, and momentum happening in Downtown Lavonia.
We are incredibly proud to see our small town recognized alongside communities from across Georgia. Most of all, we’re proud of the businesses, residents, volunteers, visitors, and community partners who give us such a wonderful story to tell.
Listen Up, Georgia — Lavonia has something to say.