48 S G M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 1 7 B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 49 “I looked at photos of the original train depot and took as many details that I could to make it similar but then purposed the building for what is needed now,” said Barrett. “We wanted the depot to match the original depot as historically as possible.” Scheduled for completion in November, the 7,500-square- foot train depot will include an outside stage area for concerts, a multi-purpose area for events and meetings, and a shelter to house the city’s historic fire truck. Cain believes the train depot will help Hahira to con-tinue to grow and attract more businesses to the area. “We’ve had new businesses opening, and we hope to attract more,” Cain said. “We are thankful for the businesses we have in Hahira. Many of them, like our banks, have been here for decades. The banks represent a good sign for Hahira; they represent a strong economic interest.” Citizens Community Bank is one of Hahira’s oldest businesses and still maintains its headquarters in Hahira. “Hahira was a booming tobacco market when the bank started in 1927,” said Glenn Copeland, chief executive officer of Citizens Community Bank. “It was founded by D.K. Hollis Sr., who was from Hahira. He was a farmer and businessman. Being a community bank was important, and that’s why we have ‘community’ in our name.” Copeland said plans are underway to renovate the Hahira branch with a train depot theme. Vicki Rountree, president of the Hahira Merchants Association 4701482536211681 PACKER BACKER 07/21 CBCBank www.cbcbank.com Committed to You - Our Customer, Our Community Member FDIC CBCBank now offers sChool DeBit CarDs! Just another Commitment to our Community! $10 will Be DonateD to your sChool for eaCh CarD printeD. CommercialBankingCo 4703482536211681 08/20 PANTHER FAN 4201480086211680 GENERAL FAN 03/21 4301480086211681 08/20 BLAZER FAN 4201460086211680 VIKING FAN 05/21 4201480086211680 WARRIOR FAN 4101480086731680 09/21 VALIANT FAN 4201480086211680 EAGLE FAN 03/20 02/21 4201480086211680 BLUE DEVIL FAN 03/21 4101480086211680 WILDCAT FAN 05/20 48 S G M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 1 7 B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 49 “There is a lot happening here, and it is now time that we put an investment in Hahira,” Copeland said about the bank’s plans for renovations. “Hahira is probably the fastest growing part of the northern tier of the county. We started in Hahira and will continue to be part of this community.” Commercial Banking Company (CCBCBank) is also located in downtown Hahira and has a long history within the community. “CBCBank is a proud member and supporter of Hahira,” said Marketing Coordinator and Banking Officer Ashley Mock. “We are excited to see the growth of the downtown area and look forward tour continued involvement in the community. Mock said that CBCBank has has provided more than 80 years of quality, locally owned community banking that meets the product and service expectations of its customers. “Commercial Banking Company was chosen for the opportunity to diversify the overall business mix and we elected banking as way to make a positive impact on our surrounding communities by providing financial services,” Mock said. “Bobby Wetherington built a solid foundation for the bank and the Langdale family is proud to continue to give back to the South Georgia communities.” Currently, more than 100 businesses have licenses to operate within the city limits of Hahira. To assist the growth of current and future businesses, the Hahira City Council provides financial support to the Hahira Merchants Association (HMA), which is a group of volunteers that stewards a portion of the City of Hahira budget dedicated to Main Street activities. Members of the HMA plan and execute events, coordinate marketing efforts, and help to recruit new businesses.   Vicki Rountree, who opened Monkey Britches Boutique in 2015, serves as president of the HMA. She said the promotion of events is a big part of the association’s mission; however, recruitment of new businesses is equally important. “We don’t want to be known for just having festivals,” Rountree said. “We are a growing community and want to offer to our resident’s everything a family needs to live here.” One of the community’s best-known and largest event is the Hahira Honey Bee Festival, which is celebrating its 36th year. Organized by an independent group of volunteers, the festival draws approximately 30,000 visitors annually. 36th Annual Hahira, GA October 2-7, 2017 Back the Blue Monday, Oct. 2 Kick-off Breakfast 7-9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3 Community & Senior Walk at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 Brown Bag Lunch to Honor Hahira’s Teachers of the Year Friday, Oct. 6 Arts & Crafts 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fish Fry 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Arts & Crafts • Dog Show Live Entertainment Largest Parade in South Georgia E-mail: honeybeefestivalinc@yahoo.com Website: www.hahirahoneybeefestivalinc.com