Almost a week after shooting, Augusta business owners stay positive
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Augusta businesses say they are still looking forward to downtown’s continuation, even as we get closer to a week since the shooting that shocked the community.
Now, businesses and city leaders hope foot traffic will continue downtown.
“We want to be engaged in community conversations. We always want to look at opportunities to continue to make our city better and appealing,” said Bennish Brown, President and CEO of Destination Augusta.
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Appealing when it comes to not only how the city looks, but its safety so that people want to visit and come back.
“We get excited every day we come here. It’s a chance to do one of our primary responsibilities which is to recruit leisure travelers and to recruit groups,” he said.
They say there’s a lot to look forward to and city leaders say there will be an increase in patrols downtown throughout the summer.
“We still have a lot to be excited about. Groups are coming here, about 25,000 people for a lot of different things, religious conferences. We have some industry conferences and conventions, and, even some reunions. And in addition to that, when you think about things that are just happening all the time in the city, which is really the heart of our community here,” said Brown.
People can look forward to events such as the Saturday marked, the Joe Fest, Camp Soul City, Juneteenth celebrations and more.
“Augusta is just made for these kinds of fun events, things for families, things for people of all ages,” he said.
More officers have been seen patrolling the area to ensure everyone is safe.
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