It is the second time the City of Cornelia has been awarded this honor of the Visionary City Award, granted by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in collaboration with Georgia Trend Magazine.
Presented at GMA’s Cities United Summit on January 26, this award celebrates the city’s efforts to foster inclusive community engagement through cultural festivals and small business support.
Focus on inclusivity
Selected in the Small Cities Category, Cornelia’s initiatives have enhanced representation and civic engagement, driving economic and cultural growth.
Larry Hanson, CEO and Executive Director of GMA stated, “Cornelia’s focus on inclusivity and collaboration sets a benchmark for fostering community pride. Their innovative approach strengthens connections and empowers diverse communities.”
For Jessie Owensby, Community Development Director, it means a great deal to her on a personal and business level. “To have a part in this means so much to me. We are stewards of the taxpayer’s dollars. We always want to ensure everyone feels a part of the community and benefits from their tax dollars. As a taxpayer, I want to make sure the people of our community are being heard.”
Input and engagement
She stressed the importance of business owners and residents having input and engagement in what is being done in the community.
In 2022, Cornelia received the award for the ability to put together projects and complete projects with no money. “We put our vision to the test,” Owensby said. “We figured out ways to make things happen even though we didn’t have the money to do it.”
Because of the city’s ingenuity and creativity in making these projects happen without financial support, GMA chose Cornelia.
Small Business Development Classes
This year’s award was given for another reason. “For the 2025 award,” Owensby added, “it was our efforts to be equitable to all of our taxpayers.”
The city of Cornelia provides Small Business Development Classes, but Owensby said the Hispanic businesses were not participating until Luis and Jessie Covarubbias joined in. The couple owns Raspas El Tigre, a snack shop in Cornelia located at 215 Hodges Street #108.
“These entrepreneurs have over one million followers on TikTok and openly work to bring the community together,” Owensby said. Covarubbias created the Hispanic Festival and helped pull together the Marigold Festival. The atmosphere at Raspas El Tigre is one where everyone is welcomed.
Mural collaborative
The Tim Loves Tink mural, a collaborative effort between Soque Street, LLC, and the city of Cornelia, was a large community project that brought together people from all walks of life to paint history, preserve memories, and beautify the city.
Through the efforts of Audrey Davenport and several other local artists and volunteers, the project was completed in May of 2024. Owensby said the mural was a large part of the city receiving the honor of Visionary City as well.
Cornelia Mayor John Borrow was happy for Cornelia to be recognized as a visionary city. “But, what’s more important than the recognition is the actual work our city has done with the different demographic groups of our community.”
Borrow believes the Hispanic population is a significant part of Cornelia. “From fostering businesses to helping host cultural events and festivals to welcoming the Hispanic Alliance, the City of Cornelia prioritizes serving our constituents.”
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