The Downtown Hattiesburg Association (DHA) will host its highly anticipated 2025 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 26, at 11:30 a.m. at the Historic Hattiesburg Train Depot, 308 Newman Street. This year’s event will celebrate downtown’s momentum and future growth, featuring a keynote address from Randy Wilson, a nationally recognized architect and Main Street design expert.
Wilson, founder of Community Design Solutions, has worked with more than 500 Main Street communities nationwide, helping revitalize historic downtowns through creative design solutions. He also serves as the consulting architect for the Mississippi Main Street Association. At this year’s meeting, Wilson will share strategies for leveraging placemaking, economic growth, and storytelling to attract investment and strengthen downtowns, as well as provide updates on the Downtown Hattiesburg Roadmap, a strategic plan guiding sustainable development and business retention.
“Hattiesburg’s downtown renaissance is accelerating, and we are embracing this moment with bold ideas and intentional progress,” said Anna Rush, president of the DHA board of directors. “Randy Wilson’s expertise and passion for Main Street development will be invaluable as we continue forging a new path for success.”
Wilson’s keynote, “The Power of Remembrance and Pursuit of Excellence,” will emphasize the importance of honoring a community’s progress while strategically shaping its future. He will also highlight the Downtown Hattiesburg Roadmap, co-developed with key Main Street leaders in fall 2024. This strategic guide will help DHA attract new businesses, enhance public spaces, and position downtown for long-term economic success.
“Great downtowns don’t just happen—they are intentionally designed, nurtured, and activated,” Wilson said. “Hattiesburg has set itself apart by blending historic preservation with forward-thinking placemaking and economic development strategies. Through the Downtown Hattiesburg Roadmap, we are focusing on attracting and retaining businesses, creating vibrant public spaces, and using storytelling to celebrate the city’s unique identity. Now is the time to bring this vision to life with bold execution.”
DHA will also recognize outstanding contributions to downtown through the DHA Annual Awards, including honoring Andrea Saffle, who served as DHA’s executive director for ten years before retiring in December 2024. Attendees will also hear from DHA’s newly named executive director, Emily Gallaspy, who begins her role in early March 2025.
“We have achieved so much as a community, and this annual gathering allows us to celebrate our progress while looking ahead,” said Betsy Rowell, interim director of DHA. “Downtown Hattiesburg is thriving, and with the support of our dedicated partners, we are poised for even greater success.”
DHA extends its appreciation to the sponsors that make this event possible, including the City of Hattiesburg, Forrest County Board of Supervisors, Mississippi Power, and William Carey University.
Tickets are $30 for DHA members and $35 for non-members. Seating is limited, and this event typically sells out—early ticket purchases are highly recommended. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite.
For more information, visit downtownhattiesburg.com or follow Downtown Hattiesburg Association on social media.
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About Downtown Hattiesburg Association: The Downtown Hattiesburg Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization, promotion, and economic development of Hattiesburg’s historic downtown district. Through community collaboration and innovative initiatives, the organization works to enhance the quality of life for residents and create a vibrant environment for businesses, arts, and culture.