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Local politicians, business leaders and citizens gathered just behind Chick-fil-A on a beautiful Wednesday morning for the official groundbreaking ceremony for Publix. Representatives from city and county government were present, as was First National Bank, which has been the primary financer of the project, and Hand Properties, the owner and developer of the property.

Mayor Edward Reynolds welcomed the attendees. “I want to tell you how excited we are to have this day come, and the groundbreaking for this project,” he said, “certainly many years in the making. A lot of time spent, a lot of rumors, and countless conversations, and even some letter-writing on behalf of some council members I know… we are excited for this dream to finally be a reality for us.” Mayor Reynolds recognized both Hand Properties and First National Bank, as well as the local development authority.

“It may seem like a non-traditional Development Authority project, but retail, as you can tell from this segment of our community, it’s really critical to our tax base, and helps us all with the jobs and the tax base it provides.”

He also thanked fellow members of the city council and county commissioners, before introducing John Woodrum, who delivered the event’s invocation. Following the invocation, Keith Lyle, Development Authority Chairman, took the podium to address the audience. He joked that the project had for years been referred to as “Project Sasquatch”: “You talked about it, you heard about it, but you never really saw it, and you got to thinking ‘Is it real, is it not real?’”

He continued, “For nearly a century, Publix has stood as a symbol of excellence, community, and exceptional service. We are thrilled to have such a respected and beloved brand in our community.” Lyle emphasized the economic benefits and jobs the project will bring to the community: “The addition of Publix will create a ripple effect of economic benefits for the entire area.”

Next, Chamber of Commerce President Karen Tobin spoke. “The journey to this day has been marked by perseverance and a shared vision for progress,” she said. “Each new job created here will play a vital role in enhancing our local economy, nad providing avenues for improvement and achievement.”

Brad Barber with First National Bank also spoke, recounting the process of meeting with Hand properties, and thanking them for their key role in the project. He also thanked Steven Whittaker, Lee Northcutt and Bert Hines, members of First National Bank who played a role in bringing Publix to Bainbridge. He also recognized David Kendrick for his part in the project.

Speaking on behalf of Hand Properties, VP of Development Fred Hand IV said, “We built and developed Publix in Thomasville, developed one in north Albany and Leesburg, and in Valdosta… and for the better part of a decade, I’ve been convinced that the last hole in Publix’s coverage of southwest Georgia was right here.”

Following the speeches from the various parties, each picked up a shovel for the groundbreaking. Hand told the Post-Searchlight in a previous interview that the store is expected to be open by the third or fourth quarter of next year.