Downtown Kingsland’s Next Chapter?

Inside The Santa Maria Venue

Inside The Santa Maria: St. Marys’ New Wedding and Event Destination A stunning new wedding and event destination has arrived in downtown St. Marys! In Episode 109 of the Get N Your Business Podcast, Alison Shores sits down with Santa Maria Venue owner Andrew Gross and Venue Director Brittany Mckinney to discuss the vision, history, and craftsmanship behind this one-of-a-kind Coastal Georgia venue. Andrew shares how the project was designed to look timeless and feel as though it has always belonged in downtown St. Marys. Inspired by Spanish colonial and Mediterranean architecture, The Santa Maria features an elegant ballroom, a peaceful courtyard and fountain, the intimate Cellar Lounge, a fully equipped bar, bridal and groom suites, and thoughtful details throughout the property. You’ll also hear about: • The historic uses of the original building • Locally sourced pine timbers used in the construction • Seating for approximately 250 guests • Smaller event options for showers, dinners, and parties • Tables and chairs included with rental packages • Opportunities to work with local caterers and vendors • Born 605 and eight additional guest cottages • Overnight accommodations for approximately 61 people • The styled wedding shoot that helped generate new bookings • Plans to make the property a complete wedding-weekend destination The Santa Maria isn’t limited to weddings. The venue is available for retirement celebrations, corporate events, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, community gatherings, and other special occasions. Andrew and Brittany also share their hope that generations of families will celebrate their most important milestones at The Santa Maria. Learn more or schedule a tour at santamariavenue.com [http://santamariavenue.com]. Don’t forget to follow the Get N Your Business Podcast and share this episode with someone planning a wedding or special event in Coastal Georgia.

Camden County Georgia Then & Now!

Episode 108: Camden County Then & Now with Rachel Baldwin Camden County has changed tremendously over the years, but longtime educator and community advocate Rachel Baldwin believes its future depends on understanding its past and getting involved in what comes next. Rachel joins host Alison Shores to share stories from Camden County’s earlier days, including what St. Marys and Kingsland looked like before major development, her first visit to Cumberland Island and the growth that followed the arrival of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. The conversation also explores the impact of Gilman Paper, the transformation of Camden County Schools, the expansion of career and technical education and the decades-long effort to bring a technical college campus to the community. Rachel also challenges residents to look beyond social media complaints, learn the facts, attend local meetings, support community organizations and find a personal way to serve. In This Episode: What Camden County looked like in the 1970s and 1980s The growth and changes brought by Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay The history of Cumberland Island and Highway 17 The influence of Gilman Paper on local families How Camden County Schools improved graduation rates Career pathways, apprenticeships and technical education The long effort to bring Coastal Pines Technical College to Camden Why local newspapers and public meetings still matter Finding your place and getting involved in the community Whether you have lived in Camden County your entire life or recently moved to the area, this episode is a reminder to appreciate where we live, learn its history and help build its future. Please like, share and subscribe—and remember to love where you live.

Downtown Kingsland’s Next Chapter?

Episode 107: The Future of Downtown Kingsland with Jolene Andersen Downtown Kingsland is entering an exciting new chapter! In this episode of the Get ’N Your Business Podcast, host Alison Shores welcomes Jolene Andersen, Chair of the Kingsland Downtown Development Authority, for a conversation about the projects, partnerships and investments transforming the historic downtown district. Jolene explains how the recent expansion of the Downtown Development Authority’s boundaries will allow more local businesses to access resources such as façade grants, state programs and low-interest development loans. She also shares how these programs are already helping business owners repair, renovate and improve their properties. Listeners will also hear the exciting story behind The Camden Exchange, a planned revitalization of Downtown Kingsland’s historic former hospital building. The development will feature a restaurant, an artisan gift shop and the downtown district’s first residential-over-commercial space. Alison and Jolene also discuss: The growth and long-term vision for Downtown Kingsland Façade grants and resources available to local businesses New businesses and storefronts coming downtown The Camden Exchange project planned for 2027 The return of the Camden County High School homecoming bonfire Plans to expand the Catfish Festival Veterans Day and Christmas celebrations Future development at The Lawn How volunteers, business owners and city leaders are working together Whether you are a local business owner, potential investor or community member excited about Kingsland’s future, this episode offers an inside look at the work happening behind the scenes to make Downtown Kingsland a destination where people can shop, dine, live and gather. Connect with Downtown Kingsland For information about business resources, available properties, grants, upcoming events or development opportunities, email info@downtownkingsland.com [info@downtownkingsland.com]. Listen now and discover what’s next for Downtown Kingsland!

Camden’s Transportation Future?

Camden County is planning for the next 20 years of transportation—and your input matters. In this episode, Alison Shores sits down with Shannon Nettles from the Camden County Board of Commissioners and transportation planners Glenn Coyne and Kalanos Johnson from GMC. They discuss Camden County’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan, which will look at: Traffic congestion and road safety Sidewalks and pedestrian access Bicycle lanes and trails Traffic signals and intersections Freight and commuter travel Residential and commercial growth Short-, medium-, and long-term transportation projects The planning process is expected to take approximately 14 months and will include public surveys, open houses, data collection, project recommendations, estimated costs, and possible funding sources. The goal is to create a practical plan that local leaders can use when budgeting, applying for grants, reviewing development, and planning future infrastructure improvements. Take the Survey Help shape Camden County’s transportation future by completing the community survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CamdenTMP [https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CamdenTMP] Please like, share, and subscribe to the Get ’N Your Business Podcast.

Hope for Shattered Hearts

In this episode of the Get ’N Your Business Podcast, host Alison Shores sits down with Patricia Whalen, Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of Hope for Shattered Hearts Counseling Center in downtown St. Marys. Patricia shares her personal journey into counseling, her heart for helping others heal, and the important work she does with individuals and couples who are walking through trauma, sexual abuse, relationship struggles, and emotional pain. The conversation explores how trauma can stay stored in the body, why healing often begins with safe and honest conversations, and how childhood experiences can affect people well into adulthood. Patricia also talks about the importance of giving children proper language for their bodies, helping survivors understand that what happened to them does not define them, and creating a safe space for healing without shame or judgment. This episode also touches on marriage, infidelity, and how couples can begin rebuilding trust, communication, and connection when both people are willing to do the work. If you or someone you love is looking for support, hope, or a safe place to begin the healing process, connect with Patricia Whalen at Hope for Shattered Hearts Counseling Center. Website: https://hopeforshatteredhearts.com/ [https://hopeforshatteredhearts.com/] Phone: 470-270-9268 Email: pjwhalen22@icloud.com [pjwhalen22@icloud.com] Hope for Shattered Hearts Counseling Center is located in downtown St. Marys, Georgia. Healing is not as far away as it may feel. Hope is available, and you do not have to walk through it alone.