Mayor John Gayle, Planning and Zoning Administrator Matt Martin and Main Street Manager Amanda Peacock honored Ellen Hill with the city’s September 2013 Employee of the Month award at the Sept. 5 City Council meeting. Hill received a framed certificate, a check for $200, and her name appears on a plaque that is displayed inside of City Hall.

Hill has been a Program Coordinator with the City of Valdosta Main Street Office since February 2007. Her responsibilities include completing the day-to-day Main Street front office responsibilities, preparing the Central Valdosta Development Authority (CVDA) Board meeting packets and newsletters and organizing and conducting special events for the CVDA and Downtown Main Street.

Several years ago, the Mayor and Council set a goal to start a downtown farmers market. Ellen took the initiative to research the steps in creating a market locally. She also designed the catchy logo and slogan that has represented the Downtown Valdosta Farm Days and which has, along with the event, gained local, regional and statewide recognition.

As a result of Hill’s efforts, the 2012 Farm Days was extended from a five-month event to a seven-month event, taking place on the first and third Saturday of each month. In 2013, the market was hosted each Saturday in June to accommodate the farmers’ heaviest harvest month. Farm Days continues to benefit from Hill’s careful promotion and coordination efforts before, during and after market events.

The City of Valdosta applauds Ellen Hill for her outstanding work and for being named the September 2013 Employee of the Month.