ASHBURN, Ga. (WALB) — A new mini-bowling alley will open Friday, Jan. 30, evening in downtown Ashburn as part of ongoing revitalization efforts in Turner County.

3B Bowling will hold its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony Friday at 5 p.m., featuring smaller-than-regulation bowling lanes along with beer and buffalo wings.

Ashley Miller, executive director of the Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce and economic development director for Turner County, said the new business brings a welcomed addition to the area.

“It’s going to be a fun, family-friendly atmosphere,” Miller said. “We’re really excited.”

Chamber celebrates growth at annual banquet

The bowling alley opening will follow the chamber’s 69th annual membership banquet Thursday night, Jan. 29, which sold out at capacity.

“I’m really thrilled that the community is coming out and having such great support,” Miller said.

Miller highlighted several recent wins for Turner County.

“This year’s really just been a great win for Turner County. We’ve had our first groundbreaking in our industrial park in over 20 years. So we have a new manufacturing facility that broke ground last year, so we’re really excited to be there to help celebrate them,” Miller said. “We’ve got a bunch of small business wins like the coffee shop and the bowling alley.”

Revitalization grants support local businesses

Turner County’s revitalization program, which started five years ago, has expanded from downtown Ashburn to all commercial areas in the city limits of Ashburn, Sycamore and Rebecca.

“We have had a lot of people participate in our revitalization grant where we help our small businesses. They put in for a $7,000 grant and we reimburse $3,500 of that, so that’s been really helpful for all of our businesses here,” Miller said.

Over five years, the Development Authority has invested $30,000 to $40,000 in reimbursements while local businesses have spent more than $130,000 on revitalization efforts including roofs, air conditioning systems and other remodeling projects.

“It’s a real win. It’s a great feeling whenever you can go to a small business owner and hand them a check and say, ‘Thank you for investing in your community,’” Miller said.

Chamber plans Portugal trip

The chamber is also organizing a nine-day trip to Portugal in October as a fundraiser and networking opportunity.

The trip costs $2,399 per person, which includes airfare, hotel and transportation between cities. The group will fly to Lisbon and visit multiple cities during the nine-day journey.

An interest meeting is planned for Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the chamber with a Zoom option available. The trip is open to everyone, not just chamber members or Turner County residents.

“It’s a great trip for parents and kids, couples, and it’s very affordable,” Miller said.

To learn more about the trip, visit the chamber’s website here.

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