Steve Trussell, a veteran consultant with the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Georgia Southern University, has been appointed to the Sardis City Council. His appointment comes as Sardis faces challenges with vacant buildings outnumbering occupied ones.
Trussell attributes his readiness for this role to his experience with Georgia Southern’s Business Innovation Group (BIG). “Being a part of the SBDC and BIG has given me up-close access to how businesses grow and succeed,” he said. “It’s that expertise and my background in supply chain management that gives me faith to accomplish the goals I have in Sardis.”
One of Trussell’s main objectives is to improve the city’s infrastructure so it can better support new businesses. He emphasized the need for upgrades: “We need to continue to make substantial improvements,” said Trussell. “We need upgrades for the city water and other utilities, as well as other infrastructure to attract businesses and residents again. But these investments in the town will set it up for success down the road. There’s already a core group of residents trying to lead these initiatives, and I want to help build on their actions to improve the future outcome for all residents.”
Despite these challenges, Trussell remains optimistic about Sardis’ future. “I want to help this city thrive,” he explained. “There’s some incredible history in this town, which started as a stop for coal trains traveling between Savannah and Augusta in the early 1900’s. I want this town to have an identity again.”
Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group works across Georgia supporting entrepreneurs by helping them start, develop, and accelerate their businesses.
The University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center provides educational services aimed at improving economic conditions for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout Georgia.
