Everyday, William Emofonmwan wakes up thinking of ways to make Conyers a better place. From bringing in new businesses to Olde Town to volunteering with kids to paint a new city mural, Emofonmwan says he just wants to make the “unique little city” a destination spot for all walks of life.

“I believe Olde Town has the potential to become the next City of Decatur,” says Emofonmwan, who was appointed in February as the new chair of the Conyers Main Street Program Board. “We’re planning to meet with Decatur officials to pick their brains and get some tips on how we can build up Conyers like they have done in Decatur.”

Emofonmwan, 55, has served on the board in other capacities and has been a volunteer for the Main Street Program since it was founded in 2007. He replaces former Board Chairman Neal Lange, whose term ended. Board members serve two-year staggered terms.

Half of the six-member Main Street Board is new. Matt Robuck, Joseph Roberts and Ronnie Godwin all joined the board this year and they say they are looking forward to making Conyers a destination similar to the city of Decatur.

“When Friday night rolls around, I want people to say: ‘Let’s go out in Olde Town.’ We want the young, old, families, all types of people to come to Olde Town and enjoy themselves,” said Robuck.

Robuck and his wife, Casey, believe in Olde Town so much that they are planning to open a business there, hopefully, by May—Be the Change Fitness gym. Roberts and his wife, Alison, share their enthusiasm. They are looking for space to open Alli Roberts Salon in Olde Town.

Emofonmwan says he hopes that the board’s focus on community outreach, economic redevelopment, design and promotion will bring more businesses—and people—to Olde Town.

“I moved here 14 years ago. The people here are friendly and when they get to know you, they really welcome you into the fold,” Emofonmwan, who moved in 1980 from Nigeria to New Orleans, LA, where he attended Southern University. He met and married his wife, Phyllis, and they eventually moved from Atlanta to Conyers.

Emofonmwan said the Main Street Program hosts several annual events that make the city special such as the Taste of Conyers, held in April along with a car show; Pave the Path fun run in May; and Kids Summer Fun program, held May through August.

Emofonmwan said he and the board are now preparing for the annual “World’s Fastest Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” which will be held on March 15. The board added a leprechaun costume contest to this St. Patrick Day’s fun as a way to draw more people.

“The parade will be a ball. Everybody gets dressed up in their green, eats green candy and throws green beads,” Emofonmwan said. “This year, we’ll be crowning a king and queen of the parade, too. ”

Conyers Main Street Program Board is comprised of six members: Top Image: Chair William Emofonmwan; Vice Chair Brandi Wells; Treasurer Ronnie Godwin; Secretary Joseph Roberts; Economic Development Chair Matt Robuck; and Co-Chair of the Design Susan Vaughn. The Main Street Program is located at 901 Railroad St., N.W., Conyers. 770-602-2606.