HR506: HR506 Cohen's of Alma; 100th anniversary; recognize

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes Cohen's of Alma, a retail store in Alma, Georgia, on the 100th anniversary of its founding. It recounts the store's history, starting with founder Nathan Cohen, who immigrated from Eastern Europe as a teenager in 1913 and eventually purchased a general store in Alma in 1924, officially opening Cohen's of Alma on April 4 of that year. The resolution traces the store through multiple generations of the Cohen family, including expansions in 1967 and after 1997, and notes that it remains one of the oldest single-family-owned businesses in Georgia. It does not change any Georgia law; it formally commends the Cohen family and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to the store.

• Formally recognizes Cohen's of Alma on its 100th anniversary as a business in Alma, Georgia.
• Commends the Cohen family for a century of service and economic contribution to the Alma-Bacon County community.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Cohen's of Alma.
• Extends the House's best wishes for the store's continued success.

The resolution directly names the Cohen family and their store, Cohen's of Alma, along with the Alma-Bacon County community that the business has served for a century.

The resolution carries no legal or regulatory effect on Georgians generally; its significance is symbolic, giving official recognition from the Georgia House of Representatives to a long-running local family business and its role in the community.

• The whereas clauses recount the store's founding by Nathan Cohen in 1924 after he purchased a general store on Dixon Street in Alma.
• The resolution notes leadership transitions through Jerald Cohen and later Mark Cohen, including a 1967 expansion adding 3,000 square feet.
• The resolved clause formally recognizes the 100th anniversary and commends the Cohen family for their community contributions.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy for distribution to Cohen's of Alma.

1. 2025-03-04House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-04House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-04House Hopper (House)

• Steven Meeks (R, HD-178)Primary sponsor

• local business recognition
• Bacon County
• Alma Georgia
• House resolution
• small business history