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Paul Cramer, a native of Clifton Park, N.Y., arrived in Athens in 1995, to finish building The Classic Center and start a convention hub and theater business from scratch. 

It wasn’t long before he realized that what he and his family were experiencing in Athens was an amazing community for visitors and residence alike.  However, he did get an offer back in his home state which turned his head—at least initially.

When he discussed the opportunity with his wife, Stacey, she was very plain-spoken and informed Paul that he could return to the Empire State but she was staying in the Empire State of the South.  It turned out that Stacey’s influence became an inspiration for him and the family.

“We had never lived in a college town, and we realized just how much Athens-Clarke had to offer.  There were big time sports at the University of Georgia which had a glowing academic reputation, there were two great hospitals, there was an art, music, and cultural influence, and a prestigious country club with a layout designed by the famous architect Dondald Ross.  Athens’ location was spectacular, less than an hour to the North Georgia Mountains, and an hour and a half to the largest international airport in the world, and only a short ride to the coast.

One of the first passionate advocates of Athens to welcome him to town was the late E. H. Culpepper, a “Damn Good Dawg,” and lawyer who appreciated, early on, Paul’s creative vision for the community. The two of them established a rapport and friendship right away.  “E. H. saw what Athens meant not only to Northeast Georgia but also to the entire state,” Paul says.

When he arrived, the first phase of The Classic Center was getting underway, making Paul realize that big things could happen for the city and region. Focused on fulfilling the mission of serving the region as a civic, cultural and social center while maximizing the economic impact of tourism, Paul and The Classic Center Authority Board expanded The Classic Center four different times, each time bringing new and larger groups to Athens.   

The board challenged Paul and his staff to maximize the impact which led to a study about the arena. In addition to conventions and concerts, the arena would bring in various sporting competitions. Paul wanted to complement the Athens sports scene—not compete with the UGA teams—and sensed that ice hockey would be appealing to the community.

He had learned the game in his hometown with pickup games on the Mohawk River when it froze over in winter and knew that an upscale arena would no only enhance the sport but would provide conference and convention opportunity for the city.

The “Ice Dawgs” were a hit, but Paul had greater plans in mind. Simply fast forward and you have the Athens Rock Lobsters competing in Akins Ford Arena which seats 5,500 with a max capacity of 8,500. The arena was designed to host a variety of events from concerts to sports tournaments to trade shows.  It is spanking new, clean, kempt, and refreshing.  It provides a wholesome atmosphere and environment for families.

Paul is a man who is always thinking about how to improve downtown Athens and remains open to ideas.  He has always sought to connect with the right support groups and people.  Casual conversation with Brad Akins of Akins Ford in nearby Winder evolved into a partnership that has “look beyond the horizon” implications.

“Brad’s business is certainly regional and his business footprint is expanding,” Paul says.  “He is community oriented with an emphasis on good relationships in business with an underscoring of seeing his communities prosper.  He is a great partner for us.”

The arena and the convention center improved an area which was the site of the old rail center and abandoned warehouses which made it a busy business hub in its day. Now the site hosts over 700 events a year and drives $90 million in economic impact. Drive by the convention center and the Akins Ford Arena and you will likely flash a thumbs up.  It makes you proud to see how The Classic Center Authority has transformed this old rail yard into a vibrant place for the community to enjoy. 

The Classic Center Authority in 2014 formulated the plan for development of the building and got underway with a $34 million grant from SPLOST. Bond funding was needed as growth was experienced.  Savvy marketing by The Classic Center team has enabled the authority to meet all due bills, making continued solvency a high priority.

There is a study committee evaluating future development, working to bring about a connection between Akins Ford Arena and the convention center with the attractive greenway in the area and the Oconee River. 

“It can be like what the battery has become with the Atlanta Braves being its centerpiece.  There will be shops, restaurants, and game attractions—a retail and sports entertainment core, all connected to the river,” Paul says.

With smooth and laid-back sales and promotional style, Paul Cramer can get more done over a meal and hockey game than some executives can get done in half dozen hard driving caucuses.

His team suggested that the new hockey ownership should solicit community input to obtain a name for the new hockey team. Spinning from Athens’ rich music history, the name Rock Lobsters was suggested, and when the B-52’s endorsed it, the name took off.  It soon had over 9,000 votes from the community which confirmed that Paul and the Rock Lobster Hockey team had hit the jackpot.

From the moment he became entrenched into the daily function of the Classic City, Paul Cramer sought to make the Classic City a destination for tourism and entertainment and give downtown Athens an uptown image and reputation.   I’d say he has succeeded.