Community & Economic Development Georgia Power June 2004

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2 Georgia s Tourism Industry Community & Economic Development Georgia Power June 2004 Georgia Power Company, Inc., 2004

3 Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Tourism and the Georgia Economy 3 Tourism is Important to Georgia s Economy 3 Employment 3 Money Generated from Tourist Spending 4 Visitors to Georgia 6 Number of Guests and Spending 6 Who Visits Georgia? 7 What Draws Travelers to Georgia? 8 Georgia Promotes Tourism 12 Statewide Organizations 12 Local Organizations 15 Georgia s Business Incentives and Financing 19 Basic Job Tax Credit Programs 19 Job Tax Credits Related to Work Force Development 22 Other Tax Credits 22 Financing Options 24 Business Costs in Georgia 30 Low Construction Costs 30 Low Electrical Utility Rates 30 Tourism Work Force and Wage Rates 31 The State s Work Force 31 Low Cost Work Force 33 Workers Compensation 35 Right-to-Work and Employment-at-Will Laws 35 Unions 36 Georgia s Transportation Advantages 37 Air Service 37 Regional Airports 39 Highway System 39

4 Georgia s Attractions 41 State Parks and Historical Sites 42 National Parks, Historic Sites and Seashores 45 Major Attractions 46 Georgia s Resorts 49 Sports Teams and Venues 50 Georgia s Golfing Experience 52 Georgia s Convention Business 53 Resources and Contacts 55

5 Executive Summary Tourism is an important part of Georgia s economy second only to agribusiness. The industry employs 209,500 Georgians, contributes $25 billion in direct and indirect dollars to the economy, and brings in $1.12 billion in state and local tax revenues. Georgia hosted 48 million visitors in million destination travelers and 12 million pass-throughs. Nearly 28 million visitors were in the state for pleasure, almost 8 million for business. The largest percentage of travelers are in-state (26.8 percent). Seventy percent are from Georgia and adjoining states. Single individuals make up a large portion of pleasure travelers. Georgia s uniqueness, sporting and recreational advantages and sightseeing opportunities make Georgia a great destination. Georgia promotes tourism through a range of tourism-related organizations designed to help businesses thrive. The recent creation of the Georgia Tourism Council represents the state s commitment to growing the industry in Georgia. A number of incentives and financing opportunities are available for tourism businesses coming to Georgia. The state s low cost of doing business makes it attractive to a variety of businesses. Tourism-related operations are no exception. Favorable wage rates and an abundant hospitality work force make Georgia attractive to tourism-related businesses. Getting into and around Georgia is convenient and simple. Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world s busiest and most efficient. Eight regional airports offer commercial passenger service throughout the state. Georgia has one of the nation s best interstate highway systems. 1

6 Georgia is home to 45 state parks, 18 state historical sites and 12 national parks. Georgia s major attractions and resorts draw visitors to locations all over the state. Sporting events also bring visitors to the state yearround. Georgia is a golfer s paradise with more than 350 courses and a climate that permits golfing through all seasons. Georgia has a booming convention business, welcoming more than one million attendees in 2003 to Atlanta alone. 2

7 Tourism and the Georgia Economy Georgia is one of the top states for visitors. 1. California 2. Florida 3. Texas 4. Pennsylvania 5. New York 6. North Carolina 7. Georgia 8. Virginia 9. Ohio 10. Illinois Source: Travel Industry Association of America; Travelscope Tourism is Important to Georgia s Economy Georgia is a popular destination for travelers. In 2003, Georgia was the seventh most desirable destination in the U.S. with 48 million visitors in This popularity provides the state with an excellent economic engine and makes tourism a vital component of Georgia s prosperity. According to recent data: Tourism is Georgia's second largest industry behind agribusiness. Tourism accounts for approximately $1.14 billion in state and local tax revenues, and the industry is potentially one of Georgia's highest growth opportunities. Research shows that for every $1 invested in marketing, Georgia generates $8 in new tourism dollars. Employment Georgia s service industries are vital to the economic well-being of the state. Over the past decade, service industry employment growth has outpaced growth in goods-producing industries. In 2003, the leisure and hospitality industry provided jobs for 9 percent of the state s 3.86 million workers. A significant portion of those jobs was related to tourism. Leisure and hospitality jobs account for 9 percent of total jobs and 11 percent of service-producing jobs in Georgia. Leisure and Hospitality: 349,500 Employees Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Labor Statistics, 2003 Annual Data 3

8 Top Metro Cities in Tourism GMP GMP in $ Millions 1. New York, NY $14, Las Vegas, NV $11, Chicago, IL $11, Los Angeles, CA $11, Atlanta, GA $9,770 Source: Global Insight Top 10 Counties for Tourist Spending in 2002 County Tourist Expenditures (in millions) Fulton $4, Cobb $ Clayton $ DeKalb $ Chatham $ Gwinnett $ Richmond $ Glynn $ Muscogee $ Bibb $ Source: Travel Industry Association of America, 2002 data According to the Travel Industry of America, tourism expenditures in 2003 generated 209,500 tourism-specific jobs within Georgia and brought $6 billion in payroll income for employees. Money Generated from Tourist Spending Georgia welcomed 48 million visitors in 2003, making the state one of the 10 most visited in the U.S. That year, guests spent $14.5 billion and generated a total of $25 billion in direct and induced spending. In 2002, Atlanta s tourism industry alone contributed $9.7 billion to the state s GSP. According to a 2002 ranking by Global Insight, Atlanta was the fifth highest major metro in terms of tourism dollars generated. Tourism Expenditures by County in 2002 Expenditures $70,000 to $10 million $10 to $50 million $50 to $100 million $100 million to $4.8 billion Catoosa Dade Rabun Whitfield Murray Fannin Towns Union Walker Gilmer White Stephens Gordon Lumpkin Habersham Pickens Chattooga Dawson Hall Franklin Bartow Banks Hart Floyd Cherokee Forsyth Jackson Madison Elbert Parks and Attractions Polk Gwinnett Barrow Paulding Cobb Clarke Lincoln Haralson Oconee Oglethorpe DeKalb Walton Wilkes Douglas Morgan Rockdale Taliaferro Fulton Greene Carroll Newton McDuffie Clayton Columbia Henry Fayette Warren Richmond Coweta Jasper Putnam Heard Butts Spalding Hancock Glascock Pike Jefferson Burke Troup Meriwether LamarMonroe Jones Baldw in Washington Upson Bibb Wilkinson Screven Harris Talbot Jenkins Crawford Johnson Emanuel Twiggs Muscogee Taylor Peach Marion Houston Bleckley Laurens Candler Treutlen Bulloch Effingham Chattahoochee Macon Schley Pulaski Montgomery Stewart Dooly Dodge Wheeler Evans Toombs Webster Bryan Sumter Wilcox Tattnall Chatham Telfair Quitman Crisp Jeff Davis Appling Terrell Lee Ben Hill Liberty Long Clay Randolph Turner Irwin Worth Coffee Bacon Wayne Calhoun Dougherty McIntosh Tift Early Baker Pierce Mitchell Berrien Atkinson Glynn Cook Brantley Miller Colquitt Ware Lanier Clinch Seminole Charlton Grady Thomas Lowndes Camden Decatur Brooks Echols 4

9 Tourim is important to individual county and regional economies. While the Atlanta Metro Area takes in the lion s share of tourism dollars, other regions also benefit greatly from tourism s impact. The Historic South region, with beautiful southern towns such as Madison, The University of Georgia in Athens, Woodrow Wilson s boyhood home in Augusta and the Altamaha River in Baxley, brought in $1.67 billion in tourism dollars in 2002 The Georgia Mountains region is known for its incredible scenery. In 2002, tourists spent $1.39 billion as they visited sites such as the Etowah Indian Mounds in Cartersville or Alpine Helen nestled in the northeastern part of the region. The Coastal and Southern Rivers regions also did well, bringing in $1.23 and $1.09 billion respectively. Tourism Expenditures by Region in 2002 Georgia Mountains $1.39 Billion Atlanta Metro $8.48 Billion Historic South $1.67 Billion Source: Travel Industry Association of America, 2002 data Southern Rivers $1.09 Billion Georgia Coast $1.23 Billion 5

10 Visitors to Georgia Overnight guests and destination travelers accounted for 35.7 million of Georgia s 48 million visitors. Of those 35.7 million, 78 percent, or roughly 28 million, were in Georgia for pleasure. Number of Guests and Spending Of the 48 million visitors to Georgia last year, 74 percent, or 35.7 million were destination/overnight guests. Nearly 28 million, or 78 percent, of the destination/overnight travelers were in the state to visit friends, enjoy outdoor recreation, entertainment or other leisure activities. Business travel accounted for 22 percent of overnight/destination visitors. The remaining 12 million visitors were pass-throughs on their way to another destination. As mentioned earlier, guests spent $14.5 billion on lodging, food, entertainment, recreation and incidentals. Additionally, visitors helped generate $10.5 billion in indirect spending as travel industry businesses purchased goods and services necessary to run their operations, yielding an economic impact of $25 billion to the state s economy. Number of Visitors by Trip Purpose Other 5.4 million Entertainment 4.6 million Outdoor Recreation 2.1 million Business 7.9 million Visit Friends 15.7 million Source: Travel Industry Association of America, 2003 Travelers spent $4.5 billion, or 30.7 percent, of all direct spending on food service, making this category the largest. The following table summarizes direct expenditures. Category Dollar Amount Percent of Total Direct Expenditure Food/Food Service $4.5 billion 30.7% Public Transportation (includes air travel) $3.4 billion 23.1% Lodging $2.2 billion 15.4% Auto Transportation $1.9 billion 13.0% General Retail Trade $1.5 billion 10.4% Entertainment & Recreation $1 billion 7.4% Source: Travel Industry Association of America,

11 Logically, overnight visitors generate the largest portion of tourism-related spending. Average spending per person per night by overnight travelers was $102.33, while day-trippers only spent an average of $59.47 per person. Business travelers spent the most on a daily basis at $ Total spending by out-of-state travelers was 4.6 times that of in-state travelers in See the table below for a summary of spending by visitor category. The analysis focuses on the money travelers spent in the state, which totals $10.8 billion. This amount excludes air transportation, interstate rail and bus. Business travelers spend the most per day at $ per person. Total Expenditures ($ Millions) Percent of Total Expenditures (%) Per Person/Night Average Spending Total $11, % $81.88 Overnight Travelers $10, % $ Day-Trippers $1, % $59.47 In-state Travelers $2, % $76.99 Out-of-state Travelers $9, % $81.50 Pleasure $7, % $64.08 Business $4, % $ Source: Travel Industry Association of America, 2003 Who Visits Georgia? Regional tourists account for 70 percent of Georgia s visitors. Almost 27 percent originate in state. An additional 43 percent of travelers come from adjoining states. The table below, provided by Georgia Department of Economic Development, summarizes the top 10 states of origin by type of travel. Top 10 States of Origin for Georgia Travelers Total Travel Pleasure Business Georgia 26.8% Georgia 24.8% Georgia 29.8% Florida 18% Florida 21% Florida 12.7% South Carolina 6.5% Alabama 7.2% South Carolina 7.3% Alabama 6.4% Tennessee 6.5% Tennessee 5.6% Tennessee 6.2% North Carolina 6% Ohio 4.7% North Carolina 5.5% South Carolina 5.7% Texas 4.3% Ohio 3.1% Ohio 3% North Carolina 3.8% New York 2.4% Virginia 2.8% Alabama 3.1% California 2.2% New York 2.6% California 2.6% Texas 2% California 2.3% Virginia 2.5% Source: Destination Georgia Visitors,

12 Georgia s population, currently estimated at around 8.8 million, is expected to reach 9.95 million by 2008, representing an annual growth rate of 2.47 percent. The populations in adjoining states are also expected to grow with the total population of Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina increasing by 1.7 percent annually, growing from 48.9 million to 53.3 million by These numbers bode well for tourism in Georgia, as the number of potential tourists in the state s major markets continues to rise. According to Travel Industry of America, the average age of Georgia visitors is 46. The average household income is $71,000. In general, travelers to Georgia are younger and have slightly higher household incomes than U.S. travelers overall. Georgia is a popular pleasure trip destination for singles, with more than 50 percent of pleasure travelers falling into one of the singles categories. The table below summarizes visitors based on lifestage. Lifestage of Georgia Travelers Total Pleasure Business Young Parent 20.5% Middle Singles 20.6% Older Parent 25.1% Older Parent 18.1% Older Singles 18.4% Middle Parent 18.5% Middle Parent 13.6% Young Singles 14% Young Couple 13.3% Working Older Couple 13.5% Retired Older Couple 12.9% Young Parent 10.2% Retired Older Couple 10.8% Young Couple 12.2% Retired Older Couple 9.8% Source: Destination Georgia Visitors, 2002 What Draws Travelers to Georgia? In 2002, outdoor recreation, history and heritage, entertainment and attractions and shopping were Georgia s biggest draws for travelers. According to a study by Longwoods International, Georgia had 17 million marketable trips in The company defines marketable leisure trips as those not related to business or visiting family or friends. Marketable leisure trips are trips that may somehow be influenced by marketing efforts. 8

13 Why travelers Visit Georgia Percent that mentioned each category as a particular interest 27 Outdoor Recreation Travelers see 25 History & Heritage Georgia as a great 24 Entertainment / Attractions place for outdoor recreation 27 percent of travelers cited outdoor recreation as of Shopping Sporting Events Arts & Culture Festivals/Events Source: Longwoods International, 200l Appeared in Georgia Tech Economic Development Institute s FOCUS on Tourism, Fall 2003 particular interest. 5 Multi-Cultural Activities Longwoods survey of visitors found that travelers believe Georgia offers a family atmosphere, is unique, offers great opportunities for sporting and recreational activities and is great for sightseeing. Visitors see Georgia as: Having a family atmosphere Unique Offering lots of sporting and recreational opportunities A great place for sightseeing According to Longwoods evaluation, Georgia s Southern-ness is a particularly attractive attribute for travelers and enables the state to further establish its uniqueness. Longwoods says that many travelers seek out this quality when visiting Georgia. Survey Results (see graphs on following pages for further summary) Georgia s Unique Qualities: Georgia s uniqueness out-ranks that of the average state. Travelers noted the state s southern culture and interesting local people as being above the U.S. norm. Visitors also said that Georgia is more interesting than the average state. Georgia s Sports and Recreation: Visitors think Georgia is better than average for sports and recreation opportunities. Golfing stands out as one of the state s strongest draws, far out-ranking the average state. Hunting and rafting are also rated above average. Sightseeing in Georgia: Visitors rate Georgia above the U.S. norm in sightseeing opportunities. History and landmarks were particularly outstanding. 9

14 Georgia s Unique Qualities Georgia fares better than the average Different Cultures Unique Local Cooking state in terms of Real Southern Culture* 73 perceived uniqueness. Travelers are drawn to the state s Southern Culture Interesting Customs/Traditions Unique Scenery Unique Vacation Experience Interesting Local People Interesting Place* 66 Unique Source: Longwoods International, 2002 * Not measured for U.S. as a whole. Georgia U.S. Norm Sports and Recreation in Georgia Georgia fares better than the average state in sports and recreational opportunities. The state s golfing opportunities are Great for Golfers Excellent Mountain Climbing Great River Rafting Excellent Hunting Great for Canoeing/Kayaking Mountain/Off-Road Bicycling especially attractive Good for Hiking/Backpacking to travelers. Great for Boating/Water Sports Sports & Recreation Georgia U.S. Norm Source: Longwoods International,

15 Sightseeing in Georgia Georgia s sightseeing opportunities are greater than the average state across the U.S. Georgia s rich history is appealing to visitors. Well-Known Landmarks Noted for its History Interesting Architecture Good for Viewing Wildlife/Birds Interesting Cities Beautiful Gardens/Parks Interesting Small Towns/Villages Lots to See and Do Sightseeing Source: Longwoods International, 2002 Georgia U.S. Norm Comparing Georgia s ratings with the U.S. norm yields a listing of the state s tourism strengths. In the following categories, Georgia s ranking was 23 or more points above that of the U.S. norm. 1. Great river rafting (29 points higher) 2. Good for hiking/backpacking (25 points higher) 3. Great for golfers (25 points higher) 4. Unique local cooking (24 points higher) 5. Noted for history (24 points higher) 6. Great for canoeing/kayaking (23 points higher) 11

16 Georgia Promotes Tourism In February of 2004, Governor Sonny Perdue announced the creation of the Georgia Tourism Council. Charged with the mission to unify Georgia s overall tourism strategy, the council will foster communication and cooperation among the state s tourism-related agencies and programs. The existence of this council illustrates the increasing importance state, local and private industry executives are placing on Georgia s tourism industry. Georgia Department of Economic Development officials have stated that tourism-related jobs are among Georgia s jobs of the future. Economic development groups, both public and private, are ratcheting up their tourism acumen and helping communities throughout the state bolster their tourism potential. The Tourism Division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Hospitality and Travel Association, the Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia, the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA), and the Commission for a New Georgia Tourism Task Force are a few of the statewide organizations working diligently to grow tourism in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Economic Development offers extensive resources for tourism-related businesses. Statewide Organizations The Georgia Department of Economic Development, Tourism Division The Georgia Department of Economic Development offers extensive information on Georgia s tourism industry and provides services that assist communities as well as businesses in promoting tourism in the state. The department provides marketing strategies, seasonal promotional materials, in-depth market research, and up-to-date information on special events and programs going on throughout Georgia. Additionally, the department s media relations team enhances Georgia s image by working closely with print and broadcast media from around the 12

17 world to generate media interest, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The department s international trade representatives, located in various offices around the globe, promote Georgia tourism in the international markets they serve. The department also manages 11 Visitor Information Centers around the state. For more detailed information about these services visit For personal assistance contact Janis Cannon, Deputy Director Tourism Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development, jcannon@georgia.org. Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia The Tourism Development Alliance was created in 2002 to increase awareness of the importance of tourism as an economic driver in Georgia s economy. The Tourism Development Alliance s mission is three pronged: 1) promote education at the community level on the importance of tourism in the economy; 2) secure additional funding for the Georgia Department of Economic Development to use for advertising Georgia as a tourism destination; 3) insure dedication and preservation of hotel/motel tax proceeds for funding destination marketing efforts. For additional information, see Georgia Economic Developers Association GEDA is an active part of the state s economic development community. The organization, whose mission is to provide and promote networking and professional development opportunities and to shape economic development public policy, identified tourism as one of its primary economic development strategies in GEDA was a major supporter of increased funding for marketing, advertising and research related to tourism in the state; selling or trading of jobs tax credits to third parties so that more businesses may take advantage of the incentive; and allowing tourism-related jobs to be eligible for state-funded Quick Start employee training. 13

18 Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus GACVB s mission is to foster the professional development of destination marketing organizations in Georgia, enhancing economic development through visitor spending. GACVB provides support services, marketing assistance and market intelligence to convention and visitor bureaus around the state. GACVB is an invaluable resource to local bureaus in terms of training, organization and communications with other organizations in Georgia and around the world. Georgia has 63 local convention and visitor bureaus located throughout the state. Georgia Hospitality and Travel Association GHTA is a private sector, not-for-profit professional trade association founded in 1977 by merging four independent travel industry associations: the Georgia Hotel & Motel Association; the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA); the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA); and the Georgia Travel Association (GTA). Georgia Hospitality and Travel Association (GHTA) represents more than 2,300 businesses in the lodging, foodservice, licensed beverage and travel industries. GHTA provides Georgia's entire hospitality industry with a strong voice in governmental affairs. The group also develops the tourism industry by offering affordable sources of continuing education and opportunities for professional development. Other efforts promote travel, tourism and dining in Georgia. For more information see Georgia Tech s Tourism and Regional Assistance Centers (TRACS) TRACS is working on tourism feasibility studies and tourism development projects at the community level all over Georgia. Also, Tech s Economic Development Institute includes a tourism opportunities element in its community economic development readiness assessment, a tool already used in 17 Georgia counties. Focus on Tourism is a quarterly newsletter published by Georgia Tech s Economic Development Institute. The newsletter contains tourism statistics, information on issues impacting the industry and best practices studies. The publication is an excellent resource for communities and businesses alike. For access to Focus on Tourism and other EDI publications, visit 14

19 Georgia Power Community & Economic Development Georgia Power is committed to economic development in the state. In partnership with state agencies and other organizations, Georgia Power works to help communities define effective tourism strategies. Georgia Power helps recruit the brick and mortar tourism industries which include: resorts, full service hotels, conference centers, destinations, convention centers, theme parks and other tourists attractions. Georgia Power Community & Economic Development The company assists state and local consultants in site location and real estate transactions. Georgia Power s reputation as a leading state-wide economic development entity is unparalleled. The organization has long been involved in growing Georgia. In its 77 year history, Georgia Power Community & Economic Development has helped bring a variety of industries to the state. Now more than ever, the group is focusing on tourism. Tourism is vital to the state s economic success and to the success of Georgia Power. Over the past several years, the company s economic development representatives have successfully assisted businesses in evaluating tourism opportunities in Georgia. Ritz Carlton now has a beautiful lodge at Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee in the eastern part of Georgia. In the summer of 2004, construction will begin on a new theme park in Glynn County in the southeastern part of the state. By working closely with a network of tourism organizations, including the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Power representatives help clients experience a one-stop-shop for their needs. The company s tourism experts are active participants in the state s tourism promotion committees and councils and thoroughly understand the climate and needs of client organizations. The Engineering & Information Services section offers a variety of research and engineering services including site identification, site layout, demographics and current industry analysis. Local Organizations Many communities across the state have resources available to assist tourism-related businesses. Georgia is home to 63 local convention and visitor bureaus that specialize in local attractions and economies. The table below lists Georgia s local convention and visitor bureaus. Georgia s Local Convention and Visitors Bureaus CVB Contact Name Phone website Acworth Michael Reeves Albany W. Richard Bivins Alpharetta DeSales Wagster Americus Melanie Grace Athens Chuck Jones Atlanta Spurgeon Richardson Augusta Barry White

20 CVB Contact Name Phone website Baxley Lynn Carter Brunswick Bill Tipton Byron Frances McDaniel Carrollton Jonathan Dorsey Cartersville Ellen Archer Catoosa County Chrstie Kelly Clayton County Stacey Dickson Cobb County Judy Renfroe Columbus Peter Bowden Conyers Shelli Siebert Cordele Monica Simmons Covington Clara Deemer Coweta County Angela White Dahlonega Cindy Bailey Dalton Janet Cochran DeKalb Jon Manns DeKalb Gary Greenhut Douglasville Collin Cash Fitzgerald Alesia Biggers Gainesville Helen Fincher Betty Ann Surdykowski Gordon County Gwinnett Caryn Bean Helen Rita Morgan Henry County Julie Foster Jekyll Island Eric Garvey Jones County Tiffany Moody Kingsland Earlene Crews LaGrange Diane Holbrook Macon Janice Marshall Madison Marguerite Copelan Marietta Theresa Jenkins Marietta Sara Buck McDonough Hosp & Tourism Barbara Daniell Milledgeville Jane Sowell Perry Jenny Andrew Pine Mountain Hank Arnold Pooler C of C Susan Steinhauser Rabun Rhonda Lunsford Richmond Hill Angela Griffin Rome Lisa Smith Roswell Dotty Etris Savannah Tony Schopp St. Marys Janet Brinko Statesboro Lauren Yawn Thomaston Sarah Armstrong Thomson-McDuffie Gerald Baygents Thomas Co.Historic Plantation CVB Don Fabiani

21 CVB Contact Name Phone website Tifton Tyrone Spearman Valdosta Mark Brown Valdosta Kym Hughes Vidalia Andrea Stein Walton County Teri Wommack Warm Springs Sabra McCullar Warner Robins Marcia Buzzell Washington Sandy White Waycross Vickie Leverette Georgia s Regional Travel Associations Regional travel associations promote local tourism throughout the state. For purposes of coordinating regional tourism, Georgia is divided into nine travel regions. Each of these regions has a Regional Travel Association whose members work together to promote travel and tourism to their respective regions. For example, the Northeast Georgia Mountains Travel Association markets and promotes the 17-county region known as the Northeast Georgia Mountains Travel Region. The mission of the Northeast Georgia Mountains Regional Travel Association is to promote travel and tourism in that part of Georgia by developing and engaging in tourism related programs designed to be beneficial to this region, and to work in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Hospitality and Travel Association and other regional travel associations. Following is a listing of the nine Regional Travel Associations: Atlanta Metro Travel Association, Becky Morris - Regional Rep 2300 Hwy 138, SE., Jonesboro, GA P F atlgarep@mindspring.com Meetings held bi-monthly on 1st Wednesday of the even months. Classic South Travel Association, Jeannie Buttrum - Regional Rep P.O. Box , Augusta, GA P F csgarep@mindspring.com Meetings held bi-monthly on 4th Friday. Colonial Coast Travel Association, Kitty Sikes - Regional Rep 111 East liberty Street, Savannah, GA P F ccgarep@mindspring.com Meetings held monthly on 3rd Friday. Morning meeting. 17

22 Historic Heartland Travel Association, Fay Tripp - Regional Rep P.O. Box 13404, Macon, GA P F hhgarep@mindspring.com Meetings held monthly on the 2nd Tuesday. Morning meetings with lunch Historic Highcountry Travel Association, Alice Carson - Regional Rep 527 Broad Street, Rome, GA P F acarson@georgia.com Meetings held monthly on the 2nd Wednesday. Morning meeting with lunch and program. Magnolia Midlands Travel Association, Britt Smith - Regional Rep P.O. Box 1139, Dublin, GA P F mmgarep@mindspring.com Meetings held monthly on the 1st Thursday. Northeast Georgia Mountains Travel Association, Cheryl Smith - Regional Rep P.O. Box 3116, Gainesville, GA P F negarep@mindspring.com Meetings held monthly on the 2nd Wednesday. Presidential Pathways Travel Association, Becky Basset - Regional Rep P.O. Box 2768, Columbus, GA P F ppgarep@mindspring.com Meetings held monthly on the 4th Thursday. Plantation Trace Travel Association, Mary Jo Dudley - Regional Rep P.O. Box 767, Dawson, GA P F ptgarep@mindspring.com Meetings held on the 4th Thursday. Morning meeting with lunch. 18

23 Georgia s Business Incentives and Financing As a significant part of Georgia s economy, tourism businesses are entitled to many of the same incentives and financing opportunities that manufacturing and other commercial operations enjoy. Recently, Georgia s leadership has refocused on making the tourism industry more attractive for businesses seeking to locate in the state. The following programs are available to members of the hospitality industry. The Job Tax Credit is a reduction in state corporate income tax for eligible businesses in return for creating new jobs. Basic Job Tax Credit Programs Job Tax Credit The Job Tax Credit is a reduction in state corporate income tax for eligible businesses in return for creating new jobs in less developed counties of the state. The Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs designates these counties each year. The current plan calls for Georgia s counties to be classified annually under a four-tier system effective in January of each year. To qualify in Tiers 2, 3 or 4, eligible businesses must be engaged in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, processing, research and development, or tourism. Job tax credits are available to businesses of any nature, including retail businesses, in Tier 1 counties recognized and designated as the 71 least developed counties. 19

24 Summary of 2004 Job Tax Provisions Based on Four-Tier System Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Number of Counties--(See note 1.) Tax credit per new job Minimum number of new jobs required Limit on use of job tax credit against income tax liability $3,500 $2,500 $1,250 $ % 100% 50% 50% Income tax withholding-- (See note 2.) Yes No No No See notes on following page Notes 1. Counties will be ranked each year, prior to December 31, using the following criteria: A) highest unemployment rate for the most recent 36-month period; B) lowest per capita income for the most recent 36- month period; and C) highest percentage of residents whose incomes are below the poverty level. Tier 1 counties are the most economically distressed. 2. This provision, available in Tier 1 counties, allows companies that are unable to use all their credits against income tax liability to also use the base credit against payroll taxes withheld from new employees. Provisions Applying to All Tiers - For new jobs to qualify for the credit, job s weekly wage must be above that of Georgia s lowest average weekly wage county. - Health insurance must be made available to employees. - An additional $500 job tax credit is available to businesses creating jobs within a joint development authority. See the map on the following page and further detail below. Source: Georgia Department of Community Affairs Web Site Credits apply for five years after jobs are created. The newly created jobs must be maintained for one year before the credit can be taken. Therefore, for jobs created in year one, credits are taken in years two through six. Unused credits may be carried forward 10 years. Job Tax Credit for Joint Development Authorities As shown in the previous table, an additional $500 job tax credit is available for a business locating within the jurisdiction of a joint authority of two or more contiguous counties. Currently, 140 of Georgia s 159 counties are members of a joint authority. 20

25 Georgia s Job Tax Credit County Tier Eligibility Levels, 2004 Dade Catoosa Murray Whitfield Walker Chattooga Floyd Gordon Fannin Gilmer Towns Rabun Union White Habersham Lumpkin Stephens Pickens Dawson Franklin Banks Hart Hall Bartow Cherokee Forsyth Jackson Madison Elbert Polk Barrow Paulding Cobb Gwinnett Clarke Oconee Oglethorpe Haralson DeKalb Wilkes Walton Lincoln Douglas Fulton Carroll Rockdale Morgan Clayton Newton Greene Taliaferro Columbia Henry McDuffie Fayette Warren Richmond Coweta Jasper Putnam Heard Butts Spalding Hancock Glascock Troup Harris Meriwether Talbot Pike Upson Lamar Monroe Crawford Bibb Jones Baldwin Wilkinson Twiggs Jefferson Washington Johnson Burke Jenkins Screven Taylor Peach Emanuel Muscogee Houston Bleckley Laurens Candler Bulloch Chattahoochee Treutlen Effingham Macon Marion Schley Pulaski Montgomery Dooly Dodge Evans Stewart Wheeler Toombs Bryan Webster Sumter Tattnall Chatham Wilcox Telfair Quitman Crisp Terrell Jeff Davis Liberty Randolph Lee Ben Hill Long Turner Appling Clay Irwin Coffee Bacon Wayne Calhoun Dougherty Worth McIntosh Tift Early Baker Pierce Atkinson Mitchell Berrien Glynn Colquitt Cook Brantley Miller Ware Seminole Decatur Grady Thomas Lanier Brooks Lowndes Echols Clinch Tier Structure with Associated Credit Tier 1 - $3,500 Tier 1 JDA - $4,000 Tier 2 - $2,500 Tier 2 JDA - $3,000 Tier 3 - $1,250 Tier 3 JDA - $1,750 Tier 4 - $750 Tier 4 JDA - $1,250 Charlton Camden Note: County s participation in a JDA (Joint Development Authority) entitles that county to an additional $500 Job Tax Credit. JDA information is based on Georgia Department of Community Affairs listing. 21

26 Job Tax Credits Related to Work Force Development Retraining Tax Credit Employers who provide retraining for employees are eligible for a corporate income tax credit equal to 50 percent of the costs of retraining each full time employee up to $500 per eligible employee per training program completed per year. The training must: - Enhance the skills of the employees otherwise unable to function effectively on new equipment; - Be approved by the Department of Technical and Adult Education; - Be provided at no cost to the employee. The credit cannot be more than 50 percent of the taxpayer s total state income tax liability for that taxable year. Education Tax Credit Employers are eligible for a $150 corporate income tax credit for each employee successfully completing an approved employer provided basic skills education program. Other Tax Credits Small Business Growth Tax Credit Fast-growing businesses with Georgia income tax liability of $1.5 million or less may be eligible for the Small Business Growth Credit. Eligible businesses include manufacturing, warehouse and distribution, telecommunications, information processing, research and development, tourism and headquarters locations. Qualifying companies must have Georgia taxable income in each of the two preceding years that was 20 percent or more than each respective preceding taxable year. In addition, the current taxable year s Georgia net income must be over 20 percent more than that for the preceding taxable year. The credit is the amount above 20 percent of the growth and is limited to 50 percent of Georgia income tax liability after all credits have been applied. Credits may not be carried forward. Child Care Credit Employers who provide or sponsor childcare for employees are eligible for a tax credit of up to 75 percent of the employer s direct cost. The 22

27 credit cannot be more than 50 percent of the taxpayer s total state income tax liability for that taxable year. Employers who construct child-care centers can deduct the total cost of building the facility at 10 percent per year for ten years. DNR Historic Preservation State Tax Program: The Georgia State Preferential Property Tax Assessment Program for Rehabilitated Historic Property allows eligible participants to apply for an eight-year property tax assessment freeze. Historic residential and commercial properties are eligible to participate in the program. The property must be a certified historic property and the Historic Preservation Division must certify the rehabilitation. Federal Tax Program: The Federal Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit Program (RITC) provides owners of certified historic structures the opportunity to apply for a federal income tax credit equal to 20 percent of the rehabilitation cost. Only income-producing properties are eligible to participate in the program and the National Park Service must certify the rehabilitation in order to receive the credit. For more information, cherie_bennett@mail.dnr.state.ga.us. New Markets Tax Credits With the New Markets Tax Credit, investors have more options than ever before to earn competitive returns. Under this new program, investors can access tax credits equal to 39 percent of the amount invested, spread over seven years, in addition to any other financial return from the investment. To participate, an investor must purchase equity in a community development entity (CDE), and keep that investment in place for at least seven years. CDEs are for-profit investment vehicles that are certified by the U.S. Treasury Department and that possess a strong understanding of investing in low- and moderate-income markets. Hundreds of organizations encompassing a variety of structures have already been certified as CDEs. They include: - banks - limited liability corporations or limited partnerships that engage in real estate investment, business lending or venture capital funding - secondary market loan purchasers 23

28 - national or regional organizations that invest in other CDEs In March of 2003, the U.S. Department of Treasury awarded the first round of New Markets Tax Credits. Financing Options Businesses coming to Georgia have access to a wide variety of financial resources. The presence of top domestic and international financial institutions, the extensive network of state, regional and local development authorities and the availability of government-backed grants and loans enable businesses and communities to grow and prosper. Domestic Banks With deposits in Georgia totaling more than $56 billion, the top five financial institutions in the state are Wachovia Bank, SunTrust Banks Inc., Bank of America, Regions Bank of Georgia and Branch Banking and Trust. As of June 2003, Georgia s FDIC-insured banks had a total of $124 billion in Atlanta market deposits. Atlanta, at $74 billion, has more deposits than any other metro area in the Southeast. Charlotte, long considered the South s financial center because of its banking headquarters locations, only recorded $67 billion in deposits for that market. Atlanta is headquarters for the Federal Reserve Bank s Sixth District. SunTrust Bank, one of the Fortune 500, is headquartered in Atlanta. Twentyeight Fortune 1,000 commercial banks have a presence in Georgia. SunTrust Bank, one of the Fortune 500, is headquartered in Atlanta. Twenty-eight of the 40 Fortune 1,000 commercial banking companies have a presence in Georgia. Multi-National Banks International banking services are plentiful in Georgia. In Atlanta alone, nine major multi-national banks have an office presence. In addition to corporate services and domestic lending activities, international services include short- and medium-term lending in both U.S. and foreign currencies; comprehensive financial packages for major capital projects; investment services for institutional and private clients; corporate financial advice ranging from new ventures to international 24

29 portfolio management; international tax, financial, and investment services. Venture Capital Organizations Venture capital groups invest funds in new or relatively undeveloped companies. In Georgia, more than 50 firms provide venture capital and angel investor programs. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, venture capitalists invested $344.3 million in 2003, making Georgia the 11 th most funded state in the nation for the year. Industrial Development Bond (IDB) financing provides long-term, low-interest funds for construction and improvements to manufacturing facilities. The Southeast overall is one of the hottest regions for venture capital investments. In 2003, investment reached $1.1 billion. Funding Programs through the Department of Community Affairs The Georgia Department of Community Affairs administers a variety of incentive programs and provides technical assistance in economic development for local governments, development authorities and forprofit entities. Tax-Exempt Industrial Development Bond Financing: For businesses seeking long-term, low-interest-rate financing for the construction or improvements of manufacturing facilities, Industrial Development Bond (IDB) financing is available both at the state and local levels through development authorities. Taxable bonds may also be available through local development authorities. Financially qualified borrowers may obtain 100 percent funding (land, building, equipment) for a project s cost, generally at interest rates more favorable than conventional financing. Up to $10 million is available for each eligible project. For further information contact the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): The Community Development Block Grant program is designed to promote economic opportunity in cities and counties for persons at low or moderate-income levels. Metropolitan cities and urban counties (which are usually eligible to participate in Housing and Urban Development programs) are not eligible for loans under the CDBG program. Loans are typically made at below-market rates with favorable terms. These loans may be made to businesses or used to build public facilities 25

30 that make business projects possible. The maximum CDBG loan amount is $500,000. For further information contact the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, The Redevelopment Fund Program: This program provides flexible financial assistance to local governments to assist them in implementing challenging economic and community development projects that cannot be undertaken with existing public sector grant and loan programs. Employment Incentive Program: This program is a CDBG-funded grant program designed to support local government projects intended to facilitate and enhance job creation and/or retention, principally for persons of low and moderate income. Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF): This program is designed to assist non-entitlement cities and counties in implementing quality downtown development projects. Loans may be used for a variety of public or private projects that involve infrastructure improvements, real estate development or redevelopment, and in some cases, purchase or lease of equipment. Appalachian Region Business Development Revolving Loan Fund: This program is funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and is designed to make loans to private businesses through local development authorities. Appalachian Regional Commission Economic Development Grant Program: This program is funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and is designed to provide matching grant funds to eligible applicants in support of economic development projects. Business Retention and Expansion Process: The Business Retention and Expansion Process provides a process for local governments, chambers and/or development authorities to survey existing industries and identify the perceptions and potential problems of private sector firms concerning issues such as future plans, international trade, labor and manpower, local government services, energy requirements and community linkages. CDBG Loan Guarantee Program (Section 108 Program): The CDBG Loan Guarantee Program is an economic and community development financing tool authorized under Section 108 of Title I of the 26

31 Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. The program is a method of assisting non-ed projects that cannot proceed without the loan guarantee. Regional Assistance Program (RAP): RAP is a collaborative effort of DCA and Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) to support multi-county and regional collaboration in economic development. The RAP program provides grants to local governments and local government authorities for multi-county activities important to regional economic development. Regional Economic Assistance Projects (REAP): Regional Economic Assistance Projects (REAP) provide a mechanism for local and state governments and the private sector to cooperate on large-scale tourismrelated projects with multiple uses that will create jobs and enhance the local tax base. Upon meeting the requirements of the REAP statute and the REAP Rules, a developer of a certified REAP project may apply to the Georgia Department of Revenue for a state license for the sale of malt beverages, wine, or distilled spirits by the drink for consumption on the premises only. Georgia House Bill 1482, signed by the Governor on April 20, 2002, broadened the eligibility criteria for the REAP program. Effective July 10, 2002, the Department updated the REAP rules and application manual accordingly. Local Revolving Loan Funds: Local Revolving Loan Funds are potential sources of funding for new or expanding businesses in select areas throughout Georgia. The goal of each RLF is the creation of job opportunities, primarily for low and moderate-income individuals. For-profit businesses are eligible for funds, as are local development authorities. For further information contact the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, USDA Rural Development The USDA Rural Development has money available through Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA). Each NOFA lists the application deadlines, eligibility requirements and places where you can get more help in applying for program dollars. Intermediary Relending Program: The purpose of the intermediary Relending Program (IRP) is to finance business facilities and community development projects in rural areas. A revolving loan fund is established 27

32 so that collections made by the intermediary on their ultimate recipient loans (that amount in excess of necessary operating expenses and debt payments) can be used for more loans to other recipients ($750,000 - $15 million). Rural Business Opportunity Grants: The purpose is to promote sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs by focusing on communities that have experienced: - Trauma due to natural disasters or fundamental structural changes - Persistent poverty - Long-term population declines or job deterioration The focus may also be on communities where the project is sustainable over a long term through local effort without long-term external subsidies. Grant Purposes: The grant should provide technical assistance, training and planning activities to improve economic conditions in rural areas. Some examples may be: - Identify and analyze business opportunities - Identify, train and assist existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs - Establish business support centers - Conduct community or multi-county economic development planning - Establish centers for training, technology and trade - Conduct leadership development training A maximum of $50,000 per grant is authorized by the legislation. For more information contact Stone Workman,

33 Financing Summary Tax Exempt Industrial Development Bond Financing and Taxable Bonds Community Development Block Grant 1 Redevelopment Fund Employment Incentive Program 1 Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF) Georgia Appalachian Region Business Development Revolving Loan Fund Program Appalachian Regional Commission Area Development Funds Business Retention and Expansion Process CDBG Loan Guarantee Program 1 Regional Assistance Program Regional Economic Assistance Projects (REAP) Local Revolving Loan Funds USDA: Intermediary Relending Program USDA: Rural Business Opportunity Grants Long-term, low-interest financing -- up to $10 million per eligible project. Taxable bond financing is also available from development authorities. Promotes economic development in low to moderate income areas -- up to $500 thousand per project. Flexible financing for variety of economic development activities. Promotes economic development in low to moderate income areas in rural Georgia -- up to $500 thousand per project. Funds are available to assist towns and counties in quality downtown development projects including infrastructure improvements. $200,000 maximum loan for businesses locating in Georgia's northern 37 counties. Federal infrastructure grants for north Georgia's northern 37counties and cities within -- $300,000 max Provides support for local communities and development authorities in understanding business climate concerns of existing businesses. HUD Loans provided to local governments who may re-loan the proceeds -- $5,000,000 max. Grants available to Joint Development Authorities for parks, business parks, infrastructure, etc. Provides means for cooperation between state and local governments and private sector -- allows for license to sell malt beverages, wine and distilled spirits by the drink for consumption on premises. Funds for new or expanding businesses -- goal, to create opportunities in low to moderate income areas of the state. Finances projects in rural area through a revolving loan program. Provides funding to communities in dire need. Note 1. For cities and counties with a population of less than 50,000 the Georgia Department of Community Affairs administers these programs. 29

34 Business Costs in Georgia Low Construction Costs Construction wage rates and property costs are low in Georgia. Also, the mild climate greatly reduces time lost due to adverse weather conditions. Construction materials are often available locally and Georgia s building construction and operation costs are very competitive. In the state s major metro areas, construction costs are consistently below average. Selected Commercial Construction Costs Indexes for Major Cities (U.S. Average = 100) New York 134 Boston 115 Chicago 113 Philadelphia 112 Los Angeles 108 Minneapolis 113 Detroit 107 Seattle 104 St. Louis 102 Pittsburgh 98 Denver 96 Atlanta, GA 90 Houston 87 Savannah, GA 80 Macon, GA 79 Columbus, GA 77 Augusta, GA 79 Valdosta, GA 75 Source: Means Building Construction Cost Data, R. S. Means Co, Inc Low Electrical Utility Rates Electricity is supplied to the state by Georgia Power, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, and Savannah Electric Company. These electric providers plan jointly for the total area which they serve. Commercial electric rates for customers in Georgia averaged 6.46 per kwh compared to the national average rate of 7.86 per kwh in Georgia Power is the state s largest utility with a net plant investment of more than $10.8 billion at the end of The company serves two million customers, including 250,000 businesses and industries. Company service is available in 153 of Georgia's 159 counties. Georgia Power s overall rates are more than 15 percent below the national average. 30

35 Tourism Work Force and Wage Rates Georgia has an enduring reputation for hospitality. Its skilled, affordable and friendly work force is ideal for playing host to travelers and business people from around the world. The 9 th most populous state, Georgia is home to 8.8 million people and has a work force of 3.8 million. The State s Tourism Work Force Georgia is home to 8.8 million people, making it the 9 th most populous state in the country. Atlanta alone attracts 502 newcomers per day. The state s increasingly diverse and well educated population is attractive to a wide range of industries that need a reliable and skilled work force. There are 3.8 million workers in Georgia. The state s unemployment rate was 3.6 percent in March of 2004, one of the lowest rates in the nation. Almost 50 percent of the population 25 years of age and older has at least some college. Nearly 25 percent have a bachelor s degree or better. Georgians are well suited for hospitality industry work. As mentioned earlier, almost 9 percent of the state s work force is employed in Leisure and Hospitality industry occupations. In 2003, 349,500 employees worked in jobs classified as Leisure and Hospitality oriented. Almost 78 percent of those jobs were in the Food Services Segment. Additionally, a wide range of jobs, including those categorized as personal services, management, administrative and protective services are part of Georgia s tourism industry. 31

36 Counties with 5 percent or More of Work Force in Tourism Related Jobs Number of Tourism Workers Estimated % Work Force in Tourism* County Clayton 29, % Fulton 57, % Glynn 3, % Greene % Chatham 10, % Towns % Chattahoochee % Rabun % White % Fayette 2, % McIntosh % Richmond 4, % *Percent of tourism workers relative to total in county s work force. Source: Travel Industry Association of America, 2002 data Tourism-related businesses seeking to make Georgia home have an abundant pool of talented workers. Georgia Leisure and Hospitality Employment by Segment Source: U.S. Department of Labor Current Employment Statistics Food Services 272,400 Arts, Entertainment 36,600 As noted earlier, 209,500 Georgians currently work in the tourism industry. Metro Atlanta provides a large portion of those jobs, but other areas around the state also rely heavily on jobs generated through tourism. The map below summarizes employment in tourism by county. Catoosa Dade Murray Fannin Towns Rabun Whitfield Union Walker Gilmer White Stephens Gordon Lumpkin Habersham Pickens Chattooga Dawson Hall Franklin Bartow Banks Hart Floyd Cherokee Forsyth Jackson Madison Elbert Polk Gwinnett Barrow Paulding Cobb Clarke Lincoln Haralson Oconee Oglethorpe DeKalb Walton Wilkes Douglas Morgan Rockdale Taliaferro Fulton Greene Carroll Newton McDuffie Clayton Henry Columbia Fayette Warren Richmond Coweta Jasper Putnam Heard Butts Spalding Hancock Glascock Pike Jefferson Burke Troup Meriwether LamarMonroe Jones Baldwin Washington Upson Bibb Wilkinson Screven Harris Talbot Jenkins Crawford Johnson Emanuel Twiggs Muscogee Taylor Peach Marion Houston Bleckley Laurens Candler Treutlen Bulloch Effingham Chattahoochee Macon Schley Pulaski Montgomery Stewart Dooly Dodge Wheeler Evans Toombs Webster Bryan Sumter Wilcox Tattnall Chatham Telfair Quitman Crisp Terrell Jeff Davis Appling Lee Ben Hill Liberty Long Clay Randolph Turner Irwin Worth Coffee Bacon Wayne Calhoun Dougherty McIntosh Tift Early Baker Pierce Mitchell Berrien Atkinson Glynn Cook Brantley Miller Colquitt Ware Lanier Clinch Seminole Charlton Grady Thomas Lowndes Camden Decatur Brooks Echols Tourism Employment by County, 2002 Accommodations 40,500 Employment 0 to to 2,000 2,000 to 5,000 5,000 to 57,000 + Parks and Attractions 32

37 Low Cost Work Force In 47 of the 60 Bureau of Labor Statistics tourism-related occupations listed below, Georgia s mean hourly wage was lower than that of the U.S. overall in Comparison of Georgia and U.S. Wage Rates for Tourism-Related Occupations, 2003 Wage rates in Georgia are typically below the national average for tourism related jobs. Occupation Title Number of Georgia Workers GA Mean Hourly U.S. Mean Hourly GA Wage Relative to U.S. Food Service Managers 6,820 $19.74 $20.20 Below General and Operations Managers 72,020 $39.76 $42.64 Below Marketing Managers 5,940 $42.50 $44.32 Below Public Relations Managers 1,540 $33.42 $35.94 Below Administrative Services Managers 8,980 $30.10 $30.67 Below Lodging Managers 670 $17.41 $19.70 Below Meeting and Convention Planners 1,250 $19.20 $20.47 Below Set and Exhibit Designers 150 $18.56 $18.78 Below Actors 1,380 $20.16 $23.53 Below Producers and Directors 2,420 $27.87 $31.00 Below Choreographers 530 $12.22 $17.16 Below Musicians and Singers 530 $23.53 $24.80 Below Announcers 1,200 $12.54 $14.25 Below Security Guards 26,370 $9.63 $10.34 Below Chefs and Head Cooks 3,230 $13.33 $15.68 Below First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Food Preparation and Serving Workers 19,970 $12.74 $12.90 Below Cooks, Fast Food 29,390 $6.55 $7.23 Below Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 19,160 $7.57 $9.31 Below Cooks, Restaurant 21,970 $8.83 $9.62 Below Food Preparation Workers 25,490 $7.96 $8.34 Below Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food 53,130 $6.79 $7.34 Below Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop 7,310 $7.24 $7.76 Below Waiters and Waitresses 58,100 $7.11 $7.58 Below Food Servers, Non restaurant 4,620 $7.60 $8.28 Below Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers 7,290 $7.16 $7.38 Below Dishwashers 15,990 $7.32 $7.45 Below Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop 9,270 $7.04 $7.77 Below 33

38 Occupation Title Number of Georgia Workers GA Mean Hourly U.S. Mean Hourly GA Wage Relative to U.S. First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers 5,460 $13.52 $14.90 Below First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers 4,770 $15.37 $17.71 Below Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids, Housekeeping Cleaners 50,510 $8.53 $9.77 Below Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners 28,880 $7.74 $8.42 Below Pest Control Workers 2,550 $11.96 $12.75 Below Landscaping and Groundskeeping 20,040 $9.83 $10.39 Below Transportation Attendants, Except Flight Attendants, Baggage Porters 340 $9.71 $9.99 Below Tree Trimmers and Pruners 600 $12.87 $13.11 Below Motion Picture Projectionists 130 $7.60 $9.98 Below Ushers, Lobby Attendants, Ticket Takers 1,470 $6.65 $7.94 Below Amusement and Recreation Attendants 4,520 $7.74 $7.89 Below Concierges 430 $10.06 $11.31 Below Counter and Rental Clerks 12,470 $9.24 $9.95 Below First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Office and Administrative Support Workers 45,270 $19.34 $20.46 Below Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service 6,830 $10.60 $10.69 Below Customer Service Representatives 69,430 $13.14 $13.73 Below Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks 6,240 $8.27 $8.77 Below Receptionists and Information Clerks 30,650 $9.95 $10.65 Below Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs 3,740 $8.76 $10.22 Below Parking Lot Attendants 3,520 $8.23 $8.50 Below Advertising and Promotions Managers 2,100 $39.79 $35.18 Above Sales Managers 14,700 $46.27 $44.15 Above Retail Salespersons 118,050 $10.98 $10.70 Above Coaches and Scouts NA $18.31 $16.14 Above Umpires, Referees, Sports Officials NA $22.43 $13.38 Above Music Directors and Composers 170 $22.36 $19.93 Above Cooks, Short Order 6,970 $8.67 $8.30 Above Bartenders 9,620 $8.24 $8.14 Above Baggage Porters and Bellhops 860 $10.78 $10.53 Above Tour Guides and Escorts 560 $10.56 $9.71 Above Travel Guides NA $15.89 $15.17 Above Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation NA $12.66 $12.60 Above Fitness Trainers, Aerobics Instructors 3,570 $15.80 $14.71 Above Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics,

39 Georgia s workers compensation rates have been declining since Workers Compensation Employers with three or more regular employees are required to obtain coverage under the Georgia State Workers' Compensation Act by either securing an insurance policy or being self-insured. Insurance is handled through private companies with the premium based on the experience of the industry in which the company is operating. Rates in Georgia have been declining. Several loss cost reductions for Georgia filed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) have been approved over the past few years. In 2001, a 12.9 percent decrease was approved and in December of 2003, an additional 1 percent decrease took effect. Estimated workers compensation rates for specific occupations related to the hospitality industry are as follows (rates are general estimates and vary depending on the company and insurer). Occupation Rate $ per $100 payroll Hotel restaurant workers $1.61 Hotel workers other than restaurant $2.40 Restaurant workers (other than hotel, not fast food) $2.31 Amusement device operators (including ticket takers, ride operators, maintenance workers) $4.33 Parks or exhibition operators $2.43 Source: Workers Compensation Board Right-to-Work and Employment-at-Will Laws Georgia has been a right-to-work state since Fewer than half of the states in the U.S. grant workers this protection. Right-to-Work legislation assures that: - Workers will not be forced to join a union by employers or other union members. - Employees working for a company with a union presence may decide for themselves whether or not to join a union. - Workers also cannot be forced to join a strike. 35

40 - Interference with an employer s lawful business through violence or mass picketing will not be allowed. Georgia is the nation s only employment-at-will state. Under Georgia law, employers have the ability to dismiss employees at will. Further, such termination cannot be used as grounds for legal action against the dismissing employer. Unlike in many other states, wrongful discharge is nonexistent in Georgia law. Unions Georgia s private union membership rate of 4.5 percent is the 12 th lowest in the country. More than half of Georgia s 159 counties (89) do not have a union presence. 36

41 Georgia s Transportation Advantages Traveling in Georgia couldn t be easier. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport provides visitors from all over the world easy access to Georgia s many treasures. The state s interstate highway system is one of the best in the country and enables travelers to enjoy quick trips across Georgia while taking in the beautiful scenery. Hartsfield-Jackson is the busiest passenger airport in the world. Air Service Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world s busiest airport in passenger volume. More than 79.1 million passengers passed through Hartsfield-Jackson during The airport is served by 24 passenger carriers, including 15 domestic carriers and nine foreign flag carriers. An additional 16 passenger airlines maintain off-line offices in Atlanta, and 14 all-cargo airlines operate here. Over 80 percent of the U.S. market is within a two-hour flight time of Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson averages more than 2,400 daily flight departures and arrivals. In a week, more than 450 direct international flights serve 38 destinations in 29 countries worldwide. The airport is only ten miles southwest of Atlanta's central business district and offers easy access to all of the major interstates that connect Atlanta with the rest of Georgia and the nation. The Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) offers rail service to the airport, with an average travel time of 15 minutes from downtown to the main terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson. 37

42 A $5.4 billion improvement plan for Hartsfield-Jackson includes construction of a fifth runway, a new 871,000 square foot international terminal, a consolidated rental car facility, addition of a south terminal, support facilities and enhanced roadway access. Completion of all elements is scheduled for Nonstop Air Services from Atlanta, Georgia to Selected Cities Seattle 4 Hours Minneapolis Boston San Francisco 3 Hours Denver St. Louis 2 Hours Cincinnati 1 Hour New York Washington DC Dallas Atlanta Tampa 38

43 Regional Airports Eight additional airports provide commercial passenger service throughout the state. Georgia s Regional Airports City Airport of Daily Flights Carrier(s) Runways Albany Southwest GA Regional 4 in/4 out Atlantic Southeast 6,600' & 5,200' Athens Athens/Ben Epps 3 in/3 out US Airways Express 5,500' & 4,000' Augusta Augusta Regional at Bush Field 9 in/9 out Atlantic Southeast 8,000' & 6,001' 4 in/4 out Continental Express 5 in/5 out US Airways Express Brunswick Brunswick Golden Isles 4 in/4 out Atlantic Southeast 8,000' Columbus Columbus Metropolitan 6 in/6 out Atlantic Southeast 7,000' & 3,999' Macon Middle Georgia Regional 5 in/5 out Atlantic Southeast 6,500' & 5,000' Savannah Savannah/Hilton Head International 5 in/5 out Airtran 9,351' & 7,001' 4 in/4 out Continental Express 8 in/8 out Delta 10 in/10 out Delta Connection 2 in/2 out Northwest Airlink 6 in/6 out United Express 6 in/6 out US Airways Express Valdosta Valdosta Regional 4 in/4 out Atlantic Southeast 6,302 & 5,596 Source: Georgia Department of Transportation Southeastern United States Highway System Highway System The backbone of Georgia s road system is its network of 15 interstate highways..-,55 Jackson.-,20.-,59.-,40.-,20 Nashville-Davidson.-,40.-,75.-,24.-,65.-,59.-,85 Montgomery.-,85 Atlanta.-,75.-,65.-,10.-,20.-,16 Tallahassee.-,26 Columbia.-,95.-,85 Raleigh.-,95.-,40 Georgia s well-maintained highway system is financed by the lowest gasoline tax in the nation. Atlanta is one of only a few major cities in which three major interstates intersect near the central business district..-,75.-,4.-,95 39

44 Traveler Information Kiosks Located around the state at highway rest areas, government buildings and transportation hubs, the more than 110 kiosks are touch-screen displays that give up-to-the-minute information on traffic congestion, MARTA schedules, weather, airline schedules and traveler information. Georgia s highway system is one of the best maintained in the country. Highway Emergency Response Operators Highway Emergency Response Operators (HEROs) minimize the disruption of traffic caused by incidents within the Metro Atlanta area. HERO vehicles help stranded motorists with minor mechanical problems including flat tires or weak batteries. They also provide fuel, coolant, road and travel information and courtesy use of cell phones. According to the Annual Pavement Condition Survey compiled by The Road Information Program (TRIP), Georgia s state highway system is one of the best maintained in the country. The survey is based on Federal Highway Administration data. Catoosa Dade Murray Fannin Towns Whitfield Union Rabun Walker Gilmer White Lumpkin Habersham Stephens Chattooga Gordon Pickens Dawson Rome Hall Franklin Banks Hart Floyd Bartow Cherokee Forsyth Jackson Madison Elbert Polk Barrow Athens Paulding Cobb Clarke Gwinnett Haralson Oglethorpe Atlanta Oconee DeKalb Walton Wilkes Lincoln Douglas Morgan Rockdale Taliaferro Fulton Greene Carroll Newton McDuffie Clayton Henry Columbia Fayette Warren Richmond Coweta Jasper Butts Putnam Heard Spalding Hancock Glascock Pike Jefferson Burke Troup Meriwether Lamar Monroe Jones Baldwin Washington Macon Augusta Upson Bibb Wilkinson Jenkins Harris Talbot Crawford Johnson Screven Columbus Twiggs Emanuel Muscogee Taylor Peach Marion Houston Bleckley Laurens Candler Treutlen Bulloch Effingham Chattahoochee Macon Schley Pulaski Montgomery Dooly Dodge Wheeler Evans Toombs Stewart Webster Bryan Sumter Wilcox Tattnall Chatham Telfair Quitman Crisp Terrell Jeff Davis Appling Lee Ben Hill Liberty Long Clay Randolph Turner Irwin Worth Coffee Bacon Wayne Calhoun Dougherty Albany McIntosh Tift Early Berrien Pierce Baker Atkinson Mitchell Brantley Glynn Miller Colquitt Cook Ware Lanier Clinch Seminole Charlton Grady Thomas Lowndes Camden Decatur Brooks Echols Valdosta Georgia s Interstate Highway Infrastructure Savannah Brunswick 40

45 Georgia s Attractions An abundance of parks, historic sites, museums and other attractions makes Georgia an excellent destination for travelers. With the largest land area of any state east of the Mississippi River, the Georgia landscape runs from the mountains in the north to the coastal plain in the southeast. The most southerly of the Blue Ridge Mountains enters Georgia in the north and northeast. The central piedmont extends south and southeast from the mountains and levels to a coastal plain and coastal flatlands.* Georgia is the 24 th largest state in the U.S., covering 59,441 square miles. Water covers 1,522 square miles of the state. The highest point in Georgia is Brasstown Bald at 4,784 feet. The lowest point is where the land meets the Atlantic ocean on the southeastern coastline.* *Source: Netstate ography/ga_geography.htm Georgia s contrasting terrain, from the mountainous northern part of the state to the coastal region, gives residents and tourists alike the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities with a minimum amount of travel. Georgia s climate also makes visiting the state a year-round pleasure. Monthly average temperatures range from a high of 92.2 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of 32.6 degrees. Winters are mild, but significant variation occurs from south to north in Georgia. Snow cover lasting more than one or two days or exceeding two inches occurs only in the mountainous fringe of north Georgia.* 41

46 State Parks and Historical Sites Georgia is home to 45 state parks and 18 historic sites that host 13 million visitors annually. Georgia is home to 45 state parks and 18 historic sites. These parks offer a variety of scenery and activities and welcome 13 million visitors annually. The parks generate $27 million in revenue on a yearly basis roughly half of the budget for park operations. State parks employ 916 full-time employees and 477 part-time hourly employees. Additional information on the parks is available at Georgia s State Parks 40: Tallulah Gorge State Park Catoosa Dade Fannin Murray Whit field S 9 Walker Gilmer Gordon S 21 Pickens Chattooga Bartow Floyd Cherokee Fors yth S 4 One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike rim trails to several overlooks, or they can obtain a free permit (limit 100 per day) to hike down to the gorge floor. A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. Exhibits in the park s Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center highlight the rich history of Tallulah, a Victorian resort town, as well as the rugged terrain and fragile ecosystem of the area. Additionally, an award-winning film takes viewers on a dramatic journey through the gorge. Source: S 13 S 30 S 7 To wns S S Rabun Union S S Whit e36 40 S S Stephens 1 27 Lumpkin Habersham Dawson S Franklin 41 Hall Banks Hart S S Jackson Madison Elbert S S S Barrow S Gwinnett 10 Clarke 3 Lincoln Oconee Oglethorpe DeKalb Wilkes Walt on S 6 Morgan S Rockdale S Greene Taliaferro S 26 Polk Paulding Cobb Haralson S 39 Douglas S Fulton 22 Newt on McDuf fie Carroll Clay ton Henry Columbia Fayett e Warren Richmond Coweta S S Jasper Heard Butts Putnam Spalding Hancock Glascock Pike Burke Troup Meriwether Lamar Monroe Jones Baldwin Jefferson Washington S 37 S 38 S 25 Upson Bibb Wilkinson Harris Jenkins Ta lbot Johnson Screven Crawford Emanuel Muscogee Taylor Peach Twiggs S 12 Marion Houston Candler Bleckley Laurens Treutlen Bulloch Effingham Chatt ahoochee Macon Schley Pulask i Montgomery S Dooly Dodge Wheeler Toombs Evans 8 S S S Stewart Webster Bryan Sumter 29 Wilcox S Telfair Tattnall Chatham 14 Quitman Crisp Terrell Jeff Davis Appling Liberty Lee Ben Hill Long Clay Randolph Tu rner Irwin Wort h Coffee Bacon Wayne Calhoun Dougherty S Tift 11 McIntosh Early Berrien Pierce S Baker 33 Mitchell Atkinson S Cook Brantley Glynn Miller 16 Colquitt S S Ware S Lanier 34 Clinch Thomas Lowndes Seminole Charlton Camden Grady Decatur Brooks Echols S 5 S 35 42

47 Listing of Georgia s State Parks Map ID State Park City 1 Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge Dawsonville 2 Black Rock Mountain State Park Mountain City 3 Bobby Brown State Park Elberton 4 Cloudland Canyon State Park Rising Fawn 5 Crooked River State Park St. Marys 6 Elijah Clark State Park Lincolnton 7 F.D. Roosevelt State Park Pine Mountain 8 Florence Marina State Park Omaha 9 Fort Mountain State Park Chatsworth 10 Fort Yargo State Park Winder 11 General Coffee State Park Nicholls 12 George L. Smith State Park Twin City 13 George T. Bagby State Park and Lodge Fort Gaines 14 Georgia Veterans State Park Cordele 15 Gordonia-Altamaha State Park Reidsville 16 Hamburg State Park Mitchell 17 Hard Labor Creek State Park Rutledge 18 Hart State Park Hartwell 19 High Falls State Park Jackson 20 Indian Springs State Park Flovilla 21 James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park Summerville 22 John Tanner State Park Carrollton 23 Laura S. Walker State Park Waycross 24 Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge McRae 25 Magnolia Springs State Park Millen 26 Mistletoe State Park Appling 27 Moccasin Creek State Park Clarkesville 28 Panola Mountain State Park Panola 29 Providence Canyon State Park Lumpkin 30 Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge Cartersville 31 Reed Bingham State Park Adel 32 Richard B. Russell State Park Elberton 33 Sapelo Island Reserve and Reynolds Mansion Darien 34 Seminole State Park Donalsonville 35 Skidaway Island State Park Savannah 36 Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge Helen 37 Sprewell Bluff State Park Thomaston 38 Stephen C. Foster State Park Fargo 39 Sweetwater Creek State Park Lithia Springs 40 Tallulah Gorge State Park Tallulah Falls 41 Tugaloo State Park Lavonia 42 Unicoi State Park and Lodge Helen 43 Victoria Bryant State Park Royston 44 Vogel State Park Blairsville 45 Watson Mill Bridge State Park Comer 43

48 Georgia s Historical Sites Map and Listing 13: The Little White House Franklin Delano Roosevelt built the Little White House in 1932 while governor of New York, prior to being inaugurated as president in He first came to Warm Springs in 1924 hoping to find a cure for the infantile paralysis (polio) that had struck him in Swimming in the warm, buoyant spring waters brought him no miracle cure, but it did bring improvement. During FDRs presidency and the Great Depression, he developed many New Deal Programs (such as the Rural Electrification Administration) based upon his experiences in this small town. While posing for a portrait on April 12, 1945, FDR suffered a stroke and died a short while later. Today, the Unfinished Portrait is featured in a new museum opening in This facility showcases many exhibits, including FDRs 1938 Ford convertible with hand controls, his Fireside Chats playing over a 1930s radio, his stagecoach and a theater. Visitors can tour FDRs home, which has been carefully preserved very much as he left it, the servants and guest quarters, and the nearby pools complex that first brought the future president to Warm Springs. Source: Dade Walker Chattooga Catoosa Murray Fannin Towns Whitfield Union Floyd S 2 Gordon S 14 S 4 S 13 Gilmer Lumpkin S 3 Dawson Pickens Bartow Cherokee Forsyth Rabun White Stephens Habersham S 17 Hall Franklin Banks Hart Jackson Madison Elbert Polk Barrow Paulding Cobb Clarke Gwinnett Haralson Oglethorpe Oconee DeKalb Walton Wilkes Lincoln Douglas Morgan Rockdale Taliaferro Fulton Greene Carroll Newton S McDuffie Clayton Henry 1 Columbia Fayette Warren Richmond Coweta Jasper Butts Putnam Heard Spalding Hancock Glascock Pike S Jefferson Burke Troup Meriwether Lamar 9 Monroe Jones Baldwin Washington S 16 Upson Bibb Wilkinson Jenkins Harris Talbot Crawford Johnson Screven Twiggs Emanuel Muscogee Taylor Peach Marion Houston Laurens Candler Bleckley Treutlen Bulloch Effingham Chattahoochee Macon Schley Pulaski Montgomery Dooly Dodge Wheeler Evans Toombs Stewart Webster Bryan Sumter Wilcox Tattnall Telfair Quitman Crisp Terrell Jeff Davis Appling Lee Ben Hill Liberty Long Clay Randolph Turner S 10 Irwin Worth Coffee Bacon Wayne Calhoun Dougherty McIntosh Tift Early S 11 Berrien Pierce S Baker 5 Atkinson Mitchell Brantley Glynn Miller Colquitt S Cook Ware 8 Lanier Clinch Seminole Charlton Grady Thomas Lowndes Camden Decatur S 12 Brooks Echols S 18 Chatham S 6 S 7 Map ID State Historic Sites City 1 A.H. Stephens Historic Park Crawfordville 2 Chief Vann House Historic Site Chatsworth 3 Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site Dahlonega 4 Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site Cartersville 5 Fort King George Historic Site Darien 6 Fort McAllister Historic Park Richmond Hill 7 Fort Morris Historic Site Midway 8 Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site Brunswick 9 Jarrell Plantation Historic Site Juliette 10 Jefferson Davis Historic Site Fitzgerald 11 Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park Blakely 12 Lapham-Patterson House Historic Site Thomasville 13 Little White House Historic Site Warm Springs 14 New Echota Historic Site Calhoun 15 Picketts Mill Battlefield Historic Site Dallas 16 Robert Toombs House Historic Site Washington 17 Travelers Rest Historic Site Toccoa 18 Wormsloe Historic Site Savannah 44

49 National Parks, Historic Sites and Seashores Georgia is home to 12 national parks that host more than 6.7 million visitors a year. The combined national park budget was almost $16 million in See for more information on Georgia s beautiful national treasures. 5: Cumberland Island National Seashore Cumberland Island is 17.5 miles long and totals 36,415 acres of which 16,850 are marsh, mud flats, and tidal creeks. It is underdeveloped and well known for its sea turtles, abundant shore birds, dune fields, maritime forest, salt marshes, and historic structures. Source: 4: Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park Between 1890 and 1899 the Congress of the United States authorized the establishment of the first four national military parks: Chickamauga and Chattanooga, Shiloh, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg. The first and largest of these, and the one upon which the establishment and development of most other national military and historical parks was based, was Chickamauga and Chattanooga. It owes its existence largely to the efforts of General H.V. Boynton and Ferdinand Van Derveer, both veterans of the Army of the Cumberland, who saw the need for a national park to preserve and commemorate these battlefields during a visit to the area in Source: S 4 Catoosa Dade Murray Fannin Towns Union Rabun Whitfield Walker Gilmer White S Lumpkin 2 Stephens Habersham Chattooga Gordon Pickens Dawson Hall Franklin Banks Hart Floyd Bartow Cherokee Forsyth Jackson Madison Elbert Polk S 9 Barrow Paulding Cobb Clarke Gwinnett Haralson Oglethorpe 3 Oconee S 10 DeKalb Walton Wilkes Lincoln Douglas Morgan Rockdale Taliaferro Fulton Greene Columbia Carroll Newton Clayton Henry McDuffie Fayette Coweta Jasper Warren Richmond Butts Putnam Heard Spalding Hancock Glascock Pike Troup Jefferson Burke Meriwether LamarMonroe Jones Baldwin Washington S 11 Upson Bibb Wilkinson Jenkins Harris Talbot Crawford Johnson Screven Twiggs Emanuel Muscogee Taylor Peach Marion Houston Laurens Candler Bleckley Treutlen Effingham Chattahoochee Macon Bulloch Schley Pulaski Montgomery Stewart S 1 Dooly Dodge Wheeler Evans Webster Sumter Toombs Bryan S 8 Wilcox Tattnall Chatham Telfair Quitman Crisp Terrell Jeff Davis Appling Lee Ben Hill Liberty Long Clay Randolph Turner Irwin Worth Coffee Bacon Wayne Calhoun Dougherty McIntosh Early Tift Berrien Pierce Baker Atkinson Mitchell Brantley Glynn Miller Colquitt Cook Ware S 6 Lanier Clinch Seminole Charlton Grady Thomas Lowndes Camden Decatur Brooks Echols S 5 S 7 45

50 Listing of Georgia s National Parks, Historic Sites & Seashores Map ID National Site City Annual Visits 2003 Budget 1 Andersonville National Historic Site Andersonville 184,081 $ 940,000 2 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Springer Mountain 184,018 $ 940,000 3 Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Atlanta 2,712,783 $ 2,834,000 4 Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park Fort Oglethorpe 845,037 $ 2,212,000 5 Cumberland Island National Seashore Saint Marys 42,265 $ 1,983,000 6 Fort Frederica National Monument St. Simons Island 257,114 $ 627,000 7 Fort Pulaski National Monument Savannah 361,126 $ 899,000 8 Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Plains 53,548 $ 895,000 9 Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Kennesaw 1,362,946 $ 1,159, Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site Atlanta 639,746 $ 2,762, Ocmulgee National Monument Macon 111,444 $ 672,000 * Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail *Not shown on map Georgia Not available Not available Major Attractions Georgia has a variety of major attractions scattered throughout the state. Below is a listing of Georgia s 10 most visited attractions/parks in 2002: 1. Savannah Historic District (Savannah) 2. Underground Atlanta (Atlanta) 3. Stone Mountain (Atlanta Metro) 4. MLK Jr. National Historic Site (Atlanta) 5. World of Coca-Cola (Atlanta) 6. Appalachian Trail (North Georgia counties) 7. Six Flags (Atlanta Metro) 8. Amicalola Falls State Park (Dawson/Lumpkin Counties) 9. CNN Studio Tour (Atlanta) 10. Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta) Source: Georgia Tech Economic Development Institute, FOCUS on Tourism, Fall

51 Some of Georgia s Major Attractions Catoosa Dade Murray Fannin Towns Union Rabun Whitfield Walker Gilmer White Stephens Lumpkin Habersham Chattooga Gordon Pickens Dawson Hall Franklin Banks Hart Floyd Bartow Cherokee Forsyth S 11 S Jackson Madison Elbert 5 Polk 15 Barrow Paulding Cobb Clarke S S S SSSS Gwinnett 13 Haralson Oglethorpe DeKalb S Oconee Walton Wilkes Lincoln Douglas 16 Morgan 14 Rockdale Taliaferro Fulton Greene Carroll Newton Clayton Henry McDuffie Fayette Coweta Jasper Warren Richmond Butts Putnam Heard Spalding Hancock Glascock Pike Troup Jefferson Burke Meriwether LamarMonroe Jones Baldwin Washington S 5 18 S 4 Georgia is home to beautiful small southern towns and booming metro areas such as Atlanta. With its rich history, southern culture and variety of attractions, Georgia has something for every traveler. Below is a map showing some of the state s major attractions. 15 S 6 8 Columbia 4 10 S S S S S S S 19 S 17 9 S S S 2 S S 1 13 Upson Bibb Wilkinson Jenkins Harris Talbot Crawford Johnson Screven Twiggs Emanuel Muscogee Taylor Peach S 12 7 Marion Houston Laurens Candler Bleckley Treutlen S Effingham Chattahoochee Macon Bulloch Schley Pulaski Montgomery Stewart Dooly Dodge Wheeler Evans Webster Sumter Toombs Bryan S 16 S 9 Wilcox Tattnall Chatham Telfair Quitman Crisp Terrell Jeff Davis Appling Lee Ben Hill Liberty Long Clay Randolph Turner 14 S 3 Irwin S Worth Coffee Bacon Wayne Calhoun 2 Dougherty McIntosh S Early 1 Tift Berrien Pierce Baker Atkinson Mitchell Brantley Glynn Miller Colquitt Cook Ware Lanier Clinch Seminole Charlton Grady Thomas Lowndes Camden Decatur S Brooks 11 S 17 Echols S Major Metro Atlanta Attractions Georgia Attractions Atlanta Attractions 47

52 Listing of Major Georgia Attractions Map ID Site Name City 1 Agrirama Tifton 2 Albany Civil Rights Movement Museum Albany 3 Blue and Gray Museum, The Fitzgerald 4 Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain 5 Frontier Village Fort Gaines 6 Georgia Music Hall of Fame Macon 7 Georgia Southern Botanical Garden Statesboro 8 Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Macon 9 Global Village & Discovery Center Plains 10 The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History & Conference Center Augusta 11 Melhana, The Grand Plantation Thomasville 12 National Civil War Naval Museum Columbus 13 State Botanical Garden of Georgia Athens 14 Thronateeska Heritage Center Albany 15 Tubman African American Museum Macon 16 Westville-Georgia's Working 1850 Town Lumpkin 17 Wild Adventures Valdosta 18 Wild Animal Safari Pine Mountain Listing of Major Atlanta Attractions Map ID Atlanta Site 2002 Attendance 1 Atlanta Botanical Gardens 200,000 2 Atlanta Civic Center 500,000 3 Centennial Olympic Park 1,700,000 4 Center for Puppetry Arts 222,473 5 Chateau Elan Winery & Resort 600,000 6 CNN Center 3,800,000 7 Fernbank Museum of Natural History 401,076 8 Fox Theater, The 1,340,654 9 Georgia World Congress Center 1,007, High Museum of Art 401, Lake Lanier Islands 282, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site 657, Piedmont Park 2,750, Six Flags Over Georgia 2,000, Six Flags White Water 500, Stone Mountain Park 4,000, Underground Atlanta 6,000, Woodruff Arts Center 1,371, World of Coca Cola, The 780, Zoo Atlanta 695,373 Source: Georgia Power Community & Economic Development,

53 Georgia s Resorts Georgia is home to many world-class resorts. In 2003, The Lodge at Sea Island, on Georgia s Atlantic coast, earned a Mobil five-star rating for the second straight year. Major Resorts in Georgia 2: Callaway Gardens Callaway is an award-winning, 14,000-acre gardens, resort and preserve nestled in the southernmost foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Year-round programs provide guests opportunities to explore the environment and learn more about the world around them. The Callaway Education Department presents workshops on a myriad of horticultural, wildlife and environmental topics. Callaway, a man-made landscape in a unique natural setting, was conceived and created by Cason J. Callaway and his wife, Virginia Hand Callaway, for the benefit of mankind. The purpose is to provide a wholesome family environment where all may find beauty, relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world. Source: m S 2 S 1 S 17 Catoosa Dade Murray Fannin Towns Rabun Whitfield Union Walker Gilmer White Habersham Stephens Gordon Lumpkin Pickens S Dawson Chattooga 6 Hall Franklin Bartow Banks Hart Floyd Cherokee Forsyth S 10 S Jackson Madison Elbert 3 Polk S Gwinnett Barrow Paulding Cobb Clarke 11 Lincoln Haralson Oglethorpe DeKalb S Oconee 18 Walton Wilkes Douglas Morgan Rockdale Taliaferro Fulton Greene Carroll Newton McDuffie Clayton Henry Columbia Fayette S Warren Richmond Coweta Jasper 7 Butts Putnam Heard S 5 13 Spalding Hancock Glascock Pike Burke Troup Meriwether LamarMonroe Jones Baldwin Jefferson Washington Upson Bibb Wilkinson Harris Jenkins Talbot Crawford Johnson Screven Emanuel Twiggs Muscogee Taylor Peach Marion Houston Laurens Candler Bleckley Treutlen Bulloch Effingham Chattahoochee Macon Schley Pulaski Montgomery Dooly Dodge Wheeler Evans Toombs S Stewart Webster Bryan Sumter 4 Wilcox S Tattnall Chatham Telfair 14 Quitman Crisp Terrell Jeff Davis Appling Lee Ben Hill Liberty Long Clay Randolph Turner Irwin Worth Coffee Bacon Wayne Calhoun Dougherty McIntosh Tift Early Berrien Pierce Baker Mitchell Atkinson Cook Brantley Colquitt S 19 Glynn S S Miller Ware Lanier Clinch Seminole Charlton Grady Thomas Lowndes Camden Decatur S Brooks 12 Echols 49

54 Listing of Major Georgia Resorts Map ID Resort Name City 1 Brasstown Valley Young Harris 2 Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain 3 Chateau Elan Winery & Resort Braselton 4 Club at Savannah Harbor Savannah 5 Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee Greensboro 6 Gold Creek Golf Resort Dawsonville 7 Harbour Club Greensboro 8 Jekyll Island Jekyll Island 9 King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort St. Simons 10 Lake Lanier Islands Buford 11 Marietta Conference Center & Resort Marietta 12 Melhana, The Grand Plantation Thomasville 13 Port Armor Greensboro 14 Retreat at Lake Blackshear Cordele 15 Reynolds Plantation Greensboro 16 Sea Palms Golf Resort St. Simons 17 Sky Valley Resort Sky Valley 18 Stone Mountain Stone Mountain 19 The Cloister Sea Island 20 The Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation Greensboro Sports Teams and Venues Georgia is the sports center of the Southeast, offering sports enthusiasts many opportunities to watch college and professional sporting events. Both the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech field teams in many NCAA Division I sports. There are five major league teams in Georgia and several minor league teams as well. Sport Team Town League Baseball Braves Atlanta National League Baseball Braves Rome Minor Baseball Green Jackets Augusta Minor Baseball Sand Gnats Savannah Minor Baseball Catfish Columbus Minor Football Falcons Atlanta NFL Football Force Duluth AFL (Arena Football) Football Knights Macon Minor (Arena Football) Basketball Hawks Atlanta NBA Hockey Thrashers Atlanta NHL Hockey Gladiators Gwinnett ECHL Hockey Trax Macon Minor (Hockey) 50

55 Atlanta was selected to host the 2002 and 2007 NCAA Men s Basketball Final Four championships and in January of 2004, the city hosted the United States Figure Skating Championships. Georgia has hosted many other prestigious sporting events including the 2000 Super Bowl, the 2000 baseball All-Star game, and the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Major Sporting Venues in Georgia 4: The Georgia Dome Construction began on the Georgia Dome in The Dome covers 8.6 acres, is 27 stories tall and has 71,250 seats which include 4,604 club seats. The Dome was funded through hotel/motel tax. Total cost of construction was $210 million. Besides being the home of the Atlanta Falcons Football team, the Dome has been host to many of the largest sporting events in the world including: Super Bowl XXXIV Super Bowl XXVIII 1996 Centennial Olympic Games NCAA Final Four (2002) The ACC Basketball Tournament (2001) The SEC Championship Football Game The Peach Bowl In 2007, the Georgia Dome will host the NCAA Final Four. Source: dome.html Catoosa Dade Murray Fannin Towns Union Rabun Whitfield Walker Gilmer White Stephens Lumpkin Habersham Chattooga Gordon Pickens Dawson Hall Franklin Banks Hart Floyd Bartow Cherokee Forsyth Jackson Madison Elbert Polk Barrow Paulding Cobb Clarke Gwinnett S 7 3 Haralson Oglethorpe Oconee 6 DeKalb Wilkes SS Walton Lincoln Douglas 4 S Morgan Taliaferro Fulton 8 5 Rockdale Greene Columbia Carroll Newton Clayton Henry McDuffie Fayette Coweta S 2 Jasper Warren Richmond Butts Putnam Heard Spalding Hancock Glascock Pike Troup Jefferson Burke Meriwether LamarMonroe Jones Baldwin Washington Upson Bibb Wilkinson Jenkins Harris Talbot Crawford Johnson Screven Twiggs Emanuel Muscogee Taylor Peach Marion Houston Laurens Candler Bleckley Treutlen S 1 Effingham Chattahoochee Macon Bulloch Schley Pulaski Montgomery Stewart Dooly Dodge Wheeler Evans Webster Sumter Toombs Bryan Wilcox Tattnall Chatham Telfair Quitman Crisp Terrell Jeff Davis Appling Lee Ben Hill Liberty Long Clay Randolph Turner Irwin Worth Coffee Bacon Wayne Calhoun Dougherty McIntosh Early Tift Berrien Pierce Baker Atkinson Mitchell Brantley Glynn Miller Colquitt Cook Ware Lanier Clinch Seminole Charlton Grady Thomas Lowndes Camden Decatur Brooks Echols Listing of Major Sporting Venues Map ID Venue Name City Capacity/Size 1 Allen E. Paulson Stadium Statesboro 18,000 2 Atlanta Motor Speedway Hampton 115,000 3 Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta 55,000 4 Georgia Dome Atlanta 71,250 5 Georgia International Horse Park Conyers 1,400 acres 6 Phillips Arena Atlanta 21,000 7 Sanford Stadium Athens 86,117 8 Turner Field Atlanta 49,831 51

56 State Park Golf Courses Golf Course 1 The Creek at Hard Labor (18) 2 Highland Walk at Victoria Bryant (18) 3 Arrowhead Point, Richard B. Russell Golf Course (18) 4 Meadow Links at George T. Bagby (18) 5 Georgia Vets Memorial Course (18) 6 Little Ocmulgee Wallace Adams Course (18) 7 The Lakes at Laura S. Walker (18) 8 Brazell s Creek at Gordonia Altamaha (9) Greens Fees $22 - $27 $16 - $21 NA $20 - $26 $16 - $21 $17 - $18 $16 - $21 $13 - $15 Georgia s Golfing Experience Georgia is world-renowned for its golfing quality and variety. With its mild climate, Georgia provides golfers with the perfect setting for yearround sporting enjoyment. As mentioned earlier in this report, travelers recognize Georgia s exceptional golfing opportunities as one of the state s great attractions. Georgia is home to more than 485 golf courses, 350 of which are publicly accessible. Eight state park courses are included in the count, and offer a low-cost golfing experience for the whole family, as courses are designed for golfers of all skill levels. For more information on state park courses, see As illustrated on the map below, Georgia has an abundance of golfing opportunities throughout the state. For an extensive listing of courses, including information on course ratings and costs, see or the Georgia State Golfing Organization at Location of State Golf Courses 52