ICYMI: The Wall Street Journal highlights the major economic impact the new Jekyll Island Convention Center will bring to Georgia and our coastal region. JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga., Feb. 21, 2012 The highly anticipated grand opening of the Jekyll Island Convention Center this May promises to significantly increase business travel to the state's coast and provide a substantial boost to Georgia's economy. "Jekyll Island's revitalization efforts are creating jobs for hundreds of Georgians and will continue to lure visitors to the Georgia coast," said Governor Nathan Deal. "The beachfront convention center offers services and amenities that rival top destinations worldwide. Its completion positions the state for continued and significant tourism impacts, which is an essential sector of the state's economy." The new Jekyll Island Convention Center, to be completed on schedule and under budget, has already received a vote of confidence from a large number of events committed to utilize the facility. As of March 2012, more than 200 meetings and events have been booked through 2016, representing more than $40 million in economic impact for the Golden Isles. Historic levels of meetings and conventions are projected to be achieved in 2013 and beyond. The positive impact on tourism is already being seen in an uptick in revenues by hotels in the area, as businesses across the Southeast become more aware of all that Jekyll Island offers. This trend is expected to continue and even accelerate. "Tourism is a vital part of the Georgia economy, and we expect a boost with the opening of Jekyll Island's new convention center," said Kevin Langston, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism, Georgia Department of Economic Development. "From 2009 to 2010, visitor spending contributed $2.4 billion in state and local tax revenue. Having the only beachfront convention center in the Southeast positions Georgia for continued economic growth for years to come. Georgia was the fourth fastest-growing destination for international travelers in 2010. Jekyll's revitalization and new infrastructure will only help bolster that number." "Many anticipate the new Jekyll Island Convention Center will be a shining star for the state of Georgia," said Jones Hooks, Executive Director, Jekyll Island Authority. "This facility, augmented by the spectacular Great Dunes Park, the planned Westin Hotel and Hyatt Place, and the unrivaled charm of the Historic District, sets Jekyll Island apart to become one of the premier meeting destinations, not only in the state and in the Southeast, but in the county." It was a humbling experience to visit with the families of Georgia's fallen soldiers this morning. Today we commemorate these brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of freedom, and we owe them our deepest respect and gratitude for their service. Many thanks to Speaker Ralston and the Georgia Legislature for organizing this meaningful event. ATLANTA — The Georgia House is honoring the 45 National Guard soldiers who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Members of the House rose for a moment of silence Wednesday before the day was named "National Guard Day" at the Capitol. House Speaker David Ralston, flanked by commanders and soldiers from the National Guard, also honored family members of the fallen soldiers, some of whom were in the gallery of the House chamber. Ralston told the family members that they will "always be part of us, and we will never forget you." The names of the soldiers who have died were read out loud during the ceremony. In an op-ed to the AJC, Gov. Deal outlines his commitment to keeping the HOPE scholarship merit-based in order to give Georgia every edge when it comes to job creation: READ HERE Last year, Georgia faced a $300 million shortfall in our lottery-funded educational programs. Left untouched, HOPE would have exhausted its reserves and been unable to pay its bills by this July. The choice wasn’t between change and the status quo; the choice was between change and bankruptcy. I worked in a bipartisan fashion to save HOPE. First, we tied future expenses to revenues, meaning the size of the scholarship each year would depend on money generated. Second, we decided to keep the scholarship merit-based, which treats all students equally and benefits the state long-term by incentivizing our best and brightest to stay home. Before HOPE took effect in 1993, 60 to 70 percent of students who today qualify as Zell Miller Scholars — 1200 SAT and 3.7 GPA — left our state to attend college. Today, we’ve flipped that number: 60 to 70 percent of our top students stay in Georgia. Our Enduring HOPE law strikes a balance among three goals. It retains the best and brightest in-state for college, it continues to increase access to college for all Georgians, and it promotes academic achievement. Given the stark reality that paying full tuition and fees and providing a book allowance is no longer possible, these reforms represent the best option for maintaining Georgia’s economic development advantages. This gives Georgia businesses access to a highly skilled workforce. Executives looking to relocate will know their employees’ kids can earn the best merit-based state scholarship in the nation. And the bright minds educated with Georgia tax dollars will stay here, create jobs here, pay taxes here and lead Georgia into the future. Recently, Senate Democrats have suggested means testing for HOPE scholarships. They claim we can pay full tuition for all students with 3.0 GPAs whose household income is below $140,000. They’re wrong. Way wrong.
@GovernorDeal Governor Nathan Deal
