Tourism development in the coastal plain area

county supplements BUREAU OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH . UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Travel Research Study No. 8

county supplem'ents

Tour;sl11 Developl11ent ;n the Coastal Pla;n Area

lawrence F. Pinson

Prepared for the COASTAL PLAIN AREA PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
in cooperation with the INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY AND AREA DEVelOPMENT
by the BUREAU OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, ATHENS, GEORGIA OCTOBER 1967

FOREWORD
This is the county supplement report of a tourism development study which the Bureau of Business and Economic Research conducted for the Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission.
It contains individual reports on the vacation/recreation travel industry of each county in the Coastal Plain area. The counties are represented in the following order: Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift, and Turner. Each report contains sections covering the county's highlights, basic data, present status of tourism, and tourism development potentials.
A brief section containing the highlights of the main study is included at the beginning of this report. For more information about the area as a whole, reference should be made to the main report. Copies are available at the Commission Office in Valdosta, Georgia.
Particular appreciation is expressed to the many individuals in the 9-county area who met with the investigators in special county meetings to provide information, and the owners and managers of travel-serving businesses in the area who were personally interviewed by advanced marketing research students under the direction of Dr. John R. Thompson of the Department of Marketing.
Within the Bureau, appreciation is expressed to Jennie M. Caldwell, Judy A. Reece, and Candy J. Webb who typed and Sanders Camp, Jr. who printed the report.
Lawrence F. Pinson, Research Associate in the Bureau, was primarily responsible fo+ the conduct of the study. Mr. Pinson was able to complete the first draft of the report before going on leave of absence to work on his doctorate at Michigan State University. Appreciation is expressed

to Wray Buchanan for his help in bringing sections of each county report up to date and preparing them for publication. Polly W. Hein was responsible for the economic estimates listed under present status of tourism for each county.
It is hoped that this report will be of use to those who are engaged in the formulation of a tourism development program in the Coastal Plain area.
William B. Keeling, Director Bureau of Business and
Economic Research

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STUDY

TOURISM DEVELOP.1ENT IN THE COASTAL PLAIN AREA

Travel for vacation/recreation purposes is one of the fastest growing activities on the American scene today. It is not surprising that the firms which serve these travelers also are enjoying unprecedented growth and prosperity.

The Georgia travel industry has been part of this expansion.

During the period 1961 through 1966, travel-serving businesses

in the (20.4%

st ),

ate the

iirncsraelaessedfrotmhe$i7r92nur mmbeirlliforonm

t

17,030r o $1,298

to 20,500 million

(63.8%), their employees from 56,720r to 78,520 (38.4%), and

the wages paid these employees from $119r million to $215

million (80.3%).

Because of its location, the Coastal Plain area has shared in this expansion. Interstate Highway 75, one of the most heavily traveled vacation/recreation oriented highways in the country, runs through its center. The area already is enjoying
significant economic benefits from vacation/recreation traffic, but indications are that the potential is not being fully realized.

It is the purpose of this study to measure vacation/recreation travel in the Coastal Plain area and to determine its economic importance, to identify and define the major potentials of the area, and to recommend programs through which the area can expand its travel industry and thereby realize additional economic benefit from the increase in vacation/recreation travel.

To do this, it is necessary first to consider briefly the essential elements of a successful tourism development program.

r ReV~. sed

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL DEVELOP,1ENT PROGRAM
A successful tourism development program has a number of different aspects.
Travelers must be attracted into the area. They must be housed, fed and offered interesting activities while there. The residents of the host communities must provide the kind of hospitality and supporting services which will cause the area to become known as a "good" place to visit. There must be a coordinated promotional campaign. These and other things are considered briefly belm,.
ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
First, and most important travelers must be attracted into the area. Attractions may be of many kinds. Scenery, climate, historical shrines, outdoor recreation, special events, hunting, fishing, unique or different vegetation or animal life, all may serve to attract people into an area for vacation/recreation purposes. A successful program should identify the kinds of attractions which have the most probably chance of success, and it should take steps to see that they are developed and promoted.
Activities are essential in today's vacation/recreation travel market. The pattern of a generation or so ago of "watering places" or spas where people went to do little else but relax and eat has been largely replaced by vacations filled with many kinds of activities.
The key idea is that people prefer more active vacations than they once did and that primarily they are looking for a pattern of activities different from that engaged in at home.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The second essential element upon which a successful tourism development program is built is accommodations. People away from home must have adequate food and lodging.

In most cases, if an area is sufficiently attractive to bring in a significant number of guests, accommodations will soon be forthcoming. Howev~r, es~ecially if,a strong sea~onal pattern is present, prlvate lnvestment ln accommodatlons may not take place and the area's development will be thwarted.
Existing acco~~odations should be carefully analyzed and the development program should include actions to remedy any deficiencies.

SUPPORTING SERVICES
Supporting services are of two types, those provided by private business and those provided by the community as a vlhole.
Automotive repair shops and service stations are examples of private supporting services. Adequate parking, directional signs, courtesy law enforcement tickets, and parks are examples of public supporting services.
These services tend to set the entire tone of an area and to make a visitor feel either velcome or unwanted. They, too, should occupy an important part in the development program.

DEVELOPL1ENT AGENCIES

There are many organizations which can and should play important roles in a tourism development program. In addition to the Area Planning and Development Commission, which should assume a major leadership role, portions of the program should be carried out by local chambers of commerce, and by civic organizations such as service clubs, garden clubs, historical societies, and sportsman clubs.

Local governments, too, are important development organizations
and can do much to help create a community attitude which welcomes visitors and encourages the establishment of new travelserving businesses.

~ravel-serving businesses themselves are probably the most

1~portant of all. Ultimately the success of the entire program

w~ll depend upon the extent to which private individuals and

~1rms are able to recognize potentials; arrange financing; and

eV~l~p,and

f~C1l1tles f1~s which

t

manage quality attractions, accommodations, and o serve the needs of the traveling public. These stand to gain the most economically, must assume

t

he

maJor 7esponsibility for the creation and operation of a healthy,

expandlng vacation/recreation business in an area.

VACATION/RECREATION TRAVEL IN
THE COASTAL PLAIN AREA
Travelers took 2,281,000 vacation/recreation trips in the Coastal Plain area during 1966.
More than 57 per cent of all these trips (1,311,000) were made by out-of-state residents with destinations in states other than Georgia.
An additional 273,000 trips (12 per cent) were made by Georgians with destinations in other states. Both these trips nnd those made by the out-of-state residents can be classified as pass-through trips.
Almost one third of the total trips (697,000) were made within the area by area residents.
While in the area the 6,678,000 travelers making these vacation/recreation trips spent $12,003,900. Total spending in the area generated by these direct expenditures is estimated to range between $18 million and $24 million.
These vacation/recreation travelers were served by 823 proprietors and 3,097 employees in 740 lodging, eating and drinking, automotive service and entertainment firms. During 1966 the employees of these firms were paid $6,667,300 in wages and salaries.
Many other firms such as drug, hardware, sporting goods, antique, and grocery stores also were patronized by the area's vacation/recreation travelers.
A number of interesting facts emerge from analyzing the data for the area.
first, the patterns of expenditures for the Coastal Plain area ~s quite different from that for the state as a whole. Food and lodging account for 53 per cent of total expenditures in the state as a whole and for 43 per cent in the Coastal Plain area.

Second, there is a severe shortage of commercial and public recreation and entertainment in the area. Entertainment accounts for 14 per cent of the total expenditures by vacation/recreation travelers in the state as a whole, but for only one per cent in the Coastal Plain area. More activities and facilities for recreation and entertainment, especially in the evenings, are needed to fulfill the demand created by the large volume of travelers in the area.
Third, the counties of the area differ greatly from one another in the extent to which they are participating in this vacation/recreation business, ranging all the way from $500 sales to tourists in Echols County to $7,008,000 in Lowndes County.
The area is divided into two types of counties, those through which 1-75 and US 41 run and those through which they do not.
More than 94 per cent ($11,251,300) of the area's sales to vacation/recreation travelers were made in the four counties (Lowndes, Cook, Tift and Turner) through which 1-75 and US 41 run. The non-interstate counties had only $752,600 in sales to tourists in 1966.
Though the expenditure patterns do not vary widely from county to county they do vary enough to reflect each county's distinct type of tourist orientation. The important and significant variation is that of the area as compared to the state as a whole.
The high percentage of automobile expenses in almost all cases indicates catering to pass-through travelers, yet it can also mean a lack of adequate or satisfactory opportunity for other expenditures.
The unusually low proportion of total expenditures by vacation/ recreation travelers for recreation, amusement or entertainment ~ndicates a particularly underdeveloped phase of the travel ~ndustry in the area.
The Coastal Plain area faces the problem of design and implementation of a development program which can fill in the obvious gaps in many of the counties and in the area as a whole. Such a program should be based upon the natural advantages which the
ar7a enjoys, upon the attractions and activities already in
e~~stence, and upon the emerging travel accommodation concentrat~ons along 1-75.

A RECOMMENDED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

A tourism development program for the Coastal Plain area should have a dual objective:
1) to realize a much greater economic benefit from the large number of travelers who pass through the area on their way to or from Florida; and
2) to strengthen the appeal of the Coastal Plain area as a destination area - a place where people come for vacation/recreation purposes rather than just passing through on their way to another destination.
Recommendations are presented below for each of the essential elements of a successful program: attractions, activities and events; accommodations; and supporting services.

ATTRACTIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND EVENTS
Although there is some measure of overlap, in general different programs are needed for the pass-through traveler and for the traveler who has a vacation/recreation destination within the Coastal Plain area.

The Pass-Through Traveler

For the pass-through traveler, the principal attraction (and

thus the destination) of his trip is Florida - or in the case

of Florida residents, probably the mountains. Little or

nothing can be done to change the destination of his current

trip.

.

Much can be done, however, to make the Coastal Plain part of the vacation, rather than simply part of the road. The objective here is to offer the pass-through traveler something interesting to do while in the area, thus encouraging him to stay longer and to spend more than he otherwise would have. There are many ways this can be done.
Tours. One of the most effective ways is to offer the alternative of a short tour through the area, rejoining the Interstate at a point further along the road. This would be attractive to parties who are not on a tight schedule and who

have become weary of the uniformity of the Interstate. An AzaleaCamelia trail through Ashburn, Ocilla, Nashville, Lakeland and Val~osta, as well as several shorter tours, could be developed and promoted by means of a special brochure.
The area com~ission has just rrinted a small strip map qiving the traveler the precise routes to the Jefferson Davis Memorial state Park. This map has played a key role in increasing the visitation to that historic shrine.
Schedule of Events. An examination of the Coastal Plain area reveals a surprising nlli~er of fairs, festivals, shoNs, and events (including sporting events) that are regularly scheduled and would be interesting to visitors if they ~ere informed of them and knew they were welcome. These events could be coordinated to avoid excessive duplication and a monthly (or quarterly) schedule of events could be made available in motel rooms and in the Stat~ Welcome Centers. This type of invitation would enhance the area's reputation for hospitality and would encourage return stop-overs.
Tobacco Warehouses and Sales. Because of the interest visitors have shown in tobacco warehouses and sales, they should receive special treatment. When sales are in progress provisions should be made for visitation; during the off season the story could be told with movies and tapes.
Agriculture and Forestry Exhibits. As urban dwellers become further removed from their agricultural past, they become more and more fascinated by agricultural and forestry processes. There is a need for high quality exhibits, preferably including as much live demonstration as possible, depicting the historical development of these processes. As part of the story, visits should be arranged to modern farms and plants in the area.
These are only a few examples. The principle is simple. People are interested in seeing and learning about things that are different to them, and on vacation/recreation trips they have time to do so. The Coastal Plain area, by encouraging passthrough travelers to participate in such activities, can significantly increase the economic benefit it receives from the location of 1-75 in its borders.
The Destination Traveler
Although its largest market is the pass--through traveler, the Coastal Plain area should not overlook its potential as a destination area. There are a number of things which could

be done to encourage visitors to come to the area for vacation/ recreation purposes.
Hunting and Fishing Activities. Many farmers and businessmen in the area have organized sportsman clubs or associations. These groups, with the technical support of the Commission, have successfully developed and pron~ted deer and wild boar hunts, dog shows, field trials, and other similar events. In addition, the Coastal Plain Commission has published a Recreation Resources Management Manual to help sportsman groupS and interested individuals develop a sound wildlife management program.
Fishing is a major outdoor activity in the southeast. To capitalize on this, the Commission has created an excellent brochure, Lunker Country, which gives a brief description and the specific location of outstanding fishing lakes and ponds in the Coastal Plain area. It is to be displayed on bulletin boards at each of the rest areas on Interstate 75 and will be available at State Welcome Centers.
As a result of these and other actions, the Coastal Plain area has one of the outstanding hunting and fishing programs in the state. It should continue its efforts along these lines.
u. S. Study Commission Projects. The Suwannee River Basin
was one of the areas studied by the u.S. Study Commission, Southeast River Basins. Its development plan, released in 1963, contained recommendations for a number of major developments which would provide additional recreational opportunities. Tifton Reservoir, Quitman Reservoirs, Franks Creek Reservoir, and Mud Swamp Reservoir were given high priority by the commission.
Significant recreation benefits would be realized through these developments and it is recommended that efforts be continued to bring them about. A feasibility study of the Mud Swamp project has been initiated by the Coastal Plain Area Commission, using funds provided by the State and technical support from the Soil Conservation Service. It is anticipated that this project will be developed along the lines of a wildlife refuge for wading birds, alligators, and other aquatic forms of life.
Banks Lake. An outstanding potential exists in Banks Lake, with Its cypress swamp, hanging moss and open water. This lake could be developed into one of the state's finest recreation areas, emphasizing water activities and hunting. The potential is there for a complete recreation complex including camping, hiking, horseback riding, boating, and fishing.

Crystal Lake. The crystal-clear water; the wide, white sand beaches; and the surrounding open area at Crystal Lake presents another i]~~ortant potential for an outdoor recreation development. The goal should be a facility with a full range of outdoor activitier-' such as golf, swimming, horseback riding, hiking and camping together with adequate accommodations to serve the traveling public.
other Outdoor Activities. Many other outdoor activities are possible and desirable in the Coastal Plain area. Perhaps one of the most significant potentials is the development of floattrips on the three rivers in the area. The Commission is presently at work on a float-trip brochure, which will indicate points of entry along the rivers, camping areas, and other pertinent features.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Since the field research for this study was done, the number of accommodations has been increased and the quality of facilities and services has been considerably improved. The tourism developmental program presented here assumes that the area's accommodations will continue to improve.
However, similar first-class accommodations are being built elsewhere giving Coastal Plain area accommodations strong competition. Therefore, accommodation operators should make Coastal Plain area establishments stand out by providing extra services such as pools; putt-putt and par-three golf courses; play grounds; kennels; free newspapers; baby sitting services; arrangements for guests to play golf and tennis at local country clubs; arrangements for homes, gardens, and industrial tours; trip planning; fast valet services; special foods preparation; house doctors and nurses; photo developing; overnight auto service; and the many other things which cause visitors to want to return on their next trip.
Extra services notwithstanding, probably the best way to cause a traveler to be favorably impressed is to give prompt, courteous, friendly service. Training for employees is vitally needed to establish the Coastal Plain area both as a good stop-over location and as a destination area. As more travelers stop in the area more accommodations will be built.

SUPPORTING SERVICES
There is much to be done at both the area and local levels in providing services for vacation/recreation visitors.
A travel council of local travel-serving businesses should be established in each community. In smaller communities this might be established as a standing committee of local service clubs. This council can become a coordinating agency for local events and for supporting services and its area counterpart can assist in bringing about similar coordination on the area level.
courtesy clinics should be held for public servants and for employees of travel-serving businesses.
Beautification projects are needed at both area and local levels.
Directional signs, perhaps using some recognizable area sYmbol, should be established to guide visitors to points of interest. Local information centers should be established in each county, using either a travel-oriented business, a chamber of commerce, or a public office as the site.
Law enforcement policies should be examined and a system of courtesy tickets for visitors initiated. Special parking places for visitors should be established wherever needed.
Publicity programs are needed at all levels. Especially important is coordination with programs of the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade and the Georgia State Chamber of Commerce.
This is by no means an all-inclusive list. Tourism development is an important aspect of community development, and anything which makes a community a more attractive place in which to live also makes it more attractive to those who visit there.

HE VA CATIO N/RE CREAT ION TRAVEL I ND US TRY N BERRIEN COUNTY
Supplement to Tourism Development in the Coa stal Plain Area
Lawrence F. Pinson

Prepared for the Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission
In Cooperation with the Institute of Community and Area Development
by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research Graduate School of Business Administration University of Georgia

January 1968

BERRIEN COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
The county's most outstanding tourism assets are its mild climate, its many natural resources for supporting outdoor recreation, and its proximity to the two urban centers of Tifton and Valdosta and to Interstate 75 with its large volume of vacation/recreation travelers.
Several places which have been developed for recreational purposes could be expanded to attract a greater number of visitors. Examples are Ray's Mill, Avera's Mill Pond, and Lake Lewis.
Throughout the county there are sites on lakes, ponds, streams, and in large wooded areas that would make ideal camping grounds and travel trailer parks.
Since Berrien is an agricultural county, it contains cotton gins, tobacco warehouses, and farms that could be developed into attractions by installing adequate equipment to accommodate tourists such as safe walkways, public address systems, and information plaques.
The county must build a new type of local vacation/recreation travel industry to serve visitors who plan to stay a day or more for recreational purposes.
In addition to the above referred to facilities, there are many events and programs that could be expanded, consolidated, and developed with assistance from the local travel industry. This should be done if the county is to attract more visitors for overnight stays and for vacations of a day or more.

BERRIEN COUNTY
THE COUNTY
Berrien County lies partially in the Lower Coastal Plain region and partially in the Upper Coastal Plain region. Its terrain ranges from flat and poorly drained to gently rolling. Of the 300,800 acres in the county, 207,700 acres, or 69 per cent, are in forests. More than 240 frost fr~e days annually and approximately 50 inches of rain encourage forest growth and agricultural production. The predominant vegetation of the county includes loblolly and slash pine with tupelo, poplar, gum, and cypress in the poorly drained areas along streams. Palmetto, wild vines, moss, and wild flowers are abundant and beautify the undergrowth of forests. The major crops are cotton, tobacco, peanuts, truck crops, and pecans. Soils are loamy sands and sands particularly suitable for the production of these crops. Two important rivers cross the county: the Alapaha and the Withlacoochee. New Rive~, which joins the withlacoochee River south of the county, forms the western border.
The county was named for John MacPherson Berrien, a member of the United states Senate and Attorney General in the Cabinet of Andrew Jackson. The county seat, Nashville, was named for General Francis Nash, a distinguished soldier in the Revolutionary War. Nashville, Tennessee, was named for the same man. Besides Nashville there are nine other towns in the county: Sneed, Allenville, Sullivan, Bannackburn, Crenshaw, Alapaha, Enigma, Montazue, and Ray City.
US 82 and us 129, main thoroughfares in the county, and Georgia highways 37, 64, 50, 76, 125, 135, and 168 form the major network of roads. This network is well supplemented by a good system of county roads.
PRESENT STATUS OF TOURISM
Tourism was once a significant contributor to the economy of Berrien County with firms on US 129 serving the travelers in route to and from Florida. However, with the opening of
Berrien-2

Interstate 75, the through traffic on US 129 declined radically, and many firms which had served tourists were converted to other uses.
since the economy has always depended on agriculture, no one, in the past, has worried much about tourism. However, cuts in tobacco allotments, competition from Texas and California in cotton production, and the increased use of farm machinery resulting in the decline in farm employment now make tourism an attractive way to bolster a sagging economy.
In 1966 there were 45 travel-serving establishments in the county with a total of 115 employees and 45 proprietors. The total wages received by the employees were $266,900. The sales by travel-serving firms directly attributable to vacation/recreation travel were $168,600.
The distribution of these sales among the various types of travel-serving businesses was:

Type of Business
Food Automotive Lodging Entertainment Other
Total
Total sales to travelers ($000)

Berrien County
17% 70
1 1 11 100%
$168.6

Coastal Plain Area
20% 54 23
1 2 100%
$12,003.9

Georgia
34% 23 19 14 10 100%
$496,300.0

This distribution pattern is significant ~or two reasons: 1. it indicates a travel industry too depenqent upon automotive firms and 2. it points out the increa~ing importance of fishing activities and facilities to the present travel industry. The receipts classified under food and other and perhaps a significant percentage of those under automotive are largely the result of expenditures by fishermen coming into the county to take advantage of the facilities offered ~t several of the fishing lakes in the county. The travel 1ndustry should capitalize on this growing recreation travel market and expand its present nucleus and supplement existing facilities with new campsites, fishing camps and hunting lodges.

Berrien-3

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIALS
The county's most outstanding tourism assets are its mild climate, its many natural resources for supporting outdoor recreation, and its proximity to the two urban centers of Tifton and Valdosta and to Interstate 75 with its large volume of vacation/recreation travelers.
Development and Promotional Agencies
To mobilize the assets of the county, a tourism development organization should be formed as a counterpart of the areawide travel council. This local travel council should be composed of members representing each segment of the travel industry as well as members from development qnd support agencieB.
This organization should be given the task of cataloguing all assets within the county which can be used in a tourism development program. It should be given the responsibility of coordinating, on a local level and with the neighboring counties, all activities and events in which vacation/recreation travelers would have an interest. The council should carryon a program of education, training, and promotion. Finally, it should be given the responsibility of serving as the local catalyst to the development of facilities, attractions, and events.
Associations of owners of-hunting and fishing properties could bring about an increase in the number of hunters and fishermen from outside the area coming into the county by encouraging landowners to provide accommodations such as hunting lodges and campsites. Formalized groups, such as the one promoting organized deer hunts in the county, are needed to promote the facilities available, channel potential customers to the proper areas, and collect fees for hunting rights and other services.
Facilities
With more people and fewer outdoor recreation facilities in the visinity of metropolitan areas, the development of hunting and fishing areas has become a profitable business. Farm ponds, rivers and creeks, and other local natural resources could be utilized to develop a county fishing program. Many of these water bodies need weed and underbrush control to
Berrien-4

provide access and clear water for fishing. Also, there is a need for additional boat ramps along the two main rivers.
presently, several places and events which have been developed for recreational purposes could be expanded to attract a greater number of visitors. The first is Ray's Mill, which is located on a small creek in the southern part of the county about three miles north of Ray City. Here, Ray's Pond, which furnishes power to the mill, has become a favorite place for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The second, Avera's Mill pond located about 4 miles south of Nashville, is also popular among the local people for picnicking, camping, fishing, boating, swimming, and water skiing. The third, Lake Lewis, located east of Nashville off of Georgia 76, offers cabins, a restaurant, and camping areas.
Throughout the county there are sites on lakes, ponds, streams, and in the large wooded areas that would make ideal camping grounds and travel trailer parks. To attract more people, these should be located both on and off the main roads.
Since Berrien is an agricultural county, it contains cotton gins, tobacco warehouses J and farms that could be developed into attractions by installing adequate equipment to accommodate tourists such as safe walkways, public address systems and information plaques. Samples of the items produced could be sold to help cover the cost of installing this equipment.
There are opportunities for several types of enterprises in Berrien County. Pecans, pecan wood products, and articles made from pine wood and pine cones cou~d be prepared and marketed both locally and throughout the Southeast.
Programs
The county must build a new type of local vacation/recreation travel industry to serve visitors who plan to stay a day or more for recreational purposes. In addition to fulfilling the recommendations set forth in the main report, there are many events and programs that could be developed with assistance from the local travel council.
A standard movable display of old and antique automobiles should be set up and used throughout the area to supplement other events. The county already has a large number of pre1940 automobiles in good condition that could be used for this purposes. Auto dealers could assist this program by
Berrien-5

renting the older cars for display in their showrooms when they are not in use in the old automobile display. The old automobiles could be exhibited annually in a one day show which could also feature the new domestic and imported autos. At this time, recent additions to the old and antique auto collection could be highlighted.
One of the best ways to attract vacation/recreation visitors is to have special events in which they can participate. Many such events are now held both in Berrien County and the other counties of the Coastal Plain area. However, unless these events have specific reputations or characteristics which should be reserved for the individual counties, they should be consolidated where feasible with similar events in surrounding counties and promoted on an area basis. If consolidation is not feasible, the local travel council should coordinate the events with those held elsewhere in the area. The aim of consolidation and coordination is to increase the size of the event so that it will have a wider appeal and a greater economic impact on the county. For example:
-Every third Sunday a horse race is held at Ponderosa raceway. This enterprise is associated with the T. C. Raceway in Cook County. Events of both of these tracks attract many tourists.
-Tobacco auctions in July and August which are open to visitors should be held in the ware~ouses which have ade-
quate facilities to accommodate tou4ists. It would be
advantageous to allow tourists to v~ew the auction proceedings from a balcony which would allow full view. Activities could be narrated by a guide.
-More Berrien County sweet potato growers should participate in the Sweet Potato Festival at Ocilla. This cooperation would make the Ocilla Sweet Potato Festival the largest of its type anywhere. In return, Irwin County could assist with some of Berrien County's major events.
-The horse shows in Cook and Berrien counties could be consolidated. A single show could be held in either county and alternated annually. The Tobacco Festival also could be consolidated with the festival in Tifton.
-The grounds at the State Farmers Market could be used for events that are held in the county. Driving rodeos, gocart races, gun shows, auto shows, and dog shows are the types of events that could be held at the market.
Berrien-6

-Some flower shows should be held in an auditorium. The local spring azalea and camellia flower shows should also be supported by the surrounding communities. Adequate facilities for visitors should also be provided.
-summer-long fishing contests could be held and awards presented for the largest catch each month and season. The contest could be sponsored by the local merchants and coordinated through the travel council and sportman's association.
-The annual breeder show could be expanded to show breeding animals from farms throughout the Coastal Plain area. Although this might not attract many tourists, it would attract businessmen, cattlemen, and farmers from a wide area.
-Tygart Field Day, an event at Camp Tygart, should be widely publicized to attract both parents and children from a wide area to the Method1st camp.
-A beagle show, similar to the national f1eld trials held at Dixie Plantation ln Brooks County, could be established and held at a different time of year. This show would bring a number of dog enthusiasts to the county.
-Every Thursday a cattle auction 1S held in Nashville. A boat show and the Berrien County Fair are held annually in early October.
-Although the Berrien County Fair 1S an important event, it should be consolidated w1th fairs in the surrounding counties. A large fair, executed by several counties, would attract people and tour1sts from a wide area.
The two greatest problems ln the county and in other counties in the area are a lack of orientation toward serving the vacation/recreation traveler and a need for training of travel-serving personnel. The first problem can be solved by an agency or a comb1nat10n of agencies, which will operate a long range, properly oriented, educational program for the entire population. The second problem will need the sponsorship of the Chamber of Commerce, merchants, and the proposed travel council The training program should include basic education, trade skills, and complete tourist information about the area. The combinat10n of these programs will
Berrien-7

help the community to greet tourists properly, make the tourists feel welcome, and provide them services that will cause them to stay longer and want to come back for subsequent visits.
Another major problem is the appearance of each community. Generally, Berrien County's appearance is good. No community, however, is as attractive as it might be, and many of the communities might further improve their appearance by encouraging each firm and each civic and service organization to undertake annual appearance improvement projects.
Emphasis on beautification must be continuous because a "onetime" effort will have Ilttle permanent effect. As the area changes and becomes more urban, other beautification projects will become necessary and with the passing of time older projects will have to be redone.
A community which undertakes programs necessary to establish additional enterprises and attractions must also have a well-planned, aggressive promotion program. Press releases and articles about the county could be sent to all Berrien County newspapers with a request that they be printed to familiarize the people with this area. Local radio stations could also be requested to help promote the county by programming announcements and advertisements directed to travelers on Interstate 75 and other through highways.
Brochures of the county, after attractions are developed, should be produced and distributed through the Tourist Division of the Department of Industry and Trade. Monthly calendars of events for the county should be prepared several months in advance and distributed in the same way. The present brochures should be brought up to date and redesigned to create a favorable image of the county and the issuing firms.
The two weekly newspapers, the Nashville Herald and the Berrien Press, should be requested to print feature articles about the county and a front page calendar of events for each week. These papers could be distributed by a travel council to motel rooms and trailer camps within a 40-50 mile radius.
Berrien-8

THE VACATION/RECREATION TRAVEL INDUSTRY IN BROOKS COUNTY
A Supplement to Tourism Development in the Coastal Plain Area
Lawrence F. Pinson

Prepared for the Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission
In Coopera tion with the Institute of Community and Area Development
by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research Graduate School of Business Administration University of Georgia

January 1968

BROOKS COUNTY
DEVELOPMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS
Brooks County has an advantage over other counties in south Georgia and north Florida because it is developing an outstanding pLogram ..or sportsmen. Several years ago farmers and other landowners formed an association, Brooks County Wildlife Association, which provides many services to the travel industry of the county and the region. Some of these are:
-Consolidates local efforts and developmental interests and cooperates with other interests in the area to get the United States Study Commission recommendations implemented.
-Encourages local landowners to consolidate available hunting lands.
-Assists individual farmers with the problems of developing hunting and fishing enterprises.
This program could be supplemented with the development of camping facilities, stables for horseback riding, and visitor farms.
There are many farm ponds in the area. Five outstanding fishing ponds, which are open to the public, are listed in the Coastal Plain Commission's Lunker countr~ brochure. Two of these have camping areas. Efforts to lncrease the attraction power of the existing facilities and to establish additional fishing areas should be encouraged.
Tours of Quitman and other outstanding parts of the county should be promoted as an auxiliary activity for the ladies while the men fish and hunt.
Brooks County has several important events and as many as Possible should be consolidated with similar events from neighboring counties to create larger and more interesting attractions. Pamphlets and brochures giving details for each

event could be prepared and distributed through regular promotion channels to let visitors know they are welcome. To aid the promotional efforts of the county's development groupS, all firms of the travel industry should endeavor to create and impart a feeling of "warm welcome" to the visitors of Brooks County.
Brooks-2

BROOKS COUNTY
THE COUNTY
Brooks County, named for Congressman Preston C. Brooks of South Carolina, has a total land area of 318,000 acres. Quitman, the county seat and largest town, was named for John A. Quitman, a general who led a troop of Mississippi soldiers to aid Texas in its struggle for independence from Mexico. Quitman is an attractive community with wide, lighted, and landscaped main streets. It is the junction of the main highways through the county, US 84, US 221, Georgia 33 and Georgia 76.
The terrain ranges from flat to gentle rolling, with marshy areas along streams. The major streams in the county are the withlacoochee River, Mule Creek, Okapilco Creek, and Piscola Creek. Lime sink lakes are prevalent in the southern part of the county. The lime sinks that do not fill with water have trees growing in their beds. These unusual features are known as Devil's Hoppers.
Brooks, like other counties in the Coastal Plain area, has a mild climate with 240 to 280 frost free days and more than 50 inches of rain annually. These weather conditions contribute to the growth of vegetation and are ideal for outdoor recreation. Of the total land area, 187,000 acres (58.8 per cent) are in forests. The soils of the county are sandy with a reddish clay base in some areas and a lime base in others. The weather, terrain, and soils greatly influence the county's economic pursuits which include the production and primary processing of forest products. Major crops are cotton, tobacco, peanuts, pecans, sugar cane, and watermelons. In addition, there are such manufacturing activities as cotton, feed, and hosiery mills.
PRESENT STATUS OF TOURISM
In 1966 there were 57 travel-serving firms in Brooks County with a total of 159 employees and 72 proprietors. Salaries to employees were $295,600. The sales by travel-serving
Brooks-3

firms directly attributable to vacation/recreation travel were $256,700.
The distribution of these sales among the various types of travel-serving businesses was:

Type of Business

Brooks County

Food

8%

Automotive

83

Lodging

2

Entertainment

1

other

6

Total

100%

Total sales

to vacation/

recreation travelers

($000)

$256.7

Coastal Plain Area
20% 54 23
1 2
100%

Georgia
34% 23 19 14 10
100%

$12,003.9

$496,300.0

This distribution pattern indicates a travel industry dependent almost entirely upon automotive firms. The relatively low percentages listed under food and lodging show an almost total absence of accommodations within the county serving vacation/recreation travelers. The percentage under "other" (this category includes such firms as gift shops,
drug, hardware and sporting goods stores) is attributable
to the purchases made by vacation/recreation travelers coming into Brooks County to fish, hunt, and attend the field trials. The very low percentage listed under entertainment shows a need for the existing firms in this category to expand their services and indicates the present shortage of commercial recreation and entertainment catering to the traveling public.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
Brooks County has two major factors which will aid in the development of tourism into a more important part of the economy. These are the climate, which is ideal for outdoor recreation, and the fishing and hunting resources. A formal organization to appeal to tourists, the Brooks County Wildlife Association, has been formed to help realize the potential. A major function of this group will be to consolidate local

Brooks-4

efforts and developmental interests and cooperate with other interests in the area to get the United States Study Commission recommendations implemented.

The United States Study Commission recommended the early development of a small and a large reservoir in Okapilco and Mule Creeks. These two reservoirs would have several purposes, including recreation and wildlife development. The Quitman Reservoir is recommended to be held at constant level to encourage recreation for residents of Quitman. The Okapilco Reservoir will be several times' as large as the Quitman Reservoir with uncleared areas to stimulate wildlife growth and encourage hunting and fishing activities. Because of the importance of these reservoirs for water pollution abatement as well as fish and wildlife development and recreation, it is recommended that the Brooks County Wildlife Association along with local development interests and agencies explore the feasibility of a construction program immediately. These facilities would enhance the county's ability to attract and entertain tourists and provide opportunities for local landowners to develop further hunting and fishing activities.

The Brooks County Wildlife Association also pools available hunting lands; set rules, regulations, and standards of operation; and assists individual farmers with the problems of developing hunting and fishing enterprises .. These landowners have joined together to increase their income by attracting hunters to the county. They have planted quail feeder borders around fields; stocked farms with deer, wild turkey, and quail; prepared duck ponds; and leased hunting and fishing rights to corporations and other groups.

Initially, the county hired an outdoor recreation specialist to assist landowners and farmer9 in developing their property to attract tourists. This movement began three years ago and today there are many hunting areas associated with the venture. The outdoor specialist has recently been employed by the Area Planning Commission; however, he continues to provide professional advice and services to the Brooks County group as part of the Commission's development program.

There are many farm ponds that abound with fish, a factor

which contributes to the county's reputation as a good

fishing area. Five outstanding fishing ponds, which are

open to the public, are listed in the Coastal Plain Commis-

sion's brochure, Lunker Country.

.

Brooks County is also well known for its hunting facilities,

Brooks-5

which may be used on a per day or lease arrangement. Quail, duck, doves, and squirrel are the most plentiful game; but, there are also deer, rabbits, and fox. It is expected that there will be more than 300 hunting areas within the next 2 years. This hunting program could be expanded by the development of tent camping areas and trailer parks. Two of the locally owned fishing lakes already offer camping facilities, Lewis Lakes in the southern part of Brooks and Lake Nichols near Georgia 122 in the northeastern section of the county.
Riding stables, with their designated bridle paths, would permit riders to take advantage of seeing the flowering shrubs and landscaped areas of azaleas, camellias, holly, and dogwood. These paths could also be directed to permit riders to see some of the farms and turpentine operations.
Tours of Quitman and other outstanding parts of the county should be promoted as an auxiliary activity for the ladies while the men fish and hunt. Signs and brochures would eliminate the need for guides. Tours should include a stop at the courthouse area to see the outstanding azaleas and camellias, and pass by the attractive churches and through the residential areas north of the courthouse. They could also include such points of interest as Dry Lake, Devil's Hopper, Dixie Plantation, and other selected features.
Brooks County has several important events and as many as possible should be consolidated with similar events from neighboring counties to create larger and more interesting attractions. The most outstanding event in Brooks County is the annual Continental Field Trials held at the Dixie Plantation south of Quitman on US 122. This year's event marked the 72nd running of the trials, which are the second leading major field trials in the world. No dog may be entered unless he has previously won a major field trial. With this year's expanded promotional campaign, the -field trials were responsible for capacity filled motels in nearby Quitman.
All tobacco auctions, cattle shows and auctions, and horse shows could become attractive to visitors if efforts are made to provide minimum comforts and amenities. Bleachers, walkways, and safety zones could be constructed and public address systems installed. Entrance fees should be charged to help defray the cost of preparing these attractions for tourists.
Pamphlets and brochures giving details for each event could
Brooks-6

be prepared and distributed through regular promotion channels to let visitors know they are welcome. All tourism activities in Brooks County should be advertised in motels along I-75 in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. This direct method of advertising is usually effective with vacation/recreation travelers. To aid the promotional efforts of the county's development groupS, restaurants in Quitman and in other sections of the county could help to establish a county image by selling and serving local food items such as honey, peanut butter, peanut butter ice cream, chiffon pie, pecan pie, and peaches. Motels could help by distributing advertising-type literature and local newspapers among the guests. Service station personnel also should be fully informed about all facilities and activities of interest to tourists.
Brooks-7

THE VACATION/RECREATION TRAVEL INDUSTRY IN COOK COUNTY
A Supplement to Tourism Development 10 the Coastal Plain Area
Lawrence F. Pinson

Prepared for the Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission
In Cooperation with the Institute of Community anci Area Development
by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research Graduate School of Business Administration University of Georgia

February 1968

COOK COUNTY
DEVELOPMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS
Cook County has an unusual opportunity to further develop its economy by providing services, entertainment, and locally made goods to vacation/recreation travelers. The county's prime advantages for developing tourism include its six access points to 1-75, its location in relation to Atlanta and Chattanooga--two prime overnight stops for travelers-and its travel-serving businesses along the interstate and along US 41, which may be utilized more fully in providing goods and services to visiting travelers.
Reid Bingham State Park, when completed, and the Shiloh Reservoir recommended by the United States Study Commission will serve as a foundation for the further development of the county as a vacation/recreation destination.
Lime Lick Lake also could be developed into a park and fishing lake for tourists as well as the local residents. Azaleas, camellias, and other flowering shrubs planted around and near the lake would make it an ideal garden park.
Recently several local landowners have formed the Cook County Sportsman Club. This group can do much to promote hunting and fishing in the county. Professional guidance is available from the Coastal Plain Area Commission.
Cotton gins, lumber mills, turpentine distilleries, and tobacco warehouses should be considered as possible attractions.
Finally, a welcome-information center could be located at one of the central interchanges on 1-75. The station could be utilized by both Cook and Berrien counties and underwritten by their travel councils, chambers of commerce, and travelserving businesses.

COOK COUNTY
THE COUNTY
Cook County was named for General Phillip Cook, a distinguished officer in the Confederate Army who later became Georgia Secretary of State.
Little River forms the western boundary of the county, and the New and withlacoochee rivers form the eastern boundary. There are a total of 149,500 acres in the county of which 86,400 acres, or 57.9 per cent, are in forest. The county lies within the Upper Coastal Plain Region where soils are predominantly loamy sands. The climate is mild with more than 240 frost free days and approximately 50 inches of rain annually. This condition encourages vegetative growth and agricultural production.
The predominant vegetation in the county is loblolly, slash, and longleaf pines. Some gum, poplar, and cypress trees grow along streams and in poorly drained areas. Palmetto, wild vines, moss, and wild flowers are abundant and beautify the forests, the lakes and ponds, and the streams. Cotton, tobacco, peanuts, and truck crops are predominant on the farms within the county.
Adel, the county seat, and three other towns, Lenox, Sparks, and Cecil, are located on US 41 and have easy access to Interstate 75. Adel is a major junction of roads where Georgia 7, 37, 76, US 41 and 1-75 make connections. These main roads are supplemented with a good system of county roads. A lighted, paved airport, located within two miles of downtown Adel, supplements the road network.
PRESENT STATUS OF TOURISM
Adel, Sparks, and Cook County have enjoyed some benefits from the travel industry by serving tourists on US 41 for several decades. However, during this period the county did not develop significant attractions or activities which would encourage travelers to stay in the community longer than
Cook-2

overnight, nor were accommodations built to encourage visitors to stay longer.
with the opening of Interstate 75, traffic shifted about one mile west and increased substantially. Sales to vacation/ recreation travelers in Cook County increased approximately 119% from 1964 to 1966. This was the greatest per cent change in sales of any county in the Coastal Plain area. In 1966 sales by travel-serving firms directly attributable to vacation/recreation travel were $736,200. These sales were made by 88 firms with 90 proprietors and 269 employees. The salaries to the employees were $521,800.
The distribution of these sales among the various types of travel-serving businesses was:

Type of Business
Food Automotive Lodging Entertainment Other
Total
Total sales to vacation/recreation travelers ($000)

Cook County
10% 78 10
1 1
100%
$736.2

Coastal Plain Area
20% 54 23
1 2
100%

Georgia
34% 23 19 14 10
100%

$12,003.9

$496,300.0

This distribution pattern indicates a pass-through oriented travel industry largely dependent upon automotive firms. Food and lodging combined percentages were lower for Cook County than any of the other three counties through which 1-75 passes. These categories need to be improved if the county is to realize its full potential from the travel industry. The almost non-existant percentages under entertainment and other are further indication that significant work still needs to be done in Cook County to capitalize on the tremendous volume of vacation/recreation travel on 1-75.

Cook-3

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIALS
The main obJective of this county report 1S to encourage the creation and adoption of a program of action so that tourism development potentials may be realized. The traffic that passes through Cook County each day on 1-75 1S the county's greatest asset and challenge to developing tourism.
Travel Council
A strong travel council composed of representatives from all parts of the travel-serv1ng industry is needed to initiate programs for developing the travel industry. Th1s counc11 could be a divls10n of the Chamber of Commerce, or it could be formed separately, depending on the wishes of the industry and community. It should be given the responsibi11ty of serving as the local catalyst to the development of facilities, attractions, and events. Also, 1t should be the coordinator of community affairs that relate to the travel-serving industry.
The establishment of the travel counc1l should be one of the first steps in commun1ty tourism development. Immediately thereafter, other programs may be initiated under the council's guidance. Programs for cataloguing and evaluat1ng valuable assets; improving community appearance and landscape; training trave -serving personnel; scheduling, coordinating, and consolidat1ng events; and conducting promotional campaigns are activities that a county-wide organizat10n could foster. In these ways, it could help vacation/recreation travelserving businesses see themselves as an industry and help the community develop to accommodate and entertain visitors.
Facilities
The United States Study Commission recommended that the CookColquitt Recreat10n Area, now the Reid Bingham State Park, be further developed and improved to satisfy the needs of the local population and tourists. Another recommendation was that the Shiloh Reservoir be construGted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, pollution abatement, irrigation, recreation, and fish and wild11fe development.
The first of these recommendations is being implemented by the State Parks Department; however, in September, 1967, the
Cook-4

dam broke, draining the 200 acre lake. Plans are now being made to repair the dam and improve the accommodations. It is recommended that an effort be made to relocate the existlng camping area at Reid Bingham state Park or to construct a new area on the shores of the lake adjacent to or near the new visitor center and concession stand. At the present tlme, campers have to travel several miles by car to SWlm at the man-made beach. An alternatlve would be to provide a road on the top of the dam to make the beach area more accessible to the existing camping grounds). Also, the existing camping facllities are located in an area which provides little shade from the summer sun. Tents and trailers are unusable during the hot daytime hours.
The Shiloh Reservoir recommendation does not, according to the report, warrant implementatlon before 1975. However, the more local support that can be mustered for the proJect, the greater the chances will be that the recommendation will be implemented.
Reid Bingham State Park should help develop tourism in Cook County by pulling visitors from 1-75 into the county. For this reason, the development of the park should be encouraged by the residents of the county. In additlon to park improvements, the local travel councilor development groups should strive to obtain more boat ramps throughout the county such as the one recently approved on the Little Rlver.
Lime Lick Lake also could be developed into a park and flshing lake for local people and tourists. Azaleas, camellias, and other flowering shrubs planted around and near the lake would make it an ideal garden park. Now, this lake is used mainly by the local residents.
Well-designed camp sites and traller parks are needed and should be located on ponds and along streams where there are fishing facillties. Individual landowners can develop fishing and hunting facillties with funds from the Farmer's Home Administration and local banks. Recently several local landowners have formed the Cook County Sportsman Club. This group can do much to promote hunting and fishing in the county. Professional guidance is available from the Coastal Plain Area Commission.
Cotton gins, lumber mills, turpentine distilleries, and tobacco warehouses should be considered as posslble attractlons. Adequate safety provisions, walkways, informatlon plaques, public address systems, and other facilities are needed to
Cook-5

make these attractions satisfactory. A small entrance fee could be charged to cover the required costs of preparation.
Safety and traffic facilities also need attention. Stop signs and traffic signals throughout the county, particularly those within Sparks and Adel, should be modernized. This will require cooperation between the planning commission, zoning board, city officials, and the Georgia Highway Department.
A welcome-information center could be located at one of the central interchanges. The station could be utilized by both Cook and Berrien counties and underwritten by their travel councils, chambers Qf commerce, and travel-serving businesses.
Programs
Communities that try to discover why more visitors do not vacation in the county generally discover a need to undertake community appearance improvement projects. Several areas in Cook County were specifically pointed out by persons interviewed as needing attention: roadside parks, auto wrecking yards, roadside advertising, abandoned farmhouses, and unsafe business properties. Projects of these kinds and priorities for their execution need to be selected by a local group.
Private property owners should be encouraged to landscape roads traveled by tourists. The trees in concrete tubs improve the appearance of downtown, but more should be encouraged to make downtown as attractive as possible.
Wrecking yards should be screened and/or moved to areas not on tourist thoroughfares. Programs such as the Stay and See Georgia competition and Make Georgia Beautiful Month may be undertaken to' improve the appearance of the community. One annual program should be a clean-up, fix-up, paint-up campaign to encourage the repair of private properties. Railroad properties and industrial districts may also become attractive through participation in local beautification projects.
Some effort needs to be made to reduce the "visual clutter" caused by indiscriminate placement of advertising along the tourist routes. Perhaps new zoning provisions will regulate signs by restricting their number, type, size, and placement.
Local organizations such as the Future Farmers of America and Boy Scouts could contribute to the development program
Cook-6

by painting and landscaping roadside parks and city entrances.
Although tourism is not new to Cook County, a revitalized acceptance of tourism as an important part of the community's economy is needed.
The full participation of local firms in tourism development programs is also needed. These needs can be satisfied through educational programs which reach all persons interested in community development. The local news media can play an important part in helping to reach local people Personal contacts, special community meetings, and civic and service club meetings can also carry out the educational program.
As the volume of traffic on 1-75 increases, tourism will become more important to the economy, and educational programs and development activities may be more exacting. Therefore, the community should begin to initiate the programs that will yield both immediate and long-range benefits.
One of the best ways to expand tourism locally is to provide services that will cause tourists to include Adel and Cook County in their vacation/recreation travels. A phase of the educational program should be training courses for employees of travel-serving firms to prepare them to give a hlgh level of service to customers. An excellent training course for travel-serving firm employees is provided nearby in Tifton by Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and this program can service as a model for training programs in Cook County.
Other training programs could be designed specifically for owners and managers so that they may stay abreast of changes in the travel industry. The whole community can participate in these programs. For example, local clubs could place seasonal decorations with welcome messages on restaurant tables; or, place mats with maps of the Coastal Plain area or the county could be distributed as a community development project.
Events
Improving events by cooperating with surrounding countles is another way of providing strong attractions for vacation/ recreation travelers. Existing events which are lnteresting enough to hold the attention of today's sophisticated travelers should be retained by Cook County and improved by consolidating them with similar events from other cQunties. Events deemed desirable for other counties should be transferred and
Cook-7

supported by Cook County. Such cooperation can provide additional stimulus for tourists to visit the area. Furthermore, consolidated events can afford more effective advertlsing, which in turn attracts people from a wider area.
All regular events such as tobacco auctions, cattle sales, and cattle shows could be opened to visitors. Events should be well advertised, and facilities required for the safety and convenience of visitors should be installed.
The T. C. Race Track, located a mile off 1-75 near Cecil, has a quarter-horse race on the third Sunday of each month. These events attract 800 to 1000 people. To make T. C. Race Track a more significant attraction, covered seating accommodations should be provided and larger prizes should be offered. More wide-spread advertising would also be beneficial. The Cook County Saddle Club could participate in the activities of the track and help to make the events more appealing.
The Julia Sirmans Kids Fishing Day, presently an event for locals only, could be expanded into a larger attraction by scheduling competition and awarding appropriate prizes. Photographs and news stories about the winners could be sent to their hometown newspapers and news media throughout the area.
Promotion
Expected increases in interstate travel and the limitations on billboard advertising will intensify the need to devise new promotion methods. The success of the Chamber of Commerce in producing and distributing promotional materials could be valuable in increasing promotional efforts. Events should be scheduled several months in advance so a calendar of events can be prepared and distributed through area, state, and local channels.
Sufficient quantities of new promotional brochures on Cook County will be needed to meet the demand created by distribution through the proposed area travel council, the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade, and local businesses. Continuous rearScreen projection-slide programs in motel lobbies are another way of effectively promoting local features and events.
Reprints of feature articles from local newspapers could be distributed to local motels, to those within a two hour drive from town, and to selected motels one day's travel away. Local radio stations could schedule programs of intere$t to tourists.
Cook-8

GENERAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES providing tourists with extra services can bring additional revenue. For example, evening entertainment could be profitable
if places were provided for tourists to be entertained.
Few independent motels have agreements with independent restaurants to provide room service. Being able to provide such services could attract additional travelers off 1-75. pine cones, items made from pine needles and pine wood, and other locally made items could be displayed so that tourists would recognize products when they visited local shops. These items and dried arrangements, made by local garden clubs, could be sold for additional income. Finally, sporting goods stores should rent as well as sell hunting, fishing, and other equipment that visitors could use locally. Travel-serving firms and the community should expand parking facilities so that larger volumes of visitors may be accommodated at the improved attractions and events. The general program outlined above should, if implemented and coordinated with the area-wide program, help to bring to fruition a more vigorous tourist industry.
Cook-9

THE VA CAT ION / RE C REA T ION T RA VEL IN D U S TRY
IN ECHOLS COUNTY
A Supplement to Tourism Development in the Coastal Plain Area
Lawrence F. Pinson

Prepared for the Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission
In Cooperation with the Institute of Community and Area Development
by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research Graduate School of Business Administration University of Georgia

January 1968

ECHOLS COUNTY
DEVELOPMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS
The most promising activities for tourism development in Echols county are outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, and "rock hounding II
Wildlife and game thrive in the county because of the cover offered by 250,000 acres of forest and the conservation practices employed by the Suwannoochee Wildlife Management Area.
The Echols County Sportsman's Club provides the vehicle through which the assets of the county can be efficiently mobilized to attract an increasing share of the nation's and the region's growing outdoor recreation market.

ECHOLS COUNTY
THE COUNTY
Echols County is located in the southeastern corner of the coastal Plain Area and its county seat is Statenville. The county has a total of 272,000 acres of which 256,000, or 94.2 per cent, are forested. It is wholly within the Atlantic Coast Flat Woodlands or the Lower Coastal Plain geographic region, and its terrain is characteristic of that region: generally flat with poorly drained areas along the streams. The climate is mild with approximately 260 frost free days and 50 inches of rain annually. This type of weather encourages agricultural production; but, other than timber, tobacco is the only major crop. Pine is the predominant vegetation, with areas of gum, cypress, and tupelo, many of which are draped with Spanish moss. wild flowers, vines, and wild plum bushes are abundant in the undergrowth, ~roviding colorful foliage throughout the year.
The Alapaha River and Grand Bay Creek flow through the county. Tatum Creek flows east forming the northeastern boundary before joining the Suwannee River near Fargo. The Suwannee River flows through the southeastern tip of the county. Lake Verne and several farm ponds supplement the streams in which bass, war mouth, blue gill, catfish, jackfish, redfin pike, speckled perch, and suckers are plentiful.
In the thousands of acres of unbroken forest, deer, bear, fox, bobcat, otter, raccoon, opossum, squirrel, rabbit, quail, dove, duck, and crow may be found. The Su~annoochee Wildlife Management Area, located in the northern part-of the county, has fostered the growth of good game stock which has spread over most of the county and into surrounding counties.
The number and condition of roads is adequate, and the rightof-ways are wide, well maintained, and clear of trash and debris. The important roads of the county include US 129, US 441 and Georgia 94 and 135.
Echols-2

pRESENT STATUS OF TOURISM
In 1966 there were 5 travel-serving firms in Echols County with 5 proprietors. The sales by these firms directly attributable to vacation/recreation travel were $500.
The distribution of these sales among the types of firms was:

Type of Business
Food Automotive Lodging Entertainment other
Total
Total sales to travelers
($000)

Echols County
20% 80
100%
$0.5

Coastal Plain Area
20% 54 23
1 2
100%

Georgia
34% 23 19 14 10
100%

$12,003.9

$496,300.0

This distribution pattern cannot be analyzed meaningfully as the total sales attributable to the vacation/recreation traveler are too small. Actually these sales were made at one or more service stations and at one eating firm. A travel industry has never been established in Echols County. This does not indicate that there is no potential for one. Rather, it points up the outstanding opportunities available to the county and its inhabitants. As the subsequent section will point out, Echols County has a significant potential to become an important segment of the Coastal Plain area's expanding outdoor recreation complex.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIALS
Echols County is one of a few areas in Georgia where one may "get away". This is probably the county's greatest asset. Long range programs of commercial timber companies have left only small plots of open land. Large aFreages 6wned by timber management companies comprise almost 65 per c~nt of the county's total area.
This vast forest, Suwannoochee Wildlife Management Area, streams and accompanying wildlife are valuable resources upon which camping, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities may be

Echols-3

developed for vacation/recreation travelers. Echols County has no public fishing lakes; however, it does offer excellent river fishing along the Alapaha River. Access points are located near Mayday and Statenville.
The Echols County Sportsman's Club should be expanded into a full travel council and should become associated with the proposed area travel council. This local group, with the Georgia Game and Fish Commission, the area travel council, the Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission and other counties, could help in setting up regulations, scheduling hunts on specific plots of property, coordinating activities and events, and developing plans for expansion. All individual firms and agencies interested in tourism development and in the development of hunting and fishing should be represented on the local council. The major task of the group will be to organize a county-wide association of landowners to promote efficient utilization of the available wildlife resources. The local council could encourage private enterprises to establish activities and facilities which could supplement hunting and fishing.
Since there are no commercial lodging accommodations in the county, a need exists for camp sites and travel trailer parks. There is a critical need for hunting lodges to accommodate the increasing number of hunters who come to the Suwannoochee Game Management Area. An archery hunt featuring deer and wild boar was held the last week of November and the first week of December in 1967. This hunt was followed by a gun hunt from December 18 through December 30, 1967. Both hunts were held in the management area.
Once significant numbers of people begin to visit the county, rental of tackle, boats, and motors may become profitable. During hunting seasons guns, guides, dogs, pack horses, and camping equipment may be rented. Local cafes may increase revenues by packing lunches for hunting and fishing parties. The operation and scheduling of hunting activities should be planned in advance to facilitate the coordination of promotional activities. Hunters may then be assured of good hunting while game will be provided adequate shelter to assure preservation of species and annual growth of hunting stock.
Indian artifacts are common throughout the county, especially on bluffs along streams. An area known as Bony Bluff, in the eastern part of the county, might reveal some interesting archaeological materials. Perhaps digs could be performed by schools in north Florida, or perhaps tourists could be
Echols-4

invited to look for artifacts. Also, fossil collecting and "rock hounding" opportunities are available in the county and should be more widely promoted. Echols County should participate in the South Georgia Legion Fair in Lowndes County as an effective way of advertising the county's attractive outdoor recreation resources. Local people should be encouraged to produce articles for display at the fair. These articles. could be sold in local establishments and in those on .1-75. The products produced could include woodwork, pine cones, dried arrangements, honey, and other goods grown or produced in Echols County. Also, an information station to serve prospective hunters and other visitors is needed. Perhaps a local firm could be designated as the station to inform both tourists and local people about recreation activities in the county. This firm should be given brochures to pass out to the travelers pointing out the significant hunting and fishing areas open to the public. In summary, Echols County has an excellent opportunity to capitalize on the expanding outdoor recreation market through the prompt and efficient mobilization of the county's assets by the Echols County Sportman's Club.
Echols-5

THE VA CAT ION / R E C REA T ION T RA VEL IN D US TRY IN IRWIN COUNTY
A Supplement to Tourism Development in the Coastal Plain Area
Lawrence F. Pinson

Prepared for the Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission
In Cooperation with the Institute of Community and Area Development
by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research Graduate School of Business Administration University of Georgia

February 1968

IRWIN COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Irwin County has the potential to develop one of the outstanding outdoor recreation programs in the Coastal Plain area, and the leadership of the county should encourage its development This potential includes climate, open land areas, forests, farm ponds, rivers, an access road system, and a friendly population.
In addition, the county contalns the Jefferson Davis Memorial State Park and Crystal Lake. Both of these developments should be expanded.
The Mud Swamp project, recommended by the United States Study Commission, is now under preliminary study. It is anticipated that this project will be nature oriented with emphasis on camping, fishing, nature study, and other such similar activities.
Many farm ponds in the county abound in bream, catfish, bass, and speckled perch. Four outstanding flshing lakes or ponds are listed in the brochure, Lunker Country. Facilities for fishing in the rivers and the county's other farm ponds should be given serious attention.
The Sweet Potato Festival and tours through the county are activities which may well supplement attractions in entertaining visitors in the county.

IRWIN COUNTY
THE COUNTY
Irwin County is located primarily in the Upper Coastal Plain region. The eastern part of the county, however, lies in the Lower Coastal Plain which is in the Atlantic Coast Flat Woodlands region. Of the 238,100 acres in the county, 139,900 acres (or 58.7 per cent) are in forests. The terrain is slightly rolling and well drained except for a few areas along the flood plains of streams. The Alapaha River flows through the western part of the county and the Satilla River has its headwaters in the eastern part.
The mild climate has more than 240 frost free days and approximately 50 inches of rain annually. The climate and soil encourage the growth of vegetation and agricultural production. The county's economy is closely tied to agriculture. Pine trees are the predominant vegetation, while farms in the county produce peanuts, cotton, sweet potatoes, and tobacco. Also, cattle are raised. Because of the agricultural production there are cotton gins, saw mills, tobacco warehouses, and several large diversified farming operations. These enterprises should attract urban visitors with agricultural interests.
The name of the county seat, Ocilla, was derived from a Creek Indian Chief; Oceola. Besides Ocilla, there are seven other communities in the county: Lax, Hall, Wray, Osierfield, Mystick, Irwinville, and Waterloo.
The county is served by a system of good highways including
us 129 and 319, Georgia 32, 90, 107, and 125. County maintained
roads, some of which are unpaved, supplement this primary system.
PRESENT STATUS OF TOURISM
Once vacation/recreation travel from the Midwest to Florida was common on US 129; firms in the county enjoyed modest returns from serving the tourist traffic. The completion of Interstate 75 has offered vacation/recreation travelers a superior road from Macon, Georgia, to Florida and the majority of the through traffic has been diverted. The decline in traffic has caused
Irwin-2

some firms to close; others have suffered a severe decline in sales.
In 1966 there were 32 travel-serving firms in Irwin County with a total of 84 employees and 33 proprietors. Salaries to employees were $139,500. The sales by travel-serving firms directly attributable to vacation/recreation travel were $249,700.
The distribution of these sales among the various types of travel-serving businesses was:

Type of Business
Food Automotive Lodging Entertainment Other
Total
Total sales to travelers ($000)

Irwin County
9% 81
1 2 7
100%
$249.7

Coastal Plain Area
20% 54 23
1 2
100%

Georgia
34% 23 19 14 10
100%

$12,033.9

$496,300.0

This distribution pattern indicates a travel industry dependent almost entirely upon automotive firms. The low percentages listed under food and lodging indicate inadequate accommodations within the county serving the traveling public. The percentages under entertainment and other are largely due to the sales by firms catering to the fishermen who use the county's lakes and rivers. These later categories indicate a sector of the travel industry that could be expanded and promoted thus improving the county's economy.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIALS
Irwin County's advantages for developing tourism are climate, open land areas, forests, farm ponds, rivers, an access road system, and a friendly population. A small state park and a

Irwin-3

commerc1al recreation facility near Irw1nv1lle already eX1st. Because the county does not have direct access to 1-75 1t lacks a large, ready vacat10n/recreat10n market. This means that any enterprise will have to be superior to attract a significant volume of tourists from the 1nterstate.
Travel Counc11
To mobilize the county's c1tizens and resources into an effective tourism development program, the local agenc1es w1l1 need coordination. F1rms, assoc1ations, c1vic and serV1ce groups, and governmental agencies should work c osely together t f rm a travel counc1l as a local counterpart of the one rec mmended for the area. T e tasks of this group would be to 1n1t~ate support programs to implement the recommendat10ns of the Un1ted states Study Commission, to sponsor training for tavel-service employees, to promote high levels of service to travelers, and
o conduct long range educational programs to encourage local acceptance of visitors. Exist1ng restaurants, motels, serv~ce stat10ns, and other travel-serv1ng businesses are faced w1th strong competition from ne1ghboring towns - a p oblem wh1ch could be countered through training and educational programs.
Facilities can be built; events can be held; problems can be alleviated; programs can be undertaken; and enterprises can be started through the leadersh1p of this trave counc~l to develop further the vacation/recreation travel industry.
Facilities
The Alapaha Reservoir proJect, proposed by the Un1ted states Commission, would extend a water body the entire w1dth of the county along the Alapaha river. Th1s project would prov1de vas opportunities for development of outdoor recreat10n facilities and activ1ties. However, the proJect was not considered urgent enough to warrant action prior to 1975. Therefore, local support needs to be generated, cons 1 dated, and coordina ed with similar efforts in surround1ng count1es.
The Mud Swamp project is now under preliminary study. A feasibility study, sponsored by the Coastal Pla1n Area Commission, has been init1ated. The State is providing grant money to finance the study and the S01l Conservat10n SerV1ce is provid1ng additional professional services. It 1S anticipated that this project will be nature oriented with emphas1s on camping, f1shing, nature study, and other such slmllar actlvities.
Irwin-4

Traveler Creek and the Quitman projects, although designated for early actions, could possibly be initiated earlier still through area wide support. Recommended expansion of recreation facilities at Crystal Lake and Jefferson Davis Memorial State Park can be initiated more readily through such concerted support. Since attendance at these facilities is expected to double by 1975 and quadruple by 2000, organized support for development is strongly warranted. In addition, the county!s population decline and the decline in through traffic have given rise to a need for developing attractions and events upon which solid tourist trade can be built.
The Jefferson Davis Memorial State Park is located on the site where Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, was arrested by Union troops. The park has picnic facilities, well-kept grounds, and a museum of Confederate memorabilia. Because it is removed from the main flow of traffic and because of a lack of effective publicity, the park is v1sited by only a small volume of tourists. During 1967 the area commiss1on published a strip map to insert in the park brochure and attendance is expected to increase. Actually the state park is primarily a historical shrine rather than a recreational park. Its limited size, 13 acres, hinders further development.
Facilities at Crystal Lake are utilized primarily by local people. The lake and surrounding area have been highlighted in the main report as having potential for development into a major recreation/vacation facility to attract and entertain visitors. The main deterrent to the further development of this scenic lake is the existing, unpaved road network which provides the only access to the lake. A contract has been signed to pave the access road network which will alleviate this problem.
With the increasing popularity of family camping and recreat10n, adequate facilities located on lakes and ponds to serve the camping enthusiasts may stimulate the growing market. When demand warrants, facilities for horseback riding, bike r1d1ng, and boating should be added.
Camping facilities could also be developed for the hunters and fishermen who will be attracted to the county. There is a small, but highly enthusiastic, group who hunt with bows and arrows and camp often. When proper facilities are furnished, the various sportsmen clubs may consider Irwin County a relatively permanent hunting area.
Many farm ponds in the county abound in bream, catfish, bass,
Irwin-5

and speckled perch. There are four outstanding fishing lakes or ponds listed in the Coastal Plain Commission's brochure, Lunker Country. Fletcher's Lake located off US 319, southwest of Ocilla is open seven days per week. Green Lake is located on US 129 south of Ocilla. Tankersly Catfish Pond consisting of 8 acres is located in Ocilla and Wingate Catfish Pond is located near Georgia 158 at the southern boundary of the county. Facilities for fishing in the rivers and the county's other farm ponds should be given serious attention. Piers, boats, walkways, and access roads will be needed.
Programs
Though not a serious problem, local landowners do not usually invite outsiders into the county to hunt. It is hoped that this problem can be solved through educational programs carried on by the travel council and through the solicitation of memberships by the proposed landowners association. In any event, tourists' hunting could be a significant addition to landowners' incomes. It appears that a successful program to promote hunting is beginning to emerge as the county now has an organized archery and gun deer hunt.
Irwin County and Ocilla have only small beautification problems. The city park and community house are indications that Ocilla has good intentions about its appearance; therefore, the small beautification problem should be easily resolvable. Clean-up, fix-up, and paint-up campaigns sponsored by local civic and service groups are effective methods of stimulating community concern and action on community appearance. Projects which should be undertaken are in the areas of roadside parks, auto wrecking yards, individual properties, downtown areas, and road cuts. Removing visual clutter would improve the general appearance of the community. The Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission has planned "green areas" and recreation areas for Ocilla. This plan, should it be implemented, will improve community appearance.
Events
The outstanding event in Irwin County for attracting tourists is the Sweet Potato Festival held each year on the third Friday in November. Mr. M. M. Harris, Chairman of the Georgia Sweet Potato Commission, is one of the major forces behind this successful festival which has beauty contests, cooking contests, a rodeo, fireworks display, exhibits of various kinds, and a parade. This event could attract a great number of tourists
Irwin-6

and neighboring Georgians to the county. All surrounding counties that produce sweet potatoes should be encouraged to participate in the planning, preparation, and presentatlon of the festival and each particlpating county should be encouraged to have at least one entry in each event. Displays from all over the Coastal Area could also be soliclted. Floats for the parade could be bUllt of durable materlal and each county could annually add to or alter its float as the Pennsylvanla Dutch do their family Chrlstmas displays. Locally produced goods, art works, and 11terature should be dlsplayed and sold. Such events require a great deal of manpower and supervlsioni so, other counties should be lnvlted to help. Flnally, the more counties that help prepare the festlval, the greater the attendance will be.
Sightseeing tours through the Coastal Plaln area have been proposed for those persons interested in azaleas and camellias. A secondary tour of Irwin County's agrlcultural activitles and installations could be designed to show tourists the beauty of the county as well as its economic base. Tour markers should be installed at designated places by local and area travel councils as part of the tour. Landowners should "beautify" the tour routes by cultivating azaleas, camellias, dogwood, and other flowering plants. Repair and paintlng of fences and barns as well as machinery shelters will be needed. Facilities for viewing cotton ginnlng and tobacco sales may be desirable once visitors start coming to the county. In these cases cotton gins and warehouses could be put on the county tour. Costs of installing speclal equipment, malntenance, and liability insurance could be covered by entrance fees.
The county's parks are well landscaped. They could be made more functional and attractive by installing drinklng wa~er facilities and highlighting the local vegetation. Holly, azaleas, and camellias could be emphaslzed in different parks. And to gain extra promotional cov~rage, calendars of local events could be posted in the parks.
Promotion
Promotion has been an area problem because it is rarely conducted on a coordinated basis. All attractions and events in Irwin County should be promoted through the are travel councl1 with the aid of the Department of Industry and Trade and local and area news media. Brochures should be printed for the area and placed in the overnight areas a day's Journey from Irwln County. The brochures may encourage more travelers to use US
Irwin-7

129 and US 41. Interstate 75 would not lose a significant amount of traffic, but enough might be diverted to aid Ocilla, Nashville, and Lakeland. Awards to campers registered with the Landowners Association for catching the largest fish each week would present a readymade opportunity for news stories to be distributed throughout the united States. Such publicity progrmas can help to establish a unique image of the county.
Irwin-8

THE VACATION/RECREATION TRAVEL INDUSTRY IN LANIER COUNTY
A Supplement to Tourism Development in the Coastal Plain Area
Lawrence F. Pinson

Prepared for the Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission
In Cooperation with the Institute of Community and Area Development
by the Bureau of Bureau of Business and Economic Research Graduate School of Business Administration University of Georgia

January 1968

LANIER COUNTY
DEVELopr1ENT HIGHLIGHTS
Lanier County has the potential to develop one of the outstanding outdoor recreation programs in the Coastal Plain area, and the leadership of the county should encourage its development.
This potential includes: large, unbroken forests; the Alapaha River; Banks Lake; a network of good roads; and proximity to Valdosta and Interstate 75.
The United States Study Commission recommended that recreational facilities at Banks Lake be expanded and improved as soon as possible. Potentially, this 12,000 acre lake is one of the Coastal Plain area's major assets.
One boat ramp has been approved outside the city limits of Lakeland on the Alapaha River. Additional ramps should be developed and campsites provided where feasible.
Working together the citizens and leaders of Lanier County can further develop the county's economy by providing services, entertainment, and recreational opportunities to the vacation/ recreation travelers on I-75 and the urban residents of nearby Valdosta.

LANIER COUNTY
THE COUNTY
Lanier County was formed in 1921 during the 30 year period (1900-1930) when formation of counties was popular in Georgia. It was named for Sidney Lanier, the famous American poet, musician, lawyer, and soldier. Containing only 117,000 acres of which 95,800 acres, or 81.8 per cent, are in forests, it is one of the smallest counties in the state. The county is in the Lower Coastal Plain region where the terrain is generally flat with poorly drained areas along stream flood plains. The Alapaha River flows through the county at the eastern edge of Lakeland, the county seat.
The climate is mild with more than 240 frost free days and approximately 50 inches of rain annually, which encourages agricultural and forest production. Major crops are pine gum, timber, cotton, tobacco, and seed. The county has about 300 farms containing 58,004 acres valued at more than $5.8 million in land and buildings. The rest of the land is held by timber management companies, the federal government, and state and local governments.
Highways US 129, US 221, Georgia 37, 64, 122, 135, 168, and a system of county roads provide adequate access to all parts of the county.
PRESENT STATUS OF TOURISM
Once vacation/recreation travel from the Midwest to Florida was common on US 129; firms in the county enjoyed high returns from serving the tourist traffic. The completion of Interstate 75 has offered vacation/recreation travelers a superior road from Macon, Georgia, to Florida and the majority of the through traffic has been diverted. The decline in traffic has caused many firms to close; others have suffered a severe decline in sales.
In 1966 there were 22 travel-serving firms in Lanier County with a total of 39 employees and 22 proprietors. Salaries to
Lanier-2

employees were $71,700. The sales by travel-serving firms directly attributable to vacation/recreation travel were $77,100.
The distribution of these sales among the various types of travel-serving businesses was:

Type of Business
Food Automotive Lodging Entertainment Other
Total
Total sales to travelers ($000)

Lanier County
1% 80
4 7 8
100%
$77.1

Coastal Plain Area
20% 54 23
1 2
100%
$12,033.9

Georgia
34% 23 19 14 10
100%
$496,300.0

This distribution pattern indicates a travel industry dependent almost entirely upon automotive firms. The low percentages listed under food and lodging show an almost total absence of accommodations within the county serving the traveling public. The percentages under entertainment and other are largely due to the sales by firms catering to the fishermen who use the county's lakes (particularly Banks Lake) and river. These later categories indicate a sector of the travel industry that could be expanded and promoted thus improving the county's economy.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIALS
Lanier County is only 30 minutes from Valdosta, 20 minutes from Moody Air Force Base, and 20 minutes from 1-75. Thus, it has a sizeable urban market to attem~t to attract into the county for outdoor recreation activities.
Development and Promotional Agencies
A strong travel council composed of representatives from all parts of the travel-serving industry is needed to initiate

Lanier-3

programs for developing the travel industry. It should be given the responsibility of serving as the local catalyst to the development of facilities, attractions, and events. Also, it should be the coordinator of community affairs that relate to the travel-serving industry.
The establishment of the travel council should be one of the first steps in community tourism development. Immediately thereafter, other programs may be initiated under the council's guidance. Programs for cataloguing and evaluating valua91e assets; improving community appearance and landscape; training travel-serving personnel; scheduling, coordinating, and consolidating events; and conducting promotional campaigns are activities that a county-wide organization could foster. In these ways, it could help vacation/recreation travelserving businesses see themselves as an industry and help the community develop to easily accommodate and entertain visitors.
A Chamber of Commerce for Lakeland is needed. It should be financed so that it could carry out community programs of support and development mentioned in this report. It would be a proper group to which responsibilities for the local travel council could be given.
US 129 is an important travel route, especially since it parallels 1-75 from the Midwest to Florida. A revitalized US 129 Association could begin programs to encourage travelers to use US 129 and could become affiliated with the local travel council so that the total promotional budget will be large enough to create economic impact.
Facilities
Banks Lake is discussed in the main report as a major resource for tourism programs in Lanier County. The Uniteo States Study Commission, in its report on the Southeast River Basins, recommended that recreational facilities at Banks La~e be expanded and improved as soon as possible. The developments suggested in both of the aforementioned reports may be accomplished in increments as finances become available and a~ demand warrants it. Some first-class developments should be started, however, to establish a reputation for the lake and its recreational facilities. Potentially, the lake is one of the Coastal Plain area's major assets.
During September, 1967, representatives of the Georgia Game
Lanier-4

and Fish Commission visited the lake to ascertain the desirability of converting it into a game management area. Also, discussions have been held as to whether the Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College could utilize the lake as an experiment and training station. Both developments would help make the lake more attractive to tourists and more available to the vacation/recreation traveler.
Fishing should also be promoted on the Alapaha River. One boat ramp has been approved outside the city limits of Lakeland on this river. Additional boat ramps will be needed as more and more vacation/recreation travelers are attracted to the area.
The county's forests provide excellent hunting opportunities for the vacation/recreation traveler. Facilities such as campsites and hunting lodges need to be developed to encourage hunters to spend several days in the county. Such facilities are needed to supplement the ability of landowners to attract hunters. The advantage of developing campsites is that they can also be used for family camping. Advertisement of such facilities in campers' guides will attract additional visitors to the county.
Programs
The promise of profits from vacation/recr~ation travelers can be fulfilled only through work and ingenuity. The volume of travelers will not increase overnight. There must be facilities developed, training programs conducted, advertising and promotional programs initiated, and community develqpment programs conceived and put into operation before a great change in volume of visitors will be noticed.
Generally, Lanier County's appearance is good. However, there are some dilapidated billboards, exposed auto wrecking yards, and run down and abandoned buildings. The roadsides are generally well maintained and free of waste-paper and debris. No community, however, is as attractive as it might be, and Lakeland might further improve its appearance by encouraging each firm and each civic and service organization to undertake annual appearance improvement projects.
Profits will accrue to private businesses if they offer highlevel services and goods. Thus, restaurants, motels, and service stations should evaluate their operations from the visitor's viewpoint. They should ask themselves the following
Lanier-S

questions. Is the business safe, clean, friendly to strangers, and fair in prices? Does it offer adequate par,:ing and customer services? Is its advertising reaching the proper market? If any features questioned do not meet a desirable standard, employee management training, and facilities improvement programs should be studied and initiated. Problems such as apathy toward tourism can be overcome through local and area educational programs conducted through campaigns by area newspapers, talks at clubs, and training programs for service employees. Such programs should be carefully structured to yield the greatest benefit to local business participants, their employees, and the community. Local laws must be enforced fairly and courteously. Thus, local law enforcement officers should be encouraged to participate in the training programs and courtesy clinics. Promotion will be needed as soon as tourism development and community improvement programs are underway. The local travel council should work with its area travel council to prepare and distribute promotional materials to major vacation markets in the United States. Lanier County has the potential to develop one of the outstanding outdoor recreation programs in the Coastal Plain area, and the leadership of the county should encourage its development.
Lanier-6

THE VACATION/RECREATION TRAVEL INDUSTRY IN LOWNDES COUNTY
A Supplement to Tourism Development in the Coastal Plain Area
Lawrence F. Pinson

Prepared for the Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission
In Cooperation with the Institute of Community and Area Development
by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research Graduate School of Busines s Administration University of Georgia

January 1968

LOWNDES COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Since Lowndes County is traversed by Interstate 75, the most heavily traveled road in Georgia, and since Valdosta, the largest city in the Coastal Plain area, is its county seat, it is in a prime position to realize great economic benefits from the further development of its travel industry. All of the basic resources for increasing the vigor of the vacation/recreation industry are present including the national chain or franchised accommodations on 1-75. However, a strong organization is needed to stimulate additional development of the industry. Such an organization might be a local travel council comprised of members from all of the county's travel-serving firms. This group must concentrate on creating significant activities, events, and attractions which will appeal to the large volume of vacation/recreation travelers on the interstate.
A few of the development possibilities are:
-The United States Study Commission has recommended that the Mud Swamp and Franks Creek projects be completed before 1975. A feasibility study of the Mud Swamp project has been initiated by the Coastal Plain Area Commission. These projects should continue to receive the full cooperation of the county's political and business leaders.
-A tour of Valdosta and its environs with emphasis on native plants would be valuable to the overall tourism development program.
-Hunting could become an important industry in Lowndes County because of the climate, the developed tourism resources, and the abundant wildlife. To capitalize on the existing opportunity, the travel industry must provide hunting areas, trailer parks, cabins, and camping areas.
-Fishing, like hunting, is a means of attracting visitors. Many farm ponds, clear water lakes, creeks and the Withlacoochee River are open to fishermen. Many of these facilities are now promoted through "Lunker Country", a

brochure published by the Coastal Plain Area Commission. Additional promotional efforts should be devised and implemented. -Many local events such as the Christmas Parade, South Georgia Legion Fair, fall antique show, and the Amaryllis Show would be of interest to travelers on 1-75 if they knew of them. A calendar of events should be published at regular intervals and made available to the traveling public. Finally, the county needs to consider the implementation of a county-wide education program to make the citizens of the area aware of the importance of tourism and to stimulate the employees and owners of travel-serving firms to improve their services to the county's visitors.
Lowndes-2

LOWNDES COUNTY
THE COUNTY
Lowndes County was formed in 1825 and named for William J. Lowndes. Troupville was the county seat until 1859 when the construction of a railroad caused the deliberate creation of a new town on the railroad four miles south of Troupville. It was named Valdosta after Governor George M. Troup's estate Val de Aosta (Vale of Beauty) .
Lowndes County, the largest county in the Coastal Plain area, has 323,800 acres, of which 218,800, or 66.7 per cent, are forested. It lies both in the Lower Coastal Plain and the Upper Coastal Plain regions. The county's major geographic features include the withlacoochee River, which forms the county's western border. The terrain is flat, but well drained, except along stream flood plains. There are several large, fresh water lakes in the county. The climate is mild with an average of 260 frost free days and approximately 50 inches of rain annually. The soils and weather are conducive to forest and agricultural production, i.e., timber, naval stores, tobacco, cotton, peanuts, and cattle.
The county is served by north-south routes, 1-75, US 41 and 221 and Georgia 31, 7, 125, and 135. East-west roads are US 84, Georgia 94 and 122. The system is supplemented by county-maintained roads; therefore, most of the county is easily accessible.
PRESENT STATUS OF TOURISM
Lowndes County has a relatively long history of serving travelers. The vacation/recreation traffic on US 41, US 84 and US 221 helped support hotels, motels, tourist courts, service stations, and other travel-serving businesses for many years. Most of these businesses have primarily catered to the pass-through traffic. Very little concerted effort has been made to provide entertainment or recreational activities for visitors or to encourage the visitors to participate in local events. Nevertheless, the pass-through
Lowndes-3

market was profitable, and it supported the local travel firms and provided significant employment.
The completion of Interstate 75 caused a shift in the amount of traffic using the older federal highways (in particular
us 41). New, nationally known tourist enterprises were soon
established at the interchanges of 1-75. Many of the older travel establishments located along the old travel routes became unprofitable with the loss of traffic volume and were forced to close. However, present revenue is several times greater than it was a few years ago because of the larger volume of pass-through traffic and higher expenditures per traveler.
Though some of the original travel firms along the older highways are still profitable, the majority of the county's total travel revenue is received by the firms located on 1-75.
In 1966 there were 281 travel-serving firms with a total of 1,521 employees and 339 proprietors. Salaries to employees were $3,313,200. Sales directly attributable to vacation/ recreation travelers were $7,008,000.
The distribution of these sales among the various types of travel-serving businesses was:

Type of Business
Food Automotive Lodging Entertainment Other
Total
Total sales to travelers ($000 )

Lowndes County
27% 49 21
1
- 2-
100%

Coastal Plain Area
20% 54 23
1
- 2-
100%

$7,008.0

$12,003.9

Georgia
34% 23 19 14
-10-
100%
$496,300.0

This distribution pattern indicates a pass-through oriented travel industry largely dependent upon automotive firms and overnight accommodations (food and lodging). More significance can be placed on the combined expenditures under the categories of food and lodging rather than either of these by itself. The very low percentage listed under entertainment

Lowndes-4

shows a need for the existing firms ih this category to expand their services and indicates the present shortage of commercial recreation and entertainment catering to the traveling public. The small percentage under "other" (this category includes such firms as gift 'shops, drug, hardware, and sporting goods stores) further emphasizes the pass-through characteristics of the present travel industry.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIALS
The county is in an advantageous position for the development of tourism. Valdosta, a city of about 50,000, is among the larger communities in south Georgia. Interstate 75, US 41, and US 84, the most traveled routes in the southern region of Georgia and northern Florida, cross in Valqosta and bring many travelers to the community. The climate is mild and allows year-round outdoor activities. Local ~orests and lakes are resources that could be used as recreational facilities. An active Chamber of Commerce and the Coastal Plain Area Commission work closely with firms and governmental agencies in fostering economic growth and touris~. The county has the equipment and amenities necessary to serve business and educational conferences. There are several events that could attract more visitors. Recreation facilities, both public and private, could be used in entertaining visitors. Also, the county's industrial operations could provide attractions and services to keep visitors in the councy lfr&ger. Finally, there are several experienced travel-serving firms who already accommodate vacation/recreation travelers, particularly the large nation-wide chain and franchise operations on 1-75.
Full development of tourism is hindered in several ways. The travel-serving industry could be greatly expanded by satisfying needs fo~ the following: a continuous community-wide educational ~rogram to emphasize the advantages 6f" touris~, ~he development of more evening entertainment, the improvement of service to visitors, the beautification of certain areas of the county and city, the development of substantial recreation facilities, and the implementation of the recommendations of the United States Study Commission for Mud Swamp and TranKs Creek projects and Shiloh reservoir. Probably the greatest problem of Valdosta and Lowndes County is the need for coordinating the efforts and interests of all organizations striving for development of the community.
Landownership patterns and the regulations on land use also
Lowndes-5

deter development of first-class attractions, accommodations, and community amenities. Upgrading foods, services, and promotions will cause pass-through travelers to plan their trips so that Valdosta and the Coastal Plain area will become a stop. Once stopped, visitors may be encouraged to extend their stopovers by offering them entertaining events and attractions.
Accommodations located on 1-75 are not the only firms that can or should benefit from tourism, though they are presently enjoying the majority of the county's tourist receipts. The task of attracting significant numbers of-tourists off of 1-75 may be difficult without organization and assistance from the accommodations on 1-75 and other attractions in the community. But tourists that continue to travel US 41, 221, and 84 comprise another good, .although smaIler~ market.
Travel Council
A tourism development program with reasonable hopes for success should be conducted by a strong travel council composed of representatives of each element oe the tourist industry (service stations, oil distributors, lodging, eating and drinking firms, government, civic and service groups, etc.). The travel council could be a division of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, or it could be separately organized, depending on the wishes of the community. The council should be responsible to firms and to the community for the development and operation of the industry. It should be the local counterpart of the proposed area travel council.
Because of the relative wealth of developmental potentials, it would be advisable for the council to adopt short and long range programs for development. These programs should include an accounting of developmental assets, noting their significance and states of repair, and allocating priorities for their development. Coordination of local activities, events, and business operations (particularly advertising and promotion through the area council) should be included as an integral part of the program as well as the training of travel service employees. Initiation and sponsorship of community appearance projects and associated programs should also be included.
Under the council's leadership, facilities could be built; events could be scheduled and held; problems of development could be alleviated; new enterprises could be started and
Lowndes-6

operated; and existing firms could be assisted. Through such comprehensive programs, the industry's potential can be more fully realized.
Activities and Facilities
Mud Swamp and Franks Creek projects are needed to fulfill local recreational needs. They are also needed as resources on which to build facilities and for recreation and entertainment activities to attract vacation/recreation visitors. Such major projects will require financial assistance from sources other than local. The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation and the Economic Development Administration perhaps could assist in getting the MudSwamp and Franks Creek projects started. The United States Study Commission has recommended that the Mud Swamp and Franks Creek projects be completed before 1975; and, in relationship to the vacation/recreation travel industry, the sooner they are completed, the sooner visitors can be attracted and the sooner businesses can provide services. A feasibility study of the Mud Swamp project has been initiated by the Coastal Plain Area Commission using funds provided by the State and technical support from the Soil Conservation Service.
An activity needed for tourism is a tour of Valdosta and the general area. The local tour, an individual segment of the area tour, will need a well written tour booklet, distributed at the local welcome-information station or at the Chamber of Commerce. The well-marked route should have an abundance of plants for which this area has become known--azaleas, camellias, dogwood, moss, ash cypress, pines, and other native flowers. Property owners along the tour route should be encouraged to landscape with these materials. The tour should include the "Crescent" horne and other outstanding homes, grassy Lake Fish H~tchery, Pendleton Park, Valdosta State College, Carlisle Plant Farm, a turpentine distillery, a tobacco warehouse and other local operations that would equip to serve tourists. For example, manufacturing plants could install facilities allowing visitors to tour the plant. Investments for walkways, tour markers, explanation signs, public address equipment, display rooms, and liability insurance should return profits in entrance fees and good-will advertising. Being a part of the community program, these activities would yield a large amount of publicity to firms. Tobacco warehouses, wood processing firms, and similar local operations would be interesting to visitors and should be encouraged to participate. Photography shQuld be encouraged
Lowndes-7

by marking places for taking the best photos. Local taxi firms, by offering special rates for local tour groups, could increase their own businesses and serve visitors who would prefer a guided tour to their own driving.
The proposed Doc Holiday development would be .of great value to the county and local people should assist in developing it. Furthermore, complementary attractions must be established to help attract sufficient visitors to support all attractions and accommodations. Firms serving travelers complement one another, even though they are in competition.
Hunting could become an important industry in Lowndes County because of the climate, the developed tourism resources, and the abundant wildlife which includes quail, dove, deer, fox, opossum, and rabbit. The reason only a small number of people hunt in the county now is that there are few trailer parks, cabins, or camping areas. There is also the problem of private lands not open for hunting. Recent events indicate that Lowndes County is making a concerted effort to become a recognized hunting area.
During the Labor Day weekend of 1967, a wild hog hunt was organized and promoted at the Kinderlou Forest Hunting Preserve, owned by the Langdale Company. At their annual banquet held during this event, the Georgia Bowhunters Association gave awards to winners of staged events. Nationally famous archer Howard Hill was the guest of honor at the ceremonies. This initial hunt was sponsored by the Coastal Plain Area Commission and is an excellent example of how a commission can contribute to the economic development of an area. Over 250 hunters attended this event which is scheduled as a new annual celebration in Valdosta. Another recent event, first held in 1966, is the Georgia Coon Hunters field trial in Valdosta, just after the Continental Field Trials.
The new camping grounds located on the access road running parallel to 1-75 is another asset to the community. These camping grounds operate under a KOA franchise and are known as the Florida-Georgia Kampground. Their facilities are outstanding. Also, the Alapaha Long Bowman Archery Club has opened an archery range. The range is open to the public and the club provides free archery instruction to members and guests.
Evening entertainment is needed to provide tourists a choice of diversion. Valdosta has the resources for fulfilling this
Lowndes-8

need, and the demand for it seems large enough to support entertainment enterprises.
Also, attention should be given to providing access to local recreation activities and facilities. For example, the Valdosta Country Club could relieve the lack of golfing facilities by accepting guests of local motels and other travel-serving firms on a prearranged basis, established by agreement between the firms and the Club's Board of Directors. Revenue for the club could be generated, and, as important, visitors could be kept in the area a little longer. The Valdosta Yacht Club could also undertake activities and admit tourists in a manner similar to that of the Country Club. Events held at the club during the year such as the Snip Championship Regatta should be expanded and promoted more forcefully. A public access area and boat rental concessions could be operated for additional ~evenue.
Fishing, like hunting, is a means of attracting visitors. Many farm ponds, clear water lakes, creeks and the withlacoochee River, are open to fishermen. The Commission's Lunker Country brochure lists five lakes or ponds that are open to the public. Other water bodies could be prepared by providing access, stocking them with fish, and constructing facilities. They could then be leased or rented on a daily basis.
City parks are important to a community's appearance, and they can do double duty by serving as rest areas for tourists. Such public facilities could be improved through programs sponsored by support organizations such as garden clubs or civic clubs.
Conventions of up tOIOOO people could be accommodated by using local lodging and the city auditorium. Activities designed especially for wives and children of conventioneers would increase the prospect of attracting more people to the county. Therefore, a convention bureau within the proposed travel councilor the Chamber of Commerce would be useful in attracting and scheduling conventions. In June, July, and August, tobacco warehouses could be the scene of tourist activities, if facilities and equipment for visitor convenience are installed. Possibly, an address system could be used. Mementos of the event (plastic-encased leaves) could be offered for sale.
Lowndes-9

Events
A two or three-day pre-spring or a late fall golf tournament featuring "name" golfers would attract a number of golf fans and tourists. The publicity would be invaluable to the overall tourism program. The country club could gain revenues by modest spectator charges, and the community would have the opportunity to establish evening events to entertain the visitors and earn revenues during tournaments.
A Christmas Parade held on Thanksgiving Day attracts about 20,000 people annually. Greater numbers could be attracted if floats and entries from neighboring counties were included. Promotion for the event should be extended to the entire area.
The South Georgia Legion Fair held in November could attract a larger number of visitors, if entries were vigorously sought from Echols, Cook, Lanier, and Brooks counties. Local people and local firms should be encouraged to display their crafts and products. Visitors would find the event very interesting, and perhaps a large amount of local goods would be sold. Flower shows could attract enough visitors to encourage their development and promotion. Both the Day Lily Show and the Amaryllis Show in April could be made into major events by inviting entries from other areas where these types of flowers grow. Promotional materials should carry names of areas participating so visitors could be encouraged to attend.
The Fall antique show held in the city auditorium could attract a large number of antique enthusiasts.
Air demonstrations, graduation exercises, and parades held at Moody Air Force Base could be scheduled as events for visitors. If the events can be opened to the public, the travel council should publicize them in advance to allow visitors to make plans to attend.
Overflow seating" should be arranged so that events sponsored by the local travel council could be opened to tourists. Advertising in local and area motels within easy driving distance would allow visitors to be aware of the events. Extra revenue for the council could be generated this way. Furthermore, gasoline consumption would be increased and visitors could be kept in the county longer. Other cultural events such as presentations by Valdosta State College's theater and the shows presented by Art, Inc., could be promoted in a similar way. Square dance clubs could present special performances for the entertainment of tourists and local people alike.
Lowndes-10

programs
The travel council will need to conduct many programs and sponsor others in order to coordinate the whole local industry.
The education of local people about the contributions each person can make to his community is needed in every community. It will be a long range program, and it will be conducted through every means at the disposal of the council: local newspapers, radio, television, speeches at clubs, and distributions of printed matter.
Similar, but more specific, is the need for a training program for travel-serving personnel. Employees of travel-serving firms are representatives for the community and, therefore, should receive instructions on how to deal with visitors. SUGh programs should be conducted by individual firms in cooperation with some central agency in the community. Local law enforcement officials could benefit from attending the training sessions, and they should be encouraged to do so. Periodic business development seminars could also be beneficial to the local industry.
Vital to the success of tourism development is community appearance. Many auto wrecking yards along important streets and highways need screening. Some areas in the community have "visual clutter" caused by unwise use of signs. These are problems particularly along US 41 south, North Ashley Street, and US 84-US 121 west to 1-75.
The plans for the revitalization of downtown Valdosta developed by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Planning Commission would help to improve the community's appearance. Implementation of the plan will provide green space and alleviate many of the appearance and traffic problems in the downtown area. Property owners should be encouraged to improve their properties and to landscape with native vegetation where possible. Such community improvement programs wou~d help reduce the problem of out-dated signs, abandoned buildings, run-down. property, and deteriorated businesses. There .are problems in the entire area, but the cities all have resources which should be used to develop the area's natural beauty ..
The Georgi~ Highway Department should be approached about placement of signs and distance markers and about maintenance of road shoulders and rights-of-ways. Though the Florida Welcome Station on US 41 has been closed, all the-~~QUnds are kept neatly mowed, insharp contrast with Georgia's countryside.
Lowndes-ll

There are two dangerous exits on 1-75: the exit from the north at the 1-75 business interchange and the exit to Georgia 94. Both should be changed if possible. Many tourists complain that these exits are deceptive and difficult to find.
The local travel councilor Chamber of Commerce should give consideration to staffing a welcome-information station to direct tourists and to serve as the starting point for local tours. It would be a particularly good place for distribution of literature, tour maps, and booklets. The Chamber of Commerce has done an admirable job of drawing together information of Valdosta and Lowndes County and has been successful in distributing it.
Future changes in billboard advertising will cause promotion to be a more delicate task. Motel lobbies will become important display areas, and many types of advertising displays will be installed in them. Furthermore, the design and distribution of brochures will need to be refined, and new methods of promotion will need to be devised. Calendars of events should be prepared in advance and distributed through local organizations and businesses, through the area travel council, and through the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade. Special rear-screen slide shows and other visual presentations at motels using lobby displays could be included in the calendar of events.
Because of the size of the needed promotion program, the area council should consider contracting with an agent or hiring full time employees to handle promotion programs.
With the area developing many recreational facilities and entertaining events for tourists, a program could be initiated for attracting retirees. Because of its weather and the facilities, the Coastal Plain area would be an attractive place in which people from the Midwest could retire. Events developed for tourists will make it even more attractive.
Lowndes-12

THE VA CAT ION IRE C REA T ION T RA VEL IN D US TRY IN TIFT COUNTY
A Supplement to Tourism Development in the Coastal Plain Area
Lawrence F. Pinson

Prepared for the Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission
In Cooperation with the Institute of Community and Area Development
by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research Graduate School of Business Administration University of Georgia

January 1968

TIFT COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Tifton has an unusual opportunity to further develop its economy by providing services, entertainment, and locally made goods to vacation/recreation travelers. The county's prime advantages for developing tourism include its ten access points to 1-75, its location in relation to Atlanta and Chattanooga--two prime overnight stops for travelers~ and its travel-serving businesses along the interstate and along US 41 and 84, which may be utilized more fully
in providing goods and services to visiting travelers.
The Tobacco Festival, the Tift County Country Club Golf Tournament, and the Civic Music Association concerts are but a few of the events which could entertain visitors in the community.
Tobacco warehouses, the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, cotton gins, and outstanding farming operations are among the economic activities that are of interest and would attract visitors to Tift County.
Fishing, hunting, camping, and horseback riding are outdoor recreation activities that could be profitable enterprises for local people and are in great demand by vacation/recreation travelers.
A tour of the community would also be valuable to the overall tourism development program.

TIFT COUNTY
THE COUNTY
Tift County was formed from parts of Berrien 6 Irwin, and Worth counties in 1905. It has slightly more than 170,200 acres, of which 70,500, or about 41.5 per cent, are forested. The soils of the county are primarily Tifton loams and loamy sands, a rich, light alluvial that is very productive. The soil is particularly adapted to the production of tobacco, peanuts, cotton, grass seed, and vegetable plants. The terrain ranges from gently rolling to flat and is well drained by tributaries of the Alapaha and Little Rivers and Ty Ty Creek. The weather is mild with more than 240 frost free days and almost 50 inches of rainfall annually. The weather encourages agricultural pursuits and is ideal for year-round outdoor recreation.
Tifton was founded by Henry Harding Tift, a successful lumberman who had come to Tift County in 1869 from Connecticut. The city is situated on the divide between the watersheds of the Little and the Alapaha rivers. Tift County was named for Nelson Tift, a pioneer of Southwest Georgia and an uncle of Henry Harding Tift. There are several other towns and communities in the county: Omega, Ty Ty, Chula, Harding, Sunsweet, Eldorado, Brookfield, Phillipsburg, and Unionville. Highways 1-75, US 41, US 319, Georgia 7, 35, 125, 50, and a system of county roads provide adequate access to all parts of the county.
PRESENT STATUS OF TOURISM
Tift County has a relatively long history of serving travelers. The vacation/recreation traffic on US 41, US 84 and US 319 helped support hotels, motels, tourist courts, service stations, and other travel-serving businesses for more than three decades. There, local businesses have always served pass-through traffic, although little concerted
Tift-2

effort has been made to provide entertainment or recreational activities for visitors or to invite their participation in local events. Even so, the market was profitable, and it supported businesses and provided local employment.
When 1-75 was completed, a considerable amount of the traffic that once traveled US 41 shifted the short distance to the new road and well-known tourist enterprises established themselves at the interchanges.
Many older establishments on US 41 are still operating profitably; others have been closed or torn do~n. Even so, revenue received is several times great0r than it was a few years ago because of the larger volume of pass-through traffic and the larger amount received per customer. Though most firms on US 41 and 84 are profitable, the majority of the county's total revenue is received by the firms located on 1-75.
In 1966 there were 151 vacation/recreation serving firms with a total of 751 employees and 157 proprietors. Salaries to employees were $1,749,500. The sales by travel-serving firms directly attributable to vacation/recreation travel were $2,624,400.
The distribution of these sales among the various types of travel-serving businesses was:

Type of Business
Food Automotive Lodging Entertainment Other
Total
Total sales to travelers ($OOO)

Tift County
7% 52 38
1 2
100%

Coastal Plain Area
20% 54 23
1 2
100%

$2,624.4

$12,003.9

Georgia
34% 23 19 14 10
100%
$496,300.0

Tift-3

This distribution pattern indicates a pass-through oriented travel industry largely dependent upon automotive firms and overnight accommodations. More significance can be placed on food and lodging combined expenditures than on either of these by itself. The low percentage listed under entertainment shows a need for the existing firms in this category to expand their services and indicates the present shortage of commercial recreation and entertainment catering to the traveling public. The small percentage under "other" (this category includes such firms as gift shops, drug, hardware, and sporting goods stores) further emphasizes the passthrough characteristics of the present travel industry.
By developing and improving t~avel-serving businesses and by expanding or developing attractions in the community, this iwportant market can be served better.
MAJOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIALS
The object of this study is to devise a program of action so that developmental potentials may be realized. It is hoped that the suggestions included in this report will be implemented to bring about overall development and the resulting benefits from tourism.
The traffic that passes through Tifton each day on 1-75 and US 84 is the community's greatest asset and challenge to developing tourism. More tourists must be attracted to Tifton and convinced to extend their visits.
Travel Council
A strong travel council composed of representatives from all parts of the travel-'serving industry is needed to initiate programs for developing the travel industry. This council could be a division of the Chamber of Commerce, or it could be formed separately, depending on the wishes of the industry and community. It should be given the responsibility of serving as the local catalyst to the development of facilities, attractions, and events. Also, it should be the coordinator of community affairs that relate to the travel-serving industry.
The establishment of the travel council should be one of the first steps in community tourism development. Immediately
Tift-4

thereafter, other programs may be initiated under the council's guidance. Programs for cataloguing and evaluating valuable assets; improving community appearance and landscape; training travel-serving personnel; scheduling, coordinating, and consolidating events; and conducting promotional campaigns are activities that a county-wide organization could foster. In these ways, it could help vacatton/recreation travelserving businesses see themselves as an industry and help the community develop to easily accommodate and entertain visitors.
The council could organize local support for the development of the Tifton project recommended by the United States study Commission in its report on the development of the Suwannee River Basin. This project would provide substantial water based recreation, an activity not presently widespread in Tift County. Since the county's major potential lies in its relationship to 1-75, the council could encourage investments in motels, restaurants, auto-service complexes, and support facilities for these businesses. In these ways, the council could stimulate the construction of needed facilities, the scheduling and upgrading of events, the initiation of community improvement programs, and the coordination of promotional activities, thereby helping to expand the local economy.
Facilities
A carefully designed tour of Tifton's beautiful and interesting features would encourage visitors to purchase more gasoline or lengthen their stay. The tour should be clearly marked so that visitors can guide themselves. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Fullwood Park, Tifton Art Gallery, P. D. Fullwood Plant Farms, tobacco warehouses, pecan groves, pecan processing facilities, hereford ranches, outstanding residential districts and gardens, and selected local manufacturing operations such as Tifton Cotton Mills and cotton gins are points of interest that could be included on the tour. Each interesting and educational feature on the tour should have a tour marker and be explained in tour literature. Certain types of facilities may be needed at some of the stops on the tour. For example, local manufacturers who invite visitors will need safety equipment, walkways, showrooms, and informational materials. Insurance coverage too should be considered. Expenses incurred could be recovered through entrance fees. The community would benefit greatly by having such facilities.
Tift-5

More facilities are needed in Tift County to help satisfy the rising demand for camping, horseback riding, trailer parks, hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation. Although these types of facilities will be built around the lake of the Tifton Project recommended by the United States study Commission, the existing demand is probably great enough to support such facilities now. To satisty part of the demand, Tift County landowners could form an association or a cooperative to foster and control hunting activities in the county using the Brooks County association as a model. The organization should work closely with the proposed travel council and the Tift County Chamber of Commerce to benefit fully from the proposed area advertising program. There is at present a Tift County Wildlife Association. Also, the county now has a two week deer season during which hunters are permitted to hunt with rifles and shotguns. Permission to hunt on private lands is usually granted.
Local motels, restaurants and service stations could promote Tifton's two recreation centers. Local swimming pools, tennis courts, baseball fields, and saddle clubs, could all be utilized in the local tourism development program. The availability of these types of facilities enhances the community's ability to entertain vacation/recreation travelers.
Many Tifton residents favor the restoration of Bowens warehouse to the commissary it was in the early days of Tifton. Once restoration is complete, perhaps it could be utilized as a place to display and sell local arts, crafts and foods, the production of which should be promoted through local educational programs. The restored warehouse should be included on the local tour.
One of the most important changes in facilities is needed at the interchange of 1-75 and us 82. Visitors often mention that this intersection is confusing and dangerous. Perhaps local leaders could consult with the Georgia Highway Department about changes in the arrangement.
Programs
In Tifton, as in every community in Georgia, the problem of community landscaping and community appearance needs to be tackled. Probably no other feature of a community can do more than its appearance to attract visitors. Thus,
Tift-6

Tifton should, under the guidance of the proposed travel council and with the cooperation of the community's garden clubs and city government, undertake a community appearance improvement program. Since it is the home of the American Camellia Society, has many private firms in horticulture, and is the location of ABAC and the Coastal Plain Experiment station, Tifton should be able to get considerable local assistance in undertaking this program.
Make Georgia Beautiful Month and Stay and See Georgia are two programs in which Tifton has previously participated. The "Make Georgia Beautiful" program can help acquire dogwoods, pines, and other plants which bloom all year, while the "Stay and See Georgia" program encourages the overall development of the community. Future participation in these programs should be scheduled as a part of community appearance improvement.
other programs which should be undertaken to improve the appearance of the community include:
1. Landscaping major thoroughfares over which visitors travel. 2. Placing signs of direction along these routes. 3. Removing excess signs in areas with "visual clutter" such
as along 7th Street. 4. Clearing slum areas through urban renewal programs. 5. Screening or clearing auto wrecking yards which are in
sight of heavily traveled thoroughfares. 6. Installing curbs, gutters, and sidewalks around parks and
other public facilities. 7. Lighting 5th and 7th streets and US 41 to guide tourists
into and through Tifton. 8. Removing delapidated buildings and deteriorated advertising
signs along US 41, 82, and 319. 9. Installing facilities at the Henry Tift Meyers Airport for
visitors who travel by air. 10. Landscaping with native plants.
Although tourism is not new to Tifton, the community is devoted primarily to agriculture and manufacturing. A new and revitalized acceptance of tourism as an important part of the community's economy is needed. The full participation of local firms in tourism development programs is also needed. These needs can be satisfied through educational programs which reach all persons interested in community development. The local news media can play an important part in helping to reach local people. Personal contacts,
Tift-7

special community meetings, and civic and service club meetings can also carry out the educational program. As the volume of traffic on 1-75 increases, tourism will become more important to the economy, and educational programs and developmental activities may be more exacting. Therefore, the community should begin to initiate the programs that will yield both immediate and long-range benefits.
One of the best ways to expand tourism locally is to provide services that will cause tourists to include Tifton in their vacation/recreation travels. A phase of the educational program should be training courses for employees of travelserving firms to prepare them to give a high level of service to customers. An excellent training course for travelserving firm employees is provided in Tifton by the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and this program can serve as the nucleus for future training programs. Other training programs could be designed specifically for owners and managers so that they may stay abreast of changes in the travel industry. The whole community can participate in these programs. For example, local clubs could place seasonal decorations with welcome messages on restaurant tables; or, place mats with maps of the Coastal Plain area or the county could be distributed as a community development project.
Events
Improving events by cooperating with surrounding counties is another way of providing strong attractions for vacation/ recreation travelers. Existing events which are interesting enough to hold the attention of today's sophisticated travelers should be retained by Tift County and improved by consolidating them with similar events from other counties. Events deemed desirable for other counties should be transferred and supported by Tift County. Such cooperation can provide additional stimulus for tourists to visit the area. Furthermore, consolidated events can afford more effective advertising, which in turn attracts people from a wider area.
The county fair normally held the 2nd week in November and the tobacco festival held in July, should be consolidated with similar events of the surrounding counties, because such consolidation would enlarge the events of surrounding counties as well as attract more outstanding exhibits and vacation/recreation travelers. For example, perhaps the county fair could be merged with the Georgia Southern Legion Fair in Lowndes County.
Tift-8

The golf tournament at the Tift County Country Club could attract many tourists. The new country club and golf course could generate additional revenue by inviting tourists to play. All arrangements for inviting vacation/recreation travelers to participate could be handled through the travel council and motels.
Camellia Day activities should include special events such as judging of plants and arrangements of flowers along the Tifton tour route. Landscaping with camellias along the route would provide a basis for the selection of outstanding examples of various varieties as well as a more attractive tour route.
The Civic ~1usic Association concerts could entertain visitors if available overflow seating were provided. Memberships would provide the basic support, and overflow would generate extra income for sponsoring groups.
Other events such as fat-cattle shows and sales, the Experiment Station Cattle show, and the Tifton Saddle Club horse shows have potential audiences. Consolidation of these with similar events from other counties would bring entries and could provide impetus for general upgrading.
A Tift County Products Day, Tift Thrift Day, or similar events could be instituted and sponsored by the merchants and the travel council to attract tourists and other potential customers to the community.
Promotion
Expected increases in interstate travel and the limitations on billboard advertising will intensify the need to devise new promotion methods. The success of the Chamber of Commerce in producing and distributing promotional materials could be valuable in increasing promotional efforts. Events should be scheduled several months in advance so a calendar of events can be prepared and distributed through area, state, and local channels.
Sufficient quantities of new promotional brochures on Tifton and Tift County will be needed to meet the demand created by distribution through the proposed area travel council, the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade, and local businesses. Continuous rear-screen projection-slide programs in motel lobbies are another way of effectively promoting local features and events.
Tift-9

Reprints of feature articles from local newspapers could be distributed to local motels, to those within a two hour drive from town, and to selected motels one day's travel away. Local radio stations could schedule programs of interest to tourists.
GENERAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Providing tourists with extra services can bring additional revenue. For example, evening entertainment could be profitable if places were provided for tourists to be entertained. Few independent motels have agreements with independent restaurants to provide room service. Being able to provide such services could attract additional travelers off 1-75. Pine cones, items made from pine needles and pine wood, and other locally made items could be displayed so that tourists would recognize products when they visited local shops. These items and dried arrangements, made by local garden clubs, could be sold for additional income. The pitcher plant could be potted and sold to visitors. Finally, sporting goods stores should rent as well as sell hunting, fishing, and other equipment that visitors could use locally. Travel-serving firms and the community should expand parking facilities so that larger volumes of visitors may be accommodated at the improved attractions and events. The general program outlined above should, if implemented and coordinated with the area-wide program, help to bring to fruition a more vigorous tourist industry.
Tift-IO

tHE VACATION/RECREATION TRAVEL INDUSTRY IN TURNER COUNTY
ASupplement to Tourism Development in the Coastal Plain Area
Lawrence F. Pinson

Prepared for the Coastal Plain Area Planning and Development Commission
In Cooperation with the Institute of Community and Area Development
by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research Graduate School of Business Administration University of Georgia

february 1968

TURNER COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Turner county's prime asset for the further development of its travel industry is Interstate 75, the most heavily traveled road in Georgia. This modern highway brought well over two million travelers through the center of Turner County in 1966. The county's greatest challenge is to find the methods and means to entice these pass-through travelers to spend extra time in the county.
All of the basic resources for increasin~ the vigor of the vacation/recreation irldustry are present including the national chain or franchised accommodations on 1-75. However, a strong organization is needed to stimulate additional development of the industry. Such an organization might be a local travel council comprised of members from all of the county's travelserving firms. This group must concentrate on creating significant activities, events, and attractions which will appeal to the large volume of vacation/recreation travelers on the interstate.
Turner County has many natural resources which could be utilized to attract visitors off of the interstate and to entice them to extend their stay in the county and area. A few of these are: farms, farm ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, open fields, and abundant game. Visiting farms, fishing, hunting, camping, and horseback riding are activities which could be developed to capitalize on the county's natural re~ources.
Finally, the county needs to consider th~ implementation of a county-wide education program to make the citizens of the area aware of the importance of tourism ~nd to stimulate the employees and owners of travel-serving fi;ms to improve their services to the county's visitors.

TURNER COUNTY
THE COUNTY
Turner County, the northern most county of the Coastal Plain area, was formed in 1905 from parts of Dooley, Irwin, Wilcox, and Worth counties. It was named for Henry G. Turner, a prominent member of Congress and later Judge of the Georgia Supreme Court. There 'are 187,500 acres in the county, of which 88,800, or 47.3 per cent, are forested. In 1964, slightly more than 500 farms in the county accounted for a total of 147,481 acres. There are 240 fr95t free days and approximately 50 inches of rain~all annually. The weather, noted for its mildness, fosters agricultural pursuits which include the production of peanuts, tobacco, cotton, and livestock.
The terrain of the county is gently rolling and well drained by Deep Creek, Lake Creek, Little River, and &apaha River and their tributaries. There are several natural lakes in the county, including Paulks Pond, Ross Lake, Busseys Pond and Betts Pond.
Ashburn, the county seat, is located in the center of the county on a divide that separates the Alapaha and the Little River watersheds. Other towns in the county are Sycamore, Rebecca, and Cloverdale. Ashburn and Sycamore are situated close together, less than a mile from Interstate 75.
The county's road system is composed of 1-75, US 41, Ga. 7, 32, 112, and 159. This system is supplemented by county roads, so that the whole county is accessible. A new airport between Ashburn and Sycamore increases the county's accessibility by private plane. Commercial air transportation is available at Albany, 37 miles southwest.
Manufacturing activities are closely related to the county's agricultural and forestry operations and include lumber processing, door manufacturing, peanut processing, tobacco warehousing, garment manufacturing, and cotton ginning.
Turner-2

PRESENT STATUS OF TOURISM
Ashburn, Sycamore, and Turner County have enjoyed benefits from the travel industry by serving tourists on US 41 for several decades. However, throughout these years the county did not develop significant attractions or activities to cause travelers to stay in the community longer than overnight, nor were accommodations built to encourage visitors to stay longer.
with the opening of I-75, traffic shifted about one mile east and more than doubled. In 1966 sales by travel-serving firms in Turner County directly attributable to vacation/recreation travelers were $882,700. This is a significant contribution to the economy of the county. There were 59 travel-serving firms with 159 employees and 60 proprietors. Wages to employees were $309,100.
The distribution of the sales among the various types of travelserving businesses was:

Type of Busi.ness

Turner County

Coastal Plain Area

Georgia

Food

12%

20%

34%

Automotive

65

54

23

Lodging

23

23

19

Entertainment

0

1

14

Other

0

2

10

Total

100%

100%

100%

Total Sales To Travelers
($000)

$882.7

$12,003.9

$496,300.0

This distribution pattern indicates a pass-through oriented travel industry largely dependent ~pon automotive firms and overnight accommodations. More significance can be placed on food and lodging combined expeditures than on either of these by itself. The absence of any percentage under entertainment and other shows the urgent need for expanding the present travel industry to include firms under these categories. These segments of the travel industry must be developed if Turner County is to realize its full tourism potential.

Turner-3

MAJOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIALS
Advantages for developing tourism in the county include natural resources for outdoor recreation, farms and manufacturing enterprises. These resources could be used to created attractions and activities which would increase the length of tourist visits in the county. There are also organizations with a vital interest in developing the county. The Turner County Chamber of Commerce, Turner County Sportsman Club, Wolf Creek Archery Club, Turner County Enterprises, and local banks may lend financial, technical, or other assistance in solving local problems which hinder the development of the vacation/recreation travel industry.
To realize fully the economic potential presented by these assets, a deliberately designed and executed development program in needed. It should include such things as a schedule of events, fully coordinated with those of surrounding counties and those of the area; a program promoting the development of physical attractions and facilities; and educational an~training activities to help local accommodations provide a higher level of serviL~s to vacation/recreation travelers.
Travel Council
The resources and opportunities of the county should be marshaled by a group with the single purpose of developing tourism. This group should be comprised of representatives of each major element of the travel-serving industry so that the development program will be tempered by the wishes and desires of each. This travel council could be formed within the Chamber of Commerce or as separate organi~ation, depending on the wishes of the participating members of the industry.
Under the leadership of the organization, development programs could be designed and implemented, new attractions and accommodations planned and built, and the county's promotional activities coordinated with those of other counties and the Coastal Plain Area Commission.
Facilities
Additional high quality facilities should be located at the interchanges and along the access roads that lead into Ashburn and Sycamore. The accommodations should include swimming
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pools, miniature golf courses, and playgrounds so that they may effectively compete with accommodations in the larger towns. Events and recreation facilities that can help stretch visits a few hours, or even a few days, should be associated closely with the expanded accommodations. Outdoor recreational activities, such as hunting, fishing, and camping, h6ld the greatest promise for entertaining visitbrs~ The Tifton, the Ashburn, and the Alapaha projects, proposed in the United States Study Commission report (Appendix 5) would provide large bodies of water for fishing, boating, and other water sports. However, the Ashburn and Alapaha projects are not planned for the immediate future, even though they are needed for tourism development. The Tifton project, on the other hand, was recommended by the Study Commission for early action and Turner County should cooperate fully with Tift and Worth counties to get the Tifton project built as soon as possible.
In the meantime, the farm owners of the county could form a strong bureau to begin developing game feeder strips, fishing areas, shooting areas and other facilities to encourage hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor recreation activities. Two clubs have already been formed to promote outdoor recreation, Turner County Sportsman Club and the Wolf Creek Archery Club. Assistance in developing facilities and organizing a landowners association is available from the area Commission. Brooks County landowners who have formed an association would also be a valuable source of guidance. Formalizing the organization eases the task of attracting tourists and encourages charging fees for hunting and fishing rights. Increased numbers of sportsmen in the county will stimulate such enterprises as renting equipment for hunting and fishing. Outdoor recreation and sporting activities could become important sources of income for landowners who join the association and produce quail, dove, rabbit, squirrel, and other game common to the county.
Camping areas and travel trailer parks will be needed to accommodate hunters and fishermen. Family camping areas will also be needed to satisfy the demand resulting from increased popularity of this activity. Some of the camping areas and trailer parks will be needed near the interstate highway to accommodate overnight guests while others should be near lakes and streams to accommodate fishermen and hunters. One new campground is just off 1-75. Additional facilities such as boat launch ramps and boat rental concessions will be needed after the proposed lakes are built. While the new 3,200 ft. airport is not usually considered a tourism asset, it could be used profitably by flying and hunting parties
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or as a stopover area for pass-through flights of vacationers.
Visitor farms have been highly successful in other areas of the United States, and, although the present demand in Georgia is relatively small, they warrant attention as a possible development. Facilities to accommodate visitors such as bunkhouses, shaded play areas, and walkways through farm buildings will be needed, as will regular work-recreation programs for both adult and children participants.
People are interested in activities different from those of their home area; so manufacturing firms could help the county's tourism development program by providing facilities for handling visitors. Classic Door Corporation, Gold Kist, Sconyers Gin, and other manufacturing plants could install walkways, safety equipment, signs, display rooms, and pUblic address systems to accommodate tourists and route them through the plants. Miniature museums would be excellent displays in plants opened to visitors.
During tobacco season, auctions would be very attractive to visitors, and samples of tobacco encased in plastic fllm could be sold. During off seasons, other presentations of tobacco activities, perhaps on film, could be substituted. In only a few areas of the world is tree sap harvested; therefore, in the Coastal Plain area the whole process of collecting sap from pines and the production of the flnished product is of unique value in attracting visitors. Turpentine forests could be opened and signs placed explaining the operations. In cases of special equipment, a small fee might be charged to cover costs of installation of equipment and liability insurance.
Visitors from other areas desire authentic, locally made items as souvenirs. Thus, an opportunity exists for manufacturing and retailing a wide variety of items. Dried arrangements, wood carvings, miniature cotton bales, and reprints of Colonel Ben Pate's history of Turner County are goods that could be displayed and sold to satisfy the demand for mementos.
Programs
The programs can be started with a general educational program for the whole county and with a simultaneous training program for travel-serving personnel. The creation of a local travel council could help to marshal the support of the whole community. Through the leadership of the council, cooperation could be
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sought from local newspapers, radio stations, and clvic clubs in distributing information about the values of tourlsm. The importance of attention to small but signiflcant details necessary to the safety and satisfaction of visitors, such as clean rest rooms, courteous treatment, and high quality food, could be emphasized in the training programs.
The community under the ausplces of the travel councll could undertake appearance improvement and other tourism development projects. Beautifying a community should be done for several reasons, one of which is to increase the ability of the community to attract visitors. Although there has been an interest in community appearance for many years, some areas remain which need attention, for example, many buildings along US 41, auto wrecking yards, slums, dilapldated billboards, and abandoned buildings. Furthermore, much of the planting materials needed for a full scale beautification program can probably be acquired from local nurseries, from the Georgia Forestry Commission, or through the Georgla Department of Industry and Trade's "Make Georgia Beautlful" program. The Chamber of Commerce has already begun a long-range beautification program by entering Ashburn ln the stay and See Georgia Contest. Assistance in such programs is available from the University of Georgia's Agricultural Extension Service, the Turner County Agent, and from professional landscape architects. The Coastal Plain Area Plannlng and Development Commission should be asked to participate ln future plans for undertaklng the appearance lmprovement project.
Events
Improving events by cooperating with surrounding counties is another way of providing strong attractions for vacation/ recreation travelers. Existing events which are interesting enough to hold the attention of today's sophisticated travelers should be retained by Turner County and improved by consolidating them with similar events from other counties. Events deemed desirable for other counties should be transferred and supported by Turner County. Such cooperation can provide additional stlmulus for tourist to visit the area. Futhermore, consolidated events can afford more effective advertising, which in turn attracts people from a wider area.
The Steer and Barrow Show held the second Tuesday and Wednesday in April at the Stock Sale Barn in Ashburn could be developed by attracting additional entries from surrounding counties, thereby making it more interesting and attractive. Facilitles such as bleachers and public address systems would be needed
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for the comfort and convenience of visitors.
On October 13 and 14, 1967 the Southeastern Peanut Festival was held at Ashburn. This will be an annual affair featuring a parade, horse show, parachute jump, archery contests, football game, outdoor supper, sidewalk stores, and a tour through the Gold Kist Peanut Company, largest peanut processing plant in the United States.
A horse show would attract a significant number of visitors if it were carefully organized, coordinated with surrounding counties to insure a large number of entries, and promoted to attract an adequate audience. The Travel Council should stimulate the scheduling of potentially profitable events.
Promotion
Tourists do not ordinarily visit a community of their own accord; they need to be informed of attractions in a region, state, area, or community in order to be enticed to stop for a visit. The proposed Turner County Travel Council could assist in getting needed professional help to design and distribute the advertising and promotional materials for local accommodations, attractions, and events. The distribution of materials can be accomplished through regular channels, the Area Travel Council, and the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade. The Turner County Chamber of Commerce has many years experience in distributing promotional information, and it should be of great value to the future success of the county's promotional efforts.
New laws on roadside advertising will caU$e the development and refinement of advertising and promotional methods. The state is well advertised by the Department of Industry and Trade, and the area will hopefully be promoted by the proposed area travel council. Local newspapers distributed to motel rooms could help publicize the county's activities. Furthermore, local radio stations could be programmed to attract the attention of travelers. Advertising via automatic rearscreen slide programs and other visual displays in motels a day's drive away from Turner County would encourage tourists to stop in the county.
General Comments
Once the general appearance improvement program has begun, once attractions and events are developed, and once advertising
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has attracted attention, the county can consider itself a good retirement area as well as a good vacation/recreation area. The mild climate and the activities could keep retirees occupied. Furthermore, the quick access to Florida and to major Midwest metropolitan areas via 1-75 and private plane are distinct advantages. Therefore, a program to attract retirees should be developed ar-d initiated as a by-product of tourism development.
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