Revitalization Plans Become Concrete at the Jekyll Island Convention Center Groundbreaking

/PRNewswire/ -- Governor Sonny Perdue, the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Board of Directors, staff, legislative and business representatives and members of the community gathered just north of the former convention center December 7 to commemorate the beginning of construction on the new Jekyll Island convention center and beach village.

The new Jekyll Island convention center replaces the former center and will be the only oceanfront convention facility in the southeast. The new center is expected to achieve Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification at a Silver level. The 128,000 sq. ft. facility will feature many "green" aspects including structural facets that serve to capture and reuse rainwater, alternative/renewable energy generation and use and the latest in energy-saving technology.

Construction on the ocean front convention center is expected to take approximately 18 months and is scheduled to be complete along with the two new hotels, loft condominiums and 40,000 sq. ft. of retail space that make up the commercial components of the new Jekyll Island Beach Village in 2012. Great Dunes Park and a public village green are integrated to create a new, vibrant beachside destination on Jekyll Island.

"The revitalization of Jekyll Island is a story of renewal – of restoring the island to its rightful place as a premier public beach resort available to all Georgians and visitors," stated Governor Perdue. "This project is already benefiting a reinvigorated coastal Georgia economy, and I look forward to seeing the finished product thanks to the hard work and dedication the Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors and the Jekyll Island Authority staff have invested in this effort."

The facility will be integrated into its natural beachfront location in a manner that minimizes impact on the environment while creating a wonderful and unique guest experience. The interior design will celebrate the natural transect of the island from the dunescapes to the marsh vistas.

"We can not be more excited to embark on this monumental project for Jekyll Island," stated Chairman Bob Krueger. "My hope is for the new convention center to create a wealth of special memories just as the former has done for so many visitors and residents alike."

The day concluded with JIA Executive Director Jones Hooks inviting ceremony guests to make a permanent mark on slabs of wet cement to signify the permanence of revitalization. The cement tiles will be used in the new Beach Village area as a lasting tribute to those who have worked together to make the revitalization of Jekyll Island a reality.

"In this economy, it is truly remarkable that we are at this critical point of getting construction underway," stated Jones Hooks. "Timing has always been a critical element, and what we have been able to accomplish over the last twelve months is almost a miracle and would not be possible if not for the steadfast support of the Governor, the state legislature and our JIA Board."

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC, the Georgia based general contractor for the convention center and related infrastructure will begin construction in January of 2011. Currently crews are sorting out material from the demolition debris to be recycled. Concrete is being ground to be used as the base for the new convention center and beach village streets. The beginning of construction on the convention center and accompanying retail area signifies the cornerstone of revitalization efforts for the Jekyll Island Authority.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Jekyll Island Authority Board Boasts Bright Outlook at Annual Meeting

/PRNewswire/ -- The Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Board along with executive staff members of the JIA met for its regular monthly meeting. As the designated Annual Meeting, election of new board officers was held. Chairman Bob Krueger has been reappointed to an additional term as Board Chairman by Governor Perdue, Steve Croy was re-elected as Vice Chairman and Mike Hodges was reelected Secretary. Revitalization updates were briefly presented along with reports from the finance, personnel and marketing committees.

"I'm pleased to continue the important work of Jekyll revitalization," said Krueger. "We are in a critical stage, but with the support of this dedicated board, excellent staff and a superb plan I have no doubt that we will accomplish our goals and restore Jekyll Island to its proper place as a premier and unique public beach destination."

Revitalization construction plans on the Flash Foods gas and convenience store and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill restaurant are moving forward. Robert Williams, the Director of Maintenance and Construction for Flash Foods out of Waycross, GA, presented a revised construction plan at the board meeting. Construction has not progressed as quickly as planned due to construction priorities within Flash Foods. The construction is now slated for a completion by January 2011.

Good news was reported on the current state of the JIA's finances, giving this fiscal year a positive start. Revenues for July 2010 exceeded July 2009 revenues by 9% and hotel revenue was up 23%. The largest increases for JIA operations were achieved at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Summer Waves Water Park and the parking fees collected at the Greeting Station.

"July is a crucial month for Jekyll financially," said Mike Hodges, Chair of the Finance Committee. "I'm pleased to see such a significant increase in Jekyll Island's earnings in spite of tough economic times."

In addition to the solid financial report, two of Jekyll Island's resorts were acknowledged for their recent awards. The Jekyll Island Days Inn &Suites was the recipient of the Smith Travel Research (STR) Best Performing Award for the Economy Chain Segment as the number one hotel out of 10,000 in its class. Pinkerton & Laws of Georgia, Inc. received the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) Excellence Award in the commercial $5-$15M category for the construction of the Jekyll Island Hampton Inn & Suites.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Jekyll Island Foundation and Jekyll Island Authority Announce New Executive Director

/PRNewswire/ -- The Jekyll Island Foundation together with the Jekyll Island Authority announced today the hiring of Mac DeVaughn as the new Foundation Executive Director. DeVaughn will assume leadership of the fundraising arm of the Jekyll Island Authority replacing outgoing director Cindy McDonald who recently retired.

With more than 20 years of development experience, DeVaughn has delivered proven fundraising success, managerial expertise and innovative leadership in diverse enterprises resulting in sustained performance and revenue growth. DeVaughn provides a strong history of implementing goal orientated long-term strategic plans while leading organizations through start-up, re-organization and growth phases.

"It is with great pleasure that we announce the hiring of Mac DeVaughn who embodies the talents, experience and ability to lead the Jekyll Island Foundation into a very exciting future," announced Bill Lattimore, Chairman of the Jekyll Island Foundation Board of Directors.

DeVaughn's executive experience includes both for profit and non-profit companies in the fields of insurance, sports promotions and cause-related fundraising. His previous executive positions include Founder and CEO of Crescent City Classic 10K, Inc., a New Orleans-based road race which, at one time, was the largest 10k event in the world; and Executive Director for both the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Throughout his professional career DeVaughn has exhibited proficiency in fiscal management and the ability to leverage relationships and negotiate agreements while establishing responsible corporate citizenship, goodwill and community responsiveness.

"With the revitalization of Jekyll Island in full gear, the Foundation has a critical role to play in marketing philanthropic opportunities for preservation, conservation and education projects," stated Jekyll Island Authority Executive Director Jones Hooks. "We need a leader that can take us to the next level, and Mac rose to the top of the list of many excellent candidates."

DeVaughn, a Georgia native from Washington, GA, attended the University of Georgia and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Georgia State University. He and his wife Cathleen have two college-age children.

"The citizens of Georgia are blessed with Jekyll Island, one of nature's true gems," stated DeVaughn. "My goal with the Foundation is to help ensure that financial resources are available to aid the Jekyll Island Authority in preserving and enhancing the island's uniqueness for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations."

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Jekyll Island Authority Approves Private Partnering Agreement with Linger Longer Communities

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a called board meeting Monday, the Jekyll Island Authority approved a Private Partnering Agreement with Linger Longer Communities, establishing a public-private partnership intended to bring about revitalization and long-term sustainability of Jekyll Island. Linger Longer was selected by the Jekyll Island Authority in September 2007 as the revitalization partner, and has since worked with the Authority on a final Beach Village plan and a legal contract that establishes a long-term partnership.

The Beach Village plan, approved by the Jekyll Island Authority at its October meeting, creates a new public gathering place on Jekyll Island. The redevelopment project reconfigures the existing shopping district into a beachside village setting adjacent to a renovated and expanded convention center, two new hotels and a new vacation club.

Key features of the Beach Village include a large public park with additional green space and improved bicycle and pedestrian access along the entire beachfront, connecting a new plaza to public parking and enhanced beach access with improved public facilities. All beach access will remain open to the public. The final Beach Village plan is a scaled-down version of Linger Longer Communities' original concept, but one that addresses the desire of the public for limited development on Jekyll Island.

"We are pleased to get this partnering agreement approved," stated Bob Krueger, Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority. "I appreciate the dedicated efforts of our counsel with the Attorney General's office, the support of the Governor and the Legislative Oversight Committee, and especially the hard work of the negotiating teams on both sides. We will now move forward as a unified team and deliver to the citizens of Georgia a revitalized Jekyll Island that we all will be proud of."

The Beach Village revitalization agreement incorporates elements found in typical public-private re-development partnerships including private partner financial contributions, public bond financing, and appropriate ground leases. Over the next 25 years, the Jekyll Island Authority expects to generate in excess of $40 million in direct revenue alone from the Beach Village revitalization project. Additionally, the Authority will also receive incremental hotel/motel taxes, convention center revenues, and parking fees from increased island visitation.

The public portion of the Beach Village project will be supported by $25 million of public bonds. The Authority will repay the bonds directly from revenues generated by the new revitalization projects.

"Getting this agreement done in this economic climate is a great achievement, and I am proud of the hard work and commitment of this Board," commented Steve Croy, Vice Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority. "The Beach Village is vital to our revitalization efforts, which just took a mighty step forward."

Linger Longer Communities, a Georgia company based in Greensboro, Georgia, is known for quality planned developments on Lake Oconee in Greene County east of Atlanta, and in North Georgia. Linger Longer Communities has set themselves apart in their approach, creating communities which respect their natural surroundings.

"We are excited to get this partnership agreement accomplished and proud to now be a partner with the Jekyll Island Authority," states Mercer Reynolds, Chairman and CEO of Linger Longer Communities. "We look forward to assisting the JIA in achieving its vision of revitalizing Jekyll Island and making it a recreational and learning destination that all Georgians can enjoy for generations to come."

Linger Longer Communities brings to the partnership substantial experience in the development and operation of large-scale recreational facilities - as evidenced in its creation and management of such places as Reynolds Plantation, Reynolds Landing and Lake Oconee Village in Greene County, Georgia. Many of Linger Longer's projects consistently win national and international awards for the quality of their operations and the recreational experiences of their guests.

The revitalization of Jekyll Island seeks to establish the right balance of redevelopment with protection of the natural environment. All new building construction on the island is taking place on land that is already developed, and must comply with Jekyll Island's design guidelines and beach lighting ordinance in addition to existing environmental laws including the Georgia Shoreline Protection Act. State law also mandates that 65% of Jekyll Island must remain in a natural state. These important policies ensure that development on Jekyll Island will be limited and have minimal impact on sea turtle nesting habitat and other sensitive natural areas.

"Linger Longer, like our other hotel partners here on Jekyll Island truly 'gets it'," stated Jones Hooks, Jekyll Island's Executive Director. "Successful development must embrace limitations and protection, which is why people choose to come here."

Jekyll Island now boasts five revitalization projects at various stages. A new Hampton Inn & Suites is already under construction at the former site of the Holiday Inn and is expected to open late summer 2009. Last week, a new inn and cottage development was announced for the former site of the Ramada Inn, with an anticipated completion date of April 2011. The new Beach Village is also expected to be completed in 2011.

Jekyll Island currently has seven hotels open and operating, including the signature Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Other hotels along the beach include the Beachview Club, the Days Inn & Suites, Oceanside Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, Oceanfront Clarion Resort and Villas By The Sea. Cottages are also available for vacation rental; more information is available at jekyllisland.com. Information regarding all Jekyll Island revitalization projects and policies can be found at www.jekyllisland.com/news.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page