25 LC 129 0150
House Resolution 411
By: Representatives Herring of the 145
th
, Jones of the 143
rd
, Griffin of the 149
th
, Paris of the
142
nd
, and Washburn of the 144
th
A RESOLUTION
Commending Visit Macon for its outstanding contributions to increasing tourism in
1
Macon-Bibb County, fostering the film and music industries, and making tourism a vital2
component of the local economy; and for other purposes.3
WHEREAS, Visit Macon has played an instrumental role in promoting Macon-Bibb County4
as a premier travel destination by showcasing the region's rich history, vibrant culture, and5
unique attractions; and6
WHEREAS, through innovative marketing campaigns, partnerships, and events, Visit Macon7
has significantly increased the visibility of the community, drawing visitors from across the8
nation and around the world; and9
WHEREAS, Visit Macon's outstanding efforts to promote Macon-Bibb County as a premier10
travel destination have garnered significant national recognition, including The New York11
Times listing Macon among its "52 Places to Go" in 2023 for its rich musical heritage and12
the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park; Condé Nast Traveler featuring Macon in13
its "23 Best Places to Go in the U.S." in 2023 for its cultural attractions and historical14
significance; and The Wall Street Journal highlighting Macon as a top destination in 2025,15
further underscoring its growing prominence in the national tourism landscape; and16
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WHEREAS, these accolades reflect Visit Macon's successful marketing campaigns and
17
partnerships, which have significantly elevated the city's profile and attracted visitors from18
across the nation and around the world; and19
WHEREAS, tourism has become a cornerstone of the Macon-Bibb County economy,20
generating millions of dollars in revenue annually through visitor spending on lodging,21
dining, entertainment, and shopping; and22
WHEREAS, this revenue not only supports local businesses and creates jobs but also23
contributes to reducing the tax burden on Macon-Bibb County residents as visitor spending24
provides critical funding for public services and infrastructure; and25
WHEREAS, Visit Macon has actively collaborated with the Macon Film Commission to26
attract film and television productions to the area, resulting in four to five major productions27
annually, which generate approximately $4-5 million in economic impact each year; and28
WHEREAS, Macon's rich music heritage is a cornerstone of its identity, and Visit Macon29
has successfully promoted the region as a musical destination; and30
WHEREAS, Visit Macon has highlighted the area's diverse attractions, including historic31
landmarks like the Hay House and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, world-class32
music heritage sites, and vibrant festivals like the Cherry Blossom Festival; and33
WHEREAS, the organization's efforts to honor Macon's music history have not only34
strengthened the local economy but also inspired pride and cultural appreciation among35
residents and visitors alike.36
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
37
the members of this body commend Visit Macon for its unwavering dedication to increasing38
tourism, supporting the film and music industries, and strengthening the local economy as39
well as for earning national acclaim that has elevated Macon-Bibb County's reputation as a40
premier travel destination and solidified tourism as a vital and sustainable economic driver41
for the community.42
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize President and CEO43
Gary Wheat and the staff of Visit Macon for their dedication to promoting the region,44
fostering partnerships, and enhancing Macon-Bibb County's reputation as a top-tier45
destination while contributing to the economic well-being of the community and reducing46
the tax burden for residents.47
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized48
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Visit49
Macon and its partners.50
H. R. 411
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