| 1 | 1 | | 25 LC 129 0150 |
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| 2 | 2 | | House Resolution 411 |
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| 3 | 3 | | By: Representatives Herring of the 145 |
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| 4 | 4 | | th |
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| 5 | 5 | | , Jones of the 143 |
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| 6 | 6 | | rd |
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| 7 | 7 | | , Griffin of the 149 |
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| 8 | 8 | | th |
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| 9 | 9 | | , Paris of the |
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| 10 | 10 | | 142 |
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| 11 | 11 | | nd |
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| 12 | 12 | | , and Washburn of the 144 |
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| 13 | 13 | | th |
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| 14 | 14 | | |
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| 15 | 15 | | A RESOLUTION |
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| 16 | 16 | | Commending Visit Macon for its outstanding contributions to increasing tourism in |
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| 17 | 17 | | 1 |
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| 18 | 18 | | Macon-Bibb County, fostering the film and music industries, and making tourism a vital2 |
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| 19 | 19 | | component of the local economy; and for other purposes.3 |
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| 20 | 20 | | WHEREAS, Visit Macon has played an instrumental role in promoting Macon-Bibb County4 |
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| 21 | 21 | | as a premier travel destination by showcasing the region's rich history, vibrant culture, and5 |
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| 22 | 22 | | unique attractions; and6 |
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| 23 | 23 | | WHEREAS, through innovative marketing campaigns, partnerships, and events, Visit Macon7 |
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| 24 | 24 | | has significantly increased the visibility of the community, drawing visitors from across the8 |
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| 25 | 25 | | nation and around the world; and9 |
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| 26 | 26 | | WHEREAS, Visit Macon's outstanding efforts to promote Macon-Bibb County as a premier10 |
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| 27 | 27 | | travel destination have garnered significant national recognition, including The New York11 |
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| 28 | 28 | | Times listing Macon among its "52 Places to Go" in 2023 for its rich musical heritage and12 |
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| 29 | 29 | | the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park; Condé Nast Traveler featuring Macon in13 |
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| 30 | 30 | | its "23 Best Places to Go in the U.S." in 2023 for its cultural attractions and historical14 |
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| 31 | 31 | | significance; and The Wall Street Journal highlighting Macon as a top destination in 2025,15 |
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| 32 | 32 | | further underscoring its growing prominence in the national tourism landscape; and16 |
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| 33 | 33 | | H. R. 411 |
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| 34 | 34 | | - 1 - 25 LC 129 0150 |
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| 35 | 35 | | WHEREAS, these accolades reflect Visit Macon's successful marketing campaigns and |
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| 36 | 36 | | 17 |
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| 37 | 37 | | partnerships, which have significantly elevated the city's profile and attracted visitors from18 |
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| 38 | 38 | | across the nation and around the world; and19 |
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| 39 | 39 | | WHEREAS, tourism has become a cornerstone of the Macon-Bibb County economy,20 |
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| 40 | 40 | | generating millions of dollars in revenue annually through visitor spending on lodging,21 |
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| 41 | 41 | | dining, entertainment, and shopping; and22 |
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| 42 | 42 | | WHEREAS, this revenue not only supports local businesses and creates jobs but also23 |
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| 43 | 43 | | contributes to reducing the tax burden on Macon-Bibb County residents as visitor spending24 |
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| 44 | 44 | | provides critical funding for public services and infrastructure; and25 |
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| 45 | 45 | | WHEREAS, Visit Macon has actively collaborated with the Macon Film Commission to26 |
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| 46 | 46 | | attract film and television productions to the area, resulting in four to five major productions27 |
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| 47 | 47 | | annually, which generate approximately $4-5 million in economic impact each year; and28 |
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| 48 | 48 | | WHEREAS, Macon's rich music heritage is a cornerstone of its identity, and Visit Macon29 |
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| 49 | 49 | | has successfully promoted the region as a musical destination; and30 |
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| 50 | 50 | | WHEREAS, Visit Macon has highlighted the area's diverse attractions, including historic31 |
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| 51 | 51 | | landmarks like the Hay House and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, world-class32 |
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| 52 | 52 | | music heritage sites, and vibrant festivals like the Cherry Blossom Festival; and33 |
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| 53 | 53 | | WHEREAS, the organization's efforts to honor Macon's music history have not only34 |
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| 54 | 54 | | strengthened the local economy but also inspired pride and cultural appreciation among35 |
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| 55 | 55 | | residents and visitors alike.36 |
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| 56 | 56 | | H. R. 411 |
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| 57 | 57 | | - 2 - 25 LC 129 0150 |
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| 58 | 58 | | NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that |
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| 59 | 59 | | 37 |
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| 60 | 60 | | the members of this body commend Visit Macon for its unwavering dedication to increasing38 |
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| 61 | 61 | | tourism, supporting the film and music industries, and strengthening the local economy as39 |
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| 62 | 62 | | well as for earning national acclaim that has elevated Macon-Bibb County's reputation as a40 |
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| 63 | 63 | | premier travel destination and solidified tourism as a vital and sustainable economic driver41 |
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| 64 | 64 | | for the community.42 |
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| 65 | 65 | | BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize President and CEO43 |
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| 66 | 66 | | Gary Wheat and the staff of Visit Macon for their dedication to promoting the region,44 |
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| 67 | 67 | | fostering partnerships, and enhancing Macon-Bibb County's reputation as a top-tier45 |
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| 68 | 68 | | destination while contributing to the economic well-being of the community and reducing46 |
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| 69 | 69 | | the tax burden for residents.47 |
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| 70 | 70 | | BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized48 |
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| 71 | 71 | | and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Visit49 |
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| 72 | 72 | | Macon and its partners.50 |
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| 73 | 73 | | H. R. 411 |
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| 74 | 74 | | - 3 - |
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