Sunset Cruises in St. Marys, Georgia

DREAM CRUISE - Sangria/Sunset cruises for up to six passengers all Labor Day Week-end starting Thursday September 1st and continuing thru Monday September 5th. Four hour cruises are $300.00 for up to six passengers includes drinks and snacks. Call Captain Roger at 912 409 1121 or go to our website: www.dreamcruisesllc.com for reservations.

 

 

Tickets and Ticket Packages for Amelia Island Blue's Festival

Tickets & Ticket Packages (lodging and/or boat cruise) available at Jerry Lee's Music for the Amelia Island Blues Festival, September 16th & 17th, at Main Beach. Call Jerry at 912.576.4401 or email at jerryleesmusic@yahoo.com for more information.  Some of the featured performers are:

Albert Castaglia, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Conrad Oberg, David Gerald Band…

 

 

Emma's Bed & Breakfast - $99 SPECIAL RATE - August 25-29 Only

Emma's Bed and Breakfast is situated on four acres in historical downtown St. Marys, Georgia. It was on this property that Sam Bealey, a superintendent for Dungeness on Cumberland Island, brought his bride "Miss Emma", as she became lovingly known in St. Marys, to live in 1911. The house his father, Richard Bealey, built in the late 1800s no longer stands. But if you close your eyes and breathe deeply you can take in the scents of the South that Miss Emma loved and cared for.

The grounds host many Southern favorites such as magnolias, gardenias, jasmine, azaleas, hydrangeas, and camellias. Many are left over from Miss Emma's own nursery on the property. Current owners have added a goldfish pond and Koi pond to add to the tranquil setting. Enjoy your breakfast on the back porch and watch the numerous birds that make their habitat at Emma's.

Thurs., August 25 – Sun., August 29

$99 for Any Available Room

(Normally $119-189)

Emma's Bed and Breakfast
300 West Conyers Street
St. Marys GA 31558
1-877-749-5974
www.emmasbedandbreakfast.com

 

Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Suites Circa 1870 "Get Away Package"

Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Suites Circa 1870 "Get Away Package"

 

Escape to Yesteryear turn-of-the-century Victorian home filled with treasures and spellbinding stories of days gone by.

 

Two Nights 2 people $263. plus tax or One Night 2 people $174. plus tax includes:

     2 Tickets to Cumberland Island National Seashore

     Social in the Parlor with homemade desserts, nuts, fruit, sodas, coffee, tea and wine that is out all evening for your convenience

     Full Breakfast in the Dining area on the Verandah, Front Porch or Breakfast-in-Bed

     Dinner for 2 at your choice of Seagle's Waterfront, Silver Star Steak House, Lang's Marina Restaurant or Borrell Creek Landing

     Golf Cart Available to ride and enjoy our golf cart community

     Kitchenette with Microwave, Toaster Oven, Refrigerator/Freezer and Coffee or Tea is available when you are ready..........

Pets are Welcome!!

www.goodbreadhouse.com 1-877-205-1456

 

Children's Theatre Program

If you have not already responded and are interested in this theatre program for children, please read this message and respond to encorekids@rocketmail.com with any questions you have or to express interest.

The St. Marys Little Theatre will be offering a program for children ages 8 through the 12th grade in the near future. The program will be conducted by Josh Sinyard of Encore Kids, an organization that has been offering this program in Glynn County.

The cornerstone of Encore kids is to provide an environment where young actors can experience the magic of live theater and help them develop the power of concentration, improve thinking processes, encourage spontaneous expression, and develop self-confidence. AND HAVE FUN. The group will meet once a week for 2 hours in downtown St. Marys. The classes will be broken down into 30 minutes of acting, singing, movement, and improvisation.

Encore Kids of Camden County will perform 2 shows a year. A Christmas show and a Spring Show.
The cost is $85 dollars a month, plus an $85 registration fee. The $85 registration fee will be applied to the last month's tuition so no payment will be due in May.
The program will follow the Camden County School Calendar. If school is out, so is Encore Kids.

Please visit. www.encorekids.net and email encorekids@rocketmail.com if you are interested in learning more. We will gauge the timeline of the program by the level of interest we receive. Thank you.
Barbara Ryan
St. Marys Little Theatre

Thursday, August 25 - Discount at Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast

Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast-

Special Offer: $25 off on Thursday, August 25th.

Rooms range from $135-245 per night.

Just 9 miles east of I-95 and steps from the St. Marys River! Contact 888-840-1872

Sunset Kayak Tour - August 23rd

Tuesday, August 23rd - Sunset Kayak Harbor Tour at the Waterfront in St. Marys. They will be meeting at the St. Marys Welcome Center (111 Osborne St.) at 6:00pm.   Make reservations with Jennifer by 4:00pm.  Get a $10 discount by mentioning you heard it from the welcome center.  Your discounted fee is $45.  Call Jennifer at Up the Creek Xpeditions at 912-882-0911.

 

 

Man of La Mancha Performance in St. Marys, Georgia

CAMDEN COUNTY CATCHING LA MANCHA FEVER
Man of La Mancha Performances
September 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7 pm
September 18 at 2 pm
Old Railroad Building now called "Theatre by the Trax"
1000 Osborne Road, St. Marys, GA
PURCHASE TICKETS AT THE ST. MARYS WELCOME CENTER, 111 OSBORNE ST., ST. MARYS CALL 912-729-1103 FOR INFORMATION.

Get your tickets now before they sell out. September 17th is almost sold out! You are going to love Man of La Mancha...the story of the quest for the impossible dream. It's inspiring. And funny, And musically amazing. Here's a recent press release. Sure hope to see you there!

Big entertainment is coming to St. Marys with St. Marys Little Theatre's premiere performance: "Man of La Mancha" to be performed September 9, 10,16, 17 and 18 at the old St. Marys Railroad Building which is now "Theatre by the Trax," 1000 Osborne Road.

With the return of live theatre to downtown St. Marys, a fever is brewing as residents and businesses get into the spirit of the play and all it represents. During the two weeks of the performances, local restaurants in St. Marys will be serving specially-designed menu items and special themed drinks that pay tribute to the play's Spanish setting. In keeping with the theme of the play, citizens will be asked to report all incidents of "valor, kindness, and nobility" that can be featured in the local press.

"I hope to add some measure of grace to the world," the play's title character, Don Quixote, says in explanation of why he does the things he does—giving when it's natural to take, battering at walls that won't break, and reaching for an unreachable star. As the play retells the story of Don Quixote's quest for truth and valor, beautiful songs emerge that touch the heart and soul of those inclined to hope for a better world. According to St. Marys Little Theatre Chair and Director of Man of La Mancha Barbara Ryan, when the final song, "Impossible Dream," is sung by the entire cast, "there will be no dry eyes in the audience."

Ryan said that the story, the venue, and the talents of the actors all add up to equal a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The venue for "Man of La Mancha" is as impressive as the play itself. Once slated to be demolished, the old St. Marys Railroad Building is being transformed into a prison during the time of the Inquisition. Ryan praised the cast of La Mancha for their professional voices as well as their dramatic and comedic abilities.

"Few plays stir emotions as powerfully as La Mancha does," Ryan said. "It was important for us that we launch our theatre with a show-stopping performance, and I can't think of any play more rousing or more challenging than 'Man of La Mancha.'"

"I think people forget how funny this show is," Ryan said. "Don Quixote is a madman. Sancho, his sidekick, is hilarious, and even the housekeeper—played by a local Navy base chaplain—will have the audience rocking with laughter."

Don Quixote is played by Bill Raser whose voice is as distinguished as his lengthy acting bio. His co-star, Whitney Sanzero, plays Aldonza aka Dulcinea to whom Don Quixote dedicates all his knightly good deeds. Sanzero's operatic voice is the perfect tool with which to paint her view of the world—"The world's a dung heap, and we are maggots who crawl on it"—a view that is in direct contrast to Quixote's beliefs. But in the end, Aldonza, along with the other 20 hard-core prisoners, is transformed by the mad knight's quest to make the world a better place.

"Audiences will be entranced with the tapestry of fantasy, romance, fun, and thrilling drama," Ryan said. "And they will be reminded that there is good in this world and dreams come true if we continue to dream even of the impossible dream."

Tickets for "Man of La Mancha" can be purchased at the St. Marys Welcome Center, 111 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia, or by calling 912-729-1103. Tickets are $12 each for all ages, and $10 each for groups of ten or more.

Press Release: Man of La Mancha Performances- September 9, 10, 16, 17, & 18

ST. MARYS CATCHING LA MANCHA FEVER

Man of La Mancha Performances

September 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7 pm

September 18 at 2 pm

1000 Osborne Road, St. Marys, GA

 

St. Marys, GA—Big entertainment is coming to the small town of St. Marys with St. Marys Little Theatre’s premiere performance: “Man of La Mancha” to be performed September 9, 10,16, 17 and 18 at the St. Marys Railroad Building, 1000 Osborne Road, in St. Marys.

 

With the return of live theatre to downtown St. Marys, a fever is brewing as residents and businesses get into the spirit of the play and all it represents. During the two weeks of the performances, local restaurants in St. Marys will be serving specially-designed menu items that pay tribute to the play’s Spanish setting. In keeping with the theme of the play, citizens will be asked to report all incidents of “valor, kindness, and nobility” that can be featured in the local press.

 

“I hope to add some measure of grace to the world,” the play’s title character, Don Quixote, says in explanation of why he does the things he does—giving when it’s natural to take, battering at walls that won’t break, and reaching for an unreachable star. As the play retells the story of Don Quixote’s quest for truth and valor, beautiful songs emerge that touch the heart and soul of those inclined to hope for a better world. According to St. Marys Little Theatre Chair and Director of Man of La Mancha Barbara Ryan, when the final song, “Impossible Dream,” is sung by the entire cast, “there will be no dry eyes in the audience.”

 

Ryan said that the story, the venue, and the talents of the actors all add up to equal a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The venue for “Man of La Mancha” is as impressive as the play itself. Once slated to be demolished, the old St. Marys Railroad Building is being transformed into a prison during the time of the Inquisition. Ryan praised the cast of La Mancha for their professional voices as well as their dramatic and comedic abilities.

 

“Few plays stir emotions as powerfully as La Mancha does,” Ryan said. “It was important for us that we launch our theatre with a show-stopping performance, and I can’t think of any play more rousing or more challenging than ‘Man of La Mancha.’”

 

 “I think people forget how funny this show is,” Ryan said. “Don Quixote is a madman. Sancho, his sidekick, is hilarious, and even the housekeeper—played by a local Navy base chaplain—will have the audience rocking with laughter.”

 

Don Quixote is played by Bill Raser whose voice is as distinguished as his lengthy acting bio. His co-star, Whitney Sanzero, plays Aldonza aka Dulcinea to whom Don Quixote dedicates all his knightly good deeds. Sanzero’s operatic voice is the perfect tool with which to paint her view of the world—“The world’s a dung heap, and we are maggots who crawl on it”—a view that is in direct contrast to Quixote’s beliefs. But in the end, Aldonza, along with the other 20 hard-core prisoners, is transformed by the mad knight’s quest to make the world a better place.

 

“Audiences will be entranced with the tapestry of fantasy, romance, fun, and thrilling drama,” Ryan said. “And they will be reminded that there is good in this world and dreams come true if we continue to dream even of the impossible dream.”

 

Tickets for “Man of La Mancha” can be purchased at the St. Marys Welcome Center, 111 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia, or by calling 912-729-1103. Tickets are $12 each for all ages, and $10 each for groups of ten or more.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: BARBARA RYAN 912-729-1103, barbara@stormersmarketing.com

 

 

 

Press Release: Sept 10 - Golf Tournament

MEDIA CONTACT: L. J. Williams 912-552-4494, email: markvljw2@tds.net

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…

 

Golf Tournament a Highlight of Classic Event

9^th Annual Ralph J. Bunche Classic to be played September 10, 2011

Golf Tournament at Laurel Island Links on Morning of Game

 

St. Marys, GA—The Camden County Re-Entry Program, along with Ralph J. Bunche Classic organizers, will sponsor a Classic Golf Tournament at Laurel Island Links in Kingsland, Georgia, as part of the event lineup for the Ralph J. Bunche Classic September 10.

 

Before the Tigers and Dragons come head to head at Camden County High School’s Chris Gilman Stadium at 3 pm, local and regional golf enthusiasts will have their own competition on the greens and on the fairways. Laurel Island Links, a favorite venue for tournament participants, offers challenging play on a course that meanders around the marsh’s edge serving up stunning vistas of nature and wildlife.

 

L. J. Williams, event chair, said that the golf tournament is a natural highlight of the Classic festivities.

 

“The golf tournament is always a popular event for the Classic,” Williams said. “It gives athletes of all ages the opportunity to exhibit their skills and help out a good cause at the same time.”

 

This year’s Classic pays tribute to firefighters and the military, recognizing their sacrifices and contributions throughout history. Williams said that the theme of “America’s Heroes” is especially meaningful on two levels.

 

“On the eve of September 11, people all over our country will be thinking about that horrific day ten years ago when so many of America’s heroes lost their lives trying to save others,” Williams said. “At the same time, we’re giving thanks everyday to the brave firefighters who continue to battle the fires that have ravaged our area recently.”

 

Williams went on to say that by honoring military families, military vets and firefighters and their families, the Ralph J. Bunche Classic continues a legacy of giving back that began nine years ago.

 

Robert Cummings, Director of the Camden County Re-entry Program and one of the event organizers, said the Classic is expected to draw more than 200 firefighters and 500 military personnel and families as well as local and state law enforcement agencies.

 

“We invite the entire community to become involved and show their support of the great men and women of America who are the true heroes of our times,” Cummings said.

 

The community can become involved through sponsorships and/or by purchasing tickets to Classic Events. General admission to the game is $10 in advance, $12 on game day and for children/students $5 in advance and $7 on game day. Family packages are also available, and groups of 20 are eligible for a discount.

 

A portion of the proceeds will go to firefighting organizations and the USO.

 

Golfers interested in participating in the tournament should call 912-729-1501 or 912-409-9212 or sign up at the Laurel Links Pro Shop. Ralph J. Bunche Classic tickets can be purchased at the St. Marys Welcome Center, the Kingsland Welcome Center, Van Barber Shop in Kingsland, and on base at MWR.

 

Ralph J. Bunche was an American political scientist and diplomat who received the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize for his late 1940s mediation in Palestine. He was the first person of color to be so honored in the history of the Prize. He was involved in the formation and administration of the United Nations. In 1963, he received the Medal of Freedom from President John F. Kennedy. Bunche founded a trade school that later became an all-black high school in Camden County.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE: HISTORIC ST. MARYS OFFERS CONCERT IN THE PARK - SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th PERFORMANCE BY THE "Dee Bee's"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           

HISTORIC ST. MARYS OFFERS CONCERT IN THE PARK

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th PERFORMANCE BY THE “Dee Bee’s”

 

St. Marys, Georgia (August 8, 2011) – Engaging the audience in the perfect river-front setting on Saturday, August 13^th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. are the offerings of the “Dee Bee’s.”  Relax to the vibrant sounds of everything from Santana to Sinatra and the Beatles to Jimmy Buffet.

 

Come out an experience local performing artists “under the stars” at the St. Marys Waterfront Park.  The Starry Nights series is designed to showcase our local and regional stars in a superior outdoor venue providing a nostalgic feeling of family and community.  

 

Pack a picnic and bring a blanket or chairs and settle in for an enchanting evening.  For performance updates, such as cancellation due to inclement weather, follow the St. Marys CVB on Facebook at St Marys Welcome. 

 

###

 

CONTACT:

Angela Wigger, St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau

912.882.4000, angela.wigger@stmaryswelcome.com

 

 

Saturday, August 10th, 10 a.m. - Waterfront Park Anniversary Celebration

The public is invited to attend the 10^th Anniversary Re-dedication ceremony of the Howard Gilman Memorial Park and the plaque dedication for the waterfront amphitheater at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2011.

 

There will be brief remarks by St. Marys’ Mayor Bill DeLoughy in honor of the park and those who helped the project come to fruition.  The St. Marys Waterfront Theater Group provided the amphitheater roof, which has been a much welcomed addition that has added an architectural interest to the waterfront shoreline.

 

Among St. Marys’ many spectacular settings is this beautiful park where old fashioned wooden swings hang overlooking the sights and sounds of the St. Marys River.  Residents and visitors alike have enjoyed a decade of simple strolls through the park, casual and elegant weddings, and other special events that include the ongoing Starry Nights Series hosted in the park each summer.  

 

 

 

CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE ANNOUNCES THE START OF THE LANDS AND LEGACIES TOURS

Cumberland Island National Seashore News Release

 

August 4, 2011

For Immediate Release

Maggie Tyler   912-882-4336 ext. 257

 

CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE ANNOUNCES THE START OF THE LANDS AND LEGACIES TOURS

 

On August 11th the National Park Service will begin providing guided, interpretive tours of Cumberland Island National Seashore.  Visitors will be able to travel via passenger van and open air tram to historic locations around the Seashore, including Plum Orchard Mansion, the Settlement (including the First African Baptist Church) Cumberland Island Wharf, and other sites along the main road.  Tours will be offered daily.

 

 

“We are excited to start these tours,” said Fred Boyles, Superintendent of Cumberland Island National Seashore.  “Many features of the Island that are rarely seen by visitors will be more easily reached.  Our goal is to build a new appreciation among the public for the natural beauty and rich historic resources that are Cumberland Island.”

 

 

Those planning to take the tour can make reservations by calling

912-882-4335 Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Reservations are strongly encouraged as the number of visitors that can be accommodated on a daily basis is limited.  Tours will operate rain or shine but may be canceled due to extreme conditions on the island.  Visitors can also make ferry reservations by calling the ferry reservation office at the same number listed above.

 

Tours will not be offered on Christmas Day, scheduled hunt days, or Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December 1 through February 28.  The charge for the tour will be $15.00 per person with a reduced fee of $12.00 for seniors over the age of 62 and for children under 16.  This fee is in addition to the standard park entrance fee of $4.00 per person and the ferry fee of $20.00 for adults, $18.00 for those over 65 and $14.00 for children 12 and under.

 

Tours will leave from the Sea Camp Visitor Center just after the ferry arrives at 9:45 a.m. and will last approximately six hours.  This is expected to be a physically demanding, arduous trip and visitors should plan accordingly.  Visitors will need to bring provisions such as food and water and may bring one small personal bag or pack.  Space on the tours is limited and large camera bags, tripods, hard sided coolers or large backpacks will not be permitted.  There are limited restrooms and water stops along the tour route.  There will be a short break for a picnic lunch.  Hikers and campers will not be permitted to use the vans as a shuttle to access additional areas in the seashore.

 

Although this is a motorized tour conducted by National Park Service personnel, visitors should understand that it takes place in a difficult outdoor environment and should be prepared.  Sunscreen and bug spray are highly encouraged along with comfortable hiking clothes.  A handicap accessible van is available for those visitors with special needs.

 

In addition to the lands and legacies tour, a south end shuttle will operate between the Dungeness Dock and the Sea Camp area.  This is a drop on/ drop off shuttle and is intended to help visitors traverse the difficult area.

 

Federal legislation passed in 2004 requires a minimum of five tours and am minimum of eight tours daily to the north end of the Island.  After completing a Transportation Management Plan and required environmental compliance resulting in a Finding of No Significant impact in May 2009, the park was cleared to start the tours.  Lack of funding to support the full initiative prompted the park to seek permission to pursue a more modest proposal for a limited time to assess the effectiveness of the program.

 

For those seeking more information about Cumberland Island National Seashore or the Lands and Legacies tour, please call 912-882-4336 ext. 254 or visit the Seashore’s website at www.nps.gov/cuis

 

Cumberland Island is the largest barrier island off the coast of Georgia, encompassing more than 36,000 acres of maritime forests, salt marsh and beaches.  The island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.  The island’s natural and cultural resources provide a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife and offer a glimpse into the long history of coastal Georgia.  The Seashore is accessible by foot-only, passenger ferry from the historic community of St. Marys, Georgia.

 

                                   -NPS-

 

Maggie Tyler

Chief of Interpretation and Education

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Office: 912-882-4336 ext. 257

 

 

Press Release: Small Wildfire on Cumberland Island National Seashore Quickly Contained

August 3, 2011
For Immediate Release
John Fry 912-882-4336 ext. 262

Small Wildfire on Cumberland Island National Seashore Quickly Contained

St Marys, Georgia: On July 29, 2011, just after 4:00 p.m. Camden County
911 received a call reporting a fire on the south end of Cumberland Island.
Cumberland Island National Seashore officials were notified and dispatched to confirm the location and size of the fire. Upon arrival two Park Rangers found a small fire burning in mixed vegetation including cedar, pine, palmetto, and grasses. A private citizen was on scene and attempting to suppress the fire. During the investigation, park rangers and fire management officials determined that a lightning strike ignited the small fire on the south end of Cumberland Island.

"We appreciate the quick calls by local citizens to help locate the fire; however, we always want the public to remain safe," said Cumberland Island National Seashore Superintendent Fred Boyles. "Once placing the call to 911, the public should then wait for firefighters to arrive rather than trying to control the fire themselves."

"Fire in the ecosystem supports habitat diversity," continued Superintendent Boyles. "There are many species of plants including the Long Leaf Pine and other maritime ecosystem vegetation that require fire for general health and seed dispersal." Cumberland Island currently manages fire within the guidelines of the 2004 Fire Management Plan.

The Tortoise fire was contained to one quarter acre and was monitored through the night. High humidity, calm winds, and quick initial action by responding Park Service personnel contained the fire and ensured it remained under control. Additional resources consisting of two engine crews were requested from the Honey Prairie Fire Complex at the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and they arrived on scene Saturday morning.
They worked through the day performing additional containment and mop up operations. By Sunday night, the fire was 100% contained. Park service personnel continued working the fire and called the fire controlled on Monday afternoon. The fire is now considered to be "in monitor" status and will be checked periodically by fire staff.

The Tortoise fire is the second lightning strike fire on Cumberland Island this year. The Dune fire, also caused by lightning, started 6/7/11 and was also quickly contained to one quarter acre.

Cumberland Island is the largest barrier island off the coast of Georgia, encompassing more than 36,000 acres of maritime forests, salt marsh and beaches. The island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness. The island's natural and cultural resources provide a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife and offer a glimpse into the long history of coastal Georgia. The Seashore is accessible by foot-only, passenger ferry from the historic community of St. Marys, Georgia.

-NPS-

ST. MARYS TOURISM PROFESSIONAL EXTENDS EDUCATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                           

 

CONTACT: 

Angela Wigger, St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau 912.882.4000, angela.wigger@stmaryswelcome.com

 

TOURISM PROFESSIONALS EXTEND EDUCATION

WITH ANNUAL SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY PROGRAM ON GEORGIA CAMPUS

 

St. Marys, Georgia (August 3, 2011) -- Angela Wigger, Director of Tourism, for the St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau has completed the first portion of a three-year professional development program that will lead to certification as a Tourism Marketing Professional (TMP).

 

Wigger was one of 232 tourism professionals enrolled at the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College last month.  The week-long program turns the facilities of North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, Ga., into a laboratory to teach tourism marketing each summer.  There is no other professional development program like STS Marketing College, and it is recognized nationally for its training of tourism leaders. 626 people have earned TMP certification.

 

“In the tourism industry, TMP certification carries a lot of weight,” said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society, a 12-state organization that promotes travel and tourism in the Southeast.   Tourism ranks as the first-, second- or third-largest industry in each STS member state.  Visitors in Georgia contributed $25 billion in expenditures last year and 790 tourism related jobs exist in Camden County. 

 

The curriculum covers topics such as branding, social media, and packaging.   “The fundamental concept of STS Marketing College is that the curriculum is practical.  What students learn can be put to practice as soon as they get back to their workplaces,” Hardman said.  Twenty-four senior executives in the travel and tourism industry were the volunteer faculty.  The program attracts students from throughout the Southeast and occasionally from other states.  This year’s program included students from Maryland and Oklahoma.

 

“Southeast Tourism Society is recognized nationwide for the cohesiveness and camaraderie it fosters in the region.  No other region in the U.S. has a similar organization.  STS Marketing College is a major project to build skills and professionalism in the tourism industry,” Hardman said.

 

Southeast Tourism Society, created in 1983, is headquartered in Atlanta and has approximately 800 members who represent travel industry businesses, state tourism departments, chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus and travel media. Its activities include cooperative marketing programs, continuing education, professional development and travel industry policy advocacy. More about STS can be found at http://southeasttourism.org.

 

The 12 STS states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. 

 

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