Jekyll Island Authority: 2013 Progress Report

Progress Report 2013

Jekyll Island ~ The Nearest Faraway Place

In this year’s Progress Report, we present the many updates and improvements occurring on Jekyll Island. Along with images we have included the words of guests, clients and residents expressing their reaction to the revitalization of Jekyll Island.

a letter from Governor Nathan Deal

“#Jekyll Island’s leadership is getting it done.”

As Governor of Georgia, it is an honor for me to inform you of the great revitalization that is taking place with Jekyll Island.

The seeds of progress that were sewn several years ago by the Jekyll Island Authority are producing a new harvest of economic development and activity.

Following the much-heralded opening of the new Jekyll Island Convention Center, a sparkling example of sensitive coastal development, the island has begun to attract conventions and visitors back to the Georgia coast.

From day one, the blueprint for revitalization has included responsible redevelopment. As new structures are carefully placed within the beautiful barrier island landscape, infrastructure improvements restore and protect the native habitat.

Protecting Jekyll Island’s natural environment is our most important investment for without careful stewardship we’ll lose the very qualities that make the island so special.

I applaud the members of the Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors who give of their time to serve their fellow Georgians. The new Jekyll Island Master Plan, adopted by the Board in December 2013, shows the clear intention of limiting development and prioritizing conservation. This is your island resort, the people’s beach, and I hope you will visit and be part of its ever-emerging story.

3

Awesome! Love the bike paths on #Jekyll_ Island “Was riding some of the new sections back on May. Really nice!

Look forward to coming back.”

“Biking on Jekyll Island. The boys and I do this every summer.

Beautiful trails!”

Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors

A. Richard Royal, Chairman Jekyll Island Authority Camilla

a letter from Chairman Richard Royal Jekyll Island is a dichotomy of sorts. As much as we want things to stay the same, change is always taking place. In reality, the constant change is the main ingredient which makes Jekyll Island such a special place.

Every day on Jekyll Island, this axiom is played out naturally. Guests walk along the uncrowded beach, unlike anywhere else on the East coast, and each crashing wave is as unique as the shells that travel with it. The seasons bring about transformation in vegetation, shift in the trade winds and flocks of migratory birds making the island their respite. Each morning, the horizon is ablaze with a stunning sunrise. Nightly, island inhabitants congregate on the historic wharf to view, in awe, a kaleidoscope of sunset colors no human hand could produce.

Robert W. Krueger Vice Chairman Hawkinsville

Michael D. Hodges Secretary St. Simons

Mark P. Williams Sybil D. Lynn Commissioner, GaDNR Jesup Atlanta

H.M. Buddy DeLoach Hinesville

Nature is always creating change on Jekyll Island. Our job has been to create positive change which is in complete harmony with nature. With new parks, bike paths, new Convention Center and forthcoming hotels and beach village, revitalization efforts are filling important infrastructure needs while protecting the natural, ecological character of the island.

I am proud to be Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority Board. I appreciate the commitment of my fellow board members to see that positive change is carefully planned and carried out. And I appreciate the confidence of Governor Deal and the General Assembly. But mostly I value the public’s trust as we take care of this special place for all Georgians.

4

Stephan B. Croy Richmond Hill

Laura J. Lanier Statesboro

Joy Burch-Meeks Screven

Jones Hooks, Executive Director Dear Friends, Nothing worth doing right is ever easy, but it is extremely rewarding and makes us better in the end. Over the past few years, the Jekyll Island community has witnessed, first-hand, the transformation of aging infrastructure and outdated venues into state of the art facilities while protecting the island’s natural beauty.

This past year we rehabilitated and added miles of bike paths for guests to enjoy. In recognition of this effort, Jekyll Island was named a “Bicycle Friendly Community” by The League of American Bicyclists. New landscaping along the island’s entrance and bike paths feature native plantings like sweet grass to provide important habitat for many species of wildlife.

“We visited Jekyll and were so pleasantly surprised by the upgrades on the Island. Congratulations to Team Jekyll. Your vision and hard work is coming to fruition.”

“One of the best day’s I’ve had in a while. Biking around Jekyll Island.”

As revitalization continues, the public can rest assured that development is limited to only replacing outdated facilities. Looking ahead, 2014 will bring about the completion of key commercial components. The new Westin Jekyll Island will open its doors along with new shops and restaurants. Combined with Great Dunes Park and the Convention Center, the new Beach Village will welcome guests and conventioneers into a new hub of activity.

The new Children and Youth Conference Center will provide modern facilities to continue the excellent environmental education programs offered by 4-H staff. It will also accommodate other youth programs and introduce tens of thousands of kids to the Georgia coast.

I am proud to see the plans for revitalization coming to fruition. Even though there is plenty more to do, guests and residents are already enjoying new facilities. It is rewarding to hear the positive comments knowing the best is yet to come.

Respectfully,

“Getting to spend Christmas week with family on this jewel of an island is the best present ever!!!”

5

6

Jekyll Island Revitalization “I am pleased to report continued progress in our efforts for island-wide revitalization on Jekyll Island. As progress and revitalization continue, the balance between conservation and rejuvenation remains at the forefront of all of our efforts. It is our goal to breathe new life into Jekyll Island, while also maintaining the peaceful, untouched and unique spirit which has, for decades, made Jekyll Island a true treasure for the State of Georgia.”

- Jones Hooks, Executive Director

“Some terrific, positive and exciting things happening on Jekyll Island.”

“Great update and plans for the future!”

Revitalization Projects 2014: • Westin Jekyll Island Under Construction, Opening Fall 2014

“The conference experience at Jekyll Island is exceptional and rewarding. I recommend Jekyll Island as a conference destination without reservation and with greatest enthusiasm.”

• Retail/Mixed-Use Beach Village Under Construction, Opening Fall 2014 • Holiday Inn Resort Under Construction, Opening Summer 2014 • Limited Service Hotel - Beach Village Pending Final Financing • Children & Youth Conference Center Design Development Planning • Culinary Arts of the College of Coastal Georgia Restaurant Tentative Opening May 2014 • Trammell Crow LLC Proposed Plan Due May 2014 • Island Hopper Bike Trail Construction Drawings In-Progress, Bid August 2014 7

“One of the most beautiful sunsets I have experienced in my life!! #JekyllIsland”

“Great family vacation and wonderful golf course.” #HappyCustomer

“Throughout the Convention Center, hints of the coastal environment are found. Waves that mimic sand dunes have been etched into the walls of the ballroom, with wave-like shapes used in silver lighting hung overhead, all of which bring to mind the call of the ocean.”

“What a beautiful place! The aerial video is great.”

8

“Biking on Jekyll Island today.

The view is breath taking.”

“We have been biking all over the island this week. The new paths are Awesome!!”

“I love it because there are no houses on the beach, only nature.”

“There is a beautiful, relaxing charm to Jekyll Island – the Spanish moss and the coast just kind of melt your cares away.”

“My favorite place…love Jekyll Island.”

9

“Great job! We thoroughly enjoyed being there and look forward to more turtle releases.”

“Great to see your profile on LinkedIn. I was at the Turtle Crawl triathlon this past year, it was beautiful and we had a blast. Had a fab lunch at the Rah Bar too. What a great island you have.”

“Just got home, missing Jekyll already.”

Jekyll Island Seafood Co. Restaurant, Terminal F, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport

“Great customer service - never tried Key Lime Pie and they were the only one in the terminal who sold it - but were closing! They kindly sold me a piece anyway and it satisfied my English appetite!”

“BEAUTIFUL @toneitup run this morning! I wouldn’t be mad if I got this scenery every day.” #jekyllisland

10

“There is a beautiful, relaxing charm to Jekyll Island – the Spanish moss and the coast just kind of melt your cares away.”

11

Jekyll Island Master Plan The Jekyll Island Master Plan is a critical tool for managing the balance of limited commercial and residential development, the conservation of the Island’s pristine and delicate ecosystem, and preservation of the Island’s natural and cultural resources. The most recent Jekyll Island Master Plan was adopted in 1996 in response to legislative action. The 1996 plan was subsequently updated in 2004 with technical amendments.

While a new Master Plan was not required, in 2010 the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) began the planning process by issuing a public Request for Information (RFI). This was the first step of many to capture public input and engage all stakeholders in the planning process.

A primary goal of the new Master Plan was to determine the developed and undeveloped areas in order to evaluate compliance with the 1972 law limiting development on Jekyll Island. The newly adopted plan achieves this goal by applying national standards to determine land use; combined with the latest technology for measuring land boundaries and elevation.

The new Master Plan will guide future decision making by the JIA through the following components: • A vision for Jekyll Island’s future.

Jekyll Island Land Use, 2013 • Updated maps for the developed and undeveloped portions of the island based Land Use on current best practices and relevant technology and data sources.

Developed (developed) Dune (undeveloped) • Application of best practices related to land use classification and updates Fairway (developed) Jekyll Island’s land-use classification system.

Firebreak (developed) Freshwater wetland (undeveloped) • A detail specific, five-year, short-term implementation program.

Natural/forest/marsh (undeveloped) Pond (developed) • Inclusion of public and stakeholder input.

Based on the newly applied national land-use classification standards, Jekyll Island currently has 1,597 acres of development. The new Master Plan continues the current focus on redevelopment into the future and does not identify any areas of future new development (except for an expansion of the campground) which would encroach on currently undeveloped areas. In moving to the fixed-acreage limit, it was important to determine an acreage limit that provides the JIA with flexibility to respond to future needs, including revised government mandates, changes in business and recreational trends and other unknowns. The new Master Plan limits development to 1,675 acres allowing 78 acres additional acres to be developed as follows: 12 acres for campground expansion; 46 acres for public safety, public health, or recreational purposes only; and 20 acres with unrestricted use. This ”fixed-acreage” solution provides certainty around the total acres available for development on Jekyll Island. It focuses the JIA on redevelopment opportunities within the existing developed areas while allowing flexibility to address future needs including additional recreation opportunities that the public desires.

Upon adoption by the JIA Board on December 16, 2013, the new Master Plan recommended that legislation be introduced for approval by the General Assembly to codify the 1,675 acre limit. The legislation would supersede the existing “65/35” law. The JIA has worked with a consensus of stakeholders to develop the appropriate legislation. These stakeholders include the JIA Board, the Jekyll Island Legislative Oversight Committee, The Georgia Conservancy, GreenLaw, the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island, and the Office of Legislative Counsel. The result is a positive step in securing a clear path and prosperous future for Jekyll Island for future generations.

12

Jekyll Island Financial Information: 120

Jekyll Island Sales & Marketing: Meetings & Convention Bookings

120 110

100 90

Meetings & Convention business is vital to the success of Jekyll Island. Many groups that once met on Jekyll Island now meet in other destinations outside the state of Georgia. The new Jekyll Island Convention Center and hotels in the adjacent beach village are a game-changer and will allow Jekyll Island to once again compete for regional business. The stabilized goal is to host 120 Meetings & Conventions with overnight rooms annually generating 170,000 room nights per year.

80

80 70

69

60

63 53

40

44

45 39 30

20

21

22

13 0

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2 2017

2018

2013 Group Bookings

Projected Room Nights

Total Attendees

69

45,581

42,171

Est. Economic Impact $12,348,669

2014 Group Bookings

Projected Room Nights

Total Attendees

Est. Economic Impact

44

25,377

28,590

$7,587,723

Number of Meetings & Conventions Generating Hotel Room Nights - Actual and Contracted Sales Goal - Stabilized 120 Annual Meetings & Conventions. Estimated Annual Economic Impact: $14,352,000.

Beach Village Retail Build Out $3 million*

Limited Service Hotel - Beach Village $17.8 million*

Jekyll Island Convention Center $39.5 million

Flash Foods/Dairy Queen $2 million

Entry Corridor $2.8 million Great Dunes Park $2 million

Westin Jekyll Island $41 million**

Infrastructure/Roads $4.34 million Beach Village Retail $7 million**

Jekyll Island Revitalization: Public/Private Investment Public investment in the revitalization of Jekyll Island is expected to generate a two-fold amount of private return. New hotels, shops and restaurants will compliment the new Jekyll Island Convention Center. Public/Private investment will provide a unique coastal vacation and convention destination.

Public Investment - $57,140,000 Private Investment - $111,800,000

Holiday Inn Resort $16 million**

The Morgan Center $2 million / $1.5 million

Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island Club Hotel $22 million Beach Village Suites - $8 million*

*Projected **Under Construction

13

Jekyll Island Authority Financial Results for Fiscal 2013* FY 2013 Revenues Administration Business Leases Hotel Tax Parking Interest Lot Rentals Foundation Grants Administration revenue Employee Housing Total Administration Enterprises Golf Food & BeverageͲ Conv. Ctr. Food & Beverage Ͳ Restaurants Summer Waves Campground Museum Georgia Sea Turtle Center Conservation Miniature Golf & Bikes Water/Wastewater Sanitation Fire Department Tennis Destination Mktg & Special Events Guest Information Center Advertising Soccer Landscaping, Roads & Trails Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance Facility Maintenance Golf Course Maintenance Total Enterprises Total Revenues

FY 2012

VARIANCE (000's) %

FY 2013 Expenditures Human Resources Supplies & Materials Advertising & Sales Repairs Ͳ Facilities & Grounds Utilities Insurance Contracts Rentals Printing Motor Vehicle Telephone Equipment Purchase <$1K Equipment Purchase $1K to $5K Travel Dues Satellite Transmitters & time Interest Expense

$ 2,884,649 $ 2,681,279 $ 203 8% 1,261,733 1,197,429 64 5% 2,572,677 2,196,302 376 17% (4,720) 9,284 (14) Ͳ151% 258,877 364,821 (106) Ͳ29% 105,628 43,400 62 143% 2,375 4,395 (2) Ͳ46% 94,327 90,549 4 4% 16,450 16,675 (0) Ͳ1% ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ $ 7,191,996 $ 6,604,134 $ 588 9%

$ 1,572,668 $ 1,696,245 $ ( 124 ) Ͳ7% 1,621,184 936,611 685 73% 1,129,354 1,119,218 10 1% 1,798,061 1,601,237 197 12% 1,092,275 1,029,494 63 6% 643,552 757,317 (114) Ͳ15% 1,289,149 1,209,953 79 7% 3,729 0 4 0% 259,380 290,081 (31) Ͳ11% 912,497 986,982 (74) Ͳ8% 405,231 296,238 109 37% 870,646 853,549 17 2% 50,976 52,915 (2) Ͳ4% 324,425 294,845 30 10% 77,930 64,741 13 20% 0 40,982 (41) Ͳ100% 27,400 7,025 20 290% 35,667 34,658 1 3% 108 910 (1) Ͳ88% 609 0 1 0% 9 0 0 0% ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ $ 12,114,850 $ 11,273,001 $ 842 7% ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ $ 19,306,846 $ 17,877,135 $ 1,430 8% =============== =============== ========= =========

Total Expenditures Net Operating Cash Income ** Additional Cash Outlay: Fire Department Equipment Fund Capital Equipment Purchases Bond Payment Reserve Contribution/Reduction

FY 2012

VARIANCE (000's) %

$ 10,150,315 $ 9,933,427 $ 217 2% 1,611,689 1,474,457 137 9% 720,856 800,626 (80) Ͳ10% 1,020,704 1,034,053 (13) Ͳ1% 1,360,328 1,215,697 145 12% 670,198 608,072 62 10% 2,189,669 925,150 1,265 137% 274,037 252,214 22 9% 211,198 123,814 87 71% 258,009 233,945 24 10% 101,847 74,120 28 37% 59,613 46,187 13 29% 53,202 20,714 32 157% 75,246 84,344 (9) Ͳ11% 74,891 83,600 (9) Ͳ10% 8,273 7,132 1 16% 24,587 39,703 (15) Ͳ38% ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ $ 18,864,661 $ 16,957,255 $ 1,907 11% ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ $ 442,184 $ 919,880 $ ( 478 ) Ͳ52% =============== =============== ========= ========= $ ( 25,000 ) $ ( 50,000 ) (114,416) (96,680) (554,759) (539,643) ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ ͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲͲ $ ( 251,991 ) $ 233,557 =============== =============== ===================

*The financial informaƟon contained in this self-published Jekyll Island Authority Annual Report contain some unaudited figures and are presented in a budget basis format which is used for operaƟonal management and oversight (depreciaƟon and capital expenses not included). Generally Accepted AccounƟng Principles (GAAP) basis financial reports are available by request. Jekyll Island Authority’s financial informaƟon is reviewed each year by the State Department of Audits and is included in the State of Georgia’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Financial stewardship is a high priority and Jekyll Island Authority has a history of clean audit reports. All financial informaƟon contained in this self-published report are believed to be accurate and error-free, but should only be used for informaƟonal purposes. The Jekyll Island Authority shall not be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequenƟal or other damages related to unintenƟonal typographical or other errors, omissions or inaccuracies of the informaƟon contained in this document.

14

Jekyll Island ~ The Nearest Faraway Place

On Jekyll Island, you are close to nature, close to home, and you’ll experience a place you’ll hold close to your heart. Journey here and fall into rhythm with nature. Feel the warm, salty air breeze off the ocean and watch as the billowy tide washes away your footprints, preparing the beach anew for those that will come next.

The mission of the Jekyll Island Authority is to maintain, develop, beautify, and promote the Island as a unique vacation and meeting destination.

100 James Road, Jekyll Island, Georgia 31527

jekyllisland.com • 877.453-5955