Jekyll Island Progress Report 2018

2018

PRO GR E S S R EPORT

revitalization

The

of Jekyll Island continues.

Our millions of guests may not see it when they stroll down our pristine beaches or marvel at our historic landmarks and thriving wildlife, but behind every one of those moments is an

incredible team unforgettable.

of people who are

committed to making guest experiences not only possible but also

The Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) is proud to be

stewards

of Georgia’s beautiful island,

creating authentic connections with visitors, promoting growth opportunities, and carefully retaining the

character

that makes

Jekyll Island such a timeless treasure.

Mike Hodges • Chairman of the Board of Directors Dear Friends, If 2017 was a year of resilience, given the challenges of Hurricane Irma, 2018 was a year of unprecedented bounce back! Although our friends to the south and southwest GA felt the brunt of Hurricane Michael, we were fortunate to avoid the impact of hurricane season this year. Not only did we see the triumphant return of the incredibly popular Shrimp & Grits Festival, but we also made great strides and achieved impressive results in virtually all of our departments. We look forward to sharing some of the highlights with you in this year’s progress report.

As noteworthy as 2018 has been, 2019 promises to be just as remarkable, if not more so. In April, we will be opening Mosaic, the Jekyll Island Museum. This reimagined museum will feature state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and more than 24,000 artifacts.

In closing, I want to thank our team for all that they do to make Jekyll Island the outstanding destination it has become. Here’s to another year of incredible success.

Jones Hooks • Executive Director, Jekyll Island Authority Dear Friends, These are the moments when we look back and celebrate a tremendous year, and 2018 certainly was a time of significant accomplishment, as you will see in this report. However, I am most impressed by the team we have assembled at JIA—the talent, energy, and variety of backgrounds they bring to the table. I’m amazed at how our team comes together daily to focus their abilities on making Jekyll Island a better place for its visitors, residents, and wildlife.

This assessment is also an opportunity to evaluate where we are presently and our strategy for continuing to be good stewards. Part of effective management of Jekyll Island in the future involves analyzing the Carrying Capacity of the island—the number of individuals who can be supported on the Island without negatively impacting it. Effective management strategies, including ongoing improvements to our infrastructure and enhancements to our procedures, are essential to accommodate Jekyll’s increasing popularity.

Everything we do is done through the lens of preserving and protecting the character, culture, history, and ecology of Jekyll Island while improving the guest experience. We are thrilled at the progress we’ve made in 2018 and look forward to success in 2019.

JEKYLL ISL AND AUTHORIT Y BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mike Hodges Chairman of the Board St. Simons Island

Mark Williams Commissioner, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Atlanta

Robert “Bob” W. Krueger Vice Chairman Hawkinsville

Joy Burch-Meeks Screven

Dr. L.C. “Buster” Evans Bolingbroke

William “Bill” H. Gross Secretary/Treasurer Kingsland

A.W. “Bill” Jones III Sea Island

Joe Wilkinson St. Simons Island

Hugh “Trip” Tollison Savannah

Jones Hooks Executive Director Jekyll Island

CAPACITY STUDY

We can measure

success

in many ways, and the statistics about Jekyll

Island certainly show that. As the island’s popularity continues to important to note that we always try to

balance we are

soar

, it’s

growth with preservation.

With that in mind, we conducted a Carrying and Capacity Assessment to accurately & thoroughly evaluate where

and where

we’re going

,

and to understand everything from sea level rise to projected populations.

The primary goal of the Carrying and Capacity Assessment was to determine the number of people, vehicles, and development that the island can accommodate while still maintaining its

By

monitoring

unique character

.

this data, we will be able to be proactive; manage visitation

and growth, and address challenges before they become problems.

By following the guidelines below, we can ensure that Jekyll Island will continue to be a beautiful and natural place:

limiting preserving encouraging pursuing •

•

•

development and historic assets and

educating improving strengthening enhancing

alternative transportation and

•

financial sustainability and

the public

infrastructure ordinances

conservation efforts

7% INCREASE IN VISITATION In 2018, Jekyll Island experienced an impressive

7% increase

in visitation over the previous year. That underscores not only the increasing

popularity

of the island, but also

our need to preserve Jekyll’s character and its resources. Future

enhancements, pricing,

including an updated gate system to understand how

long visitors are on the island, as well as considerations of

2.9 M

3.2 M

3.4 M

will allow us to properly

3.5 M

manage

dynamic

visitation.

3.7 M

Jekyll Island has experienced a

28.6%

increase in visitation

over the last 5 years.*

*This data is based on the number of cars through the entry gate using a standard multiplier of 2.5 people per car.

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

HOTEL & RESIDENTIAL GROWTH Home2 Suites Scheduled to open

summer o f 2019 ,

the new Hilton Home2 Suites on Jekyll Island is located in the heart of the island. The new three-story hotel will feature

107

guest rooms, and will offer a

new price point for island guests.

Ocean Oaks Ocean Oaks at Jekyll Island is an intimate beachside community of

33

single-family homes and

three

duplex homes. Situated on nine tree-

shaded acres, the beach is only a short walk along a meandering boardwalk through a protected maritime forest.

The Cottages The Cottages is a new oceanfront residential community featuring

122

townhouse-style cottages, a clubhouse, and an oceanfront pool.

All units at Ocean Oaks and The Cottages developments are sold.

MOSAIC, THE JEKYLL ISLAND MUSEUM

reimagined past present, history

In Spring 2019, the completely

Mosaic, the Jekyll

Island Museum will be unveiled. This museum, will be a unique fusion of

and

ecology preserved

as well as

and

. The original structure—including the outer shell,

vaulted barn ceilings, hay loft, and working horse stall—are carefully

and seamlessly integrated with modern,

interactive exhibits and experiences. The project is the epitome of a team effort, combining the

impressive interactive

fundraising efforts of the

Jekyll Island Foundation with the execution of the plan by JIA. The museum now features a variety of

exhibits with

dynamic video and audio alongside traditional displays. Mosaic is entertaining, informative, engaging, and impressive, but most of all, it’s the

very best

of Jekyll Island all in one place.

WANDERER MEMORY TRAIL The Wanderer Memory Trail is a new educational

experience

on Jekyll Island that tells the story of America’s last known slave ship, the

wanderer

. The trail

is located along the banks of the Jekyll River (St. Andrews Beach Park) where the ship illegally came ashore 160 years ago with more than 500 enslaved Africans. The self-guided

trail

walks visitors

through the story of Umwalla, a young African boy brought to America on the ship. Visitors of all ages will follow Umwalla’s journey from capture through

freedom,

told through interactive exhibits along the trail.

RENEWABLE ENERGY Jekyll Island’s first major

solar energy

installation began construction in 2018 and will be complete in early 2019. This facility occupies 4 acres of a retired, capped landfill in the interior of the island.

The generated

electricity

will be connected to the

Georgia Power distribution grid. While the

energy

generated does not directly tie to any particular buildings, on an annual basis, it will be equivalent to the powerdemand of at least

113 jekyll homes.

The project will also be pollinator-friendly, a

conservation

initiative that goes beyond industry

standard practices. This innovative public-private

partnership is a huge stride toward advancing our

sustainability

portfolio. We are proud to host the

largest solar-power array on state-owned land in Georgia and the largest on a Georgia barrier island.

NEW PARKS & ENHANCEMENTS Corsair Beach Park The new

corsair beach park,

located between the

Jekyll Ocean Club and Days Inn & Suites, was officially opened on January 15, 2019. The $1.2 million park serves as the southern boundary for the Beach Village. The new park includes an ADA accessible bathhouse with restrooms and changing areas, two picnic pavilions, outdoor showers, landscaping,

123

enhanced

additional public parking spaces for

the area, and an ADA accessible beach crossover.

Oceanview Beach Park Situated mid-island,

oceanview beach park stunning

has

views of the Atlantic

Ocean and quick access

to the sand. It’s equipped with ample parking, public beach access, restrooms, and showers.

Construction for this new beach park will be completed by

spring o f 2019

.

BEACH REVETMENT REHABILITATION We’re continuing to spend a significant amount of time and resources

protecting

our shoreline,

restoring

the dunes

and native vegetation, and increasing the number of crossovers.

In 2018, we completed the first phase of the north end revetment project, restoring over

9,000

linear feet of granite rock revetment to its original

design. Our repair work utilized substantially larger boulders and was extensively vetted by our consulting engineers who specialize in coastal rehabilitation. Phase 1 of the project closes with a completely

rebuilt

structure extending from the

southern end of Driftwood Beach southward all the way to King Avenue.

Phase 2 will be completed in 2019 and will include backfilling sand behind the new revetment rock and planting vegetation to stabilize the new sand. Additional state funds have been allocated to build new

beach accesses

over the revetment.

We are confident that as we enter the next phase of this project in 2019, Jekyll will have a more

resilient

shoreline protection

system in place along its unique beachfront.

CONVENTION CENTER REVENUE & ATTENDEES

ocean front growing 124,197 exceeding

As the only

convention center

in the Southeast, the Jekyll Island Convention Center is instrumental in

our off-season capacity.

In 2018, the Convention Center hosted more than

convention attendees

which resulted in $4,347,966.78 in revenue, budget expectations by

20%

RETAIL SALES Our Retail Sales Division continues to set

records

new

, producing

$2,571,311.10 in total sales,

4.11% enhancing

an increase of

over

2017. This success is essential to

the shops in

the future and supporting key initiatives such as Mosaic, the Jekyll Island Museum, and the

li fe-saving

efforts of

the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

17

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROGRESS

people beloved

We are proud of the Jekyll Island the

who have dedicated their careers to making destination that it is. This year, in addition

to updating you on the latest successes for Jekyll Island, we are thrilled to introduce some of the people who make it all

possible

. You’ll

learn about their areas of expertise, their educational and professional backgrounds, and most of all, their

passion

for Jekyll Island.

Joseph Colbert WILDLIFE MANAGER The desire to serve others and to protect life is nothing new for Joseph Colbert.

Everything from his experience as a U.S. Marine, which began at the age of 19, to his impressive educational accomplishments help him excel in his role as Wildlife Manager every day. Although Joseph became our first Wildlife Manager in 2016, his relationship with Jekyll Island began in 2011 as an AmeriCorps member with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

His love for research and working with wildlife has only grown since then, especially now that he can lead initiatives and put all of his expertise to work through a variety of programs. Joseph likes to focus on the 4 P’s: priority species, predators, plants, and problem species. One of the highlights of 2018 was his department’s increased research of engagement with predators. By better understanding the predators in our area, including rattlesnakes, alligators, and bobcats, we can remove the mystery or “fear of the unknown” that often surrounds these animals—a crucial step in finding balance between wildlife and humankind.

Looking ahead, Joseph is excited to see the construction of a pollinator-friendly solar farm on the site of an old landfill that once stood off of Old Plantation Road. Acre by acre, creature by creature, JIA’s Conservation Team is making a difference, and Joseph has been instrumental in its success.

Taylor Davis HISTORIC PRESERVATIONIST Perhaps no one understands the significance of ensuring that future generations can enjoy our island’s historical treasures more than Taylor Davis, Historic Preservationist. Every aspect of his background, from studying historic preservation at the University of Georgia, to serving as Chair of the Historic Brunswick Foundation, has been like cobblestones on a pathway leading him to the JIA. However, it was his experience working as an intern in our Historic Preservation Department in 2004 that first opened his eyes to the possibilities on the island.

This past year saw many developments, including a floor renovation at Faith Chapel to restore it to its original appearance, and new roofing for Mistletoe and DuBignon cottages. Perhaps closest to Taylor’s heart is the exterior rehabilitation of Hollybourne Cottage. Stabilization efforts of the 129-yearold structure have occupied much of Taylor’s time in 2018. From securing the building’s gabled walls, to replacing the damaged terra-cotta lintels over the windows, to beginning the process of replacing the cedar roof shingles, Hollybourne’s preservation is an ongoing endeavor. The restoration efforts that Taylor led over the past year have caught the attention of the decedents of the home’s original builder. The Maurice family has recently expressed renewed interest in the ongoing preservation of Hollybourne Cottage.

With Taylor’s talent and energy, we know that Jekyll Island’s history is in great hands.

Jim Talab SUPERINTENDENT OF FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE After spending more than three decades with the same company, it took an incredible opportunity to pull Jim Talab away. The Jekyll Island Authority and the beautiful island we love were such an opportunity. That was 10 years ago; since then, Jim has put his deep understanding of electrical work, carpentry, and more to work to keep Jekyll Island and its facilities up-and-running properly. More than that, he and his team are essential to the execution of our most popular events and attractions. Without question, the Shrimp & Grits Festival is the annual highlight for both guests and Jim’s team. The added challenges and demands make the consistent success of our signature event all the more rewarding. Jim’s unmatched expertise, flexibility, and leadership are crucial to delivering the Jekyll Island experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

From handling upgrades and repairs to planning, setup, and tear down, Jim and the Facilities Maintenance Team may do the work behind the scenes, but they are the most deserving of our gratitude. This May, Jim will be retiring to spend more time with his family. Now, he and his loved ones can relax and enjoy Jekyll Island events together while the team that has learned so much from him takes care of the details. Thank you, Jim!

Nicki Thomas EDUCATION PROGRAM MANAGER • GSTC Nicki Thomas always knew that she wanted to work with animals; she just didn’t know in what capacity. Should she work for a zoo? Become a veterinarian? While studying at the University of Georgia, Nicki accepted an internship at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) in 2009—a precursor to what would become the perfect fit for both her career path and our growing needs.

Before joining our team permanently, Nicki worked in the conservation education field as an interpreter and animal keeper in Alaska and as an outreach specialist and advisor with the University of Georgia. All of these incredible experiences and hands-on learning opportunities served to prepare her for her current role as the GSTC Education Program Manager.

Every day, she shares the importance of conservation and environmental awareness through the GSTC, an attraction that thrives on rehabilitation, research, and education. Nicki and her team are doing a tremendous job.

In 2018, the GSTC hosted approximately 113,000 visitors. The hope is that these visitors will become ambassadors for Jekyll Island, helping to protect it for future generations.

Aaron Saunders GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT You could say Aaron has been training to become our Golf Course Superintendent since he was 15 years old, hitting the links with his father at the North Shore Golf Club in his hometown of Skegness, England.

The Club offered him the opportunity to become an intern. If he agreed to study turf management and became a greenskeeper, they would help him pay for college and let him play golf. It was an obvious, “Yes!” His love of the game and the natural beauty that it is part of it only grew as he earned his degree and a variety of specialty certifications in turf management.

Today, Jekyll Island’s wildlife, as well as our year-round stream of golf enthusiasts, benefit from Aaron’s expertise and more than 20 years of experience. Since joining our team in 2016, he has made dramatic improvements to all four of our courses, not only aesthetically, but also environmentally. Jekyll Island Golf Club is one of only three courses nationwide to have at least 54 holes of Auduboncertified cooperative sanctuaries. To no one’s surprise, both Aaron and the courses he manages have been winning plenty of praise and accolades.

When you consider the depth of Aaron’s understanding and his unquenchable thirst for playing, preserving, and enhancing the game of golf, it’s obvious that he, Jekyll Island, and its breathtaking golf courses were made for each other.

Financial Results FISCAL YEAR 2018* FY2018*

FY2017*

$

$

VARIANCE (000's)

%

Revenues Administration Business Leases Hotel Tax Tourism Development Fund Parking

4,381,327

4,051,845

329

8%

1,460,446

1,320,565

140

11%

603,569

601,448

3,465,186

3,573,183

(108)

-3% 79%

2

0%

8,676

4,855

4

Lot Rentals

1,020,138

1,018,824

1

0%

Foundation

63,959

69,747

(6)

-8% 70%

Interest

324,843

191,200

134

Beach Village

16,572

-

17

Intern Housing

44,335

104,773

11,389,051

10,936,440

Administration revenue

Total Administration

0%

(60)

-58%

453

4%

Enterprises Golf

2,003,028

2,067,016

(64)

Convention Center

3,892,781

3,563,027

330

9%

McCormick's Grill

252,752

311,695

(59)

-19%

Summer Waves

2,321,267

2,354,145

(33)

-1%

Campground

1,287,953

1,240,215

48

4%

137,798

124,021

14

11%

Life is Good Museum Georgia Sea Turtle Center

759,818

752,689

7

1%

2,013,025

1,781,592

231

13%

14,129

25,868

(12)

-45%

341,244

363,175

(22)

-6%

1,384,606

1,388,487

(4)

0%

526,701

536,336

(10)

-2%

1,025,230

964,783

60

6%

83,914

53,227

31

58% -38%

Conservation Miniature Golf & Bikes Water/Wastewater Sanitation Fire Department

-3%

Tennis Destination Mktg & Special Events

315,816

506,092

(190)

Guest Information Center

138,350

114,247

24

21%

500

3,250

(3)

-85%

Camp Jekyll & Soccer Fields

149,523

115,142

34

30%

Landscaping, Roads & Trails

36,295

69,695

(33)

-48%

Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance Maiintenance

4,031

-

4

0%

Facility Maintenance

2,455

1,046

1

135%

-

5,489

(5)

-100%

16,691,216

16,341,238

350

2%

28,080,267

27,277,679

803

3%

Sales

Golf Course Maintenance Total Enterprises Total Revenues

Expenses

FY2018*

FY2017*

$

$

VARIANCE (000's)

%

FY2018*

FY2017*

$

$

VARIANCE (000's)

%

Expenses 12,543,527

11,804,336

739

Supplies & Materials

1,701,863

1,694,142

8

0%

Advertising & Sales

1,301,633

1,007,842

294

29% -11%

Human Resources

6%

Repairs - Facilities & Grounds

1,410,584

1,580,382

(170)

Utilities

1,802,769

1,743,141

60

3%

Insurance

807,092

844,487

(37)

-4%

Contracts

3,236,908

3,044,249

193

6%

Rentals

497,299

370,950

126

34%

Printing

221,940

187,094

35

19%

Motor Vehicle

237,433

222,938

14

7%

Telephone

125,343

123,026

2

2%

Equipment Purchase <$1K

121,926

98,346

24

24%

Equipment Purchase $1K to $5K

91,213

97,278

(6)

-6%

Travel

73,823

73,924

(0)

0%

202,505

196,424

6

3%

267,346

273,139

(6)

-2%

Dues Credit Card Fees Bank Fees Interest Expense Total Expenditures Net Operating Cash Income**

212

308

(0)

-31%

-

41,194

(41)

-100%

24,643,416

23,403,202

1,240

5%

3,436,851

3,874,476

(438)

-11%

BOARD DESIGNATED FUND CONTRIBUTIONS & CAPITAL EQUIPMENT AND PROJECTS: Tourism Development Fund

603,569

601,448

Water/Sewer Fund

305,497

400,646

Retail Village principal payment ($1.6M loan) Fire Department equipment fund Beach Village Entertainment Fund - Carryover

-

142,793

182,019

72,090

16,547

-

Hollybourne Lintel Project

180,663

-

Payment to JIF for Mosaic Project

150,000

150,000

1,409,730

1,782,101

2,848,025

3,149,078

Equipment & Projects funded from current year Total Fund Designations, Capital Equipment & Projects Contributions to Cash Reserves

$

588,826

$

725,398

*Financials are unaudited. ** Amounts are on a budget basis format and do not contain depreciation and capital expenses. Capital equipment and projects listed here are amounts funded form current year revenues. These amounts are designated (set aside) from current year funds for specific equipment or projects and if not spent during the current fiscal year, will be spent in subsequent fiscal years, depending on the timeline of the project. The financial information in the self-published Jekyll Island Authority Progress Report contains unaudited figures and is presented in a budget basis format which is used for operational management and oversight (depreciation and capital expenses not included). Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) basis financials are available by request. Jekyll Island Authority’s financial information is reviewed periodically by the State’s Department of Audits and is included in the State of Georgia’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Financial stewardship is a high priority, and the Jekyll Island Authority has a history of clean audit reports. All financial information contained in this self-published report is believed to be accurate and error-free, but should only be used for informational 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, consequential, or other damages related to unintentional typographical or other errors, omissions, or inaccuracies of the information contained in this document

JIF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Barbara Mayo “Boog” Candler Chair • Atlanta, GA Hank Linginfelter Immediate Past Chair • Alpharetta, GA Russell C. Jacobs, III Vice Chair • St. Simons Island, GA Gary N. Wadsten Secretary • Myrtle Beach, SC Hollis Linginfelter Treasurer • Atlanta, GA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brian D. Anderson, Sr. • Columbus, GA Nancy C. Blackstone-Spiegel • North Point, FL Wendell Dallas • Snellville, GA Kenneth R. Farrell • Savannah, GA Thomas S. Lines • Atlanta, GA Sean McGinnis • Alpharetta, GA Gilbert C. McLemore, Jr. • Jekyll Island, GA Eugene M. “Gene” Rackley IV • Atlanta, GA Daniel D. Ross • Dunwoody, GA JJ Singh • Arlington, VA Ken Wright • Dunwoody, GA Martha Zoller • Gainesville, GA Michael D. Hodges JIA Chair • St. Simons Island, GA C. Jones Hooks Executive Director, JIA • Jekyll Island, GA Dion Davis Executive Director, JIF • Jekyll Island, GA

JIF PARTNERS The AdFish Group Emerald Princess Casino Global Concessions Jekyll Island Authority Jekyll Island Club Resort Jekyll Ocean Club The Westin Jekyll Island

The Jekyll Island Foundation was created in 1999 to

raise money

for projects beyond the Jekyll Island Authority’s (JIA) financial capabilities.

Projects allow individuals an opportunity to be more directly involved in conservation, preservation, and education efforts surrounding Jekyll Island’s

natural historic and

resources. The Jekyll Island Foundation (JIF) serves

as the official fundraising entity of Jekyll Island State Park and the JIA.

In 2018, the Foundation experienced significant advances toward fulfilling its

mission

. Funds were secured for the revitalization and repurposing of

the historic 1898 Club Stables into Mosaic, the Jekyll Island Museum.

JIF also funded Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) future planning sessions, operational support, and

research

on native diamondback terrapins, snakes,

birds, alligators, and bobcats. Through the efforts of generous donors, JIF purchased a new $60,000 digital x-ray unit for GSTC veterinarians to use in the rehabilitation of injured and ill wildlife. The user-friendly machine features advanced technology, superior resolution, and greater storage capability. Donations also helped to defray architectural and engineering costs involved in the

structural restoration

and

conservation of the island’s historic Hollybourne Cottage.

Managed by an independent board, JIF’s leadership represents

diverse interests

and communities from across the state of

Georgia and beyond. Financials are audited by Hancock Askew & Co., LLP. To view audited financial statements, or to donate, visit jekyllislandfoundation.org.