Jekyll Island Progress Report 2022

PROGRESS REPORT 2022 1

STATE OF GEORGIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

ATLANTA 30334-0900

Greetings: The tourism industry saw a significant resurgence in 2022 and without a doubt, many of those travelers had Georgia on their minds. Jekyll Island, like many of the state’s tourism attractions, began to surpass pre-pandemic levels of visitation for the first time. Georgia experienced record numbers of tourists, and this couldn’t have come at a better time for valued state assets like Jekyll Island.

The Jekyll Island Authority’s thoughtful management of its operations, dedication of its workforce, and strong commitment to stewardship have established the island as a hallmark destination, welcoming visitors from across our great state and far beyond.

Like many Georgians, Marty, our three daughters, and I have enjoyed the relaxation and recreation Jekyll Island offers. It’s a place we’re always fond of visiting with experiences we will always remember. Our most recent trip to the island included a stop at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where we saw first-hand the commitments to conservation and preservation on our coast. It is special places like Jekyll Island that make our state attractive to both visitors and residents alike.

A

U

TH

Y

As we look throughout and beyond 2023, there has never been a better time to be a Georgian or to visit the Peach State. We’re prepared to continue meeting and surpassing pre-pandemic levels of economic activity in the No. 1 state for business. Jekyll’s emerging recognition as one of the southeast’s most treasured state parks ensures it will remain a destination for families, business travelers, and tourists from across our nation for years to come.

ORI

T

jekyllisland.com

PROGRESS REPORT 2022

Sincerely,

Governor Brian P. Kemp

1

JEKYLL ISLAND THROUGH THE YEARS

The State of Georgia purchased the island for $675,000, or about $6.7 million today.

Jekyll Island Authority was established as a self-supporting state agency to steward the new state park’s natural and cultural resources and protect it from overdevelopment.

The Dolphin Club opened at St. Andrews Beach, the first and only section of Georgia coast accessible to African Americans, and hosted Blues legends including Otis Redding and B.B. King.

The original Clubhouse of the Jekyll Island Club was renovated and opened as a hotel, later receiving a Historic Hotel of America designation.

A pinnacle year for revitalization, the new shopping center, Beach Village, and hotels open.

The Jekyll Island Foundation also completes their Horton Pond and Skeet House projects.

With the addition of new residential communities and several new hotel properties, the island attracts more than three million annual visitors.

1947

1950

1959

1984-1986

2015

TODAY

1948

1954

1961

2007

2019

Jekyll Island opened to the public as a state park on March 5, 1948.

A drawbridge to the island was completed and opened, and Tallu Fish founded the Jekyll Island Museum, operating out of Indian Mound Cottage.

The region’s first indoor heated pool, the Aquarama, opened in 1961 at nearly Olympic-size length.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center opened in the renovated power plant of the Jekyll Island Club.

The reimagined Jekyll Island Museum opened its doors with new interactive exhibits building upon the stories once told by the museum’s first curator, Tallu Fish.

What a momentous year it has been on Jekyll Island! In my three years of serving on the board, I have witnessed the incredible dedication the JIA staff has to the island and the visitor’s experience and that has been ever so evident this anniversary year. The successes and milestones achieved, and celebrated, this past year are a direct result of their ingenuity, skill, and enthusiasm. They are a significant part of what makes this island such a special place to visit, and I am truly grateful for their daily stewardship to retain its character.

Dale Atkins, Chairman Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors

There’s no question 2022 was one for the history books. It was an exciting year of festivities and commemorations of the important 75th year of the State’s ownership of Jekyll Island. Furthermore, the year provided an opportunity for us to reflect not only on the State’s initial vision for Jekyll Island, but also the special destination it has become today. While Jekyll’s natural assets continue to be protected and relished through significant private and public partnerships and investments, the island has become a place for families to vacation, conferences to convene, travelers to unwind and businesses to thrive. This celebration should continue!

C. Jones Hooks, Executive Director Jekyll Island Authority

2

JIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert “Bob” W. Krueger Vice Chairman Hawkinsville, GA

William “Bill” H. Gross Secretary/Treasurer Kingsland, GA

Mark Williams Commissioner, GA Dept. of Natural Resources Atlanta, GA

George Ruel Joyner, Jr. Savannah, GA

Joy Burch-Meeks Screven, GA

Dr. L.C. “Buster” Evans Bolingbroke, GA

Joseph B. Wilkinson, Jr. St. Simons Island, GA

Glen Willard Richmond Hill, GA

3

2022 AT A GLANCE TRAFFIC REVENUE $5.7M

$5.7M

2021

2022

$4.5M $4.2M $3.7M

2018

2019

2020

56% INCREASE OVER 5 YEARS

REVENUE SOURCES >1% 2% 3% 4%

7% 9.5% 39.6% 17.6%

16.9%

4

AMENITIES COMMERCIAL LEASES PARKING HOTEL TAX UTILITIES FIRE DEPARTMENT RESIDENTIAL LEASES OTHER MARKETING & EVENTS

ISLAND VISITATION

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

Selig Center for Economic Growth, UGA

ISLAND REVITALIZATION BREAKDOWN

79% 21%

PRIVATE FUNDING $285,050,000 PUBLIC FUNDING $82,690,000 $367,740,000

ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE STATE

$639M IN SALES

5,489 JOBS

$218M IN INCOME

$18M

IN TAX REVENUE

Selig Center for Economic Growth, UGA December 2022 Economic Impact Study of Jekyll Island

5

A YEAR OF CELEBRATION There was a time when Jekyll Island was famous for its exclusivity.

A place where only those with significant means stepped ashore.

However, after the State of Georgia’s purchase in 1947, Jekyll became a destination like no other, bringing forward its equally fascinating Stateera history. In 2022, the Jekyll Island Authority marked 75 years of Jekyll Island State Park to commemorate its evolution and to recognize its shining future. The Authority acknowledged this historic milestone by re-branding many of its public-facing assets like its iconic entrance billboard and incorporating this commemorative branding throughout its communication channels, historic programming, retail merchandise and island-wide events. The year kicked off with the Seventy-Fifth Soirée hosting state officials to replicate the nostalgia of the first public opening, complete with a synchronized swimming performance and a spectacular fireworks display. Later in the year, community members enjoyed the Seventy-Fifth Street Party with a vintage car show, stateera entertainment, and the unveiling of the island’s first mural art display. In addition to a collection of museum exhibits and tours, the year closed out with a ceremony honoring Governor M.E. Thompson with a commemorative time capsule dedication with State officials. More than 3.5 million visitors crossed the island’s causeway last year to enjoy its beauty and recreation, take in its rich history, and celebrate the State of Georgia’s profound vision for Jekyll Island all those years ago.

6

Middle Left: Blake Tillery, Senator, District 12, Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee, and Vice Chair of the Jekyll Island Oversight Committee remarks at the Seventy-Fifth Soirée. Middle Right: Buddy DeLoach, House of Representatives, District 167 and former Authority Board member spoke at a Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony.

97

GOLF IMPROVEMENTS After several years of consultant-led assessments including by the National Golf Foundation, the Jekyll Island Authority adopted a 2022 Golf Improvement Plan to serve as a guideline for ongoing, phased golf course improvements over the next several years. Recommendations include necessary improvements to course greens, renovation of the Clubhouse, restoration of the historic Walter J. Travis-designed Great Dunes course, as well as many others. The recommendation also includes converting former golf course acreage towards conservationfocused initiatives like the enhancement of a wildlife corridor and the adoption of a “first of its kind for Jekyll Island” Greenspace Ordinance.

The ordinance includes the establishment of a Greenspace Preservation District to provide for the creation, preservation, and maintenance of certain open spaces, including golf courses and related facilities, and other unimproved areas on Jekyll Island. This ordinance is a significant point of progress for conservation initiatives by further clarifying the protection of Jekyll Island’s natural resources and character.

8

A RECORD YEAR FOR MOSAIC In operation for less than 5 years, Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum celebrated several milestones in 2022 including surpassing $1 million in admission and retail revenue, a record for the JIA’s historic resources department. As the historical and cultural hub for the island, the museum welcomed more than 50,000 visitors through its doors, a record last reached in 1987. With a return to full capacity after two years of reduced programming, the facility also introduced several new programs highlighting lesser-known historical landmarks around the island, and opportunities to meet historical characters through behind-the-scenes experiences. Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum also joined the celebration of the State Era anniversary with two rotating lobby exhibits recognizing the State of Georgia’s purchase and what became of the island in the decades to follow, now a destination for everyone.

9

GEORGIA SEA TURTLE CENTER The Georgia Sea Turtle Center celebrated 15 years of education, rehabilitation, and research in 2022, emphasizing the importance of its mission since opening its doors in 2007. The milestone year for the Center also included the release of its 1,000th sea turtle patient, patrol teams recording the State of Georgia’s first sea turtle nest and hatchling of the season, and surpassing prior nest records from the early 2000’s. As Georgia’s only sea turtle rehabilitation and education facility, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center has remained an integral part of not only Jekyll Island’s conservation efforts but also Georgia’s and beyond.

10

SUMMER WAVES In May of 2022, Summer Waves Water Park commemorated its 35th season of operation with the opening of its newest attraction, Man o’ War, a four-slide addition to the family-friendly park experience.

Now the tallest and fastest attraction at the park, its two tube slides and two body slides can move more than 700 riders per hour, helping to spread out park goers and reduce wait times. The water park also welcomed a new splash pad experience and additional private cabana rentals, many of which were sold out daily through the season. The 35th season also marked the highest annual revenue for the first time since opening in 1987, exceeding more than $3.5 million.

11

CONVENTION CENTER Since its opening in May 2012, the Jekyll Island Convention Center has been a driving force of the significant economic impact Jekyll Island provides to Glynn County. 2022 marked not only the 10-year anniversary for the facility, but also the most successful year on record for convention group business since the new facility opened its doors. This past year, the island welcomed 93 groups with more than 50,000 attendees, many of which are State associations that also celebrated decades of returning to Jekyll Island for their annual conferences. Hotel partners generated more than $13 million in revenue from these groups, a 37% increase over pre-pandemic bookings in fiscal year 2019. Sales and marketing efforts have continued to produce new leads year-over-year and the facility experienced a 38% increase in website-generated leads over 2021. In partnership with ASM Global, the Convention Center continues to focus on providing exceptional experiences to attendees, building and retaining relationships with meeting planners and coordinating custom experiences that set it apart as a group business and meetings destination. The facility remains positioned to surpass current group business records as it moves into 2023.

12 4

JEKYLL ISLAND FOUNDATION OFFICERS

MEMBERSHIP REVENUE $71K

$58K $55K

2020

Hollis Linginfelter, Chair – Atlanta, GA Russell C. Jacobs III, Immediate Past Chair – St. Simons Island, GA Ember Bishop Bentley, Vice Chair – Macon, GA Gary N. Wadsten, Secretary – Myrtle Beach, SC Thomas S. Lines, Treasurer – Tiger, GA C. Jones Hooks, JIA Executive Director – Jekyll Island, GA (Ex Officio)

MEMBERS

2021

2022

28% INCREASE IN NUMBER OF MEMBERSHIPS OVER 3 YEARS

PROJECT FUNDING TO JIA

$13,443 IN 2021

$85,892 IN 2022

539% YEAR OVER YEAR

Kyle Chard – Jacksonville, FL Guyton Cochran – Carrollton, GA Melissa Furman – Evans, GA John Gross – Jekyll Island, GA Sean Hennessy – Atlanta, GA Lee Hughes – Savannah, GA Lee Jarboe – Alpharetta, GA Casey Cox Kerr – Camilla, GA Christie Kinsey – Jekyll Island, GA Teresa MacCartney – Atlanta, GA Sean McGinnis – Alpharetta, GA Matthew D. “Matt” Reed – Albany, GA Johnathan Roberts – St. Simons Island, GA Del Ross – Sandy Springs, GA Nancy Seymour – Elberton, GA JJ Singh – Brambleton, VA Dale Atkins, JIA Board Chair – Baxley, GA (Ex Officio)

ADVISORY BOARD Boog Candler – Atlanta, GA C.H. “Buff” Leavy IV – Brunswick, GA Hank Linginfelter – St. Simons Island, GA Daniel D. Ross – Dunwoody, GA Ken Wright – Dunwoody, GA Martha Zoller – Gainesville, GA STAFF Dion Davis, JIF Executive Director

13 5

Jekyll Island Authority Jekyll Island Authority CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED BUDGET COMPARISON BUDGET COMPARISON For the Twelve Months For the Ending TwelveJune Months 30, 2022 Ending June 30, 2022

FINANCIAL RESULTS FISCAL YEAR 2022* FY2022*

FY2022* FY2021

evenues Revenues

dministrationAdministration

usiness Leases Business Leases Hotel Tax Hotel Tax

6,311,680 2,671,644

6,311,680 5,153,277 2,671,644 2,033,689

ourism Development Tourism Fund Development Fund

1,136,953

arking

Parking

5,656,157

nterest

Interest

ot Rentals oundation

Lot Rentals Foundation

irport

FY2021 VARIANCE

(000's)

%

VARIAN

(000's)

1,158 5,153,277 2,033,689 638

22% 1,158 31% 638

1,136,953 871,516

265 871,516

30% 265

5,656,157 5,367,489

5,367,489 289

5% 289

10,511

10,511 5,264

1,087,820 8,288

1,087,820 777,806 8,288 8,056

5 5,264 100% 310 777,806 0 8,056

5

40% 310 3% 0

Airport

23,123

23,123 23,014

023,014

0%

dministration revenue Administration revenue

319,434

319,434 313,766

313,766 6

2%

6

each Village ntern Housing

49,260

1,507 49,260 48,175

(2)1,507 -100% 148,175 2%

(2) 1

17,274,869

17,274,869 14,603,560

2,671 14,603,560

18% 2,671

Golf

2,797,880

2,797,880 2,258,935

2,258,935 539

24% 539

Convention Center Convention Center McCormick's Grill McCormick's Grill

4,228,622 (0)

4,228,622 1,472,265 101,119 (0)

ummer Waves Summer Waves Campground Campground

2,771,677 2,316,846

2,771,677 2,110,307 2,316,846 2,115,719

354,804 FY2022* 1,186,804

354,804 272,106 FY2022* FY2021 1,186,804 723,950

2,596,202 499,089 42,072 1,796,033

2,596,202 2,159,956 499,089 478,909 42,072 22,470 1,796,033 1,563,166

Beach Village Intern Housing

Total Administration Total Administration

terprises

Golf

ife is Good Museum

Enterprises

Life is Good Museum

Georgia Sea Turtle CenterSea Center Miniature Golf & Georgia Miniature Bikes GolfTurtle & Bikes Conservation Conservation Water/Wastewater Water/Wastewater

Sanitation

Sanitation

Fire Department Fire Department

0

2,756 1,472,265 187% 2,756 (101) 101,119 -100%(101) 2,110,307 661 2,115,719 201

31% 661 10% 201

83 272,106 30% 83 FY2021 VARIANCE VARIAN 463 723,950 %64% 463 (000's) (000's) 2,159,956 436 478,909 20 2022,470 1,563,166 233

20% 4%436 20 87% 20 15%233

578,252

578,252 570,705

570,705 8

1% 8

1,384,286

1,384,286 1,301,556

1,301,556 83

6% 83

133,872

133,872 147,048

(13) 147,048

-9% (13)

Marketing, Special Marketing, Events &Special Sales Events & Sales Guest Information Guest Center Information Center

252,518 262,402

252,518 136,317 262,402 209,517

116 136,317 209,517 53

85%116 25% 53

Camp Jekyll & Soccer CampFields Jekyll & Soccer Fields

175,065

175,065 140,827

140,827 34

24% 34

Landscaping, Roads Landscaping, & Trails Roads & Trails

42,321

42,321 63,460

(21) 63,460

-33% (21)

Vehicle & Equipment Vehicle Maintenance & Equipment Maintenance Facility Maintenance Facility Maintenance

10,024 4,147

10,024 3,817 4,147 1,565

234

234199

0 199

17% 0

21,433,151

21,433,151 15,853,913

15,853,913 5,579

35% 5,579

38,708,020

38,708,020 30,457,473

30,457,473 8,251

27% 8,251

Tennis

Tennis

Golf Course Maintenance Golf Course Maintenance

Total Enterprises Total Enterprises

Total Revenues Total Revenues 14

xpenses Expenses

63,817 163% 6 31,565 165% 3

Total Enterprises Total Enterprises

Total Revenues otal Revenues

21,433,151 21,433,151 5,579 For the Twelve Months Ending June 30, 202215,853,91315,853,913 38,708,02038,708,020 30,457,47330,457,473 8,251 FY2022*

Expenses enses evenues

Airport Motor Vehicle tor Vehicle Administration revenue ephone Telephone

Beach Village Equipment<$1K Purchase <$1K uipment Purchase Intern Equipment$1K Purchase uipmentHousing Purchase to $5K $1K to $5K velTotalTravel Administration

35%

8,251 27%

27%

VARIANCE

(000's)

14,806,78714,806,787 12,445,58112,445,581 2,361 1,961,292 1,961,292 1,426,581 1,426,581 535 6,311,680993,937 461,174 5,153,277461,174 1,158 993,937 533

Human Resources man Resources

dministration Supplies & Materials pplies & Materials Business & Sales vertising Advertising &Leases Sales Hotel- Tax Repairs&- Grounds Facilities & Grounds pairs Facilities Tourism Development Fund Utilities ties

Parking Insurance urance Interest Contracts ntracts Lot Rentals Rentals ntals Foundation Printing nting

FY2021

5,579 35%

2,671,644 2,033,689 2,082,279 1,401,330 2,082,279 1,401,330 681638 1,136,953 871,516 1,854,138 1,735,575 1,854,138 1,735,575 119265 5,656,157 5,367,489 933,780 851,416 851,416 933,780 82289 10,511 5,264 3,223,443 3,223,443 2,178,409 2,178,409 1,045 5 1,087,820704,724 610,449 777,806610,449 704,724 94310 8,288 8,056 116,588 91,374 91,374 116,588 25 0 23,123280,358 195,192 23,014195,192 280,358 85 0

%

2,361 19% 535 37% 533 22% 116% 31% 681 49% 30% 119 7%

19% 37%

116%

49% 7%

82 5% 10% 100% 1,045 48% 94 40% 15% 25 3% 28%

10%

48% 15%

28%

85 0% 44% 44% 319,434 313,766 6 2% 106,515 113,358 (7) -6% 106,515 113,358 (7) -6% 1,507 (2) -100% 111,505 87,508FY2021 87,508 24 27% 111,505 24 27% FY2022* VARIANCE FY2022* FY2021 VARIANCE 49,260105,093 25,573 48,175 (000's) 25,573 80 2% %311% 105,093 80 1 (000's) 311% %

Dues es nterprises dit Card Credit Fees Card Fees Golf nk Fees Bank Fees Convention Center Total Expenditures Total Expenditures McCormick's Grill

Summer Waves Net Operating Cash Income Operating Cash Income

Campground

Life is Board Good Designated Fund Contributions rd Designated Fund Contributions

37,318 14,603,560 18,949 37,318 18,949 18 17,274,869 2,671 320,360 234,892 234,892 320,360 85 550,645 416,808 416,808 550,645 134 2,797,880 943 2,258,935 499 943 499 0539

18 18% 97% 85 36% 134 32% 0 24% 89%

97%

36% 32%

89%

4,228,622 1,472,265 2,756 187% 22,294,667 5,895 28,189,70428,189,704 22,294,667 26% (0) 101,119 5,895 (101) -100% 2,771,677 2,110,307 10,518,316 8,162,806 10,518,316 8,162,806 2,356661 2,316,846 2,115,719 201 354,804

272,106

26%

31% 2,356 29% 10%

83

30%

Museum Fee - Fire reserve equipment reserve ng FeeParking - Fire equipment Georgia Sea Turtle Center Fee - Water/Sewer Improvements ng FeeParking - Water/Sewer Improvements Conservation Water/Sewer reserves r/Sewer reserves Fire reserves Equipment reserves Equipment Tourism Development Fund sm Development Fund Beach Village Entertainment Fees - carryover h Village Entertainment Fees - carryover area & Utilities improvement fund c area Public & Utilities improvement fund

1,186,804 723,950 463 175,000 175,000 175,000 175,000 2,596,202 2,159,956 436 - 250,000 250,000 42,072 22,470 20 424,596 320,199 320,199 424,596 58,029 148,625 148,625 58,029 871,516 1,136,953 1,136,953 871,516 37,148 58,116 58,116 37,148 1,252,160 1,252,160 1,647,342 1,647,342

64%

Total Board Designated Fund Contributions Total Board Designated Fund Contributions

3,083,885 3,083,885 3,470,798 3,470,798

Amount for Available or Cash Reserves unt Available Capitalfor or Capital Cash Reserves

7,434,431 7,434,431 4,692,008 4,692,008

Capital and Equipment al Projects andProjects Equipment

5,431,905 5,431,905 3,617,528 3,617,528

Balancefor Available for Cash Reserves nce Available Cash Reserves

2,002,526 2,002,526 1,074,480 1,074,480

29%

20% 87%

**Amounts are on a budget basis format. Board Designated Fund Contributions and Capital Projects and Equipment are funded from current year revenues. These amounts are designated (set aside) from current year funds for equipment or projects and if not spent in the current fiscal year, will be spent in subsequent fiscal years, depending on the timeline of the project. *The financial information in this self-published Jekyll Island Authority Annual Report contains unaudited figures and is presented in a budget basis format which is used for operational management and oversight. Jekyll Island Authority’s financial information is reviewed annually by the State Department of Audits and Accounts and is included in the State of Georgia’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Financial stewardship is a high priority and the Jekyll Island Authority has a history of clean reports from the Georgia Department of Audits. 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.

15

“Jekyll Island, like t he rest of Georgia, was left to us as a “Jekyll like for theour rest of Georgia, left to us as a heritIsland, age in trust children and t heir was children’ s children. heritage inItrust for toour children their t is never be finished, butand always to bechildren’s improved. ” children.

It is never to be finished, but always to be improved. ” - Governor M. E. Thompson, 1947 - Governor M. E. Thompson, 1947

16

2022 JEKYLL ISLAND LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

Jon Burns, Chair Representative Newington, GA Blake Tillery, Vice Chair Senator Vidalia, GA Clint Dixon Senator Buford, GA Matt Hatchett Representative Dublin, GA Billy Hickman Senator Statesboro, GA Don Hogan Representative St. Simons Island, GA

17

STATE OF GEORGIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

ATLANTA 30334-0900

Greetings: The tourism industry saw a significant resurgence in 2022 and without a doubt, many of those travelers had Georgia on their minds. Jekyll Island, like many of the state’s tourism attractions, began to surpass pre-pandemic levels of visitation for the first time. Georgia experienced record numbers of tourists, and this couldn’t have come at a better time for valued state assets like Jekyll Island.

The Jekyll Island Authority’s thoughtful management of its operations, dedication of its workforce, and strong commitment to stewardship have established the island as a hallmark destination, welcoming visitors from across our great state and far beyond.

Like many Georgians, Marty, our three daughters, and I have enjoyed the relaxation and recreation Jekyll Island offers. It’s a place we’re always fond of visiting with experiences we will always remember. Our most recent trip to the island included a stop at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where we saw first-hand the commitments to conservation and preservation on our coast. It is special places like Jekyll Island that make our state attractive to both visitors and residents alike.

A

U

TH

Y

As we look throughout and beyond 2023, there has never been a better time to be a Georgian or to visit the Peach State. We’re prepared to continue meeting and surpassing pre-pandemic levels of economic activity in the No. 1 state for business. Jekyll’s emerging recognition as one of the southeast’s most treasured state parks ensures it will remain a destination for families, business travelers, and tourists from across our nation for years to come.

ORI

T

jekyllisland.com

PROGRESS REPORT 2022

Sincerely,

Governor Brian P. Kemp

1