forsyth county tourism development authority

FOCO’s Future

Economic development strategic plan, project overview.

The Forsyth Development Authority and the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce launched an economic development strategic planning process to guide the county’s growth over the next five years and beyond. TIP Strategies, an economic development strategic planning firm based in Austin, TX, and Seattle, WA, was engaged to guide the project.

The resulting plan provided specific recommendations to promote economic growth in the county. The plan focused on directing economic development efforts and resources toward a clearly defined vision; increasing industrial and commercial investment, thus balancing the county’s tax base; leveraging competitive advantages to fuel economic growth; and changing the “bedroom community” perception among target industry decision-makers. The consulting team recommended strategies based on its understanding of best practices from around the nation. The plan was supported by an implementation matrix that outlines the actions, priorities, and timeframes needed to execute the recommendations effectively.

For more information about the project, please contact:

James McCoy President/CEO Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce (770) 887-6461, ext. 111 [email protected]

Project Participants

Key stakeholders involved in the project include the following.

Economic Development Stakeholder Group

Jeff Bearden, Forsyth County Schools
Ruben Boling, University of North Georgia
Tom Brown, Forsyth County Government
Larry Duckworth, Forsyth Development Authority
Jeff Butterworth, Georgia Power
Kevin Tanner, Forsyth County Government
Chairman Alfred John, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners
Laura Semanson, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners
James McCoy, Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce
Derek Brooks, Brandywine Printing
Kristin Morrissey, Board of Education
Wes McCall, Board of Education
Carter Patterson, Forte Data Systems
David Seago, Forsyth Development Authority
Joanne Tolleson, Lanier Technical College/Forsyth Development Authority

TIP Strategies

Jon Roberts, Project Lead
Ashton Allison, Project Manager
John Karras, Project Support

forsyth county tourism development authority

We are fully committed to your success! Your success goes hand-in-hand with that of the county. Together we can increase investment and jobs for our high-quality workforce, as well as strengthening and diversifying our county's tax base to maintain the finest quality of life for all of our residents, including you and your team! Our Mission: Our fundamental role is to “Promote and further the development of trade, commerce, industry and employment opportunities”* in Forsyth County. We are committed to providing a full range of economic development services to help you bring your company to Georgia’s preeminent county for business. Our work doesn’t stop there, as we are prepared to help existing businesses grow and expand when they are ready. *Excerpted from the General Statute, Georgia Development Authorities Law Article IX, Section VI, Paragraph III of the Georgia Constitution Board Members: Joanne Tolleson Chair Bobby Thomas Vice Chairman Joe Stein Secretary/Treasurer [email protected] Larry Duckworth Asst. Secretary/Treasurer Justin Hawkins Grant Schmeelk Clayton Rhoads Staff: Emory Lipscomb Development Authority Counsel Sean Courtney Development Authority Counsel Angie Mullinax Development Authority Clerk Links for Our Forsyth County Development Partners: Forward Forsyth Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Forsyth County Economic Development Division Links to Key Documents: Georgia State Senate Bill 120, Development Authorities Law Forsyth County Resolution October 27, 1975 to Create Development Authority of Forsyth County By Laws of the Development Authority of Forsyth County Past Meeting Minutes

Forsyth Convention & Visitors Bureau

About the forsyth cvb.

Economic Impact

Tourism has been good for the City of Forsyth and Monroe County. Tourism creates jobs, both through direct employment and indirectly in sectors such as retail and transportation. When these people spend their wages on goods and services, it leads to what is known as the “multiplier effect,” creating more jobs.

The tourism industry also provides opportunities for small businesses, which is especially important in rural communities, and generates extra tax revenues, such as hotel taxes, which are used for schools, housing and hospitals.

The City of Forsyth collected hotel-motel taxes from 12 hotels and one KOA Campground. 60% of the hotel-motel tax goes to the City and the remaining 40% to the recently (2015) formed the Convention & Visitors Bureau.

According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development and US Travel Association, in 2016, (read the full report ) in 2017, ( read the full report ) , in 2018, ( read the full report ), in 2019, (read the full report ), in 2020, (read the full report), in 2021, (read the full report ), and in 2022, (read the full report ) the City of Forsyth and Monroe County’s domestic tourism industry:

Supported 768 jobs and $15.54 million in payroll

Generated $990,000 in local tax revenues

Generated $37.7 million in direct travel spending

Provided $300 in tax relief per household

Created $1.7 million in state tax revenues

Mission Statement

To serve as City of Forsyth’s official Destination Marketing Organization in the region, to work with partners throughout the city to increase economic growth, foster tourism product development, and to provide exceptional service to our visitors and community.

Vision Statement

The City of Forsyth Convention and Visitors Bureau will stimulate economic prosperity and development through the effective management of resources:

1. As a marketing and sales outreach organization for the City of Forsyth area;

2.By creating and maintain productive private and public partnerships;

3. By promoting the area’s facilities, attractions, and events to regional, national, and international visitors;

4. By being the primary point of contact to visitors through the Welcome Center; and

5. Foster the development of tourism product.

CVBA adopted April 24, 2018

Meetings & Events

In addition to promoting tourism in Forsyth and the surrounding areas, the Forsyth CVB helps businesses, organizations, tourist groups, and others plan successful, memorable, and well-attended gatherings. We can help you plan your next meeting or event by providing:

Activities and tours
Promotional items like bags, notepads, and pens
Publicity assistance and media kits, including assistance writing press releases and advertising
Transportation arrangements
Venue information
Visitor information such as guides, maps, brochures, and more
Welcome letters from local dignitaries
Contact information for catering, entertainment, and speakers

Download our digital Visitors Guide to see all that the City of Forsyth has to offer.

Our comprehensive Resource Guide will assist in planning your meeting or event.

CVB Authority Members & Staff

Authority members.

Helen Walker, Chair

Brandie Starr, Vice – Chair

Navid Kapadia, Secretary / Treasurer

Paige Bryson

Alondra Ochoa

Sunny Patel

Tushar Patel

Bobby Melton, Attorney

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Please contact the Executive Director.

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