HR411: HR411 Visit Macon; outstanding contributions to increasing tourism in Macon-Bibb County, fostering the film and music industries, and making tourism a vital component of the local economy; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Visit Macon, the tourism promotion organization for Macon-Bibb County. The resolution recounts the group's marketing efforts, national media recognition (including mentions in The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and The Wall Street Journal), and its work attracting film productions and celebrating the region's music heritage. The resolution does not create any new law, funding, or requirement. It formally commends Visit Macon and its President and CEO, Gary Wheat, and its staff, for their work increasing tourism revenue, supporting jobs and local businesses, and helping fund public services. It directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to Visit Macon and its partners.

• Formally commends Visit Macon for its role in increasing tourism in Macon-Bibb County.
• Recognizes Visit Macon's partnership with the Macon Film Commission for attracting film and television productions.
• Recognizes President and CEO Gary Wheat and Visit Macon staff by name for their work.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to Visit Macon and its partners.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a statement of praise from the House.

The resolution directly names Visit Macon, its President and CEO Gary Wheat, and its staff. It also touches Macon-Bibb County residents and businesses whose economic well-being is tied to tourism, film production, and the music industry.

The resolution has no legal effect and changes nothing about taxes, funding, or regulation. Its main practical effect is a formal, public statement from the Georgia House recognizing Visit Macon's work, which the organization can use for recognition purposes.

• The whereas clauses describe Visit Macon's marketing campaigns and national media recognition, including features in The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and The Wall Street Journal.
• The first resolving clause commends Visit Macon for increasing tourism and supporting the film and music industries.
• The second resolving clause specifically recognizes Gary Wheat and Visit Macon staff by name.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to Visit Macon and its partners.

1. 2025-02-26House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-26House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-26House Hopper (House)

• Tangie Herring (D, HD-145)Primary sponsor
• Anissa Jones (D, HD-143)
• Floyd Griffin (D, HD-149)
• Miriam Paris (D, HD-142)
• Dale Washburn (R, HD-144)

• tourism
• Macon-Bibb County
• film industry
• music heritage
• economic development