Georgia CommonsHouse · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
HR 411: 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
Last action February 26, 2025 · House Read and Adopted
A Georgia House resolution commends Visit Macon for boosting tourism, film production, and the music industry in Macon-Bibb County, and recognizes its leadership.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This is a commendation resolution passed by the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Visit Macon, the tourism promotion organization for Macon-Bibb County. It does not change any Georgia law; instead it formally praises the organization for its marketing campaigns, partnerships with the Macon Film Commission, and efforts to promote the region's music heritage and historic attractions. The resolution cites national recognition Macon has received, including mentions by The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and The Wall Street Journal, and credits Visit Macon with generating millions of dollars in tourism revenue and film production economic impact. It also names President and CEO Gary Wheat and the Visit Macon staff for recognition. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to Visit Macon and its partners.
What the bill does
- Formally commends Visit Macon for its work increasing tourism, promoting film and music industries, and strengthening the Macon-Bibb County economy.
- Recognizes President and CEO Gary Wheat and the Visit Macon staff by name for their efforts.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to Visit Macon and its partners.
- Creates no new legal requirements, funding, or penalties, as a commendation resolution has no regulatory effect.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names and honors Visit Macon, its President and CEO Gary Wheat, and its staff. It also touches Macon-Bibb County residents and businesses referenced in the text as beneficiaries of tourism revenue, and the Macon Film Commission mentioned as a partner organization.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal or financial effect but serves as an official statement from the Georgia House recognizing Visit Macon's role in the local economy, publicizing its record on tourism, film production, and cultural promotion in Macon-Bibb County.
Key provisions
- The resolution's whereas clauses describe Visit Macon's marketing efforts, national media recognition, and economic contributions from tourism and film production.
- The first resolving clause commends Visit Macon for its dedication to tourism, film and music industries, and the local economy.
- The second resolving clause specifically recognizes President and CEO Gary Wheat and Visit Macon staff.
- The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to Visit Macon and its partners.
From the bill
“Visit Macon has actively collaborated with the Macon Film Commission to attract film and television productions to the area, resulting in four to five major productions annually, which generate approximately $4-5 million in economic impact each year”
“the members of this body commend Visit Macon for its unwavering dedication to increasing tourism, supporting the film and music industries, and strengthening the local economy”
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Tangie Herring (D, HD-145)
- Anissa Jones (D, HD-143)
- Floyd Griffin (D, HD-149)
- Miriam Paris (D, HD-142)
- Dale Washburn (R, HD-144)
Topics
- tourism
- Macon-Bibb County
- film industry
- economic development
- music heritage