P RO G R E SS R E PO RT
that a destination so untouched has so much to offer. From its pristine beaches and historic ruins to its invigorating climate and fascinating wildlife, Jekyll Island is a unique blend of harmony, intrigue, tranquility, and excitement. The Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) is proud to protect and promote this beautiful island. We take great pleasure in helping visitors enjoy all of Jekyll Island’s attractions while gaining a deeper appreciation for its history and ecology. Our 2017 Progress Report gives a comprehensive overview of how we are fulfilling this mission every day. Jekyll Island Authority January 31, 2018
GREETINGS: It’s impossible to look at the flawless beauty of Jekyll Island and not beam with pride and marvel at what is happening here. As frequent visitors, my wife and I never fail to be amazed by how much Jekyll Island offers. For generations, it has been a choice destination where explorers of all ages can discover something special. That’s never been more true than it was in 2017. Tourism is a $61 billion industry for Georgia, employing more than 450,000 Georgians, and the Georgia coast is a huge part of that success. In this regard, we have invested in extensive revitalization and public-private partnerships to make the most of this opportunity on Jekyll. Jekyll investment involves not only meeting the needs of our growing number of visitors, but also protecting the natural assets that make Jekyll Island special. Being the #1 state in the nation for business five years in a row has brought us international attention and acclaim. I relish the opportunity to share this good news with various groups when I speak at conferences and meetings at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. The breathtaking beauty and invigorating atmosphere of Jekyll Island are perfect complements to our state’s business-friendly environment. Together, they make one powerful combination. It’s incredible how much this barrier island continues to strengthen an entire state and its economy year after year. As Governor, it has been my pleasure to support Jekyll Island’s revitalization. I am proud of the investments this administration has made. As my term comes to a close, I look forward to watching this special place continue to be a source of pride and enjoyment for the people of Georgia.
Sincerely,
Nathan Deal
OF JEKYLL ISLAND Mike Hodges Chairman, Jekyll Island Authority Board of Directors I can’t think of a time when I was prouder of Jekyll Island than I am right now. In the midst of continued revitalization, we faced the immense strength of Hurricane Irma, which was more destructive than Hurricane Matthew. With the help of Governor Deal, multiple state and federal agencies, and the entire Jekyll Island team, we were more than up to the challenge. It is that dedication, determination, and commitment to preserving Jekyll Island that moves us forward. Irma was strong, but we were stronger! Despite weather setbacks, we are witnessing the impressive results of investments in the revitalization of Jekyll Island. More visitors mean more robust budgets, which lead to significant investment in conservation and historical preservation as well as improvements to Jekyll’s amenities. It’s an exciting time for Jekyll Island. I am grateful to be involved and look forward with great anticipation to all 2018 has in store.
JEK Y L L I S L AND AUTH ORITY B OARD OF DIRECTORS
WE LCO M E
Joy Burch-Meeks Michael “Mike” Hodges Robert “Bob” W. Krueger William “Bill” H. Gross Mark Williams Screven, GA Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary/Treasurer Commissioner, Georgia St. Simons Island, GA Hawkinsville, GA Kingsland, GA Department of Natural Resources Atlanta, GA
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Jones Hooks Executive Director, Jekyll Island Authority If my smile seems a little bigger than usual, it’s because I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish this past year. In spite of yet another hurricane, Jekyll Island’s popularity and revenues continue to grow, and our budget of $15M of a decade ago grew to more than $28M this year. With that success, opportunities to enhance and responsibilities to protect this unique destination grow as well. Our 300+ employees understand their special role as guardians of Jekyll Island. From Summer Waves to landscaping, all departments are uniquely committed to this island. We want guests – whether they’ve been here once or many times – to discover something new and exciting every time they visit. In 2017, the Jekyll Island Authority made significant progress in adding new restaurants, amenities, and lodging options to keep visitors coming back for years to come. And when you look at the results, I believe you will agree, we’re obviously doing something right!
Hugh “Trip” Tollison Savannah, GA
Joe Wilkinson St. Simons Island, GA
Dr. L.C. “Buster” Evans Bolingbroke, GA
W E LCO M E
A.W. “Bill” Jones III Sea Island, GA
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THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF JEKYLL ISLAND ON GLYNN COUNTY
SOURCE: Selig Center for Economic Growth • Terry College of Business • The University of Georgia • November 6, 2017
WE LCO M E
REVITALIZATION FUNDING TO DATE
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ISLAND VISITATION
IN VISITORS IN LAST FIVE YEARS
2017
REVENUE SOURCES
AMENITIES COMMERCIAL LEASES PARKING UTILITIES HOTEL TAX RESIDENTIAL LEASES EVENTS OTHER
HURRICANE IRMA
WHAT’S NEW? PLENTY. EXPLORERS:
OF SUSTAINED TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS
CAMP JEKYLL HAS HOSTED 11,160 TOTAL STUDENTS SINCE OPENING IN FEBRUARY 2017
RESTAURANTS:
If all the dunes lost were to be restored, 17,200 dump trucks of beach-quality sand would be needed.
CORSAIR THE WHARF ZACHRY’S RIVERHOUSE THE POOL HOUSE JEKYLL ISLAND SEAFOOD COMPANY
HOTELS: JEKYLL OCEAN CLUB OPENED JULY 2017
HOME2 SUITES GROUND BREAKING DECEMBER 2017
BEACHVIEW CLUB HOTEL & QUALITY INN TRANSFORMATIONS IN PROGRESS
RESIDENTIAL:
THE COTTAGES AT JEKYLL ISLAND 122 TOTAL COTTAGES 93% SOLD
OCEAN OAKS AT JEKYLL ISLAND 40 TOTAL HOMES 70% SOLD WE LCO M E
SHRIMP & GRITS FESTIVAL
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CO N VE NT IO N CE NT E R
The Jekyll Island Convention Center celebrated its fifth year of operation in 2017 and continues to experience impressive growth. With its unique combination of aesthetic appeal, generous and modern meeting space, and gorgeous scenery, the Center attracts a variety of groups. And our attentive on-site staff ensures that no detail is overlooked, and every need is met.
This year, the Convention Center hosted 144,851 convention attendees.
In 2017, notable and influential groups new to Jekyll Island included the National Conference of Attorneys General, the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, the Georgia Department of Community Health, and State Bar of Georgia. Due to Hurricane Irma, the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, initially scheduled for September, was cancelled. Rescheduled just a month later, the Governor's conference went off without a hitch and served as a testament to our team’s perseverance and determination. The Jekyll Island Convention Center continues to bring Georgia groups back home, and is also a major draw for many out-ofstate groups.
x 3,000
This past year, we added more than 400 new active groups to our system, including groups from neighboring states. Our ongoing attendance at shows promoting Jekyll Island in the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Florida continues to attract new groups and corporate business to the Georgia coast.
That resulted in more than 55,000 hotel room nights, a 40 percent increase over 2016.
Convention Center Revenue
193
151 163
221
158 136
131 100
Old Convention Center Bookings New Convention Center Bookings Revenue
x 1,000
CO N VE NT IO N CE NT E R
REVENUE
242
215
203
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WHAT A WILD YEAR Nature and wildlife are hallmarks of Jekyll Island. Their value and importance cannot be overstated. As we look back on 2017, we do so with a tremendous sense of accomplishment. This past year marks a major milestone for the Jekyll Island Authority Conservation Department. Over the past five years, we have experienced considerable growth. With the increased budget, we are now fully staffed, which allows us to expand our conservation efforts. We have also added a Wildlife Manager to focus on predatory animals and their effect on our ecosystem. One of our latest undertakings goes well beyond what you might consider “standard” responsibilities. We have been tasked by leadership to manage the coordination of a largescale revetment project to ensure it is completed with the utmost care to protect our environment. The conservation team is currently working with multiple agencies on the rehabilitation of the existing rock revetment and restoration of the armament on Jekyll's north end.
CO N S E RVAT I O N
The hard work of our team is paying off. You can see it everywhere you look on our beautiful island. In 2018, we look to set the bar even higher. We’ll tackle the first update to our conservation plan since 2011, and we’ll bolster the sustainability of Jekyll Island by adding electric car charging stations, reducing waste, and enhancing renewable energy. We’re excited about everything that’s on the horizon, and we look forward to sharing more with you in the future.
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CO NS E RVAT I O N
There’s always something happening on Jekyll Island, and our guests love it. Despite temporary setbacks from Hurricane Irma, 2017 was an eventful year on Jekyll Island. Everyone from avid runners and golfers to seafood lovers and classic car enthusiasts flocked to the area to experience all that this beautiful barrier island has to offer. The popular Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife event was a good time for a good cause, raising more than $20,000 for the Jekyll Island Foundation. Although we had to cancel our 12th annual Shrimp & Grits Festival due to the devastating effects of Irma, our resourceful and determined team created Merry Shrimpmas. This one-time hybrid event offered visitors everything they love about our Shrimp & Grits Festival with a unique holiday twist and helped to offset losses incurred from the cancellation.
MERRY SHRIMPMAS
A ONE-TIME MASH-UP OF OUR SHRIMP & GRITS AND TREE LIGHTING FESTIVALS
OVER
NEARLY
27,000 $62K
IN BEVERAGE AND MERCHANDISE REVENUE
A RECORD-BREAKING
1,019 RACERS
RAISED
2017 TURTLE CRAWL
$26K
FOR THE GEORGIA SEA TURTLE CENTER
E VE N T S
2017 EVENTS
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MOVIES ON THE GREEN • WHISKEY, WINE & WILDLIFE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE & FIREWORKS GEORGIA-FLORIDA GOLF CLASSIC • HOLLY JOLLY JEKYLL PARADE UNDER THE OAKS HALF MARATHON • GOBLINS ON THE GREEN EASTER EGG STROLL
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E VE N T S
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FAC I L I T I E S
It has been a busy year for the Facilities and Public Services Department. Our most notable accomplishment was the completion of Shark’s Tooth Cove, the new 8,800 square-foot water attraction at Summer Waves. The timing was perfect, opening on Summer Waves’ 30th birthday. With the addition of this $947,000 attraction and the hard work of multiple teams, Summer Waves eclipsed $2 million in revenue for the third year in a row and attracted more than 5,000 guests year over year. Other points of pride include the Vehicle Maintenance Department’s “Tier 1” fleet maintenance rating by the State Office of Fleet Management, one of 14 out of 200+ entities in Georgia to earn that distinction. We also added three key pieces of construction equipment - a mini excavator, a skid steer loader, and an articulating boom personnel lift - to meet the growing needs on the island.
BIGGER, BETTER & MORE EFFICIENT
THROUGH EQUIPMENT PURCHASES
FAC I L I T I E S
1.877 BILLION 13
In 2017, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) celebrated 10 years of sea turtle and other wildlife rehabilitation, research, and education. The GSTC continues to be the strongest ally sea turtles and other threatened species have along the Georgia Coast. With all of the adversity they face, it is our mission to give these natural treasures a fighting chance. The importance of education cannot be overstated. However, we know that education is most successful when it is engaging, and our newest exhibit is the perfect example of that. Through the generous support of the Jekyll Island Foundation, we installed a Discovery Station in the GSTC education gallery. This interactive display gives visitors a hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation through the use of museum-grade microscopes and larger-than-life models of specimens. It’s a fun experience for visitors, but it is also eye-opening. Once caring for wildlife becomes more personal, it becomes more important. And given our record-breaking visitation numbers, the continual additions and enhancements of the GSTC are big hits with the public.
274 TREATED 60 SEA TURTLES 109 NON-SEA TURTLES 105 BIRDS
160
D IAMOND BAC K TERRAPIN EGGS
INCUBATED
G EO RG I A S E A T U RT L E C E NT E R
Our Diamondback Terrapin Causeway Conservation Program is also in its 10th year. By collaborating with the University of Georgia and other institutions, we are making significant progress in reducing road mortality and understanding the ecology of this species.
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Our expertise is being recognized well beyond Jekyll Island. Dr. Terry Norton was co-editor and author of 10 chapters in a new book entitled, Sea Turtle Health and Rehabilitation. Additionally, he was the primary author of five other book chapters and published several peer-reviewed manuscripts. When Dr. Norton wasn’t writing, he was organizing and assisting in several workshops in Marathon Key, Florida, Las Vegas, Costa Rica, St. Kitts, and Chile.
90
HATCHLINGS
RELEASED
BACK INTO THE WILD
25,000+
PEOPLE EDUCATED THROUGH FIELD TRIPS, OUTREACH & OTHER PROGRAMS
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1,300
IN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
AS PART OF THE MARINE DEBRIS PROGRAM
AMERICORPS MEMBERS
HOURS OF SERVICE
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GEO RG I A S E A T U RT L E C E NT E R
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HI S TO RY
The goal of our historic resources team is to preserve history and make it as accessible, enjoyable, and educational as possible. We want visitors to be inspired and intrigued by the past, leaving them with a new perspective and deeper understanding of how Jekyll Island became the incredible destination it is today. As you might expect, the ongoing upkeep and improvements needed to showcase our historical treasures require a substantial investment of time and resources. In 2017, we obtained $1.6 million in state funds for life safety and accessibility improvements throughout the National Historic Landmark District and other historical resources. Over the next five years, we will be installing additional walkways, ramps, lifts, restrooms, elevators, and numerous safety improvements. We also began muchneeded structural repairs on Hollybourne Cottage as well as restoration of Furness Cottage. However, our efforts are about more than preserving the past. We also want to create new attractions to help visitors engage with history. With this in mind, we began the redesign of the Jekyll Island Museum to develop a completely re-imagined experience. The transformation will become The MOSAIC. The Island. The People. The Legacy.
PRESERVING OUR PAST FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS OUR EFFORTS ARE PAYING OFF
EXCELLENCE IN REHABILITATION: HISTORIC BEACH PAVILION AT CAMP JEKYLL
YEAR OVER YEAR FROM WEDDING & PRIVATE EVENTS IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
TO FAITH CHAPEL SINCE 2016
HI S TO RY
GEORGIA TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
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R E TA I L
Despite Hurricane Irma and the cancellation of our Shrimp & Grits Festival, 2017 was an outstanding year for our retail team. In fact, four of the eight locations posted their highest volume year ever. That’s great news for more reasons than you might think. First, it helps us fulfill our mission to be self-sustaining and provides necessary resources to maintain and enhance our shops. Our retail shops also benefit our mission-based amenities. For example, the profits from products sold at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s gift shop go directly to support the life-saving work of the GSTC. 2018 should be even better, especially with plans to expand our ResortSuite e-commerce to include reservations and season passes for Summer Waves. We’re looking forward to an exciting year full of guests and shoppers – and no hurricanes! NEARLY
GSTC GIFT SHOP GOLF PRO SHOP LIFE IS GOOD MINI GOLF
RE TA I L
NEARLY
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F I NA NC IA L S
FINANCIAL RESULTS FISCAL YEAR 2017*
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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 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.
F I NA NCI A L S
* 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.
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J E K YL L I S LA ND FO U NDAT I O N
The Jekyll Island Foundation (JIF) was created in 1999 to raise money for projects beyond the Jekyll Island Authority’s (JIA) financial capabilities. These projects allow individuals an opportunity to be more directly involved in conservation, preservation, and education efforts surrounding Jekyll Island’s natural and historic resources. The Jekyll Island Foundation serves as the official fundraising entity of Jekyll Island State Park and the JIA. 2017 was a time of invigorating and impressive growth for the Foundation. JIF launched a new brand identity, website, member program, and newsletter to further engage current donors and prospective members, and share information about initiatives and opportunities to get involved. With member options starting as low as $35, the ability for people to jump in and support the island they love has never been easier. It’s an exciting time to be part of the Jekyll Island Foundation, and we look forward to even more success in 2018. JIF is managed by an independent board of up to 25 individuals representing diverse interests and communities from across the state of Georgia and beyond. Financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are audited by Hancock Askew & Co., LLP. To view audited financial statements, visit jekyllislandfoundation.org.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Barbara Mayo “Boog” Candler Chairman Hank Linginfelter Immediate Past Chair Ken Wright Vice Chair Kenneth R. Farrell Secretary Russell C. Jacobs, III Treasurer Arty Allen Brian D. Anderson, Sr. Nancy Blackstone-Spiegel Hurley S. “Trey” Cook, III Norman Haft Thomas Lines Hollis Linginfelter Emory Mulling Eugene “Gene” M. Rackley, IV Daniel D. Ross Gary Wadsten Martha Zoller Michael Hodges C. Jones Hooks Dion Davis
SUSTAINING PARTNERS The AdFish Group
RAISED FOR JEKYLL ISLAND MUSEUM TRANSFORMATION THROUGH MOSAIC CAMPAIGN
Emerald Princess Casino Global Concessions Jekyll Island Authority Jekyll Island Club Resort Ocean Oaks at Jekyll Island T2H Advertising The Westin Jekyll Island Young International Beverages
J E KY L L I S L A ND FO U NDAT I O N
Carolina Holdings Group
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We are the keepers of Jekyll Island’s stories, protectors of its treasures, the teachers, the guides, the hosts, and the diplomats. We are deeply devoted to this land. We honor its traditions, families, and roots, while welcoming newcomers to share in a new Southern state of mind. We are privileged guardians of our island’s surroundings, advocates for its future, proud stewards of the delicate balance that is everything Jekyll. — Jekyll Island Authority
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