Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and C&VB Welcomes New Tourism Director

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. July 22, 2011

Dahlonega, GA - July 21, 2011 - The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is proud to announce the appointment of Jay Markwalter as the Chamber's new Tourism Director. Markwalter comes to Dahlonega with an extensive background in the travel and tourism industry.

“Tourism has a tremendous economic impact on our city and county, and we are excited about the knowledge and experience that Jay Markwalter will bring to this organization as the new Tourism Director, as well as his enthusiasm and creative ideas,” said Amy Booker, President of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce. “We feel confident that our city, county and business community, including our many tourism-related businesses, will be pleased with our selection. We look forward to welcoming Jay to our team and his family to this community.”

As the Chamber's new Tourism Director, Markwalter will be in charge of handling the marketing aspects of the Chamber and CVB. He will assist with planning and executing special events and holiday gatherings, while at the same time raising awareness about Dahlonega as a great tourism destination.

“I am excited to join the outstanding team at the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and CVB promoting our state's great Northeast Georgia Mountain region,” says Markwalter. “I am looking forward to destination marketing and the development of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County's great tourism assets. The downtown retail district, area lodging options, variety of recreational activities, and wineries are unmatched in Georgia and beyond.”

Prior to accepting this role with the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce, Markwalter served as the Executive Director of the Lawrenceville Tourism & Trade Association. There he created partnerships with local and state organizations and businesses to promote both short- and long-term visitor activity while creating a positive economic development impact within the city of Lawrenceville. He also managed all marketing efforts, assisted in the overall creation of a downtown revitalization program, and served as the liaison for Lawrenceville's tourism-based economic development program.

Markwalter has received the “Travel & Tourism Marketing Professional” certification from the Southeast Tourism Society (STS). He has also been trained in Main Street and Downtown Development Authorities through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. In the industry, Markwalter is a member of STS, Georgia Association of CVBs, and Atlanta Metro Travel Assoc. He also serves as a board member on the Georgia Downtown Association.

Markwalter is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a BBA degree in Marketing from the Terry College of Business. He will relocate to Dahlonega, from Athens, with his wife, Sumner, and son, Joe.

About Dahlonega, GA:

Located about 70 miles north of Atlanta, Dahlonega is Georgia's “Golden City” and the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. Known for being the site of the first major U.S. gold rush, the historic downtown district is now home to The Gold Museum, gold mines, and gold panning facilities. Dahlonega has evolved into a center for the performing and visual arts in the North Georgia Mountains and hosts a number of artistic and cultural festivals each year. Many wineries have taken notice of Dahlonega's prime growing conditions and have made the area their home. The rich, fertile hillsides and the favorable mountainous elevations make the area the perfect place to grow and ripen a wide variety of European, French hybrid, and American winegrapes. Recreational activities are available year round and include miles of hiking trails and the Southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, camping, golf, horseback riding, cycling, trout fishing, and more than 30 waterfalls to explore. Quaint shops around the Square attract some of the region's top artists and are filled with regional art, antiques, unique jewelry and collectibles. Delightful bed and breakfasts, country inns, mountain cabins and resorts offer a plethora of accommodation choices for every budget.

For additional media information, please contact:

Jewel Hazelton
Pineapple Public Relations
(404) 237-3761
[email protected]

Inga Marone
Pineapple Public Relations
(404) 237-3761
[email protected]