Hartwell played host to a three-county Regional Tourism Roundtable event, a collaborative effort between Franklin, Hart and Stephens counties, with planning and facilitation help from the Archway Partnership. The event featured speakers with expertise in three key areas: Ecotourism, Agritourism, and Film and the Arts.

Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Pat Wilson, Executive Director of Georgia Council for the Arts Karen Paty, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Lee Thomas, GDEcD Tourism division manager Tracie Sanchez and Georgia Conservancy President Bart Gobeil all spoke about the economic impact in their different areas and the potential for the northeast Georgia region to expand these industries.

The event also featured breakout discussions where leaders and stakeholders from all three communities brainstormed on the assets that exist in the region and how they could take better advantage of these resources.

There will be a second meeting October 22 in Toccoa. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!