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G8 News Stories For the Week of May 3, 2004

Monday, May 3, 2004  Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

 

 

Security - Governor's Emergency Management Conference: May 10-12 in Savannah

The Governor's Emergency Management Conference will be held May 10-12 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Complex.  The 2004 conference will be the largest ever coordinated by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).  Over 800 participants, representing the emergency management and public safety communities, government, the private sector, volunteer groups and the meteorology profession, have registered for the annual event.  The theme for this year's meeting is "Protecting Georgia:  The All-Hazards Way."  Whether dealing with a natural disaster or coordinating preparedness efforts for a major event like the upcoming G8 Summit, Georgia takes an "all-hazards" approach to ensure effective and consistent response. 

Contact:  Lisa Ray, Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)
404-635-7061, lray@gema.state.ga.us

 

Tourism - Send Mom to Georgia, Site of the 2004 G8 Summit, for Mother's Day

First-Class Spas in Georgia

Give your mom the royal treatment she deserves on a Mother's Day getaway with signature spa treatments at Georgia's luxurious spas.  Guests of the storied Cloister on beautiful Sea Island - site of the 2004 G8 Summit - enjoy relaxing in the presence of the awe-inspiring Atlantic and finding relief for mind, body and soul in the renowned Sea Island Spa, known world-over for its custom-designed itineraries accommodating each guest's tastes, goals and needs.  The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort & Spa is just a water taxi ride away from the southern charm of Georgia's "First City."  Find a new level of relaxation and pampering at The Greenbrier Spa at Savannah Harbor; enjoy massage, hydrotherapy, bodywraps, facials, pedicures and manicures as well as a complete fitness center offering fitness consultations and personal training sessions.  Sample award-winning vintages while being pampered at the Spa at Château Élan Winery and Resort in Braselton, where the European-style health spa meets dynamic American wellness activities. In the foothills of the scenic Appalachian Mountains, the full-service spa at Barnsley Gardens in Adairsville offers treatments ranging from facials to Vichy shower and aromatherapy.  Incorporating state-of-the-art spa facilities with the rich tradition of the Creek Indians, the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation on the banks of scenic Lake Oconee is the only spa in the world to feature décor and treatments influenced by the Creeks, the first inhabitants of the Lake Oconee area.  

Romantic Bed & Breakfasts in Georgia

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and Georgia is full of romantic getaways.  From the sultry tunes of its "First City" to the charm of its small, Southern towns, from historic ambiance to serene natural surroundings, Georgia has it all.  The Gastonian in Savannah is known the world over for its legendary hospitality and historic charm.  Also in Savannah, the Ballastone Inn, a four-story antebellum mansion built in 1838, combines old-fashioned elegance and charm with modern-day convenience.  The Greyfield Inn on Georgia's pristine Cumberland Island boasts a distinctive character, finely decorated and set apart by Carnegie family heirlooms and antiques.  Modern day casual elegance meets old world charm and grace at the 1906 Pathway Inn in Americus, the heart of pastoral Georgia.  The Claremont House Bed & Breakfast is a classic Victorian mansion offering a unique experience for your stay in Rome; nestled in the midst of large live oak and magnolia trees, the Claremont House was built in 1882 and is listed on the Historical Register as the finest example of Victorian Gothic architecture in the state of Georgia. 

Contact: Kevin Langston, Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism
(404) 651-8578, klangston@georgia.org

 

Environment - Georgia Technology Used Worldwide To Protect Endangered Sea Turtles

The platter of fresh local shrimp that many international guests will enjoy while visiting Georgia during the G8 Summit in June is as much a part of the coast as are the ancient live oaks and sandy beaches. In fact, Brunswick , Georgia was once touted as 'The Shrimp Capitol of the World.'  Local Portuguese immigrants are credited with developing the shrimp trawl back in the 1920s - a gear that revolutionized shrimp harvesting. Over 50 years later, coastal Georgia would produce another innovation that would have far reaching effects - the turtle excluder device (TED), which is required on all shrimp trawlers.  Georgia 's shrimp industry generates 6 million dollars annually- a tribute to a healthy industry that is also protecting the state's natural resources.

Contact: Nancy Butler, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
(912) 264-7218, nancy_butler@dnr.state.ga.us

 

Environment - Long-Distance Travelers Return to Colonial Coast Birding Trail

This summer when world economic leaders flock to Georgia's coast for the G8 Summit, they will be joined by many of their fellow feathered friends.  Summer months are an especially busy time for many shorebirds, as they travel thousands of miles on yearly migration routes from as far north as the tundra in Canada to destinations as far south as Argentina.  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (DNR/WRD) encourages birdwatchers to visit the Colonial Coast Birding Trail to catch a glimpse of some of these world travelers during this special time of year.

Contact: Kitty Esco, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
(478) 994-1438, kitty_esco@dnr.state.ga.us