2005 Program of Work
Policy Priorities

Policy PrioritieProgram of Work

The Alliance’s Program of Work for 2007 will include:

Education

  • Quarterly meetings of the House & Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committees
  • Annual training for state & local officials on tourism
  • Annual programs for Georgia Department of Economic Development
  • Biannual programs for Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus

Advocacy

  • Advisor to the board of the Georgia Department of Economic Development
  • Advisor to the Tourism Foundation
  • Affiliate of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce
  • Local assistance on hotel tax policy
  • Weekly legislative updates January-March
  • Monthly legislative updates April-December
  • Tourism Day at the Capitol

Public Policy Development

Promoting effective Tourism Policy is central to the mission of the Alliance.  Through its tireless efforts with members of the General Assembly, the Alliance has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in this arena.  As the Alliance moves forward, broadens its coalition and strengthens ties with its Strategic Partners, the importance of developing a policy platform that is truly representative of the private sector tourism industry is paramount.

The Alliance engages in open, transparent processes to establish its position on the public policy issues facing our tourism industry.  The policy priorities are a result of input received from members, advocates, Strategic Partners, GDEcD, members of the General Assembly and others through a variety of listening sessions, on-line forums and other avenues of communications. For an issue an issue to be considered by the Alliance, it must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be relevant to the tourism industry or have a direct impact on tourism policy
  • Must have regional of statewide implications
  • Or, is deemed to be of vital importance to the Alliance or its strategic partners.  This determination will be made by the Alliance Chairman, Vice-Chairman or Public Policy Committee (PPC) Chairman

The Alliance staff will draft a short statement on the issue for consideration and post the statement, and any pertinent documentation and available research on the Alliance Issues Forum for input from members and other advocates.  While an issue is under consideration, the official Alliance position will be EVALUATING (see below for definitions). 

Using input solicited from the Issues Forum and other sources, the Alliance staff and/or designated members of the PPC will draft a proposed position statement and recommended course of action on the issue for consideration.  This information will be communicated to the Board of Directors for consideration.  Through meetings, conference calls, and/or on-line collaboration, the Board of Directors will debate the issue to develop consensus on the Alliance position and course of action.  Non-participation in the debate, by a Board Member, will be consideration a vote in support of the Board’s final decision.

If consensus cannot be achieved the Alliance Board may extend the EVALUATING status or adopt a NO POSITION status on the issue.  To reach consensus, 2/3 of the voting Board Members actively participating in the debate must agree.

Each issue adopted by the Alliance Board of Directors will be communicated to members, advocates, and other interested parties through the Alliance website and other means as determined.  The issue communication include the following:

  • The Official Alliance Position Statement (one or two paragraphs)
  • Alliance Position – SUPPORT, OPPOSE, NO POSITION, EVALUATING
  • Course of Action – ADVOCATE, STATE POSITION
  • Any relevant research, documentation, or other information as appropriate that supports the Alliance position.
  • The Alliance Board of Directors reserves the right to review, modify or change its position on any issue and/or course of action as situations merit.

DEFINITIONS: Position –

SUPPORT - The Alliance believes the legislation supporting the issue under consideration should pass.
OPPOSE - The Alliance believes the legislation supporting the issue under consideration should fail.
NO POSITION – The Alliance is neutral on the issue under consideration.
EVALUATING – The Alliance is reviewing the issue under consideration.

DEFINITIONS: Course of Action –

ADVOCATE – The Alliance is taking an active role in lobbying in support of its position on the issue under consideration.
STATE POSITION – The Alliance will state its position on its website, printed materials and when asked directly, but is not taking an active role in advocating its position.