Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
Media Release
April 18, 2020
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (April 17, 2020) – The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (AICVB) has announced the launch of “Amelia Island Tourism Gives,” a new initiative designed to provide support for the destination’s vital hospitality industry which has been devastated by the ongoing pandemic. The initiative grew from efforts to provide the most meaningful assistance possible to local employees and businesses directly impacted by the dramatic drop in travel. Through the Amelia Island Tourism Gives initiative, and with support from the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), a total of $100,000 will go to Barnabas Center of Nassau County, a highly regarded, non-profit, multi-service agency providing food, housing and utility assistance, and medical care to those in crisis.
New Initiative includes Joint $100,000 Investment for Barnabas Center
“The travel industry on Amelia Island has been deeply affected by COVID-19, with more than 2,000 hospitality employees out of work, numerous restaurants and shops closed, and hotels either closed or running with occupancy in the low single digits,” said Jack Healan, chair of the AICVB board, which approved $50,000 for Barnabas Center. “We consider this an investment in the future of our professional tourism workforce, which will play a crucial role in the recovery of our local industry.”
Gil Langley, President and CEO of the AICVB, said the Amelia Island Tourism Gives program is being funded by AICVB private sector monies accumulated since 2008, not from Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (TDC) funds. “Our frontline hospitality workers are highly valued as a key part of the Amelia Island visitor experience, but many of them work hourly positions with few benefits. This is an opportunity to provide badly needed support in their time of need,” added Langley.
Joining in the spirit of the Amelia Island Tourism Gives initiative, the Nassau County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) agreed today to match the AICVB’s investment with an additional $50,000. “Working together, the AICVB and BOCC are contributing $100,000 to help displaced hospitality workers in Nassau County, which will ultimately provide $200,000 in program funding, thanks to matching donations from the private sector,” said Mike Mullen, County Manager and County Attorney.
According to Wanda Lanier, CEO of Barnabas Center, several private donors will match the money from the AICVB and BOCC dollar for dollar, resulting in a $200,000 cash investment to help fund critical crisis assistance programs at Barnabas Center.
“This investment from Amelia Island Tourism Gives and the county will allow us to leverage a challenge donation from our donors, which means we’ll be able to better serve a larger number of hospitality workers who’ve been laid off during this crisis,” said Wanda Lanier, CEO of Barnabas Center. “It’s encouraging to see community and industry leadership coming together in a true private/public partnership to help those who are bearing the brunt of this economic downturn.”
The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce is also participating by providing initial screening services to help connect local hospitality workers with the appropriate programs at Barnabas Center. Workers in need can call the chamber at (904) 261-3248 or email [email protected].
“Early in March, as the situation evolved, we recognized the need to serve as an information source for both businesses and residents. We’re in a unique position with outreach to the entire community and the knowledge, structure and resources to help,” said Regina Duncan, President, Nassau County Chamber of Commerce.
Locally, tourism contributes more than $80 million in economic impact, supporting 24% of local jobs, making it the top private employment sector in Nassau County. It is estimated the tourism industry saves the average Nassau County household $3,400 in local and state taxes.
Amelia Island Tourism Gives will be launching additional programs and services to support local tourism workers and businesses in the near future. To learn more about Barnabas Center, visit BarnabasNassau.org.
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About the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (AICVB) was created by the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in 2008 to serve as the catalyst for tourism development on Amelia Island. A 501(c)6 corporation, the AICVB serves as the management company for the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (AITDC) and is responsible for implementing AITDC programs. Among the duties of the AICVB are the operation of the official Amelia Island Welcome Center in historic Fernandina Beach, the development and execution of the annual marketing plan, and the management of the advertising, interactive, and public relations programs. Current AICVB board members include community leaders Jack Healan (chair), David Caples, George Stewart, Tony Quattrochi, Bruce Jasinsky and Nick Deonas.