The Dawson County Office of Tourism Development has been formally recognized by the governor for steps taken to promote the county.

On Sept. 5, Gov. Nathan Deal presented the Dawson County office, along with the Dahlonega-Lumpkin Chamber and Visitors Bureau and the Historic Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Paul Broun Award for Marketing Initiatives in recognition of the "Mansions, Moonshine and Gold Mines" promotion that was created for group tour operators.

"We were extremely proud to be nominated and chosen to receive this award from Gov. Deal and Georgia's tourism industry," said Dawson County Office of Tourism Development President Christie Haynes. "This collaboration has increased awareness of visitor opportunities in all three communities and has shown the tremendous value that can come from working with other communities to promote tourism."

The awards ceremony was held in Augusta during the annual Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference which brings together tourism professionals from across the state for professional development and to learn about growing trends in tourism marketing and collaboration opportunities.

"Not only is the tourism industry a huge part of our department's integrated approach to economic development, but it is one of the state's strongest assets," said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Carr, who presented the award. "Our tourism professionals are vital to the success of this industry - it was an honor to present awards to these deserving individuals and tourism entities.

According to the governor's office, "the best and brightest tourism professionals, organizations and initiatives are awarded each year at the Governor's Tourism Conference."

The Paul Broun Award for Marketing Initiatives specifically recognizes the entity that demonstrates an effective and unique marketing initiative. It is given in memory of Senator Paul Broun of Athens, who was a supporter of tourism and played a role in the development and appropriations of tourism funding.

The "Mansions, Moonshine and Gold Mines" itinerary was created through a collaboration of tourism professionals from Roswell, Dawsonville and Dahlonega.

The three communities showcase the history, culture and hospitality sought by potential visitors and bus tour operators. The itinerary is flexible and allows visitors to see a wealth of attractions in three days.