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On June 1, 2007, the Jekyll Island Authority sent out a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a private revitalization partner for Jekyll Island. Linger Longer Communities responded to the RFP and was honored to be selected as the Authority’s partner to implement a dynamic and successful revitalization plan that includes the preservation of the island’s unique natural and cultural resources.

It is our goal to ensure that Jekyll Island remains – and becomes even more of – a destination for all Georgians, whether they are vacationing for a week, relaxing for a day, camping or attending a conference. We look forward to working with the Authority and the people of Georgia as we progress toward this goal.

We are very happy that we can now talk openly about our ideas and our plan for Jekyll. During the selection process, we were forbidden by state law to discuss our plan with the media or the public. The law is intended to avoid any potential “prejudice to the process.” So we endured some frustration as we worked to develop a creative plan without input from the public. And we watched – with dismay – as news stories and public speculation fed fears of condo towers on the beach, ultra-luxury hotels and gated communities.

When our plan was finally revealed, many were relieved to find cottages, affordable hotel rooms, “green” building standards that far exceeded what was requested in the RFP and open access to all of Jekyll for everybody. After reviewing our plan and credentials, the board unanimously selected us as the revitalization partner.

Since our selection as partner, we have received a steady stream of emails from people throughout Georgia and beyond. We value the support and constructive input and look forward to more as we proceed. In addition, there have been comments and media stories regarding the selection process. Below are some facts related to questions raised:

A Plan and a Partner

We were selected to partner with the Authority, not merely to implement a plan. We believe our plan represents a wonderful opportunity for Georgians while respecting this beautiful natural resource. We understand that the plan will be modified with input from the public and the Authority. We welcome this input and are excited that this next step in the process has begun.

In addition to our proposal, the Authority also cited our financial strength, our deep and relevant experience and our strong team as other key reasons for our selection as the revitalization partner. We have a strong obligation, and an equally strong commitment, to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. For example, our recommendation to utilize State of Georgia bonding capacity for public improvements (a new convention center, road realignments, etc.) will lower costs for visitors at no risk to taxpayers.

As a partner going forward, the State will receive a significant financial return that will fund these improvements and many others that Jekyll has needed for so long. This return will also pay for conservation work, educational programs and whatever else the Authority and the people of Georgia decide are important for the island and its visitors.

The Selection Process

For a government entity, selecting a strategic partner is a complex process, but one that is ultimately transparent through public records and open meeting laws. We followed this process to the letter of – and in the full spirit of – the law. We asked the Authority if we could provide some creative ideas and they gave us permission to do so, allowing us to offer suggestions for the short- and long-term stewardship and enjoyment of Jekyll Island. We are proud to be selected as the revitalization partner. We look forward to working with the Authority and gaining input from them and the public as we seek to refine and improve our ideas.

Moving Forward

As this process moves forward, we anticipate the natural give-and-take that will occur as we partner with the Authority and the people of Georgia to revitalize “Georgia’s Jewel.” We ask that you continue to visit our Web site at www.rediscoverjekyll.com and give us your feedback as we move forward together.

Sincerely, Jim Langford Project Executive Linger Longer Communities