by Kimberly Pruitt

Day Four of our adventure as the Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2008 focused on Agribusiness and Tourism. The day began at the Chamber of Commerce with a warm greeting from Chamber President Gary Powers, who reviewed the Chamber’s purpose, as well as touted the wonders and attractions that make Dahlonega and the surrounding area such a haven for visitors. Mr. Powers’ inspiring vision of how the Chamber can serve the businesses and visitors to the area even better created excitement about Dahlonega’s future. 

     The excitement continued as we visited Twinkles, a charming eatery right on the square, for coffee, hot chocolate, and scones. Afterward, we joined local author and historian, Anne Amerson for a guided walking tour of the town square. Through her entertaining narrative, we met many of the fascinating characters that have helped to make Dahlonega the charming place that it is. We met bank robbers, movie theater directors, doctors, grocers, car dealers, postmasters, hoteliers, bankers, and gold miners–all gone but, thanks to Ms. Amerson, not forgotten. Our tour also took us to Price Memorial Hall at North Georgia College & State University, previously as a U.S. Mint prior to the Civil War, then an Agricultural College (one of the first colleges in the U.S. to allow women in attendance), and now the administrative building for the university. Our tour of Dahlonega concluded at the Smith House Restaurant. While there, we perused a gold mine and many artifacts that are such an integral part of our mining heritage. Ms. Amerson joined us for a magnificent traditional southern meal and then graciously signed copies of her book Dahlonega: A Brief History, so that we might always remember the characters and history of our town. 

     The second half or our day took us to Wolf Mountain Vineyards, where we were awed by majestic mountain views while learning about the role agriculture plays in our tourism industry. Owners Karl and Brannon Boegner explained to us the process of wine making in our climate, the history of the winery’s beginnings, and its expansion to hosting weddings and other events. The Boegners also noted that the local wineries have formed a symbiotic relationship in order to bring even more visitors to Georgia’s Wine Country.     

     Next, Dr. Kent Wolfe and Lindsey Hammock of the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development educated our class on the enormous economic impact of agriculture in our state: over $100 million in our economy, over $37 million in wages, nearly $5 million in state taxes, and nearly $3 million in local taxes. A growing and vital piece of Georgia’s economy, agribusiness allows farmers to diversify their income while educating consumers and providing family recreation opportunities. 

     Lumpkin County Extension Agent Greg Sheppard concluded our day by narrowing the focus to the agricultural perspective of Lumpkin County. Mr. Sheppard touched on the strong agricultural history of Lumpkin County, spotlighting its importance up to the present day. Over 250 farms in Lumpkin County, ranging from poultry, ornamentals, livestock, forestry, row (animal feed) crops, fruits, agricultural tourism, vegetables and others, nourish our local economy. In 2006, the gross farm income for Lumpkin County was over $41 million. It is estimated that for every agricultural dollar spent, seven dollars are generated. Mr. Sheppard reminded us that one of the main reasons we are able to enjoy open green spaces and pastoral views in Lumpkin County is the stewardship of the land practiced by the county’s farmers.

     All in all, it was a very busy day that gave the LLC Class of 2008 much to think about and appreciate. We came away from this day better understanding the groundwork of our local economy, both its diversity and its uniqueness. 

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