The Parks, Recreation and Tourism meeting held on February 27, 2025, in Oconee County focused on the role of Discover Upcountry in promoting local events and tourism. The discussion began with inquiries about the effectiveness of advertising for key local events such as the Apple Festival, Bigfoot Festival, and Fourth of July celebrations.

A member raised concerns regarding the visibility of Oconee County in Discover Upcountry's advertising efforts, particularly in publications like Southern Living. It was noted that while Discover Upcountry does run seasonal ads, the specific content is not directly controlled by the county. Instead, the organization aims for a broader regional appeal, which includes all six counties in the area.

The conversation highlighted the importance of digital advertising, with a focus on targeted ads that promote local festivals as they approach. However, there was a consensus that the advertising efforts often appear generic, leading to questions about the return on investment for Oconee County's contributions to Discover Upcountry.

Another point raised was that Discover Upcountry solicits grants from all six counties, not just Oconee, prompting further discussion on the value Oconee receives from its financial support. Members expressed the need for fresh ideas and perspectives, suggesting that term limits for council personnel could help facilitate this.

Additionally, a former organizer of the Quilt Trail shared positive experiences with Discover Upcountry, noting their support for smaller organizations through social media promotions and event listings. This underscored the potential benefits of collaboration, as Discover Upcountry's larger consumer database allows for broader outreach than Oconee County could achieve independently.

The meeting concluded with a call for further questions, indicating ongoing interest in the effectiveness of local tourism promotion strategies. Overall, the discussions emphasized the need for clarity on the impact of regional advertising efforts and the importance of supporting local events to enhance community engagement and tourism.