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PAGE 2 October 2025 E-Edition
Georgia Breaks Tourism Record Governor Brian P. Kemp and the Georgia Department of Economic Development recently announced that the state broke tourism records for the third consecutive year and ranked No. 5 in the nation for overnight visitation for the fifth year in a row. “Georgia’s scenic landscapes spanning the mountains to the coast, cultural attractions, and vibrant communities make our state a top destination that leaves visitors with a reason to keep Georgia on their minds,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We’re grateful to the hardworking men and women statewide who make sure Georgia always puts its best foot forward, helping create real positive impacts in all four corners of the Peach State.” Speaking at the annual Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference, Governor Kemp shared that a record 174.2 million domestic and international visitors in calendar year 2024 spent $45.2 billion on Georgia’s hotels, restaurants, recreation, transportation, and other local businesses, surpassing the previous record set in 2023 by nearly 4%. Those tourism dollars generated $5.1 billion in state and local tax revenues, saving each Georgia household an average of $1,285 in annual taxes. Georgia’s tourism industry is the second-largest economic contributor to the state, generating $82 billion in statewide economic impact, a 3% year-over-year increase. The visitor economy supports 470,570 jobs in Georgia, accounting for one in every 15 jobs in the state. This data is sourced from an annual study conducted by Tourism Economics and commissioned by the Georgia Department of Economic Development to measure the economic impact of tourism on the state and its counties. Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, is a leader in global economic forecasting for the travel and tourism industry. Data from Alabama and other surrounding states was not provided.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has announced the indictment of Charles Nathan Nickelson, former Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers coordinator and Huntsville police officer. Nickelson, age 60, of Madison County, was indicted on one count of using his official position for personal gain. The indictment alleges that Nickelson intentionally used his position to obtain all or part of $25,525 that belonged to Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers. According to Marshall, the charge is a Class B felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison. The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division. No further information about the investigation, or Nickelson’s alleged crime, has be released from the Attorney General's office. Indictment of Former Huntsville Crime Stoppers Coordinator
The Albertville Chamber of Commerce held a Marketing and AI Growth Session on September 23, 2025. Photo by Susan Armstrong, Alabama Ledger
NCAA To Host Comedy Show
Northeast Alabama Community College is excited to present the “Ernie & Friends” comedy show, a special fundraising event to support academic and athletic scholarships for NACC students. The show will take place on Thursday, October 16, at 7 p.m. in the Tom Bevill Lyceum. This night of clean comedy will feature NACC alum Ernie Kennamer and friends Jason Hedden, Jody Fuller, and Roy Hairston.
Tickets for the event went on sale on August 29, 2025 and can be purchased at nacc.edu or by calling 256-638-4418, ext. 2248. The cost for the event is $20 for General Admission. The college has an Alumni & Friends Package for $40 that includes the show, a reception starting at 5:30 p.m., and priority seating. All proceeds from the show will benefit NACC’s academic and athletic scholarship programs.
“Mr. Kennamer is enjoying a great second career after being a K-12 coach and teacher. He performs throughout the country,” stated Dr. David Campbell, President of NACC. “He is doing this show as a fundraiser for scholarships for our college. We thank him for this, and I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of laughter!” Kennamer is also very excited about the show.
“I forward to returning to my old stomping grounds,” said Kennamer. “It was 2 of the best years of my life. I’m hoping that some of the alumni who attended with me 50 years ago can attend the reception and the show!” Kennamer is also a writer, comedian, and restaurateur. He has worked with look comedy legends like Leanne Morgan, Jim Carrey, and Howie Mandel.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
The Candie Factory held a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Monday, September 29, 2025. The business is located at 546 Board Street in Downtown Gadsden and owned by Ceandra James.
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