CLAYTON, GA – In an era where a strong online presence is no longer optional but essential, Forward Rabun decided to take a significant leap forward for our members. Last Thursday, we hosted an informational business breakfast to officially launch our new “ITI Digital Marketing & Events Platform”.
The event, held at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, was well attended by representatives from over 100 local businesses. And the official launch of this new software, marks a critical milestone in Forward Rabun’s mission to integrate tourism and economic development under a single, unified organization.
The new platform is designed to provide Rabun County businesses with cutting-edge tools to enhance their digital footprint. While local businesses have long benefited from Forward Rabun’s networking opportunities, this technological advancement aims to streamline how members connect with both residents and tourists.
The ITI platform is expected to offer robust features for managing digital advertisements across major search engines and social media networks like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. Furthermore, it will likely serve as a comprehensive resource directory, making it easier for the community to find and support local services.
The new software platform also features an “AI Travel Planner,” with software to help visitors plan personalized itineraries based on verified data. Visitors using Forward Rabun’s Explore Rabun website can now conversationally build and adjust multi-day itineraries based on their interests, dates, and location. The new program also features GPS-enabled maps and directions. And, the system equally supports multiple languages through natural language processing, making it accessible to a global audience.
The new software offers further benefits to members as organizations maintain complete control over content and branding, ensuring all information reflects approved messaging. User will experience seamless integration, as the tool interfaces directly into the organization’s existing website, keeping visitors on owned channels. Data insights are also enhanced as they relate to visitor intent and planning trends, which can inform future marketing strategies.
To further assist our members, Forward Rabun procured exclusive use of this software within our geographic area. This exclusivity applies to local businesses operating within Rabun County’s geographic boundaries. As Rabun County continues to grow as a premier destination for both living and visiting, the introduction of this digital marketing and events platform ensures that its business community remains competitive and well-connected in an increasingly digital world. And, by providing these digital resources, Forward Rabun hopes to foster sustainable growth that honors the county’s unique values while creating better economic opportunities for all residents.
Forward Rabun remains committed to our community as a public-private partnership that relies heavily on collaboration between county and city governments and the private sector. Thursday’s breakfast event was certainly a testament to that spirit of cooperation, as the event was made possible through the support of key local sponsors: United Community Bank in Clayton, and Atlas Lighting & Home in Rabun Gap.
For further information about this new program offering, or for membership information in Forward Rabun, contact Mickey Duvall via email at mickey.duvall@rabuncounty.ga.gov , or by calling direct at (706) 960-9864 or (706) 782-4812.