Governor Nathan Deal has declared October as Cyber Securtiy Awareness Month. A time set-aside to encourage for all Georgians to learn about cyber risks and  protect themselves and their work environments from cyber-attacks. As we become more connected and the internet continues to touch every aspect of our daily lives, cyber security is a top concern in today’s technologically advanced world. The daily risks online are limitless.  Just a single click can result in a massive data breach and can cause significant economic losses. Before you click: Stop. Think. Connect. For more information about Cyber Security Awareness Month and the Stop. Think. Connect campaign, please visit: http://www.stopthinkconnect.org/. Protect Your Workplace cyber security tips are also available in the PYW – Brochure.

Just in time for Independence Day, Georgia Tourism, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, has launched the state’s newly redesigned tourism website. ExploreGeorgia.org now offers visitors fresh custom features including the new Georgia Trip Planner, shareable trip ideas, interactive maps and much more.

“ExploreGeorgia.org is now loaded with new technology like Smart Content, which will help deliver the right content to the right potential visitor at the right time, providing users with exactly what they are looking for,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “The responsive design gives it an effortless and seamless transition between computers, smartphones and tablets.”

The enhancements made to ExploreGeorgia.org focus on all aspects of the consumer’s travel decision-making process. The site offers inspirational content for planning and booking to sharing trip ideas on social media. One key component of the new site is the ability to create a shareable itinerary by adding tourism sites to the new Georgia Explorer Trip Planner. The Georgia Explorer Trip Planner provides visitors with a customized approach to exploring the website by organizing and mapping out the things they want to see and do in Georgia.

At the heart of the site is new engaging content with featured articles, itineraries, top-ten lists, must-see attractions, and the Explore Georgia blog. Not only will visitors find information about iconic Georgia destinations, attractions, accommodations and events, but the brand new easy-to-navigate website also features:

• Slide shows and image galleries
• interactive maps
• travel deals and packages
• trip ideas
• a complete list of dining options

Additions to the site create greater exposure for the state’s thousands of tourism partners – making it easy for potential travelers to find and access tourism partners’ profile pages where they can find directions through Google Maps, nearby attractions, information and amenities, and deals all in one location. For the first time ever, Georgia Tourism partnered with the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) to incorporate the association’s complete list of restaurants on the state’s tourism website.

ExploreGeorgia.org is Georgia Tourism’s main marketing tool in distributing travel information to visitors throughout the world. The advanced functionality and new design incorporates inspirational content encouraging visitors to plan their next vacation in Georgia.

About GDEcD

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts events and location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. www.georgia.org

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today unveiled an interactive map that identifies DNR-managed lands and outdoor recreation opportunities. The “Georgia Outdoor Map” includes state parks, wildlife management areas, public fishing areas, boat ramps, and historic sites. Users are able to search by category to find locations where they can camp, hunt, hike, fish or explore history.

“With this web-based tool, users can easily see what types of outdoor recreation are available in all parts of the state,” said DNR Commissioner Mark Williams. “The map includes all DNR properties open for public use, from the smallest historic site to the largest wildlife management area. It offers a quick way to find boat ramps, campgrounds, archery ranges and other places for enjoying the great outdoors.”

The idea for the new map came from within Georgia DNR’s IT team, which spent 18 months working with Google to bring the map from concept to launch. DNR team members included Sam Lyles, John Martin, Michael Chadwell, Gary Beale and Farida Lammari. It is the first map of its type offered by a Georgia state agency.

“We are proud to offer this new resource to Georgia’s citizens and visitors,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “We are blessed here in Georgia with a state that is rich in both natural and cultural resources. I want to encourage Georgians to use this interactive tool to find new places to explore.”

The “Georgia Outdoor Map” can be visited using any device with a web browser including desktops, phones and tablets. By checking criteria fields, users can find recreational opportunities, directions, handicap accessibility, telephone numbers and website links for more details. The tool also offers a “near me” function to help users determine which recreational opportunities are closest to them.

To view the free, interactive map, visit www.georgiaoutdoormap.com.