The tourism industry in Haywood County continued to experience significant growth during the fall season, according to figures recently released by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.

Those figures show a 16-percent increase in occupancy tax dollars collected in the first five months of the 2007-08 fiscal year compared to the same period the previous year.

“We are all really encouraged by the way this fiscal year has started,” said Scotty Medford Ellis, executive director of the Haywood County TDA.

Ellis said that four of the first five months grew by double-digit percentages.

“We are continuing to push forward with our aggressive marketing of the county and the wonderful assets and opportunities it affords visitors.”

Revenue from the collection of occupancy tax dollars increased considerably — producing record highs — during September, October and November, compared to the same months in 2006. November figures grew 22 percent, while occupancy tax dollars collected for October amounted to about $110,000 (the first time October experienced a six-figure total in the Haywood County TDA’s 25-year history), a 10-percent rise over October 2006. September numbers increased a solid 8 percent.

Occupancy tax dollars — a 3-percent fee collected by accommodations from their guests — is the key statistic in measuring tourism growth. The collection of an additional 1 percent that resulted from legislation in Raleigh late last year took effect on Jan. 1.

HRMC to mark national award, anniversary

Dr. George Wallace Brown will be the featured speaker during a Feb. 5 ceremony acknowledging the 80th anniversary of Haywood Regional Medical Center. A national award will be presented to the hospital during the ceremony at the hospital’s health and fitness center.

Brown served as temporary director of the Haywood County Health Department in 1955; as Haywood County coroner from 1958 to 1978 and county medical examiner from 1978 to 1986. He also served as medical director for the Haywood County unit of the North Carolina Division of Prisons from 1970 to 1990, as well as medical director for the Haywood County Jail from 1965 to 1985.

Brown was a member of the Haywood County Hospital Board of Trustees from 1979 to 1986. He was chief of staff for the hospital for three terms, beginning in 1966 and ending in 1977. He has been a member of numerous boards, including the North Carolina Academy of Family Practice. He was awarded a lifetime membership in that organization.

He started his private family practice in 1958 at 1088 Brown Avenue, where he still practices.

Brown will present a brief history about the hospital during the 2 p.m. ceremony.

For more information, contact the corporate communication department of Haywood Regional Medical Center at 452-9558.