Annual Business Planning Retreats

Business presentation on economic development proposal.

2026 | Trilith Guesthouse, Fayetteville | June 24–26

Theme: Forward-Focused: Innovation and Education. In a strategic pivot from past years, the 2026 retreat stepped away from standard administrative reviews to equip the Board for the future. Sessions included required Authority training with Georgia Power, peer-authority case studies, business-development alignment with CREDC, a tax-assessor deal-impact analysis, a DC Blox strategy session, and "Blue Sky" visioning with the Rockdale County Chairwoman. The team toured the Trilith Experience studio and closed with a group cooking class at The Kitchen at Trilith Guesthouse.

Colleagues engaged in a meeting around a wooden table with laptops and drinks.

2025 | The Inn at Serenbe, Chattahoochee Hills | June 25–27

The Board focused on governance and execution: reviewing the investment portfolio, completing board governance training led by Georgia Power, and working through the Bio-Lab tax assessment, equipment tax abatements and administrative fees. Updates came from DC Blox, CREDC's strategic plan, the scholarship program and the Restoration Storehouse, and planning began for the first Holiday Economic Development Gala. Developer Steve Nygren led an evening tour of the Serenbe community.

Group of four people smiling behind a counter in a cafe.

2024 | Callaway Resort & Gardens, Pine Mountain | June 12–14

The Board set direction for its budget, event calendar and statutory powers, and reviewed major regional drivers including the Reimagine Rockdale strategic plan, DC Blox and the Restoration Storehouse. Team building: "The Amazing Race," a scavenger hunt across Callaway Gardens.

Group assembling a bicycle around a table indoors.

2023 | Callaway Resort & Gardens, Pine Mountain | June 26–28

The retreat centered on accountability and project growth: auditing tax abatement projects and clawbacks, updates on the Dutch Lions project, and a proposed electric-vehicle training partnership between Georgia Piedmont Technical College and the Restoration Storehouse. Team building: a "Build-A-Bike" competition.

Two men posing with a certificate indoors.

2022 | Château Élan, Braselton | June 20–22

Working sessions refined the Authority's governance, engaged municipal leaders and streamlined operations, and the Board recognized the winners of its student video essay contest. Team building: a private cooking class and dinner with a professional chef.

2021 | Château Élan, Braselton | July 26–28

The Authority's first planning retreat established DARC's mission and vision statements, reviewed bond transactions and Tax Allocation District financing, and launched community commitments including the high school scholarship program. Team building: a private cooking class in the resort's Culinary Studio.