Thomasville Times-Enterprise: Thomasville welcomes Georgia Red Carpet Tour
Thomasville Times-Enterprise, April 17, 2026
The Payroll Development Authority welcomed the Georgia Red Carpet Tour to Thomasville over the weekend.
Hosted annually during the Masters Tournament, this prestigious, invitation-only event brings global business leaders to Georgia to experience firsthand what makes the Peach State a strong place to live, work, and invest. With stops in both Thomasville and August, the City of Roses had a unique opportunity to shine on a statewide stage.
The Georgia Red Carpet Tour, led by partners including the Georgia Allies, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the local Payroll Development Authority, is designed to “soft sell” Georgia by connecting decision makers with communities and showcasing real opportunities for growth and opportunities.
Attendees begin with a dinner at the Governor’s Mansion on Wednesday night, before attending the Master’s Tournament on Thursday morning. Thursday afternoon, they then boarded a flight, arriving in Thomasville late that evening, where they checked into the Marriott for the duration of their stay.
While in Thomasville, guests got a true taste of the community and all it has to offer.
Attendees had the chance to enjoy a round of golf at the prestigious Glen Arven Country Club, explore the city’s rich history on a guided trolley tour, or experience sporting clays at The Ranges at Oakfield. Visitors spent the afternoon at Box Hall Plantation and Pebble Hill Plantation for beautiful scenic views, a dog trial presentation, and discussions on historic preservation. Each experience highlighted the quality of life and unique assets that make Thomasville such a special place.
“The feedback we got was great,” said Shelley Zorn, President and CEO of the Payroll Development Authority. “They were so impressed with the downtown and very complimentary during the history tour.”
Friday evening, guests returned to Pebble Hill Plantation for a catered dinner, featuring all of Thomasville’s local fare.
The spread featured an array of cheeses from Sweet Grass Dairy, a whole hog from Liam’s, barbecue from Climmie’s, and hors d’oeuvres from JB Crumbs.
“We gave them a taste of Thomasville,” she said. “Our hospitality people worked really hard.”
Zorn praised everyone the attendees came across, and noted that it had a direct impact, as every person stated they plan to return.
“It had a great economic impact, beyond just showing off our community,” she said.
Since the tour, Zorn has already been contacted by a business owner whose friend attended the Georgia Red Carpet Tour with inquiries about home prices and industrial building prices.
“He thought it was so great looking that he wanted to refer a friend,” she explained.
Zorn said the hosts are likely to refer more projects to Thomasville down the road, though.
“We deal with them all the time, so it’s great to let them see the community so they can bring someone else back,” she said.
Now that Thomasville has become a stop on the Red Carpet Tour — the first non-metro stop, Zorn said the city will likely be added to a 10-year rotation and have the opportunity to show off again in the future.
For now, though, she is proud to have played a role in such an impactful event and looks forward to the opportunities it will bring to the region.
