Richmond Hill Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Christy Hyer is leaving the CVB to start up a magazine. Hyer said she will stay on until a new director is hired and oriented.
After three years of service with the CVB, Hyer is slated to launch the magazine "Belles & Beaus: The Magazine for Southern Families." Hyer, the publisher, said the first copy should hit newsstands June 23 with 25,000 issues being distributed from Amelia Island to Hilton Head.
CVB Chairman Larry Barker said Hyer is leaving on good terms, and he is not surprised at her transition, due to her creative spirit. He said the CVB is interviewing for the position now, with a new director to hopefully be named in early June.
"Christy is just so creative and the magazine should be a way for her to expand on that trait. She did a lot for this organization and her impact will be positively felt for years to come. She was a bit controversial at times because she has stepped on a few toes at times, but you need to do that sometimes to get the job done. She has had a very effective tenure."
Hyer said she has two kids and has envisioned doing this for five years now. She said her magazine will be quite different than many of the ones out there that "are like reading encyclopedias. It will be something you could read quickly in the carpool line or read in depth while by the pool or waiting for soccer practice to let out."
She said each month, the magazine will recognize one superior person in the community who has worked in some form of children’s advocacy or has made a difference in the lives of children.
She said at the end of the year, one of the 12 monthly winners will be chosen to receive a $5,000 grant to go toward their favorite charity.
"I’m very excited about this project," Hyer said. "I didn’t plan to come out this soon, but the response to the concept has been overwhelming. I’m truly realizing my dream with this project."
Meanwhile, Barker said the Richmond Hill CVB will "march on" with ongoing projects such as erecting historic road signs and "road signs focusing on Fort McAllister being the number one state park in Georgia."