The Commerce area may see a $650 million resort heading its way in the future. Webstar Technology Group announced the venture through a press release on Wednesday, August 14.
The announcement came as the Florida based corporation announced that it has filed for a public offering of stock under Regulation-A Tier II for $10 million with the SEC to develop the $650 million resort.
According to the press release, the project is estimated to generate $75 million per year in revenue and provide significant tax revenues and jobs to the Banks County area.
The development will become Bear Village Resort. According to the press release, the resort will offer thrill-seekers and the young at heart extreme adventure sports and entertainment options.
The resort will include indoor and outdoor water parks, adventure park, family entertainment center, indoor and outdoor racing tracks, aquarium, themed hotel with 600 rooms, conference center, 500 condo hotel/timeshares, restaurants and retail, and other one-of-a-kind amenities.
According to the press release, Webstar Technology Group Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Haynes gave a statement about the project. “This project is a major investment in Commerce, Georgia’s future, and we’re dedicated to creating a world-class destination that will draw visitors from across the region and beyond.”
His statement continued, ”Our Regulation-A Tier II public offering is a crucial step in bringing this vision to life. We look forward to the support of our investors and the community and we are incredibly excited to embark on this journey to create Bear Village Resort,” said Haynes.”
Thunder Energies Corporation
However, a different corporation released a similar statement this past February with quotes from the same Chief Executive Officer.
Thunder Energies Corporation, headquartered in Florida, released a statement on February 21 of this year. The information in the February press release differs from the August press release from Webstar Technology Group.
According to the Thunder Energies Corporation press release, the corporation has successfully placed under contract a prime parcel of land in the city of Commerce. It continues, “This pivotal move not only underscores the potential of the area but also signals the beginning of a remarkable journey for Bear Village Resorts.”
The press release stated that the resort will offer many of the same amenities as the August press release with a few differences. In the Thunder Energies Corporation statement, the resort will only have a themed hotel with 250 rooms, 250 residential townhomes, and 250 timeshares.
The statement said that the corporation has collaborated with Wyndham Hotels “to bring unparalleled hospitality experiences to guests.” The corporation has also partnered with Greengate—an EB-5 international funding firm—and Skyline Engineering, both of which are Atlanta-based development firms.
According to Thunder Energies Corporation Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Haynes, “We are excited to embark on this journey and bring Bear Village Resorts to Commerce, Georgia,”
He continued, “Our strategic partnerships with Wyndham Hotels, Greengate, and Skyline Engineering not only reinforce our commitment to excellence but also allow us to create a destination that will attract visitors from around the globe. This project is a testament to our vision of delivering exceptional experiences and creating lasting memories for our guests.”
Further research
With the information provided in the Thunder Energies Corporation press release, further research revealed that the land deal occurred sometime last fall. On the website in.marketscreener.com, a statement issued on October 27, 2023 that Thunder Energies had entered into an agreement to purchase 65.9 acres of land in Commerce for $4,942,500.
According to the Bear Village Resorts website, a similar project is being planned on 49 acres in Pigeon Forge, TN.
A search of qpublic records for Jackson and Banks Counties did not list any property being owned by Thunder Energies Corporation, Bear Village Resorts, or Webstar Technology Group.
Now Habersham sent an email to the Banks County Chamber CVB Executive Director Alicia Andrews and Jackson County Director of Economic Development John Scott confirming the project and its location. Neither have responded to that request.
However, Now Habersham sent an email to Commerce City Manager Matthew Hailey asking about the location of the development. “At this time, we have no information as to where this development is proposed to be located. We have reached out to both Jackson and Banks Counties and they did not have any information to provide as well,” he responded.
