After contributing to a $70 million renovations budget, the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority is working to make sure guests visit the resort to appreciate the upgrades.

During its meeting Friday, the authority approved entering into a three-year agreement with Lake Lanier Islands Management to fund new marketing and advertising programs.

The authority will contribute up to $3 million in the next three years to LLIM to spread the word about Lake Lanier Islands. Both parties have the ability to terminate the contract with a 30-day notice.

"After contributing to the $70 million investment to make upgrades, we want to do what we can to help get the word out," said Bill Donohue, authority executive director.

Over a three-year time span, upgrades were made throughout the Lake Lanier Islands Resort property, including the opening of a new restaurant, Sunset Cove, redesigning the greens at Legacy Golf Club and renovating Chattahoochee Rapids Beach & Water Park.

"The renovations to the Islands were done at a time when everyone was financially stretched just about as far as they could go," said Lonice C. Barrett, authority board chairman. "We want to be sure that we market the Islands well, not just in this area, but all over. We want people to see Lake Lanier Islands as a first-class vacation destination."

In addition to traditional advertisements, the new marketing initiative will incorporate more social media, Donohue said.

Even before the authority provides a shot in the arm for marketing, officials say they have seen some financial improvements over 2009.

"The good news is that year-to-date revenue is 30 percent ahead of where we were last year," said Grier Todd, resort COO.

"We've had a very good summer. Admission at the water park is up 20 percent, and the golf course has just taken off. We're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel — a very, long tunnel."