March 4, 2024

Legislative Update Week 8
 

Last week, the House and Senate gave final passage to HB 915, the 2024 midyear supplemental budget and Gov. Kemp signed it into law on February 29. The 2024 midyear budget increases state spending by $5 billion in the current fiscal year. It includes $178M for the design, construction, and equipment of the dental school at Georgia Southern University on the Savannah Armstrong campus (in partnership with Augusta University), $15.5M for the construction of the Gateway child and adolescent crisis stabilization unit in Savannah, $8M for the Savannah Convention center Riverwalk expansion and $3M for the Live Oak Libraries for the replacement of Oglethorpe Mall Library. Read more 

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Brantley Celebrates One-Year Anniversary at the Chamber

Chamber President & CEO Bert Brantley recently celebrated his one-year milestone on February 1, coinciding with the Chamber’s record-breaking Savannah-Chatham Day Oyster Roast in Atlanta. As Brantley embarks on his second year, he prioritizes enhancing Small Business Week, aiming to sustain the momentum for small businesses while fostering connections with the burgeoning big business sector in the coastal region. Read more 
Chamber CEO and State Leaders Honor Hyundai Motor Group’s Historic Impact on Georgia

Governor Kemp officially declared February 26 as Hyundai Day throughout the state, while the General Assembly passed a Resolution commending Hyundai Motor Group’s dedication to the State of Georgia and recognizing February 26 as Hyundai Day at the State Capitol. Savannah Chamber President and CEO Bert Brantley and leadership from Savannah Economic Development Authority and Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America were on hand to celebrate the day. Read more 

VISIT SAVANNAH NEWS

Visit Savannah Team Joined 6th District Councilman Kurtis Purtee for District Ride Along

Visit Savannah President & CEO Joseph Marinelli and Angela Westerfield, CMO, and Erica Backus, Director of Communications and DEI Strategy, accompanied 6th District Councilman Kurtis Purtee for a tour of the Southside district. To learn more about potential tourism development opportunities, Marinelli has invited the Savannah City Council to share the district's highlights with us. Councilman Purtee showed us the historic neighborhoods of Windsor Forrest, Nicholsonboro, Coffee Bluff, and Rosedew. The group visited Space Coast Café for refreshments before the tour. Read more 
Savannah Shines at New York City Trade Show 

Larry Browder, Senior Sales Director, recently participated in “Connect Marketplace” held in New York City. This gathering convenes top meeting planners responsible for organizing Association and Corporate meetings in various destinations. Read more 

 
Visit Savannah President Joseph Marinelli Joins Leaders to Illuminate City Green for 200th St. Patrick’s Day Parade Anniversary Celebration

Joseph Marinelli, President of Visit Savannah, collaborated with John Fogarty and Kevin Halligan, leaders of the St. Patrick's Day Parade 200th Anniversary Committee, along with Mayor Van Johnson and Chatham County Chairman Chester Ellis, to illuminate the city in green for this year's special milestone celebration. Marinelli coordinated with several local tourism partners, including Plant Riverside, the Westin Hotel, the Savannah Convention Center, the Telfair Museum, Levy Jewelers, the Hyatt Regency, and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, to "light up green" throughout March. Read more