May 27, 2025

County Approves Urban Camping Ordinance, City Council to Consider on June 12

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Friday adopted the Five Year Strategic Plan to End Homelessness and an urban camping policy supported by both business and residential organizations as well as homelessness service providers.

Both the plan and ordinance had been tabled at the Commission’s last meeting.

An exact version of the same ordinance received a first reading at Savannah City Council meeting last Thursday, paving the way for final consideration at next week’s Council meeting. The city had previously adopted the strategic plan.

Seven of the nine members of Council spoke about the ordinance, giving their varying perspectives. The Chamber has weighed in with a letter of support, asking Council to approve the measure. Read more ▶

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MEMBER NEWS

SAVANNAH CHAMBER NEWS

2025 PIT Count Reveals Urgent Needs—and Encouraging Signs—in Savannah’s Homeless Response

The Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) and Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) jointly released the results of the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, offering both a sobering look at current needs and evidence that our system is strengthening.  While the overall number of individuals experiencing homelessness has increased, the number of people living unsheltered has gone down—a critical indicator that local interventions are having an impact.  This data tells us that our coordinated entry system, emergency response, and transitional housing efforts are doing what they’re supposed to: connecting people to shelter faster and more effectively. Read more ▶

Registration Now Open for Leadership Savannah Graduate Series

Leadership Savannah alumni—mark your calendars! Registration is now open for the Leadership Savannah Graduate Series, a unique opportunity to continue your leadership journey alongside fellow graduates and community changemakers. A thought-provoking session on ALICE will be followed by a Welcome Reception honoring two of Savannah’s newest leaders, Chief Justice Michael Boggs, now of Hunter Maclean and Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Savannah State University. Read more ▶

Leadership Savannah Explores Manufacturing in the Air and on the Ground
 
Leadership Savannah’s Manufacturing Day took flight as participants were immersed in the dynamic world of aviation manufacturing. The day began with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at Gulfstream Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, and G-Force Aerospace Technologies, where class members got a firsthand look at how Savannah continues to lead the way in high-tech, high-skill manufacturing. From state-of-the-art aircraft design to precision engine components, the group gained a deeper appreciation for the innovation and talent fueling our region’s aerospace sector. Read more ▶

VISIT SAVANNAH NEWS

Salt Table Offers New and Expanded Product Line
 
Visit Savannah staffers, Joseph Marinelli and Hunter Coughlin, stopped by the Salt Table’s production facility last week to visit with owners Carol and Dave Legasse. Dave is a prior Savannah Chamber and Visit Savannah Board member and served as Visit Savannah’s Board Chair in 2018. In addition to a large array of salt and seasonings from around the world, the Salt Table now offers various options including sauces, coffee, salsa, sweet treats and local area artwork. Salt Table locations include downtown on Ellis Square, Pooler, Savannah Airport, Jekyll Island, and their online store. Read more ▶
Visit Savannah Sales Team Hosts Brand USA MegaFAM
 
Visit Savannah had the pleasure of showcasing our city to a dozen of the UK's top tour operators. It was a first time visit to Savannah for all of them, and over their two-day stay they took tours, tried our amazing cuisine, made gifts to take home, watched dolphins playing in our waters, and enjoyed our dueling piano bar, Savannah Smiles. They arrived knowing very little about Savannah and left as our biggest fans! Read more ▶

SPORTS COUNCIL NEWS

Want to get in the game?
 
Join the Savannah Sports Council as a volunteer and help make our events unforgettable! Sign up today to support Savannah sports. Read more ▶

MEMBER NEWS

Support Local Kids This Summer: Volunteer Opportunity at Hunter Army Airfield
 
The Savannah Chamber of Commerce is proud to share an impactful opportunity to support our community’s youth this summer. From June 1 through August 1, Hunter Army Airfield (HAAF), in partnership with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, will host the Kids Summer Café at the Hunter Club on base. This vital program ensures that no child goes hungry during the summer months by providing free lunches to children in the Savannah area. Read more ▶
Apply Now for the CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses

Applications are now open for small businesses to earn a coveted spot on the U.S. Chamber’s CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses. This prestigious program honors the innovators, problem solvers, and community leaders who are driving growth and making a big impact through their work. Selected businesses will gain national recognition, networking opportunities, and exclusive access to a VIP celebration in Washington, D.C.—a unique chance to shine on a national stage. Read more ▶