The Savannah Chamber Weekly Digest
Everything You Need to Know From the Chamber

March 22, 2021

Savannah Breaks Ground on $271 Million Convention Center Expansion

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, along with Savannah Mayor Van Johnson and Visit Savannah President Joseph Marinelli welcomed elected officials, economic development and business leaders gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Savannah Convention Center expansion on March 17, 2021.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Chamber Power Hour | April 6

Social Media can be an intimidating beast in the world of digital marketing and content management. No matter your background, industry, age or experience, it’s important understand the power of social media and how to leverage it to achieve your organization’s goals. Visit Savannah's content and social media manager Shannon Lowery will cover the basics of effective social media strategy and provide a few immediate steps you can take to elevate your company’s social media presence. 

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Georgia Power Sports Awards Luncheon | May 11

The Savannah Sports Council will host its 2021 Georgia Power Sports Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, May 11 at the Charles H. Morris Center. The luncheon will honor local athletes and partners who have excelled at their given sport, winner of the John S. Hodges OASIS Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the naming of our 2021 Scholarship Recipients. Sign up now to celebrate Savannah area sports!

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COVID-19 is still a concern in our community. The following guidelines will be enforced for all in-person networking events:

• Social Distancing Required
• Masks required when not eating or drinking
• Hand sanitizer will be provided

NEWS & INFO

Georgia Legislative Update

Last week the Georgia General Assembly met and completed legislative days 32-35 out of 40. On March 17, the Senate passed HB 112 which extends liability protections for an additional year until July 14, 2022. HB 112 is extension of liability relief for healthcare providers, facilities, and businesses that was originally passed in 2020. The House passed this legislation in February. HB 112 has been sent to Governor Kemp for his consideration.  

The Senate passed HB 593 which increases the standard deduction for Georgians paying state income tax. This economic recovery bill is targeted to allow Georgians to keep more of their taxable income starting in tax year 2022. Having unanimously passed the House earlier in March, HB 593 has been sent to Governor Kemp for his consideration.

On Wednesday, March 17 HB 479 unanimously passed out of Senate Judiciary Committee. HB 479 repeals the current citizen’s arrest law authored in 1863. HB 479 would revise the grounds for arrest and detainment by a private citizen. HB 479 now moves to the Senate Rules Committee before it moves to the full Senate for consideration.

The Georgia General Assembly will be reconvened on Monday, March 22 for the 35th legislative day.

Help Newcomers to our Area Find Your Business – Advertise Today

Savannah Magazine, the official publisher of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Relocation Resource Guide, is currently offering display advertising options in the 2021-22 guide. Advertising in this guide will enable you to reach a targeted audience of 15,000 newcomers who are looking to make purchases with credible businesses and establish lifelong buying relationships. 

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Attract Visitors to Your Business with an Ad in 2021-22 Insider’s Guide

Make sure your hospitality business stands out by purchasing an ad that visitors are sure to see in the new 2021-22 Savannah Insider’s Guide! The official Savannah Insider’s Guide is the visitor’s go-to guide for all the things to see and do during their stay. Featuring engaging editorial and comprehensive information about attractions, dining, lodging, retail and more, this is the booklet visitors will reference as they wander Savannah’s neighborhoods or plan their visit from home. 

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NEW MEMBERS

Welcome our newest members and remember to do business with our fellow Chamber members!

RENEWALS

Thank you to these members for their continued support through their membership.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Please support your fellow Chamber members by attending these upcoming ribbon cutting and grand opening events!

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

We appreciate our members and each week provide insight about member companies and their services. 

Update on American Travel in the Period of Coronavirus—Week of March 22

Source: Destination Analysts

As Americans are feeling far safer with travel than they were just a few months ago, unlike earlier in the pandemic, they are including air travel in their plans. Right now, 43.9% of air travelers deem flying on a commercial airline safe. Over 45% of air travelers say their very next trip by commercial airline will be by the end of Summer. For this next air trip, 42.0% report that they will be flying to a destination over 1,000 miles away for nearly a week on average. 

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MORE HAPPENINGS ON OUR WEBSITE:

CHAMBER | VISIT SAVANNAH | VISIT TYBEE

GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES

As health and government officials are working to maintain the safety, security, and health of our communities, Savannah area small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy. All Savannah area employers need to consider how best to decrease the spread COVID-19 in their workplace in the event of an outbreak in Chatham and surrounding counties. Click here to explore what resources are available for individuals and businesses at this time.