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

March 29, 2021

Savannah Welcomes CEO of IAEM

Larry Browder with Visit Savannah along with hospitality partners welcomed Elizabeth Armstrong, the CEO of the International Association of Emergency Mangers to town with a community reception last week at the JW Marriott. She was in town to discuss their upcoming convention in 2022 and, was very excited to hear the Savannah Convention Center expansion details. 

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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 for legislative days 36-38 out of 40.  On Tuesday, March 23, the Senate unanimously passed House Bill 81, the budget for Fiscal Year 2022 and on Wednesday, March 24 House Bill 81 was referred to a conference committee where the differences between the House and Senate versions of HB 81 can be reconciled.  

On Thursday, March 25, the Senate approved Speaker Ralston’s House Resolution 119, it directs the Georgia Department of Transportation to rename the bridge on State Route 307 that crosses the Georgia Ports Authority mega rail site in Garden City after retired U.S. Johnny Isakson.  HR 119 previously passed the house in February.  

House Bill 317, which seeks to redefine the definition of an innkeeper to include lodging facilitators such as VRBO and Airbnb which would then be required to collect and remit the hotel/motel taxes on the short-term on the properties, passed out of the Senate Finance Committee.  

On Tuesday, March 22 Governor Brian Kemp today signed a state income tax cut into law. House Bill 593 would take effect on January 1st. This tax cut will increase the standard deduction from $4,600 to $5,400 for individuals, and from $6,000 to $7,100 for married couples.

The Georgia General Assembly will reconvene for the last two legislative days of 2021 on Monday March 29.  

New Member Reception

On Tuesday, the Chamber hosted it’s quarterly new member orientation. This is a time for our new-comers to get together and learn about the Chamber’s operations, offerings and how they become more involved while socializing with their new peers.

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Visit Savannah Honored with SCAD Salutes Award

Visit Savannah was honored this morning with a SCAD Salutes Award by the Savannah College of Art and Design for outstanding contributions to their home city. The SCAD Salutes Award, founded by SCAD President Paula Wallace, is an honor bestowed to an individual or organization’s creativity, kindness, grit, and goodness in the Savannah and Atlanta area.

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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. 

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.