Business in Savannah: News summary

Business in Savannah: News summary
Savannah
Kennickell buys new latex printer
The Kennickell Group, a 123-year-old Savannah-based printing company, has bought an HP 360
Latex printer, the latest device in high resolution digital printing technology.
The upgraded, redesigned model from HP is designed to produce a variety of products from posters
to wall murals and bus wraps.
Al Kennickell, president of the Kennickell Group, said the purchase was driven mostly by the
increasing demand for vehicle and bus wraps as well as high-end short run prints.
"This printer expands our already diverse digital capabilities, prints with environmentally-friendly
inks, and will keep us and our customers ahead of the competition," he said.
The printer is in full production at Kennickell's facility on President Street.
Richmond Hill gets playful city designation
The city of Richmond Hill has been designated as a 2014 Playful City USA honoree by KaBOOM! and
the Humana Foundation for its initiatives in creating a community that allows children to get
balanced and active play in a safe environment.
"We try to provide outdoor activities for children during events to make them more family friendly
and provide something for everyone," said Jennifer Sowell, zoning administrator for Richmond Hill.
This is the fifth time Richmond Hill has been recognized as a Playful City.
Savannah Taste Experience receives TripAdvisor award
Savannah Taste Experience, rated in the top 15 must-do activities in Savannah out of 137
TripAdvisor listings, has received a 2014 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.
The program is based on reviews left by customers.
The certificate of excellence is determined by "a business maintaining an overall rating of four or
higher (out of five), as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor, according to the TripAdvisor website.
Savannah Taste is also featured in the summer issue of Taste & Travel magazine, which is available
this month.
Richmond Hill wins grant for landscape project
The city of Richmond Hill has received a $50,000 GATEway grant, the maximum amount available,
from the Georgia Department of Transportation to beautify the intersection of U.S. 17 and state road
144.
GDOT allocated more than $1 million in grants to 43 local governments around the state to buy and
install plants for landscape projects on state routes.
"Ultimately, we want the visual appearance of the crossroads intersection to look more than just
well-maintained; we want it to be identifiable," said Scott Allison, director of Planning and Zoning for
Richmond Hill.
The intersection is a four-way stop less than a mile west from what is considered Richmond Hill's
city center.
Hinesville named state's No. 2 city 'on rise'
Hinesville has been ranked as No. 2 in a NerdWallet.com list of "Cities on the Rise in Georgia," one
of only four of the top 10 cities that are not within the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Liberty County Development Authority CEO Ronald E. Tolley said it was a positive to see Hinesville
featured among metro-Atlanta communities known for growth.
"The NerdWallet designation is a wonderful third-party validation of the economic vitality within
Liberty County," Tolley said.
The study, released June 13, examines U.S. Census data on population growth, employment growth
and income growth from 2009 to 2012. Analysts evaluated data for 37 cities in Georgia with more
than 20,000 residents.
Candidates sought for leadership training
Step Up Savannah is looking for emerging leader to participate in a leadership course that starts in
September.
The Neighborhood Leadership Academy at Savannah State University is open to men and women, 21
years and older, from Savannah/Chatham County. The free 12-session course is designed to develop
participants' knowledge of our community and sharpen personal leadership and advocacy skills.
The sessions are once a week and are taught by other community leaders and experts. Participants
also will work in small groups to research and present on a neighborhood or community issue.
Applications are due Aug. 8. Classes are scheduled to start the third week of September at Savannah
State University.
Applications are available at stepupsavannah.org, by calling 912-232-6747 or by emailing Janeene
Johnson at [email protected]. Completed applications may be mailed to the Step Up,
428 Bull St., Suite 208; Savannah, Ga. 31401.
McAlister's Deli To open in Pooler
McAlister's Deli, which describes itself as a fast casual restaurant, opened its first location in Pooler
on July 14 at 405 Pooler Parkway, Suite 300.
The new restaurant is owned by DMAC 81, LLC, which operates four McAlister's in Georgia, five in
Florida and six in South Carolina. They plan to open additional units in the Savannah area and
Myrtle Beach, S.C., over the next few years.
"We have been searching for the right opportunity to join the Pooler community for a very long time,
so this is especially exciting for our team," said Dale Mulvey, owner of DMAC 81, LLC.
McAlister's Deli will be open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call 912-33-
-2636, or go to its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/McAlisters-Deli-Pool-
r-GA/1478041529078878.
New website, iPad app for Gulfstream customers
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has redesigned MyGulfstream.com, its website for customer support,
and has launched a corresponding iPad app.
"Gulfstream strongly believes that when it comes to communicating with our customers via mobile
tools, more is better," said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Product Support. "The website and
app are designed exclusively for customers and operators and offer greater mobility when it comes
to obtaining information from Gulfstream."
MyGulfstream.com, a secure, password-protected website, offers improved performance, search
capabilities, content organization and navigation. It is also optimized across mobile platforms.
Additionally, customers can receive information in the palm of their hands with the MyGulfstream
app.
The app includes technical bulletins, aircraft documents and alert notifications among other things.
Pepperl+Fuchs donates to YMCA of Coastal Georgia
Pepperl+Fuchs, a global provider of factory and process automation solutions, recently held its
three-day, Pan-American sales meeting in Hilton Head, S.C., and offered its sales force a chance to
make a financial donation to a local resource.
The company collected $3,600 and donated the money to the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.
The money will be used for the YMCA's summer camp programs, said spokeswoman Rachel Meuser
Bowman.
Hurricane storm-surge risk in metro Savannah
The 2014 storm surge analysis from CoreLogic, a property information reporting firm, indicates
85,476 homes with a combined reconstruction value of $18,644,983,316 are located within storm-
surge risk zones in the Savannah metro area.
Of those homes, 20,550 are designated in the "extreme" risk zone, meaning that they would be
affected by all hurricane categories, according to the report released Thursday.
According to the findings, more than 6.5 million homes along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts are at
risk of storm surge inundation, representing nearly $1.5 trillion in total potential reconstruction
costs.
The analysis examined homes along the coastlines of 19 states and the District of Columbia in the
Gulf and Atlantic regions, extending as far west as Texas and as far north as Maine.
Florida ranks No. 1 for the highest number of homes at risk of storm surge damage; Georgia is
ranked 11th.
NeSmith dealership celebrates 40th anniversary
CLAXTON -- To celebrate their 40th anniversary, NeSmith Chevrolet Buick GMC in Claxton and
NeSmith Chevrolet Buick GMC in Jesup will give away a new vehicle, according to company
president Martin NeSmith.
The winner will get to choose between a sports car, SUV or truck.
Until Sept. 14, residents may register for a chance to win a new vehicle at
www.NeSmithNow.com/giveaway.
Forty qualifiers will be selected over the course of 10 weeks, and one winner will be announced
during a live event Sept. 20 at NeSmith Chevrolet in Claxton and will choose a Buick Encore, a GMC
Sierra 1500 or a Chevrolet Camaro.
For full contest rules, go to www.NeSmithNow.com/giveaway.
Richmond Hill receives favorable fire rating
Richmond Hill has received an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of four for its excellence in
fire-protection services.
Based on an objective standard, ISO evaluates public fire-protection services in communities
nationwide and rates them on a scale of one to 10. A rating of one signifies superiority in fire
protection; a score of 10 indicates that the program does not meet ISO's quality standards.
This rating is used by fire insurance companies to set premiums for residential and commercial
properties in each city. The lower the rating is, the lower the insurance rates are for the community.
"We are extremely pleased with the current ISO rating," said Richmond Hill Fire Chief Ralph Catlett.
"As with anything, there is always room for improvement and in the future we hope to have the
lowest possible rating for the citizens of Richmond Hill."
West Chatham-Pooler Rotary has new president
Terry Carter was inducted as president of the West Chatham-Pooler Rotary Club on July 9 during the
2014-2015 installation of officers held at Savannah Quarters Country Club.
Outgoing president Bill Wade presented club secretary Greg Stringer with the 'Rotarian Rookie of
the Year' award.
Carter is a Georgia native who relocated to the Savannah area in 2011 and is the Allstate agent in
Pooler. He and Theresa, his wife of 21 years Theresa, have three children. He has been active in
several civic organizations and said he is looking forward to a productive year as club president.
His goals for 2014-2015 include continuing to increase the involvement and support of community
partners including the Pooler Recreation Department, the West Chatham YMCA and senior citizens.
Four area children's charities receive grants
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors awarded four York Children's Foundation grants to children's
charities in Savannah in May and June.
The grants totaled $2,750 and were awarded to Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, The Savannah
Early Childhood Foundation, Royce Learning Center and Park Place Outreach.
Each time a family buys a casket at Fox & Weeks, a portion of the cost is donated to the York
Children's Foundation in the name of the deceased and the accumulated funds are distributed
quarterly to area non-profits chosen through an application process.
Fox & Weeks has worked with the foundationsince 2012 and has awarded more than $5,000 in
grants.
Call Fox & Weeks at 912-352-7200 or visit www.foxandweeks.com and click on the Resources page
to learn more about the York Children's Foundation application process.
Palmetto Dunes named top 10 tennis resort
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - TennisResortsOnline.com, an online guide to "taking your game on
the road: has named Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort as one of the top 10 tennis resorts in the
world.
The list, which is compiled annually from input by the website's visitors, ranked Palmetto Dunes
number four for best tennis instruction and programming, number four for best overall children's
programs and number five for best pro shop.
TennisResortsOnline.com asks tennis vacationers to assess tennis resorts around the world on 20
categories, including amenities and services - both on court and off, quality of lodging, restaurants,
children's programs and value.
"It's wonderful recognition to be named to this list nearly every year, demonstrating the consistent
quality of our facilities, programming and staff over the last 30 years," says John Kerr, the resort's
director of tennis.
Car dealer donates to 'Self Help'
During the month of June, Mike Reichenbach Chevrolet partnered with Bluffton Self Help to donate
$10 to the local charity for each test drive when drivers mentioned Bluffton Self Help.
On July 8, Audre' Reichenbach, along with the dealership's staff, presented Lili Coleman, executive
director of Bluffton Self Help, with a check for $1,000. The partnership was formed to celebrate the
grand opening month of Bluffton's newest dealership.
Bluffton Self Help's mission is to "help Bluffton neighbors in critical need of short term financial
assistance, food and clothing, while supporting them to become more self-reliant." More information
can be found at BlufftonSelfHelp.org.
Davenport House gets grant to check wallpaper
The Davenport House, the historic Savannah home that sparked the founding of Historic Savannah
Foundation, has received a $1,266 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Cynthia
Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors to assess conservation issues of the wallpaper in the
museum's entrance hall and stairwell.
"The funding will allow the museum to hire a specialist to determine how best to correct the
problem," said Jamie Credle, director of the Davenport House Museum.
The funds will be matched by the Davenport House. Recommendations from the assessment will be
used to replace the wallpaper where needed.
Savannah's Applebee's restaurants join cancer crusade
Three Applee's restaurants in metro Savannah -- 587 Al Henderson Blvd., 11120 Abercorn and 4705
Highway 80 East -- will join a nationwide effort throughout July to raise money toward childhood
cancer cures.
The fund drive is in support of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which was established when 4-
year-old cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott set up a front yard lemonade stand in Philadelphia to
raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer cures.
More Than 850 restaurants have joined the drive to raise $5 million.
Fundraising efforts will vary by restaurant, include donating a portion of each lemonade sale (all
varieties) to the foundation.
Applebee's customers also may buy a paper lemon in support of childhood cancer research.
Visit Savannah uses social media as selling tool
Visit Savannah has established an ongoing social media training program for its convention and
group tour sales and services teams.
"With the rise of social media usage by group planning professionals, the sales process has become
more transparent and accessible, allowing us to engage our target audiences in that social space,"
said spokesman Jeremy Harvey.
Recognizing that destination marketing and social media is no longer the sole responsibility of a
communications and marketing department, members of the sales team are being trained to use
social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to reach more prospects and build
stronger relationships with existing customers.
Recent data indicates that 82 percent of people use social media for their travel planning to
Savannah.
For more information, contact Taylor Griffin at 912-644-6429 or [email protected].
Georgia Southern saves money with energy efficiency
STATESBORO -- Georgia Southern University will save more than $350,000 over a five-year period
by using light emitting diode (LED) bulbs instead of standard incandescent bulbs in eight housing
complexes on campus.
University officials said they partnered with Georgia Power through the company's commercial
energy efficiency program, an
initiative to help companies reduce energy use and costs by offering rebates.
Over a four-week period, 10 facility services' staff members replaced 10,000 standard 60-watt
incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs and reduced energy consumption from 60 watts to 10 watts
per bulb.
Members and affiliates from Georgia Power presented a check to Georgia Southern for nearly
$78,000 - the largest rebate the university has received to date and the same amount required to
buy the light bulbs.
'Diabetic' shoes donated to nonprofit clinic
Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists have contributed more than 70 pairs of shoes for people who suffer
foot and ankle problems related to diabetes.
The shoes are available at Medbank's headquarters in the Medical Arts Building, 836 E. 65th St., for
patients who are being discharged from local hospitals due to foot care complications caused by
diabetes.
Patients also may request a Second Harvest foodbox from MedBank's headquarters, made possible
by The Junior League of Savannah's "Done in a Day" program.
For more information, call 912-356-2898.
Golf management firm adds to courses
BLUFFTON, S.C. -- Brown Golf Management, a Bluffton- based golf management company, has
added a 19th course to its portfolio.
Commissioners in Forsyth County, N.C., voted June 9 to sign an 18-month management contract
with Brown Golf to manage Tanglewood Golf Course, a 54-hole layout in Clemons, N.C. The contract
is effective July 1.
With the addition of Tanglewood, Brown Golf has 19 properties totaling 441 holes of golf in six
states.
For more information, go to BrownGolfManagement.com.
Georgia Southern saves money with energy efficiency
STATESBORO -- Georgia Southern University will save more than $350,000 over a five-year period
by using light emitting diode (LED) bulbs instead of standard incandescent bulbs in eight housing
complexes on campus.
University officials said they partnered with Georgia Power through the company's commercial
energy efficiency program, an initiative to help companies reduce energy use and costs by offering
rebates.
Over a four-week period, 10 facility services' staff members replaced 10,000 standard 60-watt
incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs and reduced energy consumption from 60 watts to 10 watts
per bulb.
Members and affiliates from Georgia Power presented a check to Georgia Southern for nearly
$78,000 - the largest rebate the university has received to date and the same amount required to
buy the light bulbs.
Verizon boosts 4G LTE capacity
Verizon Wireless has expanded its newest technology -- known as XLTE -- in Brunswick, Savannah,
Macon and Warner Robins to boost 4G LTE network capacity and enhance high-speed services for
customers.
XLTE utilizes Verizon's Advanced Wireless Services spectrum, which allows Verizon to deliver
significantly increased capacity over its high-speed 4G LTE network. This means more customers in
high-traffic locations can access the company's most advanced technology at the same time to send
photos, download videos, surf the Internet and use other popular applications during times of peak
usage.
XLTE technology is particularly effective in settings with a concentrated group of high-data demand
customers, such as densely-populated areas, rush-hour commutes, concert venues and sports
arenas.
More than 300 of Verizon's 4G LTE 500-plus markets have been enhanced with XLTE, with more
scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
Anonymous donor gives theater $100,000
The Tybee Post Theater has hired an architect and announced a donation of slightly more than
$100,000 that will be used to recharge the long-awaited restoration of the 1930s movie house.
The gift came from a donor with ties to Tybee who asked to remain anonymous, theater officials
said. It's the largest single donation ever received by the Friends of Tybee Theater, the non-profit
organization formed more than a decade ago to restore and reopen it.
Jim Kluttz, president of the theater's board of directors, said the donation came from an individual
who has strong connections to Tybee.
"He believes our island really needs a community gathering place where we can experience the arts
together, be it movies, music, plays, dance performances. You name it. This Theater will be that
place," Kluttz said.
The donation comes in addition to foundation grants of $10,000 and $5,000 that were received this
spring.
Enmark donates to 'Girls on the Run'
Matching proceeds raised from Paula Kreissler's "Five Strategies for Busy Families to Stay Healthy,"
the second of five lectures in the Enmark Encourage Health Education Series 2014, Enmark Stations
raised $2,000 for Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, a local Savannah nonprofit.
The nonprofit raised an additional $432 during the Enmark Dollar Day at Enmark's store on Waters
Avenue.
Beth Aldrich, executive director of Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, said the money will be used
for scholarships.
The Encourage Health Educational Series, held in the Savannah Morning News auditorium, happens
on the last Tuesday of the months of February, April, June, August and October.
South State Bank new name for local institution
The Savannah Bank officially changed identities Monday when corporate parent SCBT unveiled new
signs and began operating as South State Bank, bringing four of its five bank brands under one
unified name.
The parent firm had been doing business as The Savannah Bank in Savannah, SCBT in South
Carolina, NCBT in North Carolina and Community Bank & Trust in North Georgia. The bank's fifth
brand, First Federal, located in coastal South Carolina and Wilmington, N.C., will be branded as
South State Bank on July 21.
"Our customers will have significantly expanded convenience while retaining the relationship
banking culture that our company has been known for since 1934," said Robert R. Hill, Jr., South
State Bank CEO.
Customers will now have access to 135 banking locations in North Carolina, South Carolina and
Georgia.
The bank also has launched its new website, SouthStateBank.com.
Home prices in Savannah increase
In Savannah, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 8.5 percent in May 2014
compared to May 2013, according to CoreLogic, a property information reporting firm.
On a month-over-month basis, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 2.6 percent in
May 2014 compared to April 2014, CoreLogic reports.
Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices increased by 8.6 percent in May 2014 compared to
May 2013. On a month-over-month basis, excluding distressed sales, the CoreLogic data indicate
home prices increased by 3.3 percent in May 2014 compared to April 2014.
Home prices nationwide, including distressed sales, increased 8.8 percent in May 2014 compared to
May 2013. This change represents 27 months of consecutive year-over-year increases in home prices
nationally.
First Hilton Head 'Scout Guide' released
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- The Scout Guide, a publication that focuses on small businesses,
local artisans and their surrounding communities, released its inaugural edition Tuesday for
Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Beaufort, S.C.
"Our editorial team spent the past nine months scouring Hilton Head, Beaufort and Bluffton to find
the local artisans, craftsmen, and connoisseurs that help define the unique culture of our region,"
said Local Scout Guide editor Cindy Owens.
Founded in Charlottesville, Va., The Scout Guide has expanded to more than 60 cities, including
Aspen, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, San Francisco, Denver, Naples, Charlotte and Nashville.
Some of the artists and businesses featured in this year's Scout Guide are Forsythe Jewelers, Hogs
Head Kitchen and Wine Bar and Allison Ramsey Architects.
Economic developers draft St. Augustine exec
ATLANTA -- The trade group of industrial recruiters has picked a new president who's been in their
shoes in trying to woo employers to Savannah and Augusta.
The Georgia Economic Developers Association announced Monday it selected Kevin Shea to serve as
president and CEO.
Shea is associate vice president of investments at Raymond James in St. Augustine, Fla., and
previously held senior posts for the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Savannah
Economic Development Authority, including serving a term as SEDA's volunteer president.
"I am so happy to be back home among old friends, but I am mostly excited to take the helm of one
of the leading organizations for economic development professionals in the southeastern U.S.," he
said.
The organization reached its 50-year milestone last year. Former President Mike Pennington
resigned in January.
Armstrong students support Goodwill
Armstrong Atlantic State University students living on campus donated nearly 10 tons of unused
items to Goodwill and Second Harvest at the end of the spring 2014 semester.
The university's facility services department placed Goodwill donation bins outside the student
housing areas during the move-out period from May 5-16.
Katie Twining, director of facility services, said 727 donors contributed 13,825 pounds of useable
donations, 5,400 pounds of recyclable material and 385 pounds of canned and dry foods for First
Harvest.
Hilton Head chamber wins award
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has received
a national Award of Communications Excellence from the American Chamber of Commerce
Executives.
The chamber won the award for its 2014 electronic category entry "Come Grow With Us iPad
Membership Brochure."
The iPad membership brochure provides instant, one-click access to membership benefits and
targeted information in a user-friendly format and membership applications that can be completed
electronically.
The ACE awards recognize outstanding communications efforts by chambers of commerce, and the
30th annual awards program attracted 163 entries from chambers of all size.
Keurig to create 550 jobs in Douglas County
Keurig Green Mountain Inc. (Keurig) (NASDAQ: GMCR) will invest $337 million to open a
manufacturing facility in Douglas County and create about 550 jobs over the next five years, Gov.
Nathan Deal announced Thursday.
The new 585,000-square-foot manufacturing center will support the production of pods for the
company's new Keurig Cold platform, an in-home cold beverage system designed to produce quick,
convenient cold drinks.
In February, Keurig and Coca-Cola announced the companies had entered into a long-term, global
strategic partnership to collaborate on the development and introduction of Coca-Cola's global brand
portfolio for use in the Keurig Cold beverage system. The system is expected to be available in 2015.
Kroger 1Q results top Street; boost outlook
CINCINNATI -- Kroger saw a 4 percent jump in first-quarter profit, and the nation's biggest
supermarket chain raised its earnings forecast for the year.
The Cincinnati company -- which operates 12 stores in the Savannah area and also runs Ralphs,
Fry's and other chains -- earned $501 million, or 98 cents per share, for the quarter. That compares
with $481 million, or 92 cents per share, a year ago.
Removing non-recurring charges, The Kroger Co. earned $1.09 per share, four cents better than
analysts polled by FactSet had been projecting.
Revenue jumped 10 percent to $32.96 billion, which also edged out expectations due in part due to a
new acquisition, the grocer and pharmacy Harris Teeter.
Sales at established locations climbed 4.6 percent, excluding fuel.
Kroger now foresees fiscal 2014 adjusted earnings between $3.19 and $3.27 per share. Previously it
predicted $3.14 to $3.25 per share.
The company also increased its full-year guidance for sales at established locations, excluding fuel.
It now anticipates 3 percent to 4 percent growth. Its prior outlook was for a 2.5 percent to 3.5
percent increase.
Beaufort makes "Small Towns We Love" list
BEAUFORT, S.C. -- Southern Living magazine has named Beaufort to its list of 'Small Towns We
Love' in its July issue.
The magazine's description of Beaufort:
"The curving, tidal Beaufort River wraps around the 303-year-old downtown and offers up terrific
scenery in most directions. And then there's the leafy historic district itself, filled with 18th-, 19th-,
and 20th-century architecture, from tiny cottages and fish shacks to indigo-planters' mansions and
wide piazzas.
It's a Lowcountry town where characters abound. And the river's pristine waters surrender such
high-quality seafood that it seems folks are always gathering for a shrimp or crab boil or an oyster
roast."
The full list can be found at southernliving.com/travel/best-small-towns.
Pooler picked as third best place to live in Georgia
CreditDonkey.com rates Pooler as the third best city to live in Georgia, the only community not near
the Atlanta metro area on the website's top 10 list.
According to CreditDonkey, if you live in Pooler:
o Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 735
o Commute Time: 22.1 minutes
o Income: $72,518
o Residents Who Attended Some College, No Degree: 24.6%
o Restaurants: 1 per 412 inhabitants
The website says: Commute times are among the shortest of any city on our list, clocking in at just
over 22 minutes on average. Incomes gravitate towards the higher end of the scale, and the
incidence of violent crime is relatively low. Major nearby attractions include the Savannah National
Wildlife Refuge and the Savannah historic district.
CreditDonkey's pick for the best place to live in the state: Carterville.
Savannah woman among new Georgia Trust trustees
ATLANTA -- Six new members have been elected to three-year terms on The Georgia Trust for
Historic Preservation's board of trustees, including Lisa L. White of Savannah.
In addition to The Georgia Trust, White is on the board of directors for the Georgia Humanities
Council, the Ossabaw Island Foundation, the University of Georgia Libraries, the Georgia Writers
Hall of Fame, the Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails, and the city of Savannah Cultural Affairs
Commission.
White also has received the John Macpherson Berrien Award from the Georgia Historical Society
and the award for Outstanding Georgia Women in Historic Preservation from the Georgia
Commission on Women.
The other new trustees are Justin Krieg, Columbus; John Sheftall, Columbus; David A. Smith,
Atlanta; Susan M. Turner, Atlanta; and Stephen Yarbrough, Atlanta.
Choate wins construction contract
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- A contract to rebuild the Harbour Town Clubhouse and Conference
Center at Sea Pines Resort has been awarded to Choate Construction Co.
Construction began in April following the 2014 RBC
Heritage PGA Tournament and is to be finished
prior to the April 2015 Tournament.
The work consists of demolishing the existing
Harbour Town Clubhouse and building its 51,807-
square-foot, three-story replacement, designed by
Grady L. Woods Architect.
The conference center will receive upgrades to the
kitchen as well as the exterior façade to match the
new clubhouse.
"Choate is proud to partner with The Sea Pines
Resort to deliver a facility worthy of being on one of
the most distinguished PGA Tour Golf Courses in the country," says Millard Choate, president of
Choate Construction Company.
Gulfstream adds California parts center
Savannah-based Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has expanded its worldwide service and support
network by opening a parts and materials distribution center near Los Angeles.
The 5,000-square-foot facility at Van Nuys Airport primarily serves Gulfstream customers in the
western U.S. and Canada to shorten delivery times and minimize shipping costs.
The Van Nuys facility is expected to have approximately $15 million in parts and materials by the
end of 2014. Gulfstream maintains a worldwide spares inventory of more than $1.4 billion.
"This is another milestone in our growth," said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Product Support.
"As we expand, we need to continue to provide our customers with the parts they need as quickly as
possible. We chose Van Nuys because of its proximity to one of the largest bases of Gulfstream
operators
in the world. In the Los Angeles area alone, we have more than 100 operators; in California, we have
more than 200."
Gulfstream also has parts and materials at service centers in Long Beach, Calif., Las Vegas, and
Lincoln, Calif.
Golfing for a Cure raises more than $66,000
The 10th Landings Women's Golf Association
"Golfing for a Cure" event raised $66,327 for
the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer
Institute at Memorial University Medical
Center.
The money will support cancer research and a
summer scholars program. Established in
1974, the golf association has almost 500
members.
For more information, go to
www.memorialhealth.com.
Core Therapy celebrates grand opening
Core Therapy, a pelvic physical therapy clinic
specializing in pelvic pain and incontinence. has opened at 7373 Hodgson Memorial Drive.
Owner Cathy Ey Neal, a graduate of Armstrong Atlantic State University, says she has more than
3,000 hours of treating conditions, including pelvic pain, incontinence, pregnancy/postpartum
related conditions, bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction.
As part of the grand opening, Neal has partnered with The Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire
to donate $2,000 worth of services.
Company buys local Wells Fargo Insurance office
New York-based USI Insurance Services has bought 40 Wells Fargo Insurance offices nationwide,
including the local Savannah office that will be known as Savannah USI Insurance.
"Our local team is very excited about this transition to a pure insurance focused environment to
service our clients and grow our client base," said market president Paige Gantt.
USI has more than 140 offices nationwide and is the third largest privately held insurance broker
and the fourth largest privately held commercial lines broker in the United States.
Auto logistics firm moves to St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island -- International Auto Logistics LLC has signed a lease for 8,488 square feet on St.
Simons Island, where it will establish its new headquarters office, according to commercial real
estate advisor Newmark Grubb Phoenix Realty Group.
"The office will bring about 40 new positions to the Saint Simons area, which will support a newly
awarded contract with the United States Transportation Command to handle the logistics and
storage of privately-owned vehicles for military personnel in the U.S., Asia and Europe," said Doug
Tipton, Auto Logistics president and CEO.
"This lease on St. Simons Island is a further sign that the automotive logistics industry recognizes
the strategic value of southeast Georgia and its growth potential," said Kirk Watson, Newmark
Grubb's executive vice president, who represented Auto Logistics in the transaction.
International Auto Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Auto Processing, Inc., the
Brunswick-based firm that services cars for major automotive manufacturers, including Hyundai,
Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, GM, Toyota and Honda.
CNBC names Georgia top state for business
CNBC has ranked Georgia No. 1 among "America's Top States for Business" in its 2014 survey,
released Tuesday. Jumping from No. 8 last year, the Peach State ranked in the top 10 for workforce,
economy and infrastructure/transportation, Georgia has placed in the survey's top 10 every year
since 2007, when CNBC began rating states for competitiveness.
Magazine praises three Savannah hair salons
Three Savannah hair salons were recognized by American Salon Magazine in its May issue for being
the city's top salons for services and salon design.
They include: 40 Volume Salon & Spa, 3307 Waters Ave.; JW Salon & Spa, 19 E. York St.; Greener
Grass Hair Color and Designs, 9100 White Bluff Road, Suite 204.
"Savannah might be the oldest city in the state of Georgia, but three of its hair salons keep residents
and visitors looking young and fresh all year," wrote Nicole Altavilla, the magazine's editor.
Utility exec receives S.C.'s highest honor
BLUFFTON, S.C. -- Tom Upshaw, president and CEO of the Palmetto Electric Cooperative, has been
awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Gov. Nikki Haley, and a $100,000 endowed scholarship has
been established in his name at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
Palmetto Electric Cooperative provided $50,000 and Palmetto Electric Trust awarded the other
$50,000 for the endowment.
Haley praised Upshaw for 33 years of community service and said, "It is your passion for serving
individuals in need and charitable organizations that sets such a high standard for others."
Upshaw is scheduled to retire on June 30. The scholarship in his name will support veterans of the
U.S. military who live in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties in South Carolina and attend USCB.
Parker's opens new Statesboro store
Parker's, a locally owned company, opened its 36th location Wednesday at 1588 Brampton Ave. in
Statesboro.
The convenience and fuel store features Parker's new drive-through service for selection of the
majority of the store's products, as well as a Beer Cave and non-ethanol marine fuel. The drive-
through is a new concept for Parker's, and is the first in the region for convenience stores, according
to Brandon Hofmann, Parker's Chief Marketing Officer.
An official ribbon-cutting for the new store will be July 10. Parker's currently operates three dozen
stores in nine counties in southeast Georgia and South Carolina.
Free burgers for military personnel
Five Guys of Coastal Georgia and South Carolina will host their sixth 'Five Guys 4 Heroes' campaign
on July 22 at the Five Guys Burgers and Fries in the Twelve Oaks Shopping Center, 5500 Abercorn
St.
On July 22, from 6-8 p.m., all military personnel who present their identification card will receive
one free Five Guys meal.
As the Five Guys 4 Heroes campaign continues, a different group of heroes will be honored each
month with a Five Guys meal.
Foreclose, delinquency rates down in Savannah
Foreclosure rates in Savannah decreased for April over the same period last year, according to
newly released data from CoreLogic, a real estate information reporting firm.
CoreLogic data indicates the rate of Savannah area foreclosures among outstanding mortgage loans
was 0.76 percent for April 2014, a decrease of 0.49 percentage points compared to April 2013 when
the rate was 1.25 percent.
Foreclosure activity in Savannah was lower than the national foreclosure rate, which was 1.77
percent for April 2014.
Also in Savannah, the mortgage delinquency rate decreased. According to CoreLogic data for April
2014, 4.30 percent of mortgage loans were 90 days or more delinquent compared to 5.09 percent for
the same period last year, representing a decrease of 0.79 percentage points.
Savannah yarn and gift shop recognized
Comcast Business has selected Unwind Yarn & Gifts, 7710 Waters Ave., as an Innovations 4
Entrepreneurs (I4E) regional winner.
Comcast Business chose two winners across Georgia as part of the competition, which awards more
than $600,000 nationwide in cash and services to aspiring entrepreneurs who are leveraging
technology to enhance customer and employee experiences.
Each winner will be awarded a $5,000 cash prize plus Comcast Business Internet and television
services for two years and up to a $2,500 Comcast Business Account credit and services from
Comcast Business Upware partners: Cisco, Microsoft, Symantec, DocuSign, Soonr and Swiftpage
Engage for one year.
The total approximate value of cash and prizes is up to $15,000.
"This cash infusion will allow me to add new yarn lines that we haven't yet brought into the shop,
simply because they weren't in the budget," said owner Wendy Moynihan.
Apprentice program recruiting for job training program
Step Up Savannah's Chatham Apprentice Program (CAP) is recruiting for the next "E3: Educate,
Empower, Employ" job skills training program from Aug. 4 through Aug. 25. The program is open to
men and women who want to develop and enhance their basic employment skills.
The training is free to adults 18 years and older. Those without a high school diploma or GED are
encouraged to apply.
The application process is competitive and space is limited. To apply or learn more about CAPk, call
Isaac Felton at 912-656-4339.
The next class will take place at the Moses Jackson Advancement Center on Richards Street.
Beacon Builders breaks ground on Liberty Street
After a year of planning and negotiating with the city, Savannah's Beacon Builders has broken
ground on its new development of seven, high-end town homes in the 500 block of East Liberty
Street between Houston and East Broad streets.
The three-story homes will start at just more than $700,000 with the first home already under
contract. Construction is expcted to last six to seven months.
Smith Brothers Market, which has operated for decades on Skidaway Island, also plans to move to
the 500 block of East Liberty Street. Their opening date has not been announced.
Children's Hospital support group schedules fundraiser
The Next Generation, a volunteer organization founded to benefit The Children's Hospital at
Memorial University Medical Center, will host its first Summer Soirée fundraising gala on Friday,
July 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Savannah Yacht Club.
Funds will benefit the Next Generation's Angel Wings campaign, a three-year effort to raise
$275,000 to buy a new neonatal intensive care ambulance. The Children's Hospital houses the only
Level III neonatal intensive care nursery in the region and is the only facility in southeast Georgia
equipped to treat the most critically ill and premature newborns.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.nextgenerationsavannah.com.
CBRE to market IDI Gazeley's Tradeport
ATLANTA -- CBRE Group, Inc., a commercial real estate and investment firm, has been awarded the
assignment to market IDI Gazeley's Tradeport East property.
The CBRE team will consist of CBRE Atlanta's Todd Barton and Greg Haynes and CBRE Savannah's
William Lattimore and Bill Sparks.
The property, located at Tradeport East Business Center, has approximately 235 net acres remaining
and more than 3.2 million square feet of planned buildings, all located in an Opportunity Zone with
tax abatement.
Botanical Gardens to benefit from Macy's sale
Macy's and Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens will join efforts for Macy's ninth annual national
"Shop For A Cause" charity shopping event on Aug. 23.
Macy's "Shop For A Cause" is a one-day-only shopping event created to support local charities'
fundraising efforts and has helped raise more than $44 million for charities across the country since
2006.
This year, Macy's has provided the botanical gardens with shopping passes to sell for $5 each. The
gardens will keep 100 percent of every shopping pass they sells.
Pass holders will receive special discounts on most regular, sale and clearance purchases all day,
but some exclusions apply.
For more information, visit www.macys.com/shopforacause . To buy a shopping pass from Coastal
Botanical Gardens, contact Liz Lubrani at 912-921-5460, ext. 202.
Junior League accepting "Done in a Day" applications
The Junior League of Savannah is accepting applications for "Done in a Day."
The work includes three to four projects in which Junior League volunteers help local organizations
or social service agencies through hands-on volunteer work.
Typical projects include assistance with painting, gardening, special events or physical
improvements.
The projects are generally scheduled on a Saturday or Sunday, with a need of ten to fifteen
volunteers.
Currently, the Junior League of Savannah focuses its efforts on women and children's advocacy,
believing women and children deserve to be empowered through quality opportunities in order to
thrive and to be contributing members of the community.
To apply, visit www.jrleaguesav.org or call 912-790-1002. The application deadline is July 30.
Bar Crawl of the South generates donation for United Way
Stafford Promotions and the Savannah Waterfront Association have presented United Way of the
Coastal Empire with a check for $4,000.
Stafford Promotions and the Savannah Waterfront Association hosted the Crawl of the South in May
to try - unsuccessfully - to break the Guinness World Record for the largest bar crawl.
Their $4,000 contribution to United Wa represents the first money raised toward the 2014 United
Way annual fundraising campaign, which doesn't officially start until Sept. 4.
Savannah picked as world's 16th friendliest
Readers of Conde Nast magazine have picked Savannah in a tie with Edinburgh, Scotland, as the
16th friendliest city in the world in the publication's latest Readers Choice awards.
About Savannah, the magazine wrote:
"The oldest city in Georgia, Savannah combines a "very friendly atmosphere" with "lovely places to
stay and eat" and "lots of museums that beg to be explored." Its "warm" local vibe spurred one
visitor to rave, "If you want to feel like you are returning home after being away for some time, this
is the city to visit." Simply put, "you can't have a bad time in Savannah."
The friendliest city in the world? Florianopolis, Brazil.
Charleston, S.C., ranked No. 5.