You are cordially invited to experience true Southern hospitality May 13-15, 2010 during the Experience Walterboro Press Trip in the heart of South Carolina.
Based in historic Walterboro, S.C., this press trip will showcase some of the Palmetto State’s finest state parks, antique shops and historic sites. Don’t miss the chance to get outdoors and kayak the ACE Basin, explore the Great Swamp Sanctuary and savor the best of the Lowcountry. (more…)
2nd Annual Hilton Head Island Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour
May 29 – 30, 2010, Eclectic Mix of Unique and Contemporary Art on Display
WHAT: 2nd Annual Hilton Head Island Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour
WHEN: Saturday, May 29, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Sunday, May 30, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (more…)
Garden City to Rename Streets After Chatham County Commissioner, Former Mayor on February 13
WHAT: Garden City Street Renaming Ceremony. Garden City will rename Wheathill Rd. Priscilla D. Thomas Way, in honor of the Chatham County commissioner, and H&H Blvd. Quinney Lane, in honor of former Garden City Mayor Andy Quinney. (more…)
City Manager Brian Johnson to Deliver Garden City’s 2010 State of the City Address. In his address, Johnson will discuss the exciting changes currently taking place in Garden City and will outline this west Chatham County municipality’s plans for 2010 and beyond. In addition, Chatham County Engineer Al Bungard will be named an honorary citizen of Garden City. This honor officially recognizes Bungard for his ongoing contribution to Garden City with regard to his work in engineering improvements to Dean Forest Road between I-16 and Ogeechee Road.
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Two Award-Winning Kessler Collection Hotels Invite Peach State Residents to Experience the Best of Savannah
Savannah, GA – Two of Savannah’s finest boutique hotels — the Mansion on Forsyth Park and the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront — are currently offering a special 20% discount off the best available daily hotel rates for all Georgia residents. This special opportunity is available through February 28, 2010. (more…)
WHO: Georgia Historical Society, the Peach State’s first and only statewide historical society, with offices in Savannah and Atlanta
WHAT: “As Time Goes By”: Georgia Days Birthday Bash and Awards Gala. CNN founder and Chairman, Turner Enterprises, Inc., Ted Turner and baseball legend Hank Aaron will be featured speakers at this popular annual fundraiser. Governor Sonny Perdue will induct Mr. Turner and Mr. Aaron into the Georgia Historical Society’s Georgia Trustees at this signature event, which will incorporate elements inspired by the landmark film Casablanca. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, an awards ceremony, dancing and more.
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hyatt Regency Savannah
2 W. Bay Street
Savannah, Georgia
COST: $250 for Georgia Historical Society members. $275 for non-members.
TICKETS: To reserve tickets or to become a member of the Georgia Historical Society, please call 912.651.2125, ext. 16. For additional information about the gala, please visit http://georgiahistory.myshopify.com/products/gala-tickets-2010
ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
The Georgia Historical Society, headquartered in Savannah with offices in Atlanta and Affiliate Chapters in 80 counties, is the oldest cultural institution in the state and one of the oldest historical organizations in the nation. It is the first and only statewide historical society in Georgia. For nearly 175 years, GHS has collected, preserved, and shared Georgia and American history through a variety of educational outreach programs, publications, and research services. For more information, please call 912.651.2125 or visit www.georgiahistory.com.
Media Contact:
Virginia Gribben or Susan Hancock
Abshire Public Relations
912.695.7881 / 912.844.9549
abshirepr@bellsouth.net
SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Coastal Bank’s division president, Tommy Hester, has been officially named Chairman of the Savannah Economic Development Authority’s Board of Directors. Hester, who has been a member of the SEDA Board of Directors since 1996, will serve as a Chairman for a two-year term.
“SEDA is so important in attracting new business to our area, which in return will boost and sustain our economy by increasing our workforce,” said Hester. “I am honored to lead this organization’s board in continuing to grow and prosper our world-class community.”
In addition to the development efforts Hester will lead, he will also oversee the hiring of a new president for the organization as current president, Rick Winger, will retire in July after eight years as head the organization. A search committee has been appointed to begin the process of filling Winger’s position.
A seasoned Savannah banking professional with 38 years of experience, Hester has served as the division president for The Coastal Bank since its merger with BankSouth nearly two years ago. Over the years, he also served as the longtime president of the Savannah division of BankSouth, BB&T and First Liberty Bank.
Hester earned a B.B.A. from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga. and graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University in Rutgers, N.J.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Historic Savannah Foundation and the Marketing Committee of the Circle of Champions with the Legends of Golf. Formerly, he has served on the Board of Directors of the Savannah Technical College Foundation, the Georgia Southern University Foundation, the Armstrong Atlantic University Foundation and chaired the Board of Provident Health Services, Inc. at Memorial Hospital. He has also served on the Boards of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, the Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Small Business Assistance Corporation and is a past chair of the Community Housing Services Association.
ABOUT THE COASTAL BANK:
Locally owned and operated, The Coastal Bank provides a full range of financial services, specializing in small business, consumer banking and real estate lending. Headquartered on
Johnson Square in Savannah, this successful community bank has been serving the greater Savannah area since 1954. The Coastal Bank has an operations center in Pooler and branches throughout coastal Georgia. For more information about The Coastal Bank, please call (912) 201-4934 or visit http://www.thecoastalbank.com/ online.
ABOUT THE SAVANNAH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
The Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) provides professional site services and eases access to state and local resources. The organization, twice ranked as one of the best development groups in the country, has a clear record of success. Among SEDA’s major accomplishments is the nationally acclaimed Crossroads Business Park, home to more than five million sq. ft. of industrial space, headquarters operations, and educational institutions. An independently funded organization, SEDA can act in the best interests of both the client and the community without the hindrances often associated with publicly-funded operations. And, Savannah/Chatham County itself, residents and government alike, has helped SEDA’s mission with its strong commitment to remaining a vibrant, world-class community. For more information about SEDA, please visit www.seda.org online.
Media Contact:
Virginia Gribben or Susan Hancock
Abshire Public Relations
912.695.7881 / 912.844.9549
abshirepr@att.net
WHO: Garden City Police Department & Southeast Motorcycle Superstore
WHAT: Parade of Motorcycles- Holiday Toy Run
The Garden City Police Department and Southeast Motorcycle Superstore will host the 3rd annual Toy Run to collect toys and raise money for Garden City families in need.
WHERE: Southeast Motorcycle Superstore to Garden City Police Department
From: 4828 Augusta AvenueGarden City, Ga.
To: 100 Central Avenue
Garden City, Ga.
WHEN: Saturday, December 12, 2009
Registration begins at 9 a.m., Parade begins at 11 a.m.
NOTE: $15 registration fee per bike and $5 passenger fee. An unwrapped toy of equal or greater value will also be accepted for the fee. All proceeds go to needy families in Garden City. Donations and unwrapped toys can also be brought to the Garden City Police Department at 100 Central Avenue, Garden City, Ga. For more information, call 912.963.2717 or 912.963.2702.
ABOUT GARDEN CITY:
Located in the heart of Chatham County, Garden City stands apart as one of the leading municipalities in coastal Georgia. Featuring a progressive blend of industry and small business, Garden City boasts a rich history, friendly neighborhoods, vibrant economy and quality services for residents. Originally founded in 1939, Garden City has the distinction of being the second largest municipality in the state of Georgia with no property taxes. Defined by responsive, visionary leadership, Garden City is currently building an innovative mixed-use Town Center near I-16, which will serve as the new home of the municipality’s City Hall. For more information about Garden City, please call 912.966.7777 or visit www.gardencity-ga.gov online.
Media Contact:
Susan Hancock or Virginia Gribben
Abshire Public Relations
912.695.7881 / 912.844.9549
abshirepr@att.net
Less Than 3% of Municipalities in Georgia Have Earned Both
Awards for the Same Reporting Period
GARDEN CITY, Ga. – The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recently honored Garden City, Ga. with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).
This certificate is awarded to municipalities in the United States and Canada that achieve the highest standards of financial reporting. Less than 3 percent of municipalities in Georgia have earned both of these awards for the same reporting period.
“We’re delighted to receive this important award, which validates Garden City’s commitment to sound financial accountability,” said Clara Rouse, Director of Finance for Garden City. “This award is a real honor, because it recognizes that we are handling the finances for Garden City in an efficient and effective manner.”
Earlier this year, the GFOA honored Garden City with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award in recognition of outstanding budget preparation. Both awards were presented to Garden City the first time they applied for them, which is extremely unusual.
“These awards are significant because they recognize our ongoing commitment to fiduciary responsibility and financial transparency,” said City Manager Brian Johnson. “Garden City is truly dedicated to fiscal responsibility at every level.”
The Government Finance Officers Association is a non-profit professional organization serving more than 17,500 government finance professionals throughout North America. The association evaluates budgetary documents and financial reports from across the United States and Canada each year, recognizing cities and municipalities with outstanding fiduciary reporting.
ABOUT GARDEN CITY:
Located in the heart of Chatham County, Garden City stands apart as one of the leading municipalities in coastal Georgia. Featuring a progressive blend of industry and small business, Garden City boasts a rich history, friendly neighborhoods, vibrant economy and quality services for residents. Originally founded in 1939, Garden City has the distinction of being the second largest municipality in the state of Georgia with no property taxes. Defined by responsive, visionary leadership, Garden City is currently building an innovative mixed-use Town Center near I-16, which will serve as the new home of the municipality’s City Hall. For more information about Garden City, please call 912.966.7777 or visit www.gardencity-ga.gov online.
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Media Contact:
Susan Hancock or Virginia Gribben
Abshire Public Relations
912.844.9549 / 912.695.7881
abshirepr@att.net
WHO: The City of Garden City, a leading Chatham County municipality.
WHAT: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival. Mayor Tennyson Holder will light the official city tree, a 30-ft. cedar, at Volunteer Park. A Holiday Festival will follow at Sharon Park including the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus by fire truck, Christmas caroling, holiday puppet shows, a Moonbounce, arts and crafts, a poinsettia raffle, and performances by the Garden City Senior Citizens Choir and local church groups. Refreshments will be provided by Garden City’s Police Department. All events are free and open to the public.
WHERE: Volunteer Park and Sharon Park
Garden City, Ga.
Volunteer Park is located on Hwy 21 just in front of Bazemore Park and Sharon Park is located at 507 Sharon Park Drive
WHEN: Saturday, December 5, 2009
Official Tree Lighting Ceremony – 6:00 p.m.
Holiday Festival – 6:30-7:45 p.m.
INTERVIEWS: Garden City Parks and Recreation Director Cliff Ducey and various City Council members will be available for interviews on-site.
ABOUT GARDEN CITY:
Located in the heart of Chatham County, Garden City stands apart as one of the leading municipalities in coastal Georgia. Featuring a progressive blend of industry and small business, Garden City boasts a rich history, friendly neighborhoods, vibrant economy and quality services for residents. Originally founded in 1939, Garden City has the distinction of being the second largest municipality in the state of Georgia with no property taxes. Defined by responsive, visionary leadership, Garden City is currently building an innovative mixed-use Town Center near I-16, which will serve as the new home of the municipality’s City Hall. For more information about Garden City, please call 912.966.7777 or visit www.gardencity-ga.gov online.
