HR 1940: Buy Local Savannah; commitment to strengthening independent businesses and preserving the unique character and economic vitality of Savannah and Chatham County; commend

House Resolution 1940

By: Representatives Gilliard of the 162nd, Stephens of the 164th, Petrea of the 166th, and Hitchens of the 161st

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Buy Local Savannah for its enduring commitment to strengthening independent businesses and preserving the unique character and economic vitality of Savannah and Chatham County; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the City of Savannah, Georgia, known for its historic squares, vibrant waterfront, thriving hospitality industry, and entrepreneurial spirit, is strengthened by the success of its independent, locally owned businesses; and

WHEREAS, Savannah's small businesses contribute significantly to the city's tourism economy, neighborhood vitality, workforce development, and overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, Buy Local Savannah was founded in 1999 by a small group of dedicated business leaders who recognized the importance of organizing to support, advocate for, and protect Chatham County's independent merchants, shop owners, restaurateurs, and service providers; and

WHEREAS, Buy Local Savannah's mission is to support and empower independent, locally owned and operated businesses in Chatham County, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, Buy Local Savannah is committed to preventing the displacement of local businesses by national and global entities and to providing opportunities for local businesses to connect, grow, and thrive; and

WHEREAS, Buy Local believes that independent businesses make Chatham County unique and attractive to both residents and visitors and that when independent businesses support and advocate for one another, the community becomes stronger and more prosperous; and

WHEREAS, when residents and visitors choose to buy local in Savannah– whether along Broughton Street, within neighborhood commercial corridors, in locally owned restaurants, retail shops, and professional service firms, or throughout Chatham County– they support their neighbors, from solo entrepreneurs building innovative start-ups to established local companies employing dozens of Chatham County residents; and

WHEREAS, when these locally owned Savannah businesses in turn conduct business with other local enterprises, revenues and expenditures remain within the local economy, directly strengthening Savannah's workforce, civic institutions, charitable organizations, and community life both economically and socially; and

WHEREAS, buying local is an act of advocacy that sustains Savannah's distinct culture, preserves opportunity for entrepreneurs, and ensures that the economic benefits of growth remain rooted within the community; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes that organizations such as Buy Local Savannah play a vital role in safeguarding small businesses, protecting local character, and advancing long-term economic prosperity for the City of Savannah and the State of Georgia.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and commend Buy Local Savannah for its leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to independent businesses in Savannah and Chatham County and extend their sincere appreciation for its continued service since its founding in 1999.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Buy Local Savannah.