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.