HR1940: HR1940 Buy Local Savannah; commitment to strengthening independent businesses and preserving the unique character and economic vitality of Savannah and Chatham County; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia House of Representatives. It does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it recognizes Buy Local Savannah, an organization founded in 1999 by local business leaders, for its efforts to support and protect independent merchants, restaurants, and service providers in Savannah and Chatham County. The resolution describes how the group works to prevent local businesses from being displaced by national and global chains and to help independent businesses connect and grow. It formally commends the organization for its leadership and dedication since its founding, and directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution to give to Buy Local Savannah.

• Formally commends Buy Local Savannah for its leadership and advocacy on behalf of independent businesses since 1999.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Buy Local Savannah.
• Makes no changes to Georgia statutes, taxes, or regulations; it is a symbolic statement of recognition.
• States the House's view that organizations like Buy Local Savannah help protect small businesses and local economic character.

The resolution directly names Buy Local Savannah, the organization it honors, along with independent business owners, shop owners, restaurateurs, and service providers in Savannah and Chatham County that the group represents.

Because this is a commendation rather than a law, it carries no legal or financial effect. Its main practical result is a formal, published statement of appreciation from the state legislature that Buy Local Savannah can use for recognition purposes.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe Buy Local Savannah's 1999 founding and its mission to support independent businesses in Chatham County.
• The resolved clause formally commends the organization for its leadership, advocacy, and dedication to independent businesses.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for delivery to Buy Local Savannah.

1. 2026-03-25House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-25House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-25House Hopper (House)

• Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)Primary sponsor
• Ron Stephens (R, HD-164)
• Jesse Petrea (R, HD-166)
• Bill Hitchens (R, HD-161)

• small businesses
• Savannah
• Chatham County
• local economy
• legislative commendation