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

26 LC 129 1476 House Resolution 1940 By: Representatives Gilliard of the 162 nd, Stephens of the 164 th, Petrea of the 166 th, and Hitchens of the 161st A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Buy Local Savannah for its enduring commitment to1 strengthening independent businesses and preserving the unique character and economic2 vitality of Savannah and Chatham County; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, the City of Savannah, Georgia, known for its historic squares, vibrant4 waterfront, thriving hospitality industry, and entrepreneurial spirit, is strengthened by the5 success of its independent, locally owned businesses; and6 WHEREAS, Savannah's small businesses contribute significantly t o the city's tourism7 economy, neighborhood vitality, workforce development, and over all quality of life for8 residents and visitors alike; and9 WHEREAS, Buy Local Savannah was founded in 1999 by a small grou p of dedicated10 business leaders who recognized the importance of organizing to support, advocate for, and11 protect Chatham County's independent merchants, shop owners, restaurateurs, and service12 providers; and13 WHEREAS, Buy Local Savannah's mission is to support and empower independent, locally14 owned and operated businesses in Chatham County, Georgia; and15 H. R. 1940 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1476 WHEREAS, Buy Local Savannah is committed to preventing the disp lacement of local16 businesses by national and global entities and to providing opportunities for local businesses17 to connect, grow, and thrive; and18 WHEREAS, Buy Local believes that independent businesses make Chatham County unique19 and attractive to both residents and visitors and that when ind ependent businesses support20 and advocate for one another, the community becomes stronger and more prosperous; and21 WHEREAS, when residents and visitors choose to buy local in Sav annah– whether along22 Broughton Street, within neighborhood commercial corridors, in locally owned restaurants,23 retail shops, and professional service firms, or throughout Cha tham County– they support24 their neighbors, from solo entrepreneurs building innovative st art-ups to established local25 companies employing dozens of Chatham County residents; and26 WHEREAS, when these locally owned Savannah businesses in turn conduct business with27 other local enterprises, revenues and expenditures remain within the local economy, directly28 strengthening Savannah's workforce, civic institutions, charita ble organizations, and29 community life both economically and socially; and30 WHEREAS, buying local is an act of advocacy that sustains Savan nah's distinct culture,31 preserves opportunity for entrepreneurs, and ensures that the e conomic benefits of growth32 remain rooted within the community; and33 WHEREAS, the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes that organizations such as Buy34 Local Savannah play a vital role in safeguarding small businesses, protecting local character,35 and advancing long-term economic prosperity for the City of Sav annah and the State of36 Georgia.37 H. R. 1940 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1476 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that38 the members of this body recognize and commend Buy Local Savannah for its leadership,39 advocacy, and unwavering dedication to independent businesses in Savannah and Chatham40 County and extend their sincere appreciation for its continued service since its founding in41 1999.42 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized43 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Buy44 Local Savannah.45 H. R. 1940 - 3 -