Manufacturers & Distributors Council
Staff Liaison: Trip Tollison
Vice President, Government Affairs and Existing Industry
912.644.6422 / ttollison@savannahchamber.com
GOAL: To monitor issues of importance to those companies having the largest economic impact on our area. Manufacturers do $1.8 billion of business in our area! This council ensures that their interests are being protected and this segment of the community is recognized for the impact it has. This Council is the single forum where all member manufacturers and other supportive interests can receive a hearing and a response to their issues. The Council provides members with relevant information, advocacy and networking opportunities that assist them in maintaining the growth of their operations in the Savannah area.
PARTICIPANTS: Manufacturers & Distributors Council and subcommittees
BENEFITS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- The council utilized $250,000 of its own money to examine standards for the total maximum daily load of dissolved oxygen levels in the Savannah River in order to comply with new EPA rules and regulations. The benefit in this massive study is for the Savannah Harbor to come up with a uniform standard that is specific to the harbor, not nationwide. Last year the council successfully obtained $250,000 in state funds to continue its work on this project.
- This group is currently examining how to solve complications with equipment and material transport on Bay Street, natural gas and energy price increases and workforce development.
- Work with government regulatory agencies to assure that their decisions affecting our manufacturers are based upon balanced cost benefit analysis and in-depth consideration of economic impact.
- Provide management/technical assistance and training to members by networking expertise among local firms or by bringing in experts into the area.
- Manufacturers Week: Golf tournament and awards luncheon honors those companies demonstrating exemplary business conduct, safety and community service and salutes all in this sector.
- Completed a Manufacturing Economic Impact Study that proves how valuable this sector is to our local economy.
- Council will hold its second annual fall event to network and spend time with our local elected officials.
