Military Affairs Council
Staff Liaison: Trip Tollison
Vice President, Government and Existing Industry
912.644.6422 / ttollison@savannahchamber.com
GOAL: One of the Chamber’s top priorities is to preserve and enhance the military value of this community. This is accomplished through community leadership and the Military Affairs Council while encouraging and strengthening community awareness and involvement. The Chamber is committed to our men and women in uniform.
PARTICIPANTS: Military Affairs Council and subcommittees
BENEFITS/ACCOMPLSHMENTS:
- Military Affairs Council and the Chamber’s Military Support Initiative concluded the five year BRAC process with much success. Not only did all military installations within 100 miles of Savannah survive BRAC, some will actually gain more personnel. Council continues to support an additional brigade to Ft. Stewart/Hunter. New Brigade would add over 7,000 new troops and families to our area.
- Georgia Southern University completed an economic impact study showing that the economic impact of Stewart/Hunter is more than $2 billion.
- Council has hired Washington-based military consultants to assist our community’s efforts in the BRAC process. Consultants will continue to monitor and track encroachment and economic development prospects.
- Council is coordinating efforts in Hinesville and Liberty County civic and business leaders.
- Chamber led several group visits to Washington to lobby for the protection and enhancement of our military assets through the BRAC process.
- Held a massive USO welcome Home Celebration for the troops that were deployed in Iraq with over 10,000 people attending the festival on River Street.
- Chamber and Council represents the business community on matters that affect business interests in relation to all military presence in the community.
- Council is working on lobbying for military construction dollars for Ft. Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield.
- Enhancing the activities of the Military Affairs Council through community outreach and the Council’s annual Armed Forces Day Luncheon, honoring Armed Forces Service People of the Year in each branch of the armed forces.
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101 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 | 912-644-6400