NEWS

Leaders from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Savannah joined representatives of the Savannah Convention Center in Washington, D.C., last week to meet with Georgia’s congressional offices and advocate for funding and policies that support our region.

One of the delegation’s biggest priorities became a reason to celebrate just days before the trip: funding for Tybee Island beach renourishment.

“Our biggest ask turned into a thank you as our members of Congress and their staffs worked together to secure this badly needed support,” said Bert Brantley, president and CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. “We also have to give a ton of credit to Tybee’s Mayor Brian West and City Manager Bret Bell for their relentless advocacy on behalf of the Island.”

The visit also offered an opportunity to thank Savannah native Chris Crawford for more than 20 years of service as chief of staff for Georgia’s 1st Congressional District, working for both U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter. Crawford is joining the private sector this month.

The delegation spent significant time with staff members from the offices of U.S. Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. Discussions focused on federal funding opportunities for necessary capital projects, as well as taxation, small-business support, healthcare reimbursement rates, and convention- and sports-related tourism in Savannah.

These meetings help keep Savannah’s priorities before federal leaders and strengthen the relationships that support investment and opportunity across our region.