www.parkplaceyes.org

(SAVANNAH) November is National Runaway Prevention Month.  Park Place Outreach Inc. along with the National Runaway Switchboard are trying to increase awareness about the benefits of this special month:  to raise awareness of the issues facing runaway youth; and to educate the public about solutions and the role they can play in preventing youth from running away.

According to the National Runaway Switchboard, when a youth runs away, the impact is felt throughout the entire community.   That’s why Park Place is encouraging everyone to participate in National Runaway Prevention Month.

The theme for NRPM 2008 is Let’s Talk.  This year’s theme was chosen in support of the National Runaway Switchboard’s second year of implementing its new program, Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum, which provides easy to use lessons on various topics as well as interactive, youth approved activities.

Let’s Talk is a 14-module curriculum intended to build life skills; increase knowledge about runaway resources and prevention; and educate about alternatives to running away.  Included in this e-mail you will find a link to a catalogue and order form for free promotional materials (http://www.1800runaway.org/pub_mat/promo.html) available from the National Runaway Switchboard, as well as a the downloadable Home Free Poster(http://www.1800runaway.org/downloads/pdfs/Runaway_poster_07.pdf) and the Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum. (http://www.1800runaway.org/rpc/index.htm)

Park Place provides emergency shelter and street outreach for adolescents ages 11 through 17 and their families. It is the only agency located within Chatham County that serves youth at no charge who are accepted without a referral to receive help.  Park Place opened in 1984. There are approximately 15-30 youth residents served each month.

For more information on Park Place, call (912) 234-4048.
www.parkplaceyes.org

www.sfps.net

(ATLANTA, GA)  Stage Front Presentation Systems (Stage Front)-one of the most respected and successful performance and presentation contractors in the Southeast-has recently expanded, opening an Atlanta office to serve the metro area and north Georgia.

Stage Front has serviced the Atlanta area from their Savannah location for a number of years.  Now operating out of their new Atlanta branch they will be able to better meet the high demand for their technical systems services in the northern part of the state.  Mark Folks has been hired as Director of Operations and will manage the Stage Front -Atlanta office.

“Mark Folks has extensive experience in the AV industry and the Atlanta market,” said Steve Stephens, President of Stage Front.  “We’re very glad to have him lead our effort to provide full systems design and installation for our clients in the upper part of the state.”

According to Stephens, eighty-five percent of Stage Front’s business is from repeat and referral work.  “Our clients have high expectations for systems that meet their needs for presentation, education and entertainment while meeting tight budgets and schedules,” he said. “Quick support is essential and Mark and our team in Atlanta provide that support.”

Stage Front’s growth has been steady since its inception in 1978.  In addition to the recent expansion into the Atlanta market, they will be opening a Charleston office this year.  With 60 employees and a national network of 44 affiliated USAV dealer locations, Stage Front supports installations across the United States and beyond. www.usavgroup.net

Stage Front Presentation Systems is a leader among performance and presentation contractors in the Southeast.  In 2007 they were awarded the AIA Savannah Artisan Award by the Savannah chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).  As a full line design-build audiovisual integrator and contractor they have the ability to support projects from conception to completion, designing and installing technical systems such as audio, video, lighting and curtains that help people to better educate, communicate and entertain.

Stage Front Presentation Systems is located at 6 Southern Oaks Drive in Savannah.  For more information, call (912) 236-1345 or log on to www.sfps.net

www.magnoliamanor.com

(Richmond Hill, GA) Lisa Cree will be the next speaker for Magnolia Manor on the Coast’s Renaissance Lecture Series.  The event, titled “The Art of Sending a Card” is scheduled for Thursday, November 13th 2008 from 5:30-6:30pm.

According to Cree’s website, her business “Send Out Cards” is “a concept and service that is changing people’s lives.”  The company allows customers to send a printed greeting card with a custom message in less than 60 seconds. Then, “Send Out Cards” prints it, stuffs it and mails it, all for less than a greeting card at the store.

During her lecture, Cree will unveil some of the most popular messages and why her business is better than using a traditional store bought card.  For more information, go to www.sendoutcards.com/cree or call (912) 927-2838.

Each month, Magnolia Manor hosts the Renaissance Lecture Series at its Richmond Hill campus. The event begins at 5:30 and includes a light supper. After the guest concludes his/her speech, a question and answer session follows. The event is free and open to the public, but guests are asked to RSVP by calling Julie Gartside at (912) 756-4300.

Magnolia Manor on the Coast, located in Richmond Hill, is a non-profit, active, rental retirement community for seniors age 62 and older. It offers 120 one and two-bedroom apartment homes with full kitchens and patios. Located on 40 wooded acres, Magnolia Manor offers stimulating social and cultural activities and has amenities such as a wellness center with indoor exercise pool, barber and beauty salon, library and media center, game and activity rooms, three full-service dining rooms, as well as a formal parlor and chapel.

For more information or to request a brochure, please call (912) 756-4300.

(SAVANNAH, GA) COMMUNiTY HEADLiNES™
Distributed weekly on the CarriageTradePR Local NewsWIRE™ to the media.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Stage Front Presentation Systems (Stage Front)-one of the most respected and successful performance and presentation contractors in the Southeast-has recently expanded, opening an Atlanta office to serve the metro area and north Georgia. Mark Folks, who has extensive experience in the AV industry and Atlanta market, has been hired as Director of Operations and will manage the Stage Front – Atlanta office. Stage Front is a full line design-build audiovisual contractor with the ability to support projects from conception to completion.  Stage Front designs and installs technical systems such as audio, video, lighting, teleconferencing and curtains which help people to better educate, communicate and entertain. They are located at 6 Southern Oaks Drive in Savannah. (912) 236-1345 www.sfps.net

(SAVANNA, GA)  Savannah Country Day School dedicates its new Lower School building Oct. 29 at 8:30 a.m. It is expected to be the first LEED-certified elementary school in Chatham County. The building features an expanded media center and a science facility with LED projection telescopes, greenhouse and an animal care facility. LEED highlights include low-water urinals and water heads, as well as carpets, paints and cabinets with reduced volatile organic compounds. The Savannah Country Day School is located at 824 Stillwood Drive, www.savcds.org
(SAVANNAH, GA) Celia Dunn of Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty was recently featured on WTOC honoring her as a Laureate in the Savannah Business Hall of Fame. To view the WTOC segment visit: WTOC-TV Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. For information, go to www.celiadunnsir.com
(SAVANNAH, GA) More than 100 people per year die needlessly in Chatham County because the person who witnesses their cardiac arrest calls 911 and does nothing until the ambulance arrives. Come to the Civic Center Nov 1 for a 60 minute class and learn CPR: 912-308-3639. Training is free. The cost of the kit is $37.45 includes inflatable mannequin, a DVD etc. www.SLICC.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) On Oct. 22 Landscape designer John McEllen shared his expertise on “Bringing International Flair to your Garden” as part of Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty’s The Masterpiece Series. Proceeds from the luncheon-lecture benefit the Savannah Tree Foundation. For photos of the event visit: SPOTTED Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. www.celiadunnsir.com
(SAVANNAH, GA) Everyone’s paying more attention to economic news these days because of the recent financial meltdown. As a result, mortgage professionals say, many people are assuming money’s not available for mortgage loans. But the funds are readily available. Read article on how to get a mortgage
www.celiadunnsir.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) “This is What a Feminist Looks Like” Cocktail Bash with skirt! and the Gender and Woman’s Studies Department of AASU to benefit skirt! Scholarship Fund. 5:30-8pm – Moon River Brewing Co. $10 / $8 with student ID – 912-525-0740 for info and advance tickets. INFO FOR NOV 7 FUNCTION

(SAVANNAH) The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has awarded State and Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits for Sustainable Fellwood’s second phase of development, which will include 110 multi-family units. Groundbreaking for Phase II is planned for Fall 2009. Sustainable Fellwood is envisioned as a $50 million mixed-use development which will include public, affordable and market-rate multi-family housing, senior housing, single family homes, retail and commercial space, organic community gardens, and significant green space. www.SustainableFellwood.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah Country Day School presents Eric Foner, one of America’s most prominent historians, for their 2008 Ray and Nellie Schmidt Lecture of the Creative Minds Lecture Series. The lecture will be held on Thursday, October 30th at 6:30 pm at Jelks Auditorium at Savannah Country Day School. Individual ticket prices are $10 for advance purchase, $12 at the door, (based on availability). For information, call 912-961-8828 or visit
SCDS

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Launch party for Savannah golf writer Joel Zuckerman’s fifth book, titled PETE DYE GOLF COURSES–FIFTY YEARS OF VISIONARY DESIGN, will take place at The Jepson Center for the Arts, at 207 W. York St, on Friday November 14th from 5–8 PM. As part of the museum’s monthly Jepson Live program, the party will feature both instrumental and vocal musical performances, cocktails, and appetizers. A portion of the evening’s book sales will be donated to The Jepson.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Park Place Outreach, Inc., would like to announce it has a new board member. Melissa K. Bouchillon is a Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch. She has worked there for 4 ½ years and is looking forward to serving Park Place Outreach as a board member. (912) 234-4048 www.parkplaceyes.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) SavannahJobs.com announces the #1 ranking among Google, Yahoo and MSN searches for jobs and employment in Savannah, GA. SavannahJobs.com receives more than 21,000 unique visits per month. Savannahjobs.com engaged River Horse Internet Marketingfor their assistance in the endeavor.

(SAVANNAH, GA) All money raised goes to support the American Diabetes Association. Wound Care Clinic, ESU was the Winning Team reaching and surpassing their goal of $10,000 at the Walk on the Wild Side 2008 which was held at Oatland Island on October 18,2008. Walkers traveled the walking trail sometimes stopping to view the animals throughout the property. The Rain didn’t seem to dampen any spirits and all the walkers seemed to enjoy being outside for a great cause. SPOTTED

(SAVANNAH, GA) Case Veterinary Hospital in conjunction with Pet Assistance League of Savannah and Merial held their annual Pet Halloween Costume Contest on October 18. Cash prizes were awarded, including a $100 “Best in Show” grand prize. To view pictures of the event, click: SPOTTED
(912) 352-3081 www.casevet.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) – Savannah real estate expert Celia Dunn of Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty was inducted into the Savannah Business Hall of Fame on Oct. 14. Dunn has always been a strong community leader and serves on many civic boards. She and her husband, Laurence Dunn, have been a crucial part of the revitalization of downtown Savannah and have helped support the organizations that give Savannah a wonderful quality of life. To view photos of the awards evening visit: SPOTTED  www.celiadunnsir.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) Community Health Mission in consortium with Community Cardiovascular Council, St.Mary’s Community Center, MedBank have received a $100,000 grant from the Department of Community Health.  CHM is one of 15 recipients of the Georgia Health Equity Grant Awards.  www.chmsavannah.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) Due to the spike in fuel costs Old Savannah City Mission is obligated to suspend pickups of donations. The pickup service will resume as soon as possible. If you would like to donate clothing, shoes, furniture, food, etc. please bring them to the 2414 Bull Street location. The Mission greatly appreciates the community’s generosity and understanding. To learn more about how the economy is affecting the Mission and the community visit: WTOC-TV Story. For more information about making a donation call 912-232-1979 or visit www.oscm.org.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Learn about the new “green” library under construction in southwest Chatham County at the Oct. 28 meeting of the Savannah chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. Greenline Architecture and the Live Oak Public Libraries Director, Christian Kruse, will be presenting the new Southwest Savannah Library that is under construction and pursuing LEED Silver Certification. The meeting will be held from 5:45-7 p.m. on the second floor of Wild Wing Cafe in City Market. Free and open to the public. RSVP by October 24  to wards@thempc.org. www.coastalgreen.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) Rob Jones, President of Glacier Technology Services and founder and President of Savannahjobs.com, was recently named one of the Ten Best Bosses in the Coastal Empire according to the International Center for Leadership and Coaching. (ICLC)  Contest winners were announced Friday during an Awards Banquet held at Savannah Station. This is the 3rd year the ICLC has held the contest. Last year, over $20,000 in prizes was given to local bosses who exemplified the best leadership in the Coastal Empire.  Savannahjobs.com and Glacier Technology is a part of the Sullivan Group based in Savannah, GA.
To see pics of the event click here: PHOTOS

(SAVANNAH, GA) Upscale eco-chic candle designer Natalie Evans, owner of  Low Country Luxe,  has been featured in Coastal Living, Paula Deen, InStyle magazines, and in Oprah’s 2008 Holiday Gift Guide on www.oprah.com.  Candles can be found on-line at www.lowcountryluxe.com

(SAVANNAH) A LEED for Commercial Interiors Technical Review workshop will be held Oct. 30 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at Coastal Georgia Center, Room 111, 305 Fahm St. For information, email workshop@usgbc.org or call 800-795-1747. To register, visit http://www.greenbuild365.org/course. Before Oct. 22, cost is $345 for USGBC national members, $445 for nonmembers and $150 for full-time students, availability limited.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Betsy Taylor has been elected as a new board member of Park Place Outreach, Inc., Youth Emergency Shelter.  Taylor is a retired special education teacher and real estate professional in Savannah. www.parkplaceyes.org
(912) 234-4048

(SAVANNAH, GA) Joe Ippolito, President and Owner of Riverhorse Internet Marketing Inc., spoke about “How Search Engines Analyze Your Website” at the Oct. 15 meeting for the Information Technology Professionals Association of Savannah. ITPA Savannah members meet on the third Wednesday of each month, at Hilton Garden Inn on Abercorn Street from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
www.itpasavannah.org
River Horse Internet Marketing

(SAVANNAH, GA)  Savannah’s Westside has entered a new era with the redevelopment of Sustainable Fellwood. Watch video from the groundbreaking click here:
YOU TUBE

(SAVANNAH, GA)  “Hollywood” Ron Higgins of Savannah Movie Tours, Inc. is featured in the October/November Films & Frights Issue of The South Magazine.   READ ARTICLE
For more information or to schedule a tour, call 912-234-3440 or visit www.savannahmovietours.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) SCORE Savannah Chapter selects Savannah Native Jules Homans as Chairman. Homans began his two-year appointment on Oct. 1. He will work with the chapter to grow and diversify the client base as well as that of the volunteering counselors. SCORE (Counselors to America’s Small Business) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the small business communities and non-profit through no-fee mentoring and confidential business counseling as well as low-cost workshops. www.scoresav.org www.score.org (912) 652-4335

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Tree Foundation and National Park Service celebrated National Public Lands Day at Fort Pulaski National Monument by planting 30 trees and extending the Rails to Trails path.  In a related event, Mayor Johnson makes an appearance at the Bacon Park Neighborhood Association’s National Public Lands Day event to dedicate a sign for the forest to the memory of the Civilian Conservation Corps.” Link for the Spotted Gallery “Savannah Tree Foundation participates in National Public Lands Day at Ft. Pulaski and Bacon Park Forest”
SPOTTED

(SAVANNAH, GA) Linda Hilts Lamas, Executive Director of Park Place Outreach, Inc., recently gave a lecture for the Renaissance Lecture Series at Magnolia Manor in Richmond Hill. The focus of the discussion was Park Place and how family members can help in a runaway situation. To hear Lamas’ speech click here: youTUBE

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannahjobs.com won Outstanding Booth Presentation Thursday night at the 2008 Savannah Business Expo.  Special thanks goes to Kim Jones, Erika Simpson and Martin Sullivan, Jr. with Savannahjobs.com for their hard work on the display.  With its “To the Movies” theme, the booth offered movie tickets, popcorn and widescreen entertainment.  Savannahjobs.com was launched in 2000 and is currently one of the most visited internet job board in the Savannah area.  Their family of sites includes blufftonjobs.com, hiltonheadislandjobs.com, goldenislesjobs.com, statesborojobs.com and jobsinkennesaw.com. Click here to see pictures from the event:
SPOTTED

(SAVANNAH, GA) “The Next Big Thing in Coastal Development”, an Urban Land Institute panel discussion will be held on Thursday, November 13th at 5:00 pm in Bryson Hall on Chippewa Square, next to Gallery Espresso. Area experts will discuss new trends, sustainability, future developments, and market direction. Members and non-members may purchase tickets online at www.southcarolina.uli.org or www.uliatlanta.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) Tommy Linstroth of Savannah-based sustainable real estate firm Melaver, Inc. has been named to Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40. Linstroth is responsible for spearheading Melaver’s sustainable real estate developments and is the co-author of “Local Action: A New Paradigm in Climate Change Policy.” Melaver, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned business based in Savannah, Georgia. www.melaver.com
LINK

(SAVANNAH, GA) ISLE OF HOPE ARTISAN LEAGUE HOSTING 8TH ANNUAL ART SHOW At the marina pavilion, Bluff Dr. Isle of Hope, Saturday, November 15th. Show opens at 10AM And closes at 4PM. Parking at the Isle of Hope Baptist Church, Rose Avenue
Exhibited work from 22 artists include fine art, sculpture, clay, silk screen, stained glass, needle work, quilting, wood turning, photography, jewelry and twig furniture.
Refreshments donated by Cutters Point Coffee Shop.

(SAVANNAH, GA) – Susan Myers of Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty recently earned her Associate Broker’s license. Myers is licensed in both Georgia and South Carolina. She is conversant with the procedures for the federal and state historic tax credits and with the property freeze as well as the facade easement program. Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. www.celiadunnsir.com

(Savannah, GA)   SavannahJobs.com announces the #1 ranking among Google, Yahoo and MSN searches for jobs and employment in Savannah, GA.  SavannahJobs.com receives more than 21,000 unique visits per month. Savannahjobs.com engaged River Horse Internet Marketing for their assistance in the endeavor.
www.savannahjobs.com
www.riverhorseinternetmarketing.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) Old Savannah City Mission and Priority Insight recently hosted The First Annual Fun Shoot, “Targeting Compassion” at the Dorchester Shooting Preserve in Midway. Citizens of Savannah joined together to ‘target compassion’ and enjoyed the thrill of sport shooting and also a mouth-watering lunch provided by Wiley’s Championship BBQ. Both Priority Insight and Old Savannah City Mission are Christian ministries and this event was their first joint venture. SPOTTED. www.oscm.org or call 912-232-1979.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Every Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm, The Market at Trustees Garden provides fertile ground for Savannah’s  WEEKLY gathering of a growing community of producers and consumers of  local, sustainable products. There are Cooking Demos, Organic Farmers, Local Arts & Crafts, Local and Organic Food from Savannah Restaurants, Live Music, Plants, Herbs, Kids, Activities, Sustainable/Green Education and information. Interested in being a vendor at The Market? Contact Maria Castro (912) 844-3184 or mfcastro@greenlifespace.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty presents 149 Regency Circle, a like new townhome located in The Retreat at Forest Lakes in Godley Station community in Pooler. This two bedroom two full bath home offers an open floor plan, screened porch, master bedroom with a walkin closet and the convenience of maintenance free home ownership. Enjoy comfortable living in this amenity filled community including a pool, tennis courts and clubhouse all located minutes from the Savannah Hilton Head airport and interstates. For photos and to learn more visit LINK. Listed with Lucy Hitch, 912-704-6665, $205,000.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Dr. Carla Case-McCorvey of Case Veterinary Hospital was selected to Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40. The magazine identifies those who will lead the state into the future.
For more information on  Case Veterinary Hospital, call (912) 352-3081 or visit: www.casevet.com
To view the 40 Under 40 article in Georgia Trend, visit: LINK

(SAVANNAH, GA) Preparations are underway as Old Savannah City Mission gears up for its signature event, the Eleventh Annual Day of Great Thanksgiving. The big day is scheduled for November 22nd in Forsyth Park. Last year, more than 500 volunteers descended on the park to serve 3,452 meals. Many of the volunteers included community leaders and local politicians who enjoy serving up the special meals to whom the mission calls “friends and neighbors.” For the third consecutive year, Wiley McCrary, owner of Wiley’s Championship BBQ, will lead teams of volunteers in preparation of 250 turkeys. If you would like to contribute or volunteer to this event that has become a recent Savannah tradition, visit www.oscm.org or call 912-232-1979.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty proudly announces the sale of 18 West Harris St. by agents Franklin Williams and Annie Rockwell. This prominent residence is a significant sale for the Historic Savannah Downtown community. The extraordinary four story brick residence constructed in the early Greek Revival Style looks out to Madison Square which is surrounded by some of Savannah’s most important historic architecture. Features include high ceilings, pocket doors, marble mantels and surrounds for fireplaces on parlor floor, a total of (8) fireplaces throughout Residence with, heart of pine flooring, original moldings. Renovations include new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, kitchen and bathrooms. Take the opportunity to view one of the most stunningly updated homes in the Historic District at: LINK Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. For information, go to www.celiadunnsir.com
(SAVANNAH, GA)  Southern silver expert Helen Downing will speak Dec. 3 about “Discovering Treasure: Learn about early Southern silver” as part of Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty’s The Masterpiece Series of lecture-luncheons. To make a reservation, $25 payment must be received by the Monday prior to the luncheon. Checks should be made out to CDS Lecture Series and sent to Lori Combs, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty, 17 W. Charlton St. Savannah, GA 31401. Proceeds go to Junior Achievement.   www.celiadunnsir.com

(SAVANNAH, GA)  UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
(TYBEE ISLAND, GA) Michael Sullivan spotted this TYBEE ARTICLE in the New York Times PIRATES

(SAVANNAH, GA)  The Innovative Awards Rocked the Round House on Friday, despite the 4 inches of rain PHOTOS. Over 500 tickets were sold. WINNERS

… a big thank you to Brynn, Fitz, Jamie, Leigh, Kate, Howard, Lynn, Jimi, Rick, Steve, Rigel, Scott, Mike, Forrest, Jennifer, Matt, Tommy, Andrew, Phil, George, Mari, Shannon, Kim, JR and the Judges, Chris, Martin, Michelle, Charles and Don.

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CCa Proudly Announces the Winners of the 2008 Innovation Awards, Sponsored by Lott + Barber

Leaders in innovation honored at Savannah’s newest awards ceremony

(Savannah, GA) October 24, 2008 – The drum rolled and the curtain parted tonight to unveil the finest Savannah innovators, the winners of the 2008 Innovation Awards, victors in a tough field of 18 finalists selected out of more than 100 applicants. The inaugural year for The Creative Coast Alliance’s (TCCa) soon to be trademark annual event boasted sales of over 500 seats and attracted a veritable ‘who’s who’ of local creative heavy-weights and technology buffs. Held at the Historic Roundhouse and sponsored by Lott + Barber, the premier event honored the best and brightest innovators in and around Savannah’s Creative Coast and brought together both established local leaders and up-and-coming key players in the fields of technology, design and development, including the non-profit, education and government sectors.

The mid-evening awards program highlighted the most pioneering personages of Savannah’s Creative Coast in seven categories including Community, Emerging Business, Mature Business, Government, Education and Sustainability, and the Howard J. Morrison Leadership Award. Rick Winger, President of the Savannah Economic Development Authority served as master of ceremonies, with closing remarks by TCCa Executive Director, Brynn Grant.

“Savannah has a history of innovation – our goal was to honor those who are continuing the tradition,” said Grant.  “We’re thrilled to celebrate those helping to make Savannah a true Creative Coast.”

Tommy Linstroth, Head of Sustainability with Melaver, Inc., shared a few words with the distinguished guests about this year’s theme for the event: ’sustainability.’ Underpinning the true essence of innovative approach, The Creative Coast Alliance, along with local vendors, venue staff and partners, worked tirelessly to achieve the most environmentally responsible awards event possible.

“Savannah is a hub for green businesses in the Southeast, and the Innovation Awards banquet captured that spirit,” said Marjorie Young of Carriage Trade PR, Co-Chair of the Innovation Awards Committee. “We set some lofty goals for this event and we hit them all.”

Testament to the out-of-the-box planning that went into the event, the awards trophies presented to the six winners were themselves a work of art – literally. TCCa commissioned local sculptor Jerome Meadows to design and create the seven award statues. Meadows, a native of New York who came to Savannah over a decade ago to design the Yamacraw Public Art Park, currently runs Indigo Sky Community Gallery on Waters Avenue.

“This was a truly competitive field of innovators,” explains Meadows. “I wanted the merit of this accomplishment to be reflected in the trophy that Savannah’s top innovators walked away with.”

The 2008 TCCa Innovation Award WINNERS are as follows:

Innovative Achievement by an Emerging Business

Who: JodyJazz Inc

What: The DV and DV NY Series of 24 kt. Gold-plated Single-reed Woodwind Mouthpieces

Why: Created by Jody Espina – a veteran performer and music educator – by combining science, nature and imagination, the DV series of saxophone mouthpieces are based on the Golden Mean or Phi proportions. They introduce a secondary window in the mouthpiece which increases the harmonics in the mid and bottom sections of the sonic spectrum and improves the efficiency of breath passing through the mouthpiece. With the potential to redefine sax playing, this product enhances the sound of the instrument through fatter tone, improved intonation, more harmonics, heightened altissimo, increased power and projection, cleaner articulation and facilitated playing.

Innovative Achievement by a Mature Business

Who: Gulfstream Aerospace

What: Phase II Research and Development Center

Why: As designers, developers and manufacturers of the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircrafts, Gulfstream’s newly constructed Research and Development Center will be one of the most sophisticated aerospace R&D centers in North America. The Center will boast two buildings, a 108,750-square-foot office building and a 80,500-square-foot Laboratory Building, that will accommodate 550 employees from Engineering as well as employees of the Accounting and Publications departments. Major areas of aviation research will be conducted within the facility, including research on composite materials, acoustics (including sonic boom suppression), advanced flight deck technology, advanced cabin technology and advanced machine and tooling.

Innovative Achievement in Sustainability

Who: Farmer D Organics

What: Biodynamic Compost Product and Sustainable Farm System

Why: Farmer D Organics brings us the first certified Biodynamic Compost on the market – an extremely high quality soil made from organic waste through a closed loop system. Utilizing byproducts from farms and grocers – including commercial partner Whole Foods Market – Farmer D reduces and redirects over 50,000 lbs of waste per week previously sent to a landfill. Farmer D Organics currently runs several regional gardens, including one at the Trustees Garden and Market, providing education to the community, youth and low-income families about gardening and nutrition. Additionally, they’ve established a new business concept of setting up sustainable farms for residential, resort communities, restaurants and non-profit educational venues such as camps, prisons, and community centers.

Innovative Community Contribution

Who: Union Mission, Inc.

What: Multi-disciplinary, Collaborative Social Services Model

Why: As the region’s leading social service provider, UM is devoted to finding solutions to regional problems of poverty and homelessness. Their unique approach offers an array of supportive services through a single provider.  Healthcare available through Union Mission reduces the inappropriate use of emergency rooms and hospitals by the uninsured. Behavioral health treatment programs and counseling programs provide a proactive recourse to expensive and ineffectual incarceration of substance abusers, persons with mental health issues, and family violence offenders, resulting in staggering cost savings to the community. In 2007 alone, UM saved Chatham County over $35 million in diverted incarceration costs, diverted emergency room visits and hospitalizations, helping provide services to over 11,000 individuals.  In the last six years, Union Mission has ended homelessness for 2,595 individuals and families, trained 262 persons in job training programs and placed 2,002 community members in employment.

Innovative Achievement in Education

Who: Savannah Technical College

What: Cross-disciplinary Student-constructed Solar Generator and Photovoltaic Program

Why: Part of STC’s electrical program curriculum for the past year, the solar generator and Photovoltaic Technical Certificate of Credit teaches students how to support, update and maintain solar-powered electrical units. Evolving the program to beyond curriculum, STC’s Electrical Engineering class designed the generator, Drafting students drew up the plans to make the unit mobile, the Welding class took the plans and assembled the parts, and the Photovoltaic students installed all the solar equipment – resulting in a solar generator that can produce enough electricity to power communication systems for the City of Savannah in case of an emergency, and can support a 5000 BTU air conditioning for the school for over 8 hours without battery drain.

Innovative Achievement in Government

Who: The Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department (SCMPD)

What: E-police Software Implementation

Why: The first of its kind in the region, SCMPD’s E-Police Software allows the public to track crime in their neighborhoods, in almost real-time. An invaluable tool for homeowners, home buyers and apartment seekers, the software provides quick access to information that formerly took days or weeks to retrieve from the police department. The “e-police” software specifically enables residents to view crimes committed within four weeks of any given date, and within a five mile radius of any given locale. With e-police software, people can be more proactive in knowing what’s going on in their community, resulting in more eyes and ears on the street working with police to stop crime.

Howard J. Morrison Leadership Award

Who: Dr. Thomas Jones

Why: This award honors an individual who exhibits outstanding commitment in Coastal Community leadership within the advancement of creativity, innovation or technology through his/her partnership building and collaboration-oriented contributions. Such contributions may be business, civic and/or educational in nature.

Judges for the event were experts in their fields, including familiar faces, local leaders and regional and national players – and assumed the arduous task of choosing the top six innovators in their fields. The panel included Chris Miller, CEO of Creative Cities Consulting; Martin Melaver, CEO of Melaver, Inc.; Michelle Berryman, National Board President of the Industrial Designers Society of America; Charles Ross, General Manager of the Advanced Technology & Development Center (ATDC) in Atlanta, and manager of the $18 million ATDC Seed Capital Fund; Don McLemore, COO of the Herty Advanced Materials Development Center.

All proceeds from the event will go to support programs, services, scholarships and/or causes as determined by the TCCa Advisory Board to be in keeping with the organization’s vision and mission.

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Mortgage funds are available, but the public may not realize it
Mortgage professionals say some people are under the misconception that money’s not available

(SAVANNAH, GA) – Everyone’s paying more attention to economic news these days because of the recent financial meltdown. As a result, mortgage professionals say, many people are assuming money’s not available for mortgage loans. But the funds are readily available.

Lin Walsh, owner of AccuMortgage, was surprised recently to learn that people are assuming they can’t get a mortgage now.

“Until last week I didn’t know the public perception is that there’s no money to lend – that is such as misnomer,” Walsh said. “We still have all the money we had to lend. We’ve got plenty of money to lend.”

“It just appalled me – someone called me and said, ‘I didn’t think there was any money to lend,’ – and I said, ‘Yes! There is!’” AccuMortgage has in-house underwriters (the people who approve loans) who also do work in 48 states. “They’re so busy they can’t keep up,” she said.

Jeff Grossman, vice president with First Bank Mortgage, just had a client who thought he wouldn’t be able to get a mortgage, based on what family and friends were saying. “You know how it is – everyone’s got an opinion,” Grossman said. He was able to pre-qualify the client for his mortgage within an hour of his call. Whether buying or refinancing, if the borrowers have good credit and can afford the payments they can receive approval in a few hours and have the loan in a week to 10 days, he said. The FHA loan limits have been increased and VA, Rural Development, Conventional as well as Jumbo mortgage loans are still very much available, he said.
“The only programs that have been affected are the ones that probably shouldn’t have been made available in the first place,” Grossman said. It may also be a little harder for people wanting to buy investment properties, he said.
“I think the public has been convinced by the media more than anything else” to think mortgage funds aren’t available, Grossman said.
Denise Denison, senior loan officer of Darby Bank & Trust, agrees.

“People are scared to even get pre-qualified,” Denison said. “They’re afraid they’re not going to qualify. People are just afraid to even ask. Oftentimes they’re surprised they can even get financing – because of all the media attention they think it’s not attainable.”

“The mortgage money is still available,” Denison said. “I’m still making loans. The majority are FHA.” For someone trying to buy a primary home, as opposed to investment properties, it’s not hard to get a loan, she said.

“It is absolutely a great time to buy a home with mortgage rates still historically low,” Denison said. “Now more then ever the home buyers can rest assured they are not being taken advantage of by the mortgage lender. No more steering the borrower into an exotic loan because the industry is back to common sense mortgage lending.”
Bill Stuebe, an associate broker with Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty, agrees that the real estate market offers an opportunity now.

“The message the media is putting across is that there’s a total credit freeze and that there’s no money,” Stuebe said. “But for those who have good credit, now is a good time because house prices are down and lenders do have money available. It’s a great time for a deal and Savannah is a terrific place to take advantage of the current opportunities. Savannah is unique– there’s no place like it in the world and real estate values will reflect Savannah’s unique qualities as economic conditions stabilize. It’s a great time to take advantage of low prices and purchase a home.”

People should talk with a mortgage professional before they sell their house and certainly before they start looking at houses to buy, said Walsh of AccuMortgage. Lenders and borrowers need to think about what borrowers are realistically able to do and should do. “People have to be realistic about what they can sell their house for and what loan they qualify for.”

“It’s about knowing the industry and knowing your customer, putting them in the right position to pay for their home,” Walsh said.

“You don’t have to have top of the line credit,” said Walsh, who’s been in the mortgage field for 25 years. “I think people are frightened because they don’t think there is money readily available, so they’re too hesitant to get with a mortgage professional and ask. All of the sub-prime money that was out there is gone and people are under the impression since that’s gone that there is no money, and that’s wrong. The money is there. … We even have 100 percent loans.”

“The approval process is just like it always has been for a normal loan,” Walsh said, with lenders looking at debt-to-income ratio, assets and liabilities, and needing documentation about bank accounts and income for someone to qualify for a mortgage.

“We’re just going back to what was normal,” Walsh said. “We’ve got to get in control of the money we’re lending. These guidelines were in place even when money was flying around.”

“If more mortgage brokers had been more conscious of the borrowers’ wants, needs and abilities, that would have helped curb this crisis,” Walsh said. “There was a big lack of ethics. It’s caused a very incorrect market. There was too much money loaned under the wrong guidelines.”

“There were a lot of unethical people who made a lot of money and got us in this mess,” Walsh said. “The wrong people were selling the wrong money to people who didn’t know the difference.”

“Just because you’re breathing they’re not giving you money any more,” Walsh said. “That went on for a while.”

People need adequate credit scores, a tax return and the ability to repay the loan, Denison said. For people who might not be in position to buy a house immediately, she coaches them on what they need to do, such as improving their credit score, so they’re ready in six months or a year.

“The lending industry has gone back to common-sense lending,” Denison said. “The lending industry, Fannie and Freddie, got away from common sense.” Darby did not participate in sub-prime lending, Denison said.

“It’s not my goal to put them in a house that they can’t even afford to go out to dinner with their family,” Denison said. In 2007, people with excellent credit scores could get loans exceeding 50 percent of their gross income from other institutions. But as gas, groceries and other expenses go up, that size loan becomes more impossible to handle.

“I feel like someone who gets a loan here to buy a house is my neighbor,” Denison said. “I want to feel good about it. I don’t want them lying in bed thinking about how they’re going to pay their mortgage.”

Kay Ford, president of SunTrust Savannah, has been in banking for 35 years. SunTrust Bank is still in the business of lending money as well as many other financial products and services.

“There is money available for residential and commercial mortgages,” Ford said, as well as consumer loans.

“The media is full of negative financial news,” Ford said. “It’s constantly in the forefront of everyone’s mind. People are waiting – is this the bottom of the market? And who knows.”

Nancy Krembs, a sales associate with Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty, said Savannah has some advantages over other areas of the country in terms of its economy and its real estate market.

“We’ve got things that are going to help cushion us” such as the port, new and solid industries and companies, and being a destination, Krembs said. “Our economy is much better in many ways.”

“All real estate markets are local – our local market is in much better condition” than some other areas of the country, Krembs said. But it does offer great opportunities for buyers.

“This is really the time to buy a house,” Krembs said. “Interest rates are low. There are lots of good buys out there. People need to be aware … if you’ve got good credit, you don’t even have to have perfect credit, you can still buy a house for five percent down.”

Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. Founded in 1981, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty is noted for outstanding service to its clients, thorough knowledge of Savannah and the South Carolina Low Country, and excellent staff, in addition to having one of the region’s top property management departments. The owners are natives of Savannah who have more than 60 years’ combined experience in real estate. The offices are located at 9, 13, and 17 West Charlton Street on Madison Square in Savannah and 6 Bruin Street in Bluffton, S.C.

For more information, call Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty at (912) 234-3323 or visit www.celiadunnsir.com. To contact the Bluffton office, call (843) 836-3900.

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www.celiadunnsir.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) – Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty associates and friends along with members of Bouhan, Williams & Levy law firm raised funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of Nita Williams during Savannah Light The Night, the society’s annual fundraising walk.

Those on the Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty team included Larry and Celia Dunn, walking with their dog Jasper; Karen and Felton Jenkins, walking with their dogs Lucy and Hooch; Jean Stacy and Chris Tolleson; Lamar and Frances Walter; Fran and Bryan Connerat; Celia H. Dunn; Dr. Keith Seibert and Eve Seibert, walking with their poodles, Springer and Charles; and members of Bouhan Williams & Levy law firm.

The event celebrates and commemorates those whose lives have been touched by cancer. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s mission is to find a cure for blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. Founded in 1981, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty is noted for outstanding service to its clients, thorough knowledge of Savannah and the South Carolina Low Country, and excellent staff, in addition to having one of the region’s top property management departments. The owners are natives of Savannah who have more than 60 years’ combined experience in real estate. The offices are locate d at 9, 13, and 17 West Charlton Street on Madison Square in Savannah and 6 Bruin Street in Bluffton, S.C.

For more information, call Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty at (912) 234-3323 or visit www.celiadunnsir.com. To contact the Bluffton office, call (843) 836-3900.

www.Savannahjobs.com

Savannahjobs.com announces top ranking in Google, Yahoo and MSN in searches for “jobs” and “employment” keywords in Savannah, GA.

(Savannah, GA)  Savannahjobs.com’s goal is to advertise job openings for employers in the area. These keyword rankings insure that job seekers will find SavannahJobs.com. SavannahJobs.com has measurable evidence of that greatness, as they announce their ranking for job searches among the largest internet search engines.

“According to Google, Yahoo and MSN,” explains Rob Jones, president of Savannahjobs.com, “Savannahjobs.com ranks #1 as the most searched sites for jobs in Savannah, GA.”

Rob Jones doesn’t take all the credit for the sites success, with the help from River Horse Internet Marketing, savannahjobs.com has seen remarkable growth from following the strategic marketing plan developed with the marketing powerhouse.

“Joe Ippolito at River Horse Internet Marketing has a plethora of knowledge and we were fortunate enough to learn from him and implement a number of things that has increased our success tenfold,” says Jones.  “We learned a lot about online search from River Horse Internet Marketing with the hope of helping our clients find more job seekers”.
Savannahjobs.com was launched in 2000 and is currently one of the most visited job search boards in the Savannah area.  Their family of sites include, Blufftonjobs.com, Hiltonheadislandjobs.com, Goldenislesjobs.com, Statesborojobs.com and Jobsinkennesaw.com.

www.oscm.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) Join Wiley’s Championship BBQ and friends for owner, Wiley’s birthday, at Whitemarsh Plaza on October 22 from 5:30 pm to 7:30pm.

Wiley’s BBQ has played a key role in Old Savannah City Mission’s annual signature event “The Great Day of Thanksgiving,” scheduled this year for November 22nd in Forsyth Park.  Wiley is requesting no gifts; simply donations being made to OSCM.

He asks that a cash or check donation small or large, be made out to the Old Savannah City Mission or OSCM Great Day.

Over the last three years, Wiley and his wife Janet, have led more than 500 volunteers in feeding more that 3,500 people for OSCM Great Day of Thanksgiving.  This year, they will organize and coordinate the participation of many of Savannah’s finest restaurants and caterers, including Savannah Technical College, The Mansion on Forsyth Park, The Lady & Sons, Savor Savannah Catering, The Chatham Club, Blowing Smoke BBQ and Paul Kennedy Catering.

In November 2007, Georgia and South Carolina BBQ champions Wiley and Janet McCrary placed first in both pork ribs and beef brisket in the by-invitation-only National Barbecue Festival.  Their restaurant theme: “World-class BBQ in your own back yard.

Wiley’s Championship BBQ is located on Whitemarsh Island, 6 miles from Savannah’s downtown Historic District — 4700 U.S. Highway 80 East, Suite N, Whitemarsh Island (at Hwy 80 & Islands Expressway).  For more information, call 912) 201-3259.  The website, www.wileyschampionshipbbq.com is in the works.

Old Savannah City Mission aspires to be “Savannah’s Five Star Gospel Rescue Mission” with high standards, strong boundaries and clear direction.  Its mission is to change lives through proclaiming the Gospel, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, rehabilitating the addict, and restoring the ex-offender.  In 2007 the mission provided 122,074 meals and more than 27,000 shelter beds without one dime of tax payer funds.

The Mission is a Savannah based non-profit organization, works with a staff of just seven employees; however, there are hundreds of volunteers who deliver services to the community’s most vulnerable and needy citizens in a highly cost effective way.  To learn more, log on to www.oscm.org or call Jim Lewis or Connell Stiles at 912-232-1979.

www.sustainablefellwood.com

(SAVANNAH) – The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has awarded State and Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits for Sustainable Fellwood’s second phase of development, which will include 110 multi-family units. Groundbreaking for Phase II is planned for Fall 2009.

“I take satisfaction in knowing Sustainable Fellwood will continue to move toward accomplishing the goals of the City and community,” said Sylvester Formey, president of Vanguard Developers LLC. “The project is the Mayor’s, City Council’s and Housing Authority of Savannah’s catalyst not only for Westside affordable housing but also for what we expect to be commercial/business development.” Most of the workers at this stage are from the community and were trained by the Construction Apprentice Program, (part of the mayor’s Step Up Savannah program), he added.

Sustainable Fellwood is envisioned as a $50 million mixed-use development which will include public, affordable and market-rate multi-family housing, senior housing, single family homes, retail and commercial space, organic community gardens, and significant green space.

Sustainable Fellwood has been accepted into the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® for Neighborhood Development pilot program, is also part of Southface Energy Institute’s EarthCraft Communities on the Coast and will be guided by the Smart Growth Network’s principles for diverse, walkable, distinctive, attractive communities. These programs ensure that residents of this environmentally friendly community will also have energy efficient homes.

Construction has already begun on the first phase of Sustainable Fellwood, which includes 110 public/affordable housing units, infrastructure providing recreation and green space, and five single family homes.

Sustainable Fellwood, which serves as a principal component of the City of Savannah’s Westside Development Revitalization Plan, is widely considered a national showcase for environmentally-responsible community planning.

Sustainable Fellwood is a mixed use, mixed income Housing Authority of Savannah redevelopment. Master Developer: Melaver, Inc., in partnership with Parallel Housing, Progressive Redevelopment, and Vanguard Developers. In collaboration with: Lott Barber, Architecture and Planning, Catamount Constructors, Inc., City of Savannah, and CHSA Development of Savannah. www.sustainablefellwood.com