(SAVANNAH, GA & KABUL, AFGHANISTAN) The first ever Buddy Walk for Down syndrome to be held in a combat zone will be happening October 2^nd at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Inspired by the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk October 3^rd in Savannah, soldiers serving over seas that are unable to be present for the Savannah Buddy Walk Festival will be walking in Kabul to raise awareness and funds to support families touched by Down syndrome. All proceeds generated will be directed to Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).

www.ldssga.org

Coordinated by Sergeant Samantha Allen—stationed at Camp Phoenix in Afghanistan with a National Guard Unit out of Macon, Georgia—the event has generated great excitement among the troops, many of whom are walking in honor of a friend, relative, or neighbor that they personally know who has been touched by Down syndrome.

Sergeant Allen has a baby nephew named Jaxson who was recently born with Down syndrome.  Five month old Jaxson Hurst—a Savannah resident who lives in Pooler with his family (mom, Shannon, dad, James and two year old brother, Brayden)—is Allen’s inspiration for launching the first ever Buddy Walk in Afghanistan.

About the back story:

Shannon and James Hurst met in 2006 at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah where they serve in the 3^rd ID.  They fell in love, got married and settled down in Savannah to start a family.  When their second child, Jaxson, was born with Down syndrome in 2009, the Hursts’ immediately reached out to LDSS for support and began learning everything that they could about the condition to ensure that Jaxson would have the proper support to live a fulfilling and healthy life.  They quickly learned about the upcoming Buddy Walk in Savannah and decided to get involved.

Shannon Hurst began discussing the Buddy Walk with her sister Samantha Allen.  Allen, in Afghanistan, was disappointed that she would not be able to join the family in Savannah for the walk.  Sergeant Allen decided that she wanted to get involved to raise money and awareness among the troops and organized a Buddy Walk of her own in Afghanistan to honor Jaxson and others with Down syndrome.

About the Camp Phoenix Buddy Walk in Afghanistan:

Kicking off National Down Syndrome Awareness month, the Camp Phoenix Buddy Walk will happen in Kabul on Friday October 2^nd at 10 AM.  Hundreds of soldiers are signed up for the one mile walk.  A stationary buddy walk wall will be posted at the track and soldiers are encouraged to bring a picture of those that they know with Down syndrome in order to honor them as they are celebrated on this day.  Many of the soldiers at Camp Phoenix are from the southeast region.  The event will be followed by a festival complete with BBQ, music, a dunk tank, pie-in-the-face, and morale events such as volleyball, football and a horseshoe tournament.

About National Down syndrome Awareness Month & NDSS Buddy Walks:

The Buddy Walk, introduced in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)—a national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome—was a major breakthrough in promoting the acceptance and inclusion of all people with the condition.

A nationwide campaign to raise awareness and funds for programs that support families touched by Down syndrome, the Buddy Walk enables NDSS affiliates to advocate for individuals with Down syndrome in their community, which has opened many minds and doors for people with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk started with just 17 walks in 1995, and increased over the years, totaling more than 260 walks in 2005.  This year in 2009 the NDSS expects over 300 Buddy Walks to occur nationally during the month of October, which is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

About the LDSS Buddy Walk in Savannah:

The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk Festival will be held Saturday, October 3^rd in Forsyth Park.  The fourth annual Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training.  Registration begins at 8:00 AM and costs $12 per person (which includes a t-shirt and a meal).  The walk kicks off at 10:30 AM, and the festival for the whole family is from 11 AM to 2 PM, offering rides, food, games, music and much more.  To register to walk, call (912) 728-8505 or log onto the website at www.ldssga.org.

Young adults and adults with Down syndrome, family members, friends, healthcare professionals, corporate teams, members of the community, and children are encouraged to attend and participate in the event.  Bring a wagon, a stroller, and your dog—all are welcome!

About LDSS:

Established in 2006, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a non-profit family support group designed to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families.  The LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), a national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

These societies envision and promote a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.  Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community allow people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. http://www.ndss.org

The LDSS now provides outreach to families in eight local counties. Families are encouraged to bring their children with them to meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month.  These gatherings usually include a guest speaker as well as social time for families to meet and share with one another.  For more information call John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505 or visit the website at http://www.ldssga.org.

//////////////// Distributed by CarriageTradePR.com on the Local NewsWire™ Marjorie Young, President 912-844-9990 Writer: LEIGH DONOVAN PRC: Holly Elliot Date: 09/26/09

Points of Contact for Story:

Shannon Hurst: 912-659-5913 / shannon.hurst@yahoo.com

James Hurst: 912-659-6326

Sergeant Samantha Allen (Camp Phoenix/Kabul, Afghanistan): samantha.j.allen@afghan.swa.army.mil

LDSS President: John Bogardus 912-728-8505 / jcbogardus@planters.net

Publicity–Brooke May: 912 655-8149 / b.may602@comcast.net

http://www.smeraldina.us/

http://www.bluezones.com/about

(CHICAGO, MIAMI, LA, NY – USA / SARDINIA, ITALY) What is Really in that Bottle of Water?

Acqua Smeraldina pure artesian water in a class of its own

Imagine being the manager of a busy Chicago bakery café. At the end of each day, as you’re leaving your popular eatery, you grab a bottle of sparkling Acqua Smeraldina. It makes the commute in Chicago traffic that much more manageable.

For Nic Andrews, general manager of Chicago’s Labriola Bakery Café, that bottle of Smeraldina is a part of his everyday routine.

“I am on the go from the time I walk in the door,” Andrews explains. “When I grab that ice-cold bottle of Smeraldina on the way out the door, it is the best thing ever. It’s a quality water. It has a fantastic profile to it and the finish is very, very clean.”

Andrews and his business associates made the decision to serve Acqua Smeraldina to Labriola Bakery Café’s patrons when they were taste-testing products before the restaurant’s November 2008 grand opening.

Andrews knew right away that he wanted to serve Acqua Smeraldina alongside the bakery café’s handmade artisan breads.

“We have a great reputation for high-quality products, and Smeraldina is like this secret we have over here,” says Andrews. “Part of the reason-other than it just being a great product-that we feature Smeraldina is because we approach things from a truly Italian, really high-quality perspective. We want to show people what they’ve been missing their whole lives. We’re going to spoil (our guests) when they walk through our doors, and Smeraldina fits so perfectly with that.”

While Andrews and the patrons of the Labriola Bakery Café have been let in on the little secret about Smeraldina, millions of Americans just grab the first bottled water they see on the shelf. Many consumers have no idea that the water they are drinking may have come directly from the tap.

Each year, the average American consumes a staggering 30 gallons of bottled water, and consumption of bottled water in the U.S. has tripled in the last 10 years.

Some of the most popular and best-selling brands are merely purified tap water. Other classifications include spring water, mineral water and sparkling water. Then there is artesian water-water that comes from confined aquifers-which many consider to be the purest water available.

The FDA, which regulates the safety of bottled water, provides very specific definitions of the various types of water:

Purified Water – Water that is produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or other suitable processes and that meets the definition of “purified water” in the U.S.

Mineral Water – Water containing not less than 250 ppm total dissolved solids that originates from a geologically and physically protected underground water source.

Sparkling Water – Water that, after treatment and possible replacement of carbon dioxide, contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that it had at emergence from the source.

Spring Water – Water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth at an identified location.

Artesian Water – Water from a well tapping a confined aquifer in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer.1.

While the FDA guidelines define categories of bottled water, it is up to the individual companies to monitor the quality of their water. The Smeraldina Corporation places a high premium on research and development, conducting more than 100 tests every day on its water and all the materials used to package it. In addition, Acqua Smeraldina is certified ISO 9001 and ISO 14000, a standard that few bottled water companies have managed to achieve.

“There are many spring and artesian waters on the market that are not as pure as they claim, and there are a lot of substandard waters that are sold as premium waters,” says Giuseppe Pinna, vice president of the Smeradina Corporation. “Just like municipal waters have to comply to government standards, Smeraldina is very much in favor of setting high standards for bottled water as well. The stricter the standards, the better for the consumers.”

Acqua Smeraldina’s superior quality begins directly at the source: an underground aquifer with a natural granite filtration system. The aquifer is located 1,000 feet under the Monte di Deu (“Mountain of God”) in Sardinia, Italy-a remote island in the Mediterranean Sea considered one of the environmentally cleanest locations in Europe.

It takes hundreds of years for rainwater to slowly descend through the Mountain of God’s granite filtration system. This natural process enriches the water with minerals and clears it of its impurities without releasing any sediment into the product. The result is a unique, clean and light mineral water that numerous doctors and experts recommend for its perfect balance of sodium, chlorides and bicarbonates, which help to correctly maintain arterial blood pressure. Acqua Smeraldina contains a high percentage of potassium, which helps to reinforce muscle tone, while the calcium and magnesium levels give the water diuretic properties.

But behind the federally mandated standards that qualify Acqua Smeraldina as an artesian water is the simple story of the homeland from which the water comes. From its spectacular granite mountains to its emerald waters and beautiful beaches, Sardinia is a gem in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The island has a sparse population, little industry and no intensive agriculture, all of which have contributed to Sardinia’s reputation as being an unspoiled island.

Sardinia is also considered one of just five “Blue Zones” around the world because of the number of residents who live active lives past the age of 100. In fact, bluezones.com, states that Sardinia has “20 times as many 100-year-olds as the United States.”2.

For nearly 25 years, Sardinians have been enjoying the taste and health benefits of Acqua Smeraldina. With recently opened distribution facilities in Chicago and Fairfield, New Jersey-and new ones planned for Miami and Los Angeles-Acqua Smeraldina is finally making its way to American consumers, much to the delight of water connoisseurs like Nic Andrews.

“The public buys a bottle of water and if it’s in a beautiful bottle with a nice label, people just assume that it’s good without having any knowledge whatsoever,” says Andrews. “If you were to take a taste test, blind or otherwise, with Smeraldina and its competitors, you would discover that Smeraldina is just such a better water because of it’s upfront crispness and this very clean finish. Smeraldina is such a superior product.”

For more information on Smeraldina, please visit Smeraldina.

1. Food and Drug Administration. “Regulation of Bottled Water.” July 8, 2009. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Testimony/ucm170932.htm

2. “The Science Behind Blue Zones.” http://www.bluezones.com/about

http://www.simplysullivans.com/

(SAVANNAH, GA) “The Sullivan Group — Better for your Business World” was the theme of the booth taking home the honorable mention award at the 16th Annual Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo & Car Show.

The event, “Going Green for your Business,” showcased over 100 area companies and is the area’s largest business-to-business trade show.

“The Sullivan Group participates every year and they continue to do a great job with their booths,” commented Joe Ippolito, President of River Horse Internet Marketing and member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.  “Voters recognized the company again this year for their unique ideas.”

The “green” theme was just the inspiration The Sullivan Group needed, decorating their booth with balloons, glitter, aliens, and world shaped stress balls, giving the display a little something for everyone. Employees presented on the number of environmentally friendly practices taking place within the company.

“Through The Sullivan Group we are able to do a number of things for our clients electronically,” explains Rob Jones, Director of Information Technology for The Sullivan Group. “For example, we are able to offer online job postings, receive electronic resumes, direct deposits, electronic human resources data – all of these things save gas, save time, save stress and save paper.  We provided the stress balls because The Sullivan Group makes your business less stressful.”

Based in Savannah, Georgia, The Sullivan Group is a Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO) company focused on supporting small and medium-sized businesses.  Serving hundreds of small businesses in Georgia and South Carolina, The Sullivan Group provides each customer with the critical support and expert resources needed for a wide range of HR challenges including employee benefits, payroll, compliance tactics, staffing and workers compensation insurance.

For more information on The Sullivan Group or the human resource services available to their clients, visit the website at Simply Sullivans

The Sullivan Group, Savannah, GA wins honorable mention

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Sullivan Group receives honorable mention for their booth at the 16th Annual Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo & Car Show.  The company’s slogan was “Better for your Business World,” highlighting a number of green practices used both by the company and their clients – Internet job postings, paperless Human Resources practices, etc.

Joe Ippolito, chair of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce EXPO congratulates The Sullivan Group for winning HONORABLE MENTION in the booth exhibit.

Left to right: Joe Ippolito, Kim Jones, Teresa Orvin, Rob Jones

Anna Jenkins joins Savannah and Bluffton real estate experts
at Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty
www.celiadunnsir.com

(SAVANNAH / BLUFFTON) – Anna Jenkins has joined Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty as a sales associate.

Jenkins worked as a real estate sales associate for three years in Manhattan, specializing in real estate sales for young urban professionals and first-time home buyers. She works with a wide network of brokers and clients to help facilitate real estate transactions and is expert at harnessing the internet as an integral marketing tool.

“My clients appreciated my honesty, my persistence in searching for the perfect property, and my negotiation skills that brought about the best outcome for them,” Jenkins said. “I love identifying my clients’ needs and matching people with the right home, working diligently to make sure their needs are met. My job is to ease the process for my clients and make an otherwise stressful experience an enjoyable one.”

A North Carolina native, Jenkins graduated from Peace College in Raleigh, NC, where she was appointed President’s Ambassador and served as the news editor of the Peace Times. Jenkins, who acted on stage and film in a variety of parts in New York, studied theater abroad in London at London Metropolitan University and attended Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre in Manhattan. She is a  lifelong competitive swimmer and athlete.

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.

Anna Jenkins joins Savannah and Bluffton real estate experts
at Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty

http://www.celiadunnsir.com

(SAVANNAH) – Anna Jenkins has joined Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty as a sales associate.

Jenkins worked as a real estate sales associate for three years in Manhattan, specializing in real estate sales for young urban professionals and first-time home buyers. She works with a wide network of brokers and clients to help facilitate real estate transactions and is expert at harnessing the internet as an integral marketing tool.

“My clients appreciated my honesty, my persistence in searching for the perfect property, and my negotiation skills that brought about the best outcome for them,” Jenkins said. “I love identifying my clients’ needs and matching people with the right home, working diligently to make sure their needs are met. My job is to ease the process for my clients and make an otherwise stressful experience an enjoyable one.”

A North Carolina native, Jenkins graduated from Peace College in Raleigh, NC, where she was appointed President’s Ambassador and served as the news editor of the Peace Times. Jenkins, who acted on stage and film in a variety of parts in New York, studied theater abroad in London at London Metropolitan University and attended Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre in Manhattan. She is a  lifelong competitive swimmer and athlete.

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.

(SAVANNAH, GA) COMMUNiTY HEADLiNES™
Distributed weekly on the CarriageTradePR Local NewsWIRE™ to the media.
(SAVANNAH, GA) Rebecca King has joined Savannah Movie Tours, Inc., as Vice President of Operations. In her new role, King implements the company’s policies and procedures such as quality control, manages day-to-day office duties, oversees scheduling and manages all employees. For more information on Savannah Movie Tours, Inc., call 912-234-3440 or visit www.savannahmovietours.com.

(SAVANNAH, GA)   Anna Jenkins has joined Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty as a sales associate. Jenkins worked as a real estate sales associate at a New York Sotheby’s International Realty  affiliate, specializing in Manhattan real estate sales for the young urban professional. She works with a wide network of brokers and clients to help facilitate real estate transactions and is expert at harnessing the Internet as an integral marketing tool.   www.celiadunnsir.com

(SAVANNAH, GA)  Seven Waves Marketing is a new company offering practical Small Business Navigation Tools such as online marketing campaigns, building and maintaining blogs as an extension of a website, and developing social media strategies through popular sites like Facebook and Twitter.  Contact owner Cathy Rodgers at 912-667-0102. 7 Waves Marketing
(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah Women’s Business Network will meet Tuesday, September 22nd 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Exchange Tavern and Restaurant, 6710 Waters Avenue Topic:  “Today’s Economy: Are you Budget Savvy enough?”  To  RSVP please contact Tina Torres via email at ttorres@pnconnections.org or by calling (912) 228-3616.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Twenty entrepreneurs have advanced to the second stage of Forbes Magazine’s third annual “Boost Your Business” contest, available at www.forbes.com/byb.
ONE of them is from SAVANNAH!

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk Festival will be held Saturday, October 3rd in Forsyth Park.  The fourth annual Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training.  Registration begins at 8:00 AM and costs $12 per person (which includes a t-shirt and a meal).  The walk kicks off at 10:30 AM, and the festival for the whole family is from 11 AM to 2 PM, offering rides, food, games, music and more. For more information or if you would like to support families touched by down syndrome by registering to walk, please call John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505 or log onto our website at www.LDSSGA.org  to register online.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Sullivan Group receives honorable mention for their booth at the 16th Annual Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo & Car Show.  The company’s slogan was “Better for your Business World,” highlighting a number of green practices used both by the company and their clients – Internet job postings, paperless Human Resources practices, etc.

http://www.simplysullivans.com/.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Local Physician announces CHOOSE WELLNESS SAVANNAH Lecture Series. Next lecture is  “September 22:  “25% of America’s are Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic.”  Tips to avoid diabetes. Nutrition

(TYBEE ISLAND, GA) Forever Tybee Stages Giant Fundraiser.
All are invited to discover home baked bread and treats, yard sale treasures and plants ready for planting on Saturday, September 26th from 8. a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old School Cafeteria on Tybee Island. www.forevertybee.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) The 6th Annual Chocoholic Frolic will take place during the ENTIRE month of October! 100% of the proceeds go directly to local breast cancer research,
Log onto liblines.org to order your Chocoholic Frolic Passport.

(SAVANNAH, GA) – David Pope and Catherine Wannamaker of the Southern Environmental Law Center will speak to the U.S. Green Building Council September 22 about “Protecting Coastal Treasures.”  Working to defend the public’s interest and never for private gain, SELC provides its legal services without charge to other environmental organizations and partner groups.
www.SouthernEnvironment.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) On Thursday, October 8, the second annual Rivers Rock! will take place at Moon River Brewing Company in downtown Savannah.  The night’s theme is “Blackwater · Bluegrass” and will feature live music by The Packway Handle Band, a bluegrass quintet out of Athens. All proceeds from “Blackwater · Bluegrass” will benefit Ogeechee-Canoochee and Satilla Riverkeepers, two groups dedicated to the protection of our precious coastal river resources and ecosystems. Tickets are $35 per person. www.riversrock.org.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Landings Club is proud to host the USTA National Men’s 40 Clay Court Championships for the 22nd consecutive year.  This prestigious event will be held from September 26-October 4, 2009 at the Franklin Creek Tennis Center on Skidaway Island.  The participants from this tournament come to us from all over the United States.  Admission is free.
MORE INFO

(SAVANNAH, GA) Bruce Feiler will giving a speech and book signing for his new book “AMERICA’S PROPHET Moses and the American Story” on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 7:00 p.m. at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, 429 Abercorn Street
Calhoun Square. For more info ejfeiler@aol.com (912-658-4545) MORE INFO

(SAVANNAH, GA) Friends of Animals presents “Katta Doga Epsilon”, our 11th Annual Auction & Toga Party. To be held on Saturday, November 21st from 7p – 11p at Savannah Station.  $45.00 per person.  Toga optional.  Friends of Animals of the Coastal Empire, Inc. is an all volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that distributes funds from its annual auctions to existing non-profit animal rescue and welfare groups in our area.
For more information, please contact Chris Comas at 912.596.7704

(SAVANNAH, GA) Are temporary workers or “temps” on the rise in the Savannah area? Click here to find out:

http://savannahnow.com/intown/2009-09-05/try-temp-job-go-full-time

(SAVANNAH, GA) Skidaway Marine Science Day set for Saturday, October 10 from noon to 4pm. Free.
Enjoy an afternoon of science programs, displays, tours and activities for children and adults.
(912) 598-2325.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Newell Recycling, one of the largest recyclers and processors of recycled metals in the Southeast, recently held a grand opening celebration for its new Savannah location.Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue attended the event. TO view pictures click here: http://spotted.savannahnow.com/galleries/index.php?id=367748

(SAVANNAH, GA) An exhibit at Gallery S.P.A.C.E. Stained Glass: Beyond the Traditional by Glass Artist Erica Rollings, through October 2, 2009.  Rollings’ vibrant works of stained glass capture the delicate patterns she sees in the natural world. Complementing the exhibition will be a one-day stained glass workshop on September 26 from 9a.m. to noon. Gallery S.P.A.C.E., 9 West Henry Street, Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 9a.m.-5p.m. (912) 651-6783 www.savannahga.gov/arts .
PHOTOS

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Sullivan Group’s local online job-posting site, SavannahJobs.com, has reached a new milestone with over 25,000 visitors a month. Rob Jones, President of SavannahJobs.com, credits the company’s SEO, marketing, and community involvement. Savannahjobs.com is ranked number one on Google, Yahoo, and MSN in the Savannah area when using the keywords “jobs” and “employment,” making it the most active local resource for job searches. http://www.savannahjobs.com 912.352.3800

(SAVANNAH, GA)  According to experts, Georgians’ shared public resources are at risk from development not done in accordance with requirements of law. And at times, Georgia state law is inadequate to protect those assets compared to laws in neighboring states. The Southern Environmental Law Center is a non-profit, donor-supported environmental advocacy organization using the power of the law to protect the environment and special places in the South. Working to defend the public’s interest and never for private gain, SELC provides its legal services without charge to other environmental organizations and partner groups. SELC has a special initiative focused on protecting the Georgia coast with multiple attorneys working on this effort.
www.SouthernEnvironment.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) 4th Annual Crossfit Workout to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and Athletes for a Cure will be held Saturday September 26th at CrossFit Hyperformance. Hundred of affiliates across the US and Canada will participate on one day in this one brutal workout, for two great causes. To register, donate, and general information.
http://www.crossfithyperformance.com/2009/08/fight-gone-bad-4-at-crossfit.html Participation is free, but registration must take place online. Non-member participants are requried to attend one practice fight gone bad workout prior to the event.  Contact Jennifer 912-224-0406

(SAVANNAH, GA) 200,000 Georgians have Alzheimer’s disease.  Savannah Memory Walk will be held Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Johnson Square. Memory Walk supports Programs and Services for local families struggling to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Over 14,000 people in our community have been diagnosed with Alzheimers.GA MEMORY WALK to register to walk, start a team or to make a donation. 920-2231.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Get your running shoes on! The YMCA of Coastal Georgia invites you to join them for the 20th Annual Heart of Savannah 5K Road Race and Kiddie Run. This family friendly event will be held on October 3, 2009 and takes place in historic downtown Savannah. A special storytelling activity for children will be held at 5:00 p.m. in City Market to kick-off the event. To register or for more information, please visit www.ymcaofcoastalga.org.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Acquiring the recession-proof skill of tax preparation can be an employment asset and personal financial advantage during these sluggish economic times. Liberty Tax Service is teaching basic tax preparation to the general public during flexible ten-week classes that start in September at many convenient locations across the country. call 800-658-1042 or visit www.libertytax.com

(SAVANNAH, GA)  For three days this November a proud tribe of self-professed “Geeks” from all walks of life will descend upon the Creative Coast of Georgia to “get their geek on” at the first annual GEEKEND 2009. GEEKEND 2009 conference is being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in historic downtown Savannah, Georgia, November 6-8, 2009.

http://geekend2009.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society invites you to join them at the 2009 Light the Night Walk on Friday, October 2, 2009.  This family-friendly, 2-mile walk starts at Forsyth Park and winds through downtown Savannah.  Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.  It’s not too late to sign up and start raising money to find a cure.  To register or for more information, please visit www.lightthenight.org.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Chatham County branch of the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy is hosting an online fundraising auction at http://ferstthingsfirst.wordpress.com.
The “Ferst Things First” online auction to promote childhood literacy will be Oct. 1-14, 2009. The Ferst Foundation aims to instill a love of books in all Georgia preschoolers by providing registered children with a FREE, age-appropriate book mailed to their home EVERY MONTH from birth to age 5. All costs are covered by the local Community Action Team in each county.
The goal of the upcoming online auction is raise funds to cover the costs of The Chatham County branch of the Ferst Foundation.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Skidaway Institute of Oceanography will present an informal career information program for future scientists as part of Skidaway Marine Science Day on Saturday, October 10, at 1 p.m. in the McGowan Library Auditorium on the Skidaway Island campus. The information session will cover career opportunities in a wide range of scientific fields. The career information program will be a part of Skidaway Marine Science Day. For additional information, contact Michael Sullivan mike.sullivan@skio.usg.edu or visit www.skio.usg.edu.

(SAVANNAH, GA)  UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

(SAVANNAH, GA) My friend Chris Helton, who does a lot of our video work, and his wife Connie gave birth to twins last week. Connie is fighting breast cancer. Cory at Advertising Specialty Services is putting together a list of people that can help the Helton’s.

http://www2.wsav.com/sav/news/science/health_med_fit/buddy_check_3/article/pregnant_and_fighting_breast_cancer/46887/

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Twenty entrepreneurs have advanced to the second stage of Forbes Magazine’s third annual “Boost Your Business” contest, available at www.forbes.com/byb.

In the first round of the contest, which began in May, over 1500 entrants submitted a 500-word write-up about their small business, including a description of the business model, current capitalization and theoretical plan for investing the prize money. From the 20 semi-finalists who made it to the second round of the contest, only five finalists will be selected to compete for the grand prize.

Those five finalists will be flown to New York City to give live presentations to an expert panel of judges. The winner will receive $50,000 in cash and $50,000 in advertising on Forbes.com.
NuBarter needs the support of its Business Community.
NuBarter is a community of local businesses that support each other by helping fulfill excess capacity and downtime for member companies.  NuBarter’s job is to increase its members’ cash flow and customer base.  Currently NuBarter has 10 offices in 4 states and continues to grow.  NuBarter has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Entrepreneur Magazine, MSNBC, Georgia Trend Magazine, Savannah Magazine, The Business Report and Journal The Savannah Morning News, FOX, WJCL and WTOC.
Please Vote for NuBarter so that it can make it to the next round and have a chance to be selected as the winner of the Forbes.com “Boost Your Business Contest”.
You can visit www.nubarter.com.  There you will find a link to the Forbes website.  The link will take you directly to the voting page.  Just click on the check box for NuBarter, fill out your name, email and verification code and submit.  Forbes will email you a validation link to click on.  You must click on the validation link for your vote to be counted.
NuBarter appreciates your support and the support of the entire Savannah Community.

Groundbreaking for Phase II of Savannah’s Sustainable Fellwood was held May 28. The environmentally friendly affordable housing development is LEED registered, and will provide energy efficiency and other green building benefits to residents

Master Developer – Melaver

(SAVANNAH, GA) – The ribbon cutting for Phase I and the groundbreaking for Phase II of Sustainable Fellwood was held Thursday, May 28 at 10 a.m. on the Sustainable Fellwood site off Bay Street.

Phase II will include another 110 affordable housing units, and single family homes. Future phases will include a senior housing apartment building, followed by potential retail, medical and technical space.

Construction on Phase I, the first 110 housing units, began in Fall 2008. Amenities for the environmentally friendly mixed-use, mixed income development include the preservation of trees, on-site recycling, cellulose insulation, high efficiency air conditioning and heating units, and low flow water fixtures. 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 being built with sustainable materials with high standards for energy and water efficiency. For example, pervious paving will be used where possible to allow water to naturally infiltrate the ground, reducing the impact on the neighborhood storm water system. Sustainable Fellwood is registered in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Neighborhood Development pilot program and will be guided by the Smart Growth Network’s principles for diverse, walk-able, distinctive, attractive communities.

Sustainable Fellwood is also registered in the EarthCraft Coastal Communities through Southface Energy Institute. 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

//////////////// Distributed by CarriageTradePR.com on the Local NewsWire™ Marjorie Young, President 912-844-9990 Writer: AG

http://www.simplysullivans.com/

(SAVANNAH, GA) CIO.com currently features Savannah’s own The Sullivan Group discussing the technological advances they have taken to ensure continued service to their clients – even if a hurricane were to hit our area.

“We’re in Savannah, GA, so we’re right on the coast, and we’ve had a few hurricanes miss us by going north to Charleston, or hit south of us, but our luck’s not going to hold forever,” said Rob Jones, the company’s Director of Information Technology, to the CIO.com reporter.

The company made the decision to begin the switch to a new state-of-the-art server virtualization system at the beginning of the year. Implementing the changes for The Sullivan Group’s more than 300 clients hasn’t happened over night.

“Because of the sheer volume of information that has to be moved from our original servers, we’re taking our time and making sure everything is working both for our company and for our clients,” explained Jones.

Although disaster recovery was a key factor in the company’s decision to make the change to the new infrastructure, it wasn’t the only reason.  Clients are now also able to move a majority of their paper files to electronic ones.

“Helping our clients switch to virtual-based data systems maintains the integrity of stored human resources data and with easy, continuous access to information like payroll, tax filings, and medical benefits, anyone can see this is the next step in human resource management,” said Erika Simpson, network administrator for The Sullivan Group.

The cutting edge technology allows customers to gain access to employee data, benefits information, and human resource management applications at any time.  And because of its portability, The Sullivan Group would be able to walk out the door with copies of the virtual servers and set-up in any space, allowing continuous access for clients to all of their stored information.

“There were a lot of factors that went into the decision, primarily the upgrade to SamWare (Human Resource Outsourcing software) and the need to make it mobile — we couldn’t pick up 15 physical servers and move them if we had to,” Simpson explained to the CIO.com reporter.  “We could easily load the VMs on an external hard drive and go.”

Based in Savannah, Georgia, The Sullivan Group is a Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO) company focused on supporting small and medium-sized businesses.  Serving hundreds of small businesses in Georgia and South Carolina, The Sullivan Group provides each customer with the critical support and expert resources needed for a wide range of HR challenges including employee benefits, payroll, compliance tactics, staffing and workers compensation insurance.

For more information on The Sullivan Group or the human resource services available to their clients, visit the website at Simply Sullivans