Would you like to see more than 900 people, including local architects, engineers, building suppliers, carpenters, electricians, and contractors of all trades, put back to work after this devastating recession? Would you like the Savannah community to enjoy an additional $83 million in visitor spending? Would you like to generate 1,000 new and permanent jobs in the area?
Please sign this petition to vote YES for the Convention Center Hotel on Hutchinson Island in Savannah, GA. After you sign, please forward by clicking Share this Action to help this petition succeed.
Thank you!
With the addition of a dedicated convention center hotel, Savannah has an opportunity to add over 1,000 new permanent jobs according to projections, including up to 900 construction/supply jobs during the project, $83 million in visitor spending per year and $29 million in earnings to the local economy. The new hotel will be among the first LEED-certified green lodging in town and will position Savannah as a viable convention city for many years to come.
A report by Visit Savannah entitled Citywide Lost Business Opportunities indicates 42 groups took their convention business to other cities between 2007 and 2010, a loss of $36 million in visitor spending. Losses are attributed to the fact that the Trade Center cannot offer meeting planners a guaranteed hotel room block 2 to 5 years in advance or a large hotel with direct access, appropriate event space and controlled, acceptable rates.
Five independent industry studies have shown the Savannah market is strong and less impacted by the downturn than other cities, and would benefit from a large convention center hotel. However, major competition is on the horizon, for example with the development of a convention center and dedicated hotel on Jekyll Island. We are depending on you to help ensure Savannah is positioned as a preferred destination among convention visitors.
In 2006, urban planners developed a downtown civic master plan that recommends, among other things, a dedicated convention center hotel on Hutchinson Island. We the undersigned are proud to make this vision a reality by supporting the continued advancement of this great city.
Thank you for reading this letter and considering the community in your decision.
