(SAVANNAH, GA) COMMUNiTY HEADLiNES, May 24 , 2010

(WASHINGTON, DC) Calling small business the backbone of the nation’s economy, President Barack Obama stressed his Administration’s commitment "to helping small businesses drive our economy toward recovery and long-term growth" in his proclamation of the week of May 23-29 as National Small Business Week. http://www.sba.gov/news

(HARDEEVILLE, SC) PHOTOS from The Hardscape and Outdoor Living Trade Show SPOTTED

(SAVANNAH, GA) Rotary International has a significant award that is presented to a select 150 members of the 1.2 million worldwide members each year.  The Service Above Self Award is presented to a Rotarian who has demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary.  At the recent Rotary District Conference in Jekyll Island, GA, Rotarian Wells Hood, a member of the Rotary Club of Skidaway Island was recognized by Past RI President, Dr. Cliff Dochterman of California for his work and commitment to the education of the people of Matenwa in Haiti.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The next Buy Local Savannah’s program will be "How to identify who your customers are, and where to find them" presented by Dr. Rick McGrath, Professor of Economics at Armstrong Atlantic State University.  Attendees will garner usable, practical strategies on how to target markets with the most potential, and isolating upper tier prospects within those markets.    Thursday, May 27 at the Pirate’s House from 11:30 – 12:00 Networking, 12:00 – 1:00 Program www.buylocalsavannah.com.  $20 per member, $30 for guests.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The 2010 Tail USTA $50,000 Savannah Challenger is pleased to announce that it has presented the Savannah Community Foundation with check for $600. The funds were raised during the Challenger’s Pro-Am event, in which local tennis aficionados were paired with the tournament’s professional players.  www.savfoundation.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) Alzheimer’s touches all our lives because one in eight people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, it’s estimated up to 16 million Americans will have Alzheimers. Join us Wednesday, June 16th at 12:00 noon for lunch at the Outback restaurant on Abercorn for a Team Captain kickoff meeting where you can learn more about fundraising for this cause. Please RSVP for lunch 912-920-2231 and to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association Savannah Memory Walk coming this fall or email jami.murray@alz.org
http://bit.ly/cxDWGs

(SAVANNAH, GA)The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is hosting its first ever Night of Champions, recognizing  local businesses who are already hiring workers with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, and encouraging other businesses to do the same.  Night of Champions will take place Thursday, June 10th at The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the awards program will begin at 7 p.m. Catering will be provided by The Lady & Sons Restaurant. Night of Champions is open to the public. Tickets are   $15 each. For more information, please contact Brooke May at b.may602@comcast.net

(SAVANNAH, GA) Odie is a wonderful and well mannered dog 4 year old female Beagle. She is crate and housetrained, great with other dogs and loves kids. http://humanesocietysav.org/animal_view.asp?PhotoID=2405

(TYBEE ISLAND, GA) Saturday, June 12, 2010  is the 12th Annual Tybee Island Sea Kayak Races to benefit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.   Races begin at 8:30 a.m., registration begins 7:15.  Please join us at A-J’s, 1315 Chatham Ave., Tybee for the fun. And please consider sponsoring  – gold $500, silver $250, and bronze $100.  www.tybeemarinescience.org or 786-5917 for more info.

(SAVANNAH, GA) According to the National Down Syndrome Congress Center, as many as eighty percent of adults with Down syndrome are currently unemployed. Low expectations and a lack of understanding about the great skills and fine work ethic many people with Down syndrome possess has contributed to this sad statistic. The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) hopes to reverse this trend by encouraging area employers to give workers with intellectual disabilities a chance. LDSS is hosting its first ever Night of Champions ON June 10, recognizing local businesses who are already hiring workers with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, and encouraging other businesses to do the same. For more information, please contact LDSS Vice President Brooke May at b.may602@comcast.net.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty presents 1921 Bull Street. The Historic "Gingerbread House" is considered by many as one of the most important examples of Steamboat Gothic architecture in the United States.   This home was buit for Cord Asendorf and family in 1899.  Agent Franklin Williams 912.695.3608 http://www.celiadunnsir.com/commercial_detail.asp?listingID=21

(SAVANNAH, GA) Applications are due for the next Leadership Savannah class by June 14;
APPLICATION

(SAVANNAH, GA) The City of Savannah’s Cultural Affairs Commission has issued a "Call for Proposals" for the 2011 Contracts for Cultural Services initiative. The deadline for applications will be Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 5 p.m. contact Michelle Hunter at (912) 525-3100 ext. 2847 or mhunter@savannahga.gov

(SAVANNAH, GA)  Get your booth and your tickets for the Small Business Banquet and Trade Show. Tuesday, June 15 at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront from 5 to 9 p.m. For info call Susan Smith, 644.6434 or ssmith@savannahchamber.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce is Accepting Applications for Small Business Council / SMART Lunch Series for the August-December 2010 Lunch Series. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 28. For more info contact 912.644.6407 http://www.savannahchamber.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS