Georgia Safety Promise Reaches More Than 1,000 Commitments
Statewide initiative for a ‘healthy Georgia’ gains momentum as participant numbers continue to grow.
As billboards and a variety of grassroots promotions continue across the state, the Georgia Safety Promise public-private partnership, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), has announced that more than 1,000 Georgia businesses, local authorities and officials throughout the state have committed to the Georgia Safety Promise.
Governor Brian P. Kemp launched the Georgia Safety Promise last month to encourage all Georgians to do their part to keep Georgia healthy and open for business by following the latest Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines, including wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and regularly washing and sanitizing hands and surfaces.
Large and small businesses, from restaurants, hotels and salons, to manufacturers, banks and retailers, have made the Promise to do their part to stop the spread of the virus. Additionally, individual chambers of commerce, municipalities, economic development agencies and tourist destinations across the state have committed to the Promise.
Many signers include businesses with multiple locations in the state, bringing the total number of commitments well above the 1,000 mark. To view the full list of participants in the Georgia Safety Promise, click here.
“I commend our state’s business owners and leaders for heeding public health guidelines, encouraging best practices, and doing their part to keep their fellow neighbors safe as we continue to fight COVID-19,” said Governor Kemp.
The Georgia Chamber has become an official partner of the Promise, joining the Georgia Restaurant Association and other key industry organizations that have committed to the Georgia Safety Promise.
Official supporters also leading the effort include the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Korean American Restaurant Association and The Home Depot. Small businesses such as Atlanta’s Park Tavern are featuring their commitment on the home page of their website; tourist destinations such as Albany’s Chehaw Park and Zoo, the Flint RiverQuarium, and Thronateeska Heritage Center have joined together as members of the Artesian Alliance; and the Mayor’s Youth Council in the City of Douglas, Georgia, has said, “I’m in,” for the Georgia Safety Promise with a special public service announcement.
Business and industry-leading partners recently penned an op-ed published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgians and businesses: Commit to the Safety Promise, outlining the resiliency of the Georgia business community, and the measures implemented to keep the workplace safe for employees and patrons.
“This state is home to world-renowned restaurants, vibrant cities filled with history and culture, and nearly 800,000 small businesses,” wrote leaders from the Georgia Restaurant Association, Georgia Retailers Association, Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Bankers Association, Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association, and the National Federation of Independent Business. “It is up to all of us to keep Georgia safe so it can continue to remain open for all to enjoy. Taking the Georgia Safety Promise is a simple, but critical way to do just that.”
Participants in the Georgia Safety Promise voluntarily agree to follow the latest guidelines from the Governor’s Office and the Georgia Department of Public Health. Those who join the campaign receive a full digital toolkit of resources to help publicly share their commitment, including social media posts, signage and more.
In addition to signage in participating businesses, the Georgia Safety Promise campaign is being promoted on digital billboards around the state through the Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia. Participating businesses who agree to the Promise are also displayed on a comprehensive list of participants on the Georgia Safety Promise website.
“I appreciate our partners in both the public and private sectors for continuing to promote the Georgia Safety Promise in their local communities,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson.“From Valdosta to Blue Ridge, the Georgia Safety Promise is not only helping encourage Georgians to follow crucial public health guidelines, but also assisting in restoring consumer confidence so our local businesses can safely remain open.”
To learn more and make the Georgia Safety Promise, visit www.GeorgiaSafetyPromise.com.
About the Georgia Safety Promise
The Georgia Safety Promise campaign is led by the Office of the Governor and is supported in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Georgia Bankers Association, Georgia Chamber, Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association, Georgia Retailers Association, Georgia Restaurant Association, and Georgia National Federation of Independent Businesses.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
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Parker’s Donates 600 KN95 Masks to Frontline COVID-19 Healthcare Providers at East Georgia Regional Medical Center
Parker’s, an award-winning, nationally acclaimed convenience store company and food service leader, recently donated 600 KN95 masks to frontline healthcare providers at East Georgia Regional Medical Center during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“On behalf of our entire East Georgia Regional Medical Center family, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Parker’s for their recent donation of KN95 masks for our healthcare team,” said Jenny Maddi, BSN RN, patient safety officer and director of risk management at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. “Through this donation, we will continue to be able to protect our staff and provide the best care to our patients and community. We are very thankful for this support and appreciate Parker’s for always being an engaged partner in our community.”
To date, Parker’s has donated over 7,000 KN95 masks to hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout coastal Georgia and South Carolina.
“We’re honored to serve our healthcare heroes, who are providing exceptional medical care to area residents throughout the Coronavirus pandemic,” said Parker’s founder and CEO Greg Parker. “We know that mask shortages have impacted our community and want to make sure our doctors, nurses, clinicians and staff members have the Personal Protective Equipment they need to stay safe while caring for patients.”
Founded in 1976, Parker’s is one of America’s most respected convenience store brands. Parker’s gives back to every community where it does business through the Fueling the Community charitable giving program, which donates a portion of gas sold at all Parker’s locations on the first Wednesday of the month to area schools, healthcare facilities and other important causes. To date, the company has given more than $7 million in local charitable donations.
Parker’s has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of the Fastest Growing Companies in America for five years and currently has 66 retail stores throughout coastal Georgia and South Carolina. The company employs more than 1,200 individuals throughout the region and completes more than 125,000 transactions daily.
ABOUT PARKER’S:
Known as America’s cleanest convenience store company, Parker’s is strategically redefining the nation’s convenience store industry, offering customers high-quality products, freshly prepared food and superior customer service at retail stores throughout southeast Georgia and South Carolina. Headquartered in Savannah, Ga., Parker’s has a commitment to exceeding customer expectations and has repeatedly been recognized as one of the nation’s leading convenience store and food service companies. Parker’s Kitchen, the new food-centric brand under the Parker’s umbrella, serves world-famous hand-breaded Southern Fried Chicken Tenders as well as made-from-scratch mac ‘n’ cheese, a breakfast bar and daily specials. The company’s popular Parker’s Rewards loyalty program, which includes more than 150,000 members, has saved Parker’s customers more than $10 million to date. Learn more: www.parkersav.com.
RECENT AWARDS AND ACCOLADES:
● America’s Best Convenience Stores – Food and Wine
● 2019 Southeast Retailer of the Year – The Shelby Report
● 2019 Fastest Growing Companies in America – Inc. 5000
● 2018 Convenience Foodservice Leader of the Year – Convenience Store News
● Top 10 U.S. Gas Station Brands – Gas Buddy
● 50 Most Influential People in Convenience Store History – Convenience Store News
● Best Convenience Store – Savannah Morning News Readers’ Choice Awards
● Best Convenience Store – Savannah Magazine Best of Savannah Awards
● Best Convenience Store – Statesboro Herald “Best in the ‘Boro” Awards
● Best Convenience Store – Bryan County Now “Best of Bryan” Awards
● Regional Economic Impact Award – Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
● Best Convenience Store – Island Packet
● Most Fab Convenience Store – Effingham Herald
● Most Fabulous Gas Station – Effingham Living
● Wayne County’s Favorite Convenience Store – Jesup Press-Sentinel
● Citizen of the Year Award – Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club
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Holiday Inn Status and Special Rates
The Holiday Inn, 455 Commerce Drive, Statesboro, is still open. Emma’s is closed as of last week along with the pool and gym. They do have grab-and-go breakfasts available for their guests and are giving these out regardless of if the rate included breakfast or not.
They have activated special rates for medical professionals. These include
· Traveling Nurses
· Centers for Infectious Disease
· CDC
· Center for Disaster Relief
· National Institute for Medicine
· Medical Rate
· Hospital Rate
They also have government rates for:
· Army Reserves
· Coast Guard
· National Guard
· Air Force
· Army Corp. Engineers
· US Army Ready Reserve
· US Homeland Security
· US Marine Corp
They also have a locally negotiated rate for Georgia Emergency Associates.
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Statesboro Hotel/Motel Operating Status
If you are in need of a hotel room during this time, we are keeping a running list of hotels that are still open. There is also a list of other open businesses in Statesboro and Bulloch County that can be found HERE.
This list has been updated as of: 3/31/2020 1:03pm
Comfort Inn – Open
Super 8 – Open, lobby closed
Holiday Inn – Open, Emma’s and Pool closed, limited room service
Holiday Inn Express – Open
Knights Inn- Open
Home2 – Open
Eagles Nest – Open, pool closed, no breakfast
Quality Inn- Open
Studio 6- Open
Red Roof Inn – Open
Patriot Inn – Open
Parkwood RV Park and Cottages – Open, over-the-phone reservations
Deluxe Inn – Waiting to hear back
Eagle Inn- Waiting to hear back
Stiles Inn – Waiting to hear back
Stay Plus- Waiting to hear back
Springhill Suites – Closed
Hampton Inn- Closed
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Temporarily Closed
After careful consideration and following the recommendation of state leadership, we have decided it is in the best interest of our community, staff, and partners to temporarily close the Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau. We will still maintain operations, delivering the Statesboro message across our social outlets and online presence, project development, and community assistance.
We can still be reached at the following:
Phone: 912-259-9555
Becky Davis, Executive Director
Justin Samples, Marketing Director
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Get Ready for the First Battle for the Boro!
Live music, food trucks, and local vendors: Battle for the Boro has it all! On May 16, 2020, stage bands from across the Southeast will compete in beautiful Downtown Statesboro for up to $1000 in cash prizes and the title of “Best Band in the Boro.” The competition, a traditional battle of the bands event, will feature not only competing bands, but local celebrities and performers, as well. The event venue will feature a food truck park and vendor marketplace set in the heart of the downtown area.
Bands of all genres, food trucks, and vendors are invited to apply to be a part of this family-friendly community event. To learn more and get involved, please visit http://borobattle.com.
All proceeds from the event benefit Statesboro High School music programs.
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“Godspell” Creates Magic at the Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern
The Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern is excited to be partnering with Georgia Southern Theatre & Performance to present Broadway favorite “Godspell” as part of their 2019-2020 Main Stage Series. The show opens on Thursday, February 27 at 7:30pm, and will run through March 1.
Godspell boasts a score with chart-topping songs, led by hit “Day by Day.” In the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), a small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables from the Gospel of St. Matthew. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life.
Written in 1971, Godspell embodies the spirit of 70’s generations rock musicals. Since its inception, this show has toured the country and been a musical theatre standard in schools, universities and churches. In 2011 it was revisited by its creators and updated for the 21st century. The same songs are there, with a richer and deeper musical voice and the formal addition of “Beautiful City.” It is this revival that is being performed at Georgia Southern. In addition to “Day by Day”, old favorites like “Prepare Ye” and “By My Side” will be easily recognized by audiences.
Godspell Director Lisa Abbott notes, “The magic of this show is the community it creates not just with the cast but with the audience as well. The message of the show is about acceptance and love and the cast and crew have enjoyed creating ways to tell that story with open hearts and open minds.”
Tickets are $20 for adults and 10 for youth 17 and under and are on sale now at the GSUPAC Box Office. Discounts are available for Georgia Southern students and faculty/staff. Group rates for groups of 10 or more are also available. Visit the Box Office in person Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, or purchase tickets over the phone at 912-478-7999 or online at www.georgiasouthern.edu/pac.
For more information, including cast and crew interview inquiries, please contact:
Stacie McDaniel
(912) 478-0830
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Fall in Love with Downtown Statesboro
Grab your valentine and come celebrate the month of love with Downtown Date Night presented by the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority. The event will be held on February 7 from 5:30-8:00 pm on West Main Street.
This First Friday event fills the air with love as you and your sweetheart stroll down West Main Street enjoying food, music, and fun. The event features local shops and food vendors including various food trucks and even a s’mores station where you and your significant other can share a sweet treat.
Brandi Harvey, a local musician, will be providing the music for this event. Another highlighted vendor is the puppy kissing booth hosted by the Statesboro Humane Society. Couples also have a chance to stop by the Rosengart Gallery to check out the Gabriel Diaz Exhibit hosted by the Averitt Center.
West Main Street will be closing at 4:00 pm, however, many businesses will be staying open late as well as offering special promotions for the happy couples. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with our downtown shops and interact with the downtown culture.
For more information, please contact the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority by calling them at (912)764-7227 or emailing them at mainstreet@statesborodowntown.com.
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Famed Comedy Troupe “The Second City” Brings the Laughs to GSUPAC
The Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern is proud to present “The Second City: Improv All-Stars” as part of their 2019-2020 Main Stage Series on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 7:30pm. The best seats are going fast for this legendary comedy troupe!
Chicago’s storied comedy theater The Second City is bringing their talent to Statesboro with “The Second City: Improv All-Stars,” an irresistible hour of improved comedy performed by the industry’s up-and-coming talent. These masters of the form will astound with their skill and wit – all without the aid of scripts or sets. Fresh, fast, and always spectacularly funny, The Second City is celebrating more than 55 years of producing cutting-edge satirical revues and has launched the careers of legends like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and more.
The group is also planning to lead two improv masterclasses during their time on campus. Those interested in attending a workshop can keep an eye on the Performing Arts Center Facebook page for more details once dates and times of the classes are confirmed.
PAC Director Stacie McDaniel says the whole staff is excited about the show, noting “I’ve been trying to get this group to our venue for years, and we finally worked out the right date to make it happen! If you’re looking to start the new decade off with a laugh, this is absolutely the right show for you.”
Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for youth 17 and under and are on sale now at the GSUPAC Box Office. Discounts are available for Georgia Southern students and faculty/staff. Group rates for groups of 10 or more are also available. Visit the Box Office in person Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, or purchase tickets over the phone at 912-478-7999 or online at www.georgiasouthern.edu/pac.
For more information, including cast and crew interview inquiries, please contact:
Stacie McDaniel
(912) 478-0830
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A Fair Reflection
I found the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair to be delightfully fun, with a unique touch of small-town charm. My husband and I went Monday, the opening night, and hoofed it over to the Heritage Village section. There we had a lovely conversation with Mr. Bowen in the Old Store. He regaled us with the history of the establishment and its role in the community. After that we took a stroll through the historic Aldrich house, watched bees in the bee house, and took in the aroma of woodsmoke wafting from the blacksmith shop.
The attraction that I was most looking forward to – The Kiwanis Pancake House – did not disappoint! Sitting at long picnic tables chowing down on pancakes and local sausage felt like a big community breakfast. That is definitely something unique that Statesboro brings to the fair experience. An elephant ear for dessert and old-fashioned carnival rides took me right back to my childhood fair memories. In short, the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair encapsulated everything charming and nostalgic that I associated with fairs with a dash of local flair.
Thank you to everyone who dropped a suggestion for things to do at the fair! You made this fair novice feel like a truly initiated part of the Statesboro community. – Lauren Della-Piazza
Lauren moved to Statesboro from Pennsylvania to complete her Master’s Degree in Public History at Georgia Southern University.
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