Fort Pulaski worth almost $23 million to local economy
A new National Park Service report indicates 385,751 visitors to Fort Pulaski National Monument in 2012 spent $22,865,00.00 in communities near the park and supported 307 local jobs.
“National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy — returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service — and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well,” said Superintendent Melissa Memory. “We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”
The visitor spending analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Christopher Huber and Lynne Koontz for the National Park Service. It shows $14.7 billion of direct spending by 283 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 243,000 jobs nationally, with 201,000 jobs found in these gateway communities and a cumulative benefit
to the U.S. economy of $26.75 billion.
According to the report, most visitor spending supports jobs in restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, hotels, motels and B&Bs and other amusement and recreation.
To download the report, visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm.
24e Design Co. supports St. Andrew’s fund raiser
St. Andrew’s School has announced plans for the 29th annual Live Auction and Gala on March 8 at the Savannah Golf Club with 24e Design Co. as this year’s platinum sponsor.
Guests will choose from numerous fine art selections and bid on a variety of silent and live auction items. Last year’s event seated 180 guests for dinner and raised more than $100,000.
For tickets, visit www.saintschool.com/liveauction
Applications sought for junior leadership class
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — The Hilton Head-Bluffton Junior Leadership program is accepting applications from rising juniors for its Class of 2014-2015.
Applications can be picked up at the guidance offices at Bluffton High School, Hilton Head Island High School, Hilton Head Christian Academy and Hilton Head Preparatory Academy. Applications also are available at the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce offices at 1 Chamber of Commerce Drive, Hilton Head Island and the chamber’s Bluffton office at 216 Bluffton Road. The deadline to apply is March 31.
Junior Leadership Hilton Head-Bluffton is a program of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce that fosters community awareness and self-development for outstanding high-school juniors in Hilton Head and Bluffton. For more information, contact Hannah Horne at 843-341-8373 or hhorne@hiltonheadisland.org.
