Fort Pulaski visitors support local economy
A new National Park Service report indicates 374,408 visitors to Fort Pulaski National Monument in 2013 spent $22 million in communities near the park and supported 302 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 park superintendent Melissa Memory. “We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors on Tybee Island and in the greater Savannah area and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain these local communities.”
The visitor spending analysis shows $14.6 billion of direct spending by 273.6 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported more than 237,000 jobs nationally, with more than 197,000 jobs found in these gateway communities with a cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy of $26.5 billion.
The largest jobs categories supported by visitor spending were restaurants and bars and lodging.
To download the report visit: http://www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm
Engineering firm recognized for growth
Mobile, Ala. – Hargrove Engineers+Constructors, which has an office on Park of Commerce Way in Savannah, recently ranked No. 4 on ZweigWhite’s 2014 Hot Firm List, a competitive, national ranking of the fastest-growing firms in the architectural, engineering, procurement and environmental consulting industry.
The ranking is determined by the highest percentage revenue growth and dollar revenue growth over a three-year period compared to the other entrants.
Last year, Hargrove ranked No. 9.
Company officials attributes their ranking to a focus on relationships and teaming with their clients to meet their needs on projects.
Founded in Mobile, Ala., Hargrove has 10 offices located across the United States. For more information, visit www.hargrove-epc.com.
Hilton Head Chamer earns accreditation
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has earned accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). The reaccreditation was awarded at the program’s annual ceremony on July 21.
DMAP is an international accreditation program developed by the Washington, D.C.-based Destination Marketing Association International. The chamber is one of 193 accredited destination marketing organizations worldwide. Criteria include 58 different standards for accreditation.
“The chamber has been honored again for setting the benchmark at the national level in its destination marketing programs, sound financial management and overall excellence,” said Jay Wiendl, generalmanager of the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island and chair of the Vacation and Convention Bureau Marketing Council.