Pooler Chamber honors police, firefighters
The Pooler Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau honored police officers and firefighters along with local businesses and chamber members during its annual meeting and awards luncheon Wednesday at Savannah Quarters Golf Club.
Awards included:
• Police officer of the year, Christopher Dotson.
• Police supervisor of the year, Sgt. Craig Bogden.
• Rookie firefighter of the year, John Centola.
• Fire officer of the year, Capt. Charles Rogers.
• Business of the year, Fairways at Savannah Quarters in Pooler.
• Ambassador of the year, Kathy Smith.
• Outstanding volunteerism, Kim Griffin and Bobbie Frost.
Outgoing board president Billie Dees received a special award for her leadership.
The chamber also elected officers,including Kathy Smith, Marty Jones, James Sullivan, Sharon Lucas and Sherri Moore.
Firm to build manufacturing plant in Hartwell
German-based Häring, a manufacturer of precision components and subassemblies for the automotive industry, will invest $54 million over five years to build its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Hartwell and create 800 jobs by 2025, Gov. Nathan Deal announced Wednesday.
Haring’s plans call for a 196,000-square-foot facility, as well as a separate training center and detached dining hall in the Gateway II Industrial Park. The new facility will manufacture fuel injection parts and other precision components for the automotive industry. Founded in 1961, Häring has state-of-the-art production locations in Germany, Poland and China.
Toastmasters club announces membership offer
The Hostess City Toastmasters club in downtown Savannah is offering new members a chance to get a leg up on their New Year’s resolution to improve public-speaking skills.
The club will waive the first three months of local dues for anyone who signs up during December and January. Weekly meetings are 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays at ThincSavannah, 35 Barnard St., third floor, just off Ellis Square.
Guests are welcome.
Contact the club with any questions at hostesscitytm@gmail.com or 912-209-4521. For Facebook updates go to www.facebook.com/hostesscitytoastmasters.
Gift wrapping to benefit local charities
The sisterhood of Congregation Mickve Israel will have a gift-wrapping stand at Savannah Mall from Saturday through Christmas Eve.
The stand will be located on the lower level in the ESPN storefront, across from the Toys “R” Us express. It will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
Prices range from $2 to $6, with part of the proceeds going to Second Harvest Food Bank and Backpack Buddies.
