Savannah Chamber

23 levels during the summer months. Lastly, a $40 million contract was awarded to construct a 17 acre reservoir on Abercorn Creek in Effingham County to supplement the City of Savannah's water supply. Construction will begin in 2016. Tourism The leisure and hospitality sector continued to grow steadily with the total number of day and over-night visitors increasing to 13.4 million in 2014. Direct spending increased 9.2% to $2.5 billion and further supported the growing diversification in boutique retailing. Overnight person-stays increased 4.1% to 7.6 million and hotel room tax revenue set another record by reaching $20.7 million. Special interest tourism activities such as visiting historic places, seeing cultural attractions, and enjoying exceptional culinary experiences are in high demand among Savannah's leisure tourists compared to national averages. Savannah is unique positioned to satisfy this demand and is poised to continue as a major visitor destination in 2016. Through late 2015, the regional tourism industry continues to contribute to regional economic strength. Boardings at the airport were 6% ahead of the previous year's pace. Hotel room tax receipts are up 10% as compared to 2014 and are projected to exceed $21.5 million in 2016. Auto rental sales tax receipts were up 7% from the 2014 level. Hotel occupancy rates increased to about 76% in mid-2015 data, up from 71% in 2014 and 68% in 2013. The leisure and hospitality sector, which includes accommodations, food services, arts, entertainment, and recreation, has been one of the fastest growing (about 5% annually) sectors since January 2010. It currently is the largest economic sector of the regional employment base, providing work for nearly 25,000 people. Health Services The regional health care sector has been a stalwart of economic consistency and growth since 2007. In fact, this sector did not shed employment during the Great Recession and now currently employs nearly 10% more workers than at the peak of the previous economic cycle in mid-2007. The health sector continues to be a vital component of the area's economy and growth prospects are good in the short and long run. Saint Joseph's Hospital celebrated its 140 th anniversary in 2015 with the completion of a $15 million interior and exterior renovation of the southside hospital. In 1997, the hospital joined operations with Candler Hospital to create the Saint Joseph/Candler Health System. In 2015, nursing care received a fourth award for the recognition of the excellence of the system's nurses. Only five other hospitals in Georgia have been so recognized. The system also earned recognition for exceptional stroke care and for its wound care centers in 2015. Memorial University Medical Center has several notable investment projects under development. The first phase of the Parker's Emergency and Trauma Center – a major expansion of the emergency department and Level 1 trauma center – was completed in 2015. This project will double the amount of space available in the emergency treatment area. The remainder of the project is expected for completion in 2016. Further, a $5 million gift was received to support the construction of the Dwaine and Cynthia Willett Children's Hospital of Savannah. This is part of a larger capital campaign that has raised over $15 million for the children's hospital. Construction will begin in 2016, to be completed by spring 2017. Military Fort Stewart is not only the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River covering nearly 285,000 acres but, combined with Hunter Army Airfield, is one of the largest employers in Coastal Georgia. In 2015, there were 22,422 officers and enlisted military and 3,891 federal civilian employees totaling to 26,313 workers. Total payroll for both bases is estimated at well over one billion dollars and with an annual financial impact of four to five billion dollars. Fort Stewart and Hunter AAF continue to play an important role in the regional economy. In 2015, the Department of Defense deactivated the 3,500-soldier 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the Third Infantry Division. Several elements of the unit are being transferred to other Fort Stewart units and the 4th Brigade Combat Team was reflagged as the 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

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