News Summary
The World Trade Center Savannah is hosting a Global Business Summit aimed at global trade professionals and economic leaders. This half-day event will provide insights into international commerce and networking opportunities for businesses seeking growth. Additionally, a recent public hearing addressed local property tax increases, impacting homeowners significantly, while International Paper announced the closure of mills, affecting employment in Coastal Georgia.
Pooler, GA – The World Trade Center Savannah (WTCSav) is set to host a Global Business Summit on Tuesday, September 16, aimed at global trade professionals, economic leaders, and business executives. This half-day event will take place at the Georgia Quick Start Advanced Manufacturing Center, located at 1500 Pine Meadow Dr., Pooler, GA 31322.
The summit will explore the evolving landscape of international commerce and provide valuable insights for companies seeking to expand or enhance their international strategies. Participants can look forward to critical discussions that focus on navigating today’s competitive global marketplace.
In addition to networking opportunities, attendees will gain access to strategic connections and resources tailored to help their businesses thrive internationally. The summit is carefully designed to meet the needs of organizations in search of growth in the context of globalization.
Prospective participants can find registration details on the WTCSav website, which serves as the primary source of information regarding the event. For businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities, contact can be made with Programs and Community Development Manager Antwone Mohammed for further details.
A day prior to the summit, on August 26, 2025, the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners held its final public hearing regarding a proposed property tax increase for 2025. The commissioners decided to maintain a maintenance and operations (M&O) millage rate of 11.350 mills, marking a significant rise above the rollback rate of 10.657 mills. This decision is classified as a 6.5 percent tax increase by law, and it will affect local homeowners.
Under the new tax rate, an estimated increase of $82.61 will affect homes valued at $300,000 and approximately $76.23 for non-homestead properties valued at $275,000. This decision reflects the savings homeowners would have experienced had the rollback rate been adopted instead.
The approved budget for 2025 designates new funding toward public safety, enhancing services such as law enforcement, the county jail, and EMS. Notably, the county’s property digest has seen substantial growth—from $2.15 billion in 2020 to over $3.79 billion in 2025—attributed to new developments and rising property values.
During public hearings, local residents voiced their concerns regarding the tax increase, particularly the financial strain it places on individuals, especially those on fixed incomes. Topics of discussion included the need for greater transparency in the budget process and the balance between growth and responsible financial management.
To further address property tax burdens, a Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) referendum is scheduled for the November ballot, aiming to provide future property tax relief for residents.
In a related economic development update, International Paper announced the closure of two pulp and paper mills in Coastal Georgia by the end of next month, impacting around 1,100 employees. The mills located in Savannah and Riceboro, along with the Savannah packaging facility, will see a reduction of containerboard capacity by approximately 1 million tons annually.
The company has assured affected employees that severance packages and outplacement assistance will be provided. However, industry experts have indicated that these closures could negatively influence Georgia’s timber industry and the overall economic landscape in the region.
On another note, the community has recently faced tragic losses, leading to the distribution of grief management resources. Local organizations have shared information emphasizing the importance of community support in managing grief and addressing trauma. The chaplain of Ogeechee Area Hospice highlighted that each individual’s journey through grief is unique, involving various emotional stages. Coping strategies encourage recognizing support from loved ones and acknowledging the connection between love and grief, underscoring the significance of community during difficult times.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Grice Connect: Global Business Summit
- Wikipedia: International Trade
- Grice Connect: Property Taxes in Bulloch
- Google Search: Property Taxes in Georgia
- Grice Connect: International Paper Closures
- Google Scholar: Impact of Mill Closures on Local Economy
- Grice Connect: Grief Management Resources
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Resources for Grief Management
- OCG News: Global Leadership Academy Induction
- Google News: Leadership Programs for Students
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AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
