Savannah Convention Center expansion set to boost economic impact and attract larger events

The Appropriations: Economic Development meeting held on January 27, 2025, focused on various initiatives and funding requests aimed at enhancing economic growth in Georgia. The meeting featured discussions from key representatives, including updates on staffing, infrastructure projects, and the economic impact of major venues.

The meeting commenced with an update on staffing for the Hyundai project, where two of the four positions have been filled. Additionally, two positions related to a rural initiative were vacated due to retirements. The department is currently conducting a study to gather feedback from small businesses across the state to identify challenges they face. A new deputy commissioner for the Global Commerce Division is expected to join in mid-February, which will facilitate further analysis and hiring.

Kevin Duvall, representing the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, provided an overview of the center's significant economic contributions. In the last fiscal year, the center hosted over 160 events, attracting 3.3 million visitors and generating an economic impact of $1.8 billion. Duvall highlighted recent projects, including a $10 million request for ongoing HVAC replacements and a $12 million funding request for the development of the Georgia International Plaza. He also discussed plans to relocate the Olympic cauldron to Centennial Olympic Park, with a total project cost of $2.5 million, of which $833,000 is being requested from the state.

Kelvin Moore, the senior vice president for the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and general manager for the Savannah Convention Center, reported on the upcoming expansion of the Savannah Convention Center. Set to open in February 2025, the expansion will double the facility's size and is expected to significantly enhance its capacity to host larger events, thereby increasing economic impact. Moore noted that the expansion project, costing $276 million, has already secured over 100 events booked through fiscal 2030.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure and staffing to bolster Georgia's economic development. The discussions highlighted ongoing efforts to improve facilities and support local businesses, with a focus on maximizing the state's economic potential through enhanced event hosting capabilities.