Wednesday, May 9, 2018
The joint venture that purchased the site known to most as Savannah River Landing unveiled a new name and brand for the revitalized project this week.
In what the developers say is a nod to Savannah history, the site is being rebranded as Eastern Wharf.
“We reached out to community leaders and various stake holders to understand the sentiment and emotion around the name, Savannah River Landing," says Reid Freeman, president of Regent Partners.
"We felt that it was important to give this site an identity that matches our team’s vision for the future."
“It was important to our team that we were respectful of Savannah’s history. When we started to learn about the site and the significant role it played in the early commerce of Savannah, we knew what direction we wanted to go,” added Trent Germano, a principal with Mariner Group.
ELV Associates, Mariner Group and Regent Partners closed on the deal in September 2017.
The project includes a publicly funded component, most notably a taxpayer-underwritten parking garage and greenspace.
The developers say the "history of the Savannah Eastern Wharves dates back to the early 1800’s as Savannah was on the rise as one of the major ports on the east coast. In 1836 a group of businessmen formed The Eastern Wharf Company and purchased 75 acres of land just east of downtown."
The area was home to businesses such as A.N. Miller’s Foundry, Hydraulic Cotton Press Company and the Bullock and Winton Steam Saw Mill.
“With this new name, we want to pay homage to the site’s past, and also give a nod to its future as we bring it back to prominence as a hub for not only commerce but community as well,” says Scott Jenkins, president of ELV Associates, Inc.
"The plan outlines nearly 7 acres of public open space including squares and a substantial park along the Savannah River. Current plans devote a majority of the total build-out square footage to residential uses, increasing the mix of available housing inventory adjacent to the highly sought after Landmark Historic District," says a spokesperson.
The group plans to break ground early this summer on the first phase of the project, which will include:
· More than 300 apartments
· An 1100 space parking garage including a 700 space city garage
· 40,000 SF of food, beverage, entertainment and service oriented retail uses
· Approximately 80,000 SF of Class A office space
· A 200 key life-style boutique hotel
· A linear park and a 2 acre riverfront park
Representing approximately a $225 million investment, the team estimates that Phase I will be complete in the spring of 2020.
In what the developers say is a nod to Savannah history, the site is being rebranded as Eastern Wharf.
“We reached out to community leaders and various stake holders to understand the sentiment and emotion around the name, Savannah River Landing," says Reid Freeman, president of Regent Partners.
"We felt that it was important to give this site an identity that matches our team’s vision for the future."
“It was important to our team that we were respectful of Savannah’s history. When we started to learn about the site and the significant role it played in the early commerce of Savannah, we knew what direction we wanted to go,” added Trent Germano, a principal with Mariner Group.
ELV Associates, Mariner Group and Regent Partners closed on the deal in September 2017.
The project includes a publicly funded component, most notably a taxpayer-underwritten parking garage and greenspace.
The developers say the "history of the Savannah Eastern Wharves dates back to the early 1800’s as Savannah was on the rise as one of the major ports on the east coast. In 1836 a group of businessmen formed The Eastern Wharf Company and purchased 75 acres of land just east of downtown."
The area was home to businesses such as A.N. Miller’s Foundry, Hydraulic Cotton Press Company and the Bullock and Winton Steam Saw Mill.
“With this new name, we want to pay homage to the site’s past, and also give a nod to its future as we bring it back to prominence as a hub for not only commerce but community as well,” says Scott Jenkins, president of ELV Associates, Inc.
"The plan outlines nearly 7 acres of public open space including squares and a substantial park along the Savannah River. Current plans devote a majority of the total build-out square footage to residential uses, increasing the mix of available housing inventory adjacent to the highly sought after Landmark Historic District," says a spokesperson.
The group plans to break ground early this summer on the first phase of the project, which will include:
· More than 300 apartments
· An 1100 space parking garage including a 700 space city garage
· 40,000 SF of food, beverage, entertainment and service oriented retail uses
· Approximately 80,000 SF of Class A office space
· A 200 key life-style boutique hotel
· A linear park and a 2 acre riverfront park
Representing approximately a $225 million investment, the team estimates that Phase I will be complete in the spring of 2020.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) has announced the recipients of a total of $40,000 in grants to support a wide variety of local community organizations through its Neighborhood Initiatives and Community Partner Program.
The recipients of this year’s grants are:
Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless, $5,000
The Creative Coast, $2,000
Deep Center $1,000
Emergent Savannah, $1,000
Forsyth Farmer’s Market, $1,200
Frank Callen Boys & Girls Clubs $5,000
Friends of Massie $500
Heads-Up Guidance Services, Inc. $1,200
Loop It Up Savannah, Inc. $1,000
King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation, $500
Park Place Outreach, Inc. $1,500
Savannah Bicycle Campaign $1,000
Savannah Children’s Choir $2,500
Savannah Tree Foundation $2,000
Thomas Park Food Pantry, $1,000
United Ministries of Savannah: $1,000
Urban Hope, Inc. $5,000
WRUU Community Radio, $500
Each recipient goes through an application process and before the DNA Board of Directors for selection.
“Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Historic Landmark District, protect Savannah’s unique downtown environment, and advocate public policies which support these objectives,” said Melinda Allen, president of the DNA.
“With that in mind, our grant programs are geared to protecting the Landmark District’s architectural heritage and encouraging restoration & beautification. We also support local organizations that enhance the community through aid to Savannah’s citizens, education, safety, music, and youth development."
The funds for the grants are raised each year through the DNA’s Holiday Tour of Homes and Inns. The DNA says it sold 865 tickets at last December’s event and raised more than $48,000 which will now go back to the community through the Neighborhood Initiatives and Community Partner Program.
The recipients of this year’s grants are:
Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless, $5,000
The Creative Coast, $2,000
Deep Center $1,000
Emergent Savannah, $1,000
Forsyth Farmer’s Market, $1,200
Frank Callen Boys & Girls Clubs $5,000
Friends of Massie $500
Heads-Up Guidance Services, Inc. $1,200
Loop It Up Savannah, Inc. $1,000
King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation, $500
Park Place Outreach, Inc. $1,500
Savannah Bicycle Campaign $1,000
Savannah Children’s Choir $2,500
Savannah Tree Foundation $2,000
Thomas Park Food Pantry, $1,000
United Ministries of Savannah: $1,000
Urban Hope, Inc. $5,000
WRUU Community Radio, $500
Each recipient goes through an application process and before the DNA Board of Directors for selection.
“Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Historic Landmark District, protect Savannah’s unique downtown environment, and advocate public policies which support these objectives,” said Melinda Allen, president of the DNA.
“With that in mind, our grant programs are geared to protecting the Landmark District’s architectural heritage and encouraging restoration & beautification. We also support local organizations that enhance the community through aid to Savannah’s citizens, education, safety, music, and youth development."
The funds for the grants are raised each year through the DNA’s Holiday Tour of Homes and Inns. The DNA says it sold 865 tickets at last December’s event and raised more than $48,000 which will now go back to the community through the Neighborhood Initiatives and Community Partner Program.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
The Puerto Rico Air National Guard unit who lost nine airmen in last week's crash of a C-130 on Highway 21 have released a short video from the private memorial ceremony honoring the fallen crew.
The ceremony was attended by family and Airmen from the 156th Airlift Wing at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, on May 4.
"In the video, as the names of the Airmen are called, you will hear their family members and the Airmen of the PRANG respond with 'Presente y Vive!,' which translates in English to 'Present and Lives,' as their souls, characters, memories and sacrifices will always remain Present and Living with their families, the PRANG and the island of Puerto Rico," says Sgt. Angel Oquendo, public information officer with the 156th.
"These are our fallen heroes who served our island and our nation . Thank you for telling their story," Oquendo says.
The ceremony was attended by family and Airmen from the 156th Airlift Wing at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, on May 4.
"In the video, as the names of the Airmen are called, you will hear their family members and the Airmen of the PRANG respond with 'Presente y Vive!,' which translates in English to 'Present and Lives,' as their souls, characters, memories and sacrifices will always remain Present and Living with their families, the PRANG and the island of Puerto Rico," says Sgt. Angel Oquendo, public information officer with the 156th.
"These are our fallen heroes who served our island and our nation . Thank you for telling their story," Oquendo says.
Friday, May 4, 2018
Dunbar
"Sharkim Dunbar, 21, is wanted on charges of aggravated assault by strangulation and theft by taking," police report.
"Just prior to midnight May 2, officers responded to a residence on Shawnee Drive for a reported strangulation. The female victim said Dunbar choked her unconscious and then left in her vehicle. The vehicle has since been recovered," police say.
Anyone with information on Dunbar’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Savannah Police tip line at (912)525-3124. Tips can also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Highway 21 will remain closed indefinitely after the crash of a Puerto Rico Air National Guard C-130 yesterday in the area.
This is the detour instituted by the Georgia Dept. of Transportation:
Motorists traveling north on SR 21 will be detoured onto SR 307 North then turn west Jimmy Deloach Connector to the Sonny Dixon Interchange back to SR 21 where detour ends.
Motorists traveling south on SR 21 will be detoured onto Sonny Dixon Interchange to Jimmy Deloach Connector then travel west to SR 307 South back to SR 21 where detour ends.
Several steps will need to be taken before the road can be opened, a Chatham County spokesperson say.
· The Military needs to investigate the crash and debris field
· Clean up of aircraft and debris field will be conducted after the investigation is concluded
· Any hazardous materials will need to mitigated
· The road will need to be evaluated and repaired by GDOT
There is restricted airspace around the crash site. No helicopters, planes or drones will be allowed into this area.
This is the detour instituted by the Georgia Dept. of Transportation:
Motorists traveling north on SR 21 will be detoured onto SR 307 North then turn west Jimmy Deloach Connector to the Sonny Dixon Interchange back to SR 21 where detour ends.
Motorists traveling south on SR 21 will be detoured onto Sonny Dixon Interchange to Jimmy Deloach Connector then travel west to SR 307 South back to SR 21 where detour ends.
Several steps will need to be taken before the road can be opened, a Chatham County spokesperson say.
· The Military needs to investigate the crash and debris field
· Clean up of aircraft and debris field will be conducted after the investigation is concluded
· Any hazardous materials will need to mitigated
· The road will need to be evaluated and repaired by GDOT
There is restricted airspace around the crash site. No helicopters, planes or drones will be allowed into this area.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
At least two are dead in the crash of what reports say is a Puerto Rico Air National Guard C-130 on approach near Highway 21 in Port Wentworth.
The military transport reportedly was carrying a total of five people; no word as of this time as of the condition of the other three. (UPDATE: An Air Force spokesman confirms that all five are deceased.)
No others were injured on the ground in the crash, according to reports.
The incident happened around noon today, with the crash clearly visible to many people either driving or outside.
All roads at the site are closed. Port Wentworth Elementary and Rice Creek School have reported power outages due to the crash but no injuries.
Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport as of now is not altering airline schedules. The crash did not occur at the airport itself.
The 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard, which would have hosted the aircraft, is based at a nearby facility which served as the former Savannah airport prior to construction of the current airport.
The military transport reportedly was carrying a total of five people; no word as of this time as of the condition of the other three. (UPDATE: An Air Force spokesman confirms that all five are deceased.)
No others were injured on the ground in the crash, according to reports.
The incident happened around noon today, with the crash clearly visible to many people either driving or outside.
All roads at the site are closed. Port Wentworth Elementary and Rice Creek School have reported power outages due to the crash but no injuries.
Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport as of now is not altering airline schedules. The crash did not occur at the airport itself.
The 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard, which would have hosted the aircraft, is based at a nearby facility which served as the former Savannah airport prior to construction of the current airport.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Several people are in custody following a joint operation between the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).
"Early Sunday morning, GSP attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a truck believed to be stolen on Ogeechee Road. The vehicle fled from troopers and was disabled a short time later. A total of three persons fled from the vehicle on foot and all three were quickly taken into custody without incident," says a CNT spokesperson.
A search of the vehicle and persons resulted in the seizure of a trafficking amount of cocaine, ecstasy, a large amount of marijuana, and items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances. Two firearms were recovered and both were found to be stolen. More than $4,000 in US currency was also seized.
CNT arrested 30-year-old Javonn Brybon, 27-year-old Hakeem Campbell, and 36-year-old Amari Sams, all of Savannah. All three are charged with multiple felony drug, weapons and other related charges and remain in the Chatham County Detention Center.
"Early Sunday morning, GSP attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a truck believed to be stolen on Ogeechee Road. The vehicle fled from troopers and was disabled a short time later. A total of three persons fled from the vehicle on foot and all three were quickly taken into custody without incident," says a CNT spokesperson.
A search of the vehicle and persons resulted in the seizure of a trafficking amount of cocaine, ecstasy, a large amount of marijuana, and items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances. Two firearms were recovered and both were found to be stolen. More than $4,000 in US currency was also seized.
CNT arrested 30-year-old Javonn Brybon, 27-year-old Hakeem Campbell, and 36-year-old Amari Sams, all of Savannah. All three are charged with multiple felony drug, weapons and other related charges and remain in the Chatham County Detention Center.
Savannah State University (SSU) has earned the 2018/2019 Military Friendly School designation, the university announced Tuesday.
"Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. For the first time, student survey data was taken into consideration for the designation," says an SSU spokesperson.
The designation "Military Friendly" is trademarked by a private company and isn't affiliated with the Department of Defense.
The news comes on the heels of a separate announcement that SSU and the U.S. Coast Guard will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding outreach and recruitment of highly skilled students in the STEM fields.
That signing on Thursday, April 26, 2 p.m., will include SSU President Cheryl Davenport Dozier, SSU Provost Michael J. Laney, USCG Commander Albert Curry, Jr., and USCG Captain Bryan Durr, and will take place at the new marine sciences building, 2717 Livingston Avenue.
SSU has a dedicated veterans affairs office, which assists veterans, or family members, in the process of enrolling in college and implementing G.I. benefits. It also guides active and reserve members using military tuition assistance. A
"Additionally, SSU offers program choices relevant to military background and is adding classes in Hinesville, near Fort Stewart. This is in addition to the U.S. Army and Navy ROTC programs and the new U.S. Coast Guard officer initiative on campus," SSU says.
“As a veteran myself, I know the importance of pursuing education while serving the country,” said Provost Laney. “It is great that SSU is being recognized for its commitment to military and veteran students.”
The 2018-2019 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, and more, for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
"Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. For the first time, student survey data was taken into consideration for the designation," says an SSU spokesperson.
The designation "Military Friendly" is trademarked by a private company and isn't affiliated with the Department of Defense.
The news comes on the heels of a separate announcement that SSU and the U.S. Coast Guard will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding outreach and recruitment of highly skilled students in the STEM fields.
That signing on Thursday, April 26, 2 p.m., will include SSU President Cheryl Davenport Dozier, SSU Provost Michael J. Laney, USCG Commander Albert Curry, Jr., and USCG Captain Bryan Durr, and will take place at the new marine sciences building, 2717 Livingston Avenue.
SSU has a dedicated veterans affairs office, which assists veterans, or family members, in the process of enrolling in college and implementing G.I. benefits. It also guides active and reserve members using military tuition assistance. A
"Additionally, SSU offers program choices relevant to military background and is adding classes in Hinesville, near Fort Stewart. This is in addition to the U.S. Army and Navy ROTC programs and the new U.S. Coast Guard officer initiative on campus," SSU says.
“As a veteran myself, I know the importance of pursuing education while serving the country,” said Provost Laney. “It is great that SSU is being recognized for its commitment to military and veteran students.”
The 2018-2019 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, and more, for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Mayor Eddie DeLoach announced today that the City of Savannah has filed a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Savannah Division, "after conducting an investigation into the allegedly deceptive marketing of prescription opioid painkillers by more than 20 drug manufacturers and distributors, including the makers of OxyContin and other opioid products," according to a City spokesperson.
Defendants include Purdue Pharma, Teva Pharmaceutical, Cephalon, Johnson & Johnson; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Endo Health Solutions, Allergan, Watson Laboratories, Actavis, and Mallinckrodt.
The suit also names three of the largest distributors of prescription opioids, McKesson Corporation, AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, and Cardinal Health, Inc.
“Like much of the nation, Savannah has felt the sting of the opioid crisis," DeLoach says. We have grieved with each passing death, and suffered losses both here and throughout the State of Georgia as the promise that each life had in store was taken from us too soon due to prescription opioid abuse."
DeLoach continues:
“As Georgia’s oldest city, Savannah has a long and storied history, and has, in many ways, set a shining example in paving the way toward a brighter future for the people of our city and state. We owe it to our citizens to set the standard now and do all that we can to protect them as we find our way out of this urgent public health crisis," the Mayor says.
"The opioid epidemic has negatively affected many aspects of our city, including financially, as we are forced to allocate an increasing amount of resources to law enforcement, public health, public assistance, emergency care and other services to those in need and impacted by this epidemic. Everything that we have learned about the opioid crisis points to the pharmaceutical industry as being largely responsible for where we are today. If someone must step up in order to help put a stop to the devastation that opioid abuse has inflicted on our nation, state, and city, Savannah is proud to do so.”
The City says that the opioid crisis impacts in Savannah and Georgia include:
× Georgia has an opioid prescription rate of 90.7 per 100 persons, which ranks eighteenth in the country (U.S. median rate: 82.5).
× According to the CDC, from 2001 to 2015, Georgia’s death rate due to opioid overdoses increased nearly 400 percent.
× The rate of opioid prescriptions per 100 persons in Chatham County is "far greater than the national average," with the County experiencing an annual rate as high as 104.5 opioid prescriptions per 100 persons within the County between 2006-2016, averaging 96 opioid prescriptions per 100 persons within the County during that period.
The suit alleges these companies engaged in false and deceptive marketing regarding the risks of using opioid painkillers, downplayed the serious risk of addiction, and unlawfully distributed opioids into Savannah without reporting or stopping suspicious orders.
The city alleges the Defendants created a public nuisance, violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), were negligent, violated the Georgia Deceptive Trade Practices Act, made False Statement in Advertising and violated a Legal Duty Owed to the City of Savannah.
The lawsuit seeks the costs to abate the opioid epidemic created by the defendants’ conduct.
Additionally, the City seeks compensatory damages for its costs related to the opioid epidemic, and punitive damages from the defendants.
The suit claims that major manufacturers of prescription opioids, in order to expand their market and profits, orchestrated a deceptive marketing scheme to change the perception of opioids to permit and encourage the use of opioids long-term for widespread chronic conditions.
The city is represented by Brooks Stillwell and Jennifer Herman of the Office of the City Attorney, John Suthers and Adam Harper of Suthers Law Firm in Savannah, and Joe Rice, Linda Singer, Lisa Saltzburg and Elizabeth Smith of Motley Rice LLC of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Washington, DC.
Defendants include Purdue Pharma, Teva Pharmaceutical, Cephalon, Johnson & Johnson; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Endo Health Solutions, Allergan, Watson Laboratories, Actavis, and Mallinckrodt.
The suit also names three of the largest distributors of prescription opioids, McKesson Corporation, AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, and Cardinal Health, Inc.
“Like much of the nation, Savannah has felt the sting of the opioid crisis," DeLoach says. We have grieved with each passing death, and suffered losses both here and throughout the State of Georgia as the promise that each life had in store was taken from us too soon due to prescription opioid abuse."
DeLoach continues:
“As Georgia’s oldest city, Savannah has a long and storied history, and has, in many ways, set a shining example in paving the way toward a brighter future for the people of our city and state. We owe it to our citizens to set the standard now and do all that we can to protect them as we find our way out of this urgent public health crisis," the Mayor says.
"The opioid epidemic has negatively affected many aspects of our city, including financially, as we are forced to allocate an increasing amount of resources to law enforcement, public health, public assistance, emergency care and other services to those in need and impacted by this epidemic. Everything that we have learned about the opioid crisis points to the pharmaceutical industry as being largely responsible for where we are today. If someone must step up in order to help put a stop to the devastation that opioid abuse has inflicted on our nation, state, and city, Savannah is proud to do so.”
The City says that the opioid crisis impacts in Savannah and Georgia include:
× Georgia has an opioid prescription rate of 90.7 per 100 persons, which ranks eighteenth in the country (U.S. median rate: 82.5).
× According to the CDC, from 2001 to 2015, Georgia’s death rate due to opioid overdoses increased nearly 400 percent.
× The rate of opioid prescriptions per 100 persons in Chatham County is "far greater than the national average," with the County experiencing an annual rate as high as 104.5 opioid prescriptions per 100 persons within the County between 2006-2016, averaging 96 opioid prescriptions per 100 persons within the County during that period.
The suit alleges these companies engaged in false and deceptive marketing regarding the risks of using opioid painkillers, downplayed the serious risk of addiction, and unlawfully distributed opioids into Savannah without reporting or stopping suspicious orders.
The city alleges the Defendants created a public nuisance, violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), were negligent, violated the Georgia Deceptive Trade Practices Act, made False Statement in Advertising and violated a Legal Duty Owed to the City of Savannah.
The lawsuit seeks the costs to abate the opioid epidemic created by the defendants’ conduct.
Additionally, the City seeks compensatory damages for its costs related to the opioid epidemic, and punitive damages from the defendants.
The suit claims that major manufacturers of prescription opioids, in order to expand their market and profits, orchestrated a deceptive marketing scheme to change the perception of opioids to permit and encourage the use of opioids long-term for widespread chronic conditions.
The city is represented by Brooks Stillwell and Jennifer Herman of the Office of the City Attorney, John Suthers and Adam Harper of Suthers Law Firm in Savannah, and Joe Rice, Linda Singer, Lisa Saltzburg and Elizabeth Smith of Motley Rice LLC of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Washington, DC.
Charles H. Morris, Sr., CEO and President of Morris Multimedia Inc. (MMI) announced April 16 the sale of The Times and The Poultry Times to his son, Charles Hill Morris, Jr. and his new company, Metro Market Media (MMM).
The change of ownership of these north Georgia newspapers is effective immediately.
In a separate transaction, Morris Sr. also sold from an affiliated company The Forsyth County News and The Dawson Community News to Morris Jr. and MMM.
Morris, Jr. has been regional manager of the three newspaper properties for the past 12 years. Metro Market Media is headquartered in Gainesville, Ga.
Morris, Jr. said, “With the purchase of the media companies in these three exceptional markets, we plan to position ourselves for long-term success in the communities we serve. Having them under a single ownership will allow us to be more efficient and customer oriented in everything we do, while continuing to provide quality journalism.”
“This is a family transaction that will allow us to have a collaborative relationship with MMI, while at the same time establishing ourselves as an independent company with these three properties, all of which have great potential,” Morris, Jr. said.
The Times and its affiliated products were acquired from Gannett by MMI in 2004 by Morris Multimedia. The Forsyth and Dawson companies were owned by the New York Times Company prior to being purchased by an affiliated company in 1994.
In addition to his ownership of the new company, Morris, Jr. will continue to serve in a leadership capacity with the Tennessee, California and Caribbean operations.
Charles H. Morris Sr. said, “I’m very proud of my son for what he has accomplished in our company. He is a respected newspaper publisher who has served as president of Southern Newspaper Publishers Association, which represents daily newspapers in 15 Southern states.”
MMI, founded in 1970 and headquartered in Savannah is one of the largest privately owned companies in the United States. MMI owns and operates 16 television stations in six southeastern U.S. markets and numerous daily and weekly newspapers, shoppers and niche publications in eight states and the Caribbean.
The change of ownership of these north Georgia newspapers is effective immediately.
In a separate transaction, Morris Sr. also sold from an affiliated company The Forsyth County News and The Dawson Community News to Morris Jr. and MMM.
Morris, Jr. has been regional manager of the three newspaper properties for the past 12 years. Metro Market Media is headquartered in Gainesville, Ga.
Morris, Jr. said, “With the purchase of the media companies in these three exceptional markets, we plan to position ourselves for long-term success in the communities we serve. Having them under a single ownership will allow us to be more efficient and customer oriented in everything we do, while continuing to provide quality journalism.”
“This is a family transaction that will allow us to have a collaborative relationship with MMI, while at the same time establishing ourselves as an independent company with these three properties, all of which have great potential,” Morris, Jr. said.
The Times and its affiliated products were acquired from Gannett by MMI in 2004 by Morris Multimedia. The Forsyth and Dawson companies were owned by the New York Times Company prior to being purchased by an affiliated company in 1994.
In addition to his ownership of the new company, Morris, Jr. will continue to serve in a leadership capacity with the Tennessee, California and Caribbean operations.
Charles H. Morris Sr. said, “I’m very proud of my son for what he has accomplished in our company. He is a respected newspaper publisher who has served as president of Southern Newspaper Publishers Association, which represents daily newspapers in 15 Southern states.”
MMI, founded in 1970 and headquartered in Savannah is one of the largest privately owned companies in the United States. MMI owns and operates 16 television stations in six southeastern U.S. markets and numerous daily and weekly newspapers, shoppers and niche publications in eight states and the Caribbean.
