Port Wentworth ends partnership with Chamber of Commerce
The City of Port Wentworth is once again ending its tourism partnership with the Port Wentworth Chamber of Commerce, due to the increase in the hotel-motel tax collection, according to a press release.
Since 1999, the Port Wentworth Chamber of Commerce has been contracted to serve as the destination marketing organization for the city to promote the city as a tourism destination. The chamber provided tourism marketing services for events, festivals and attractions hosted by and in the city of Port Wentworth.
Nearly a month ago on May 29, the chamber was presented with a letter from the city, according to the press release, stating that the reason for the termination was due to the Georgia Legislature voting to increase hotel-motel tax collection from 6% to 8% in February, which would “reset the distribution of funds."
City Manager Steve Davis, after Thursday night's council meeting, said that it wasn't really a "termination," but the city decided not to renew the contract due to the new legislation and that the city will change its destination marketing organization.
“After much discussion with our board of directors and staff members, the Chamber believes that this parting of the ways is in the best interest of the organization,” said April Cameron, Port Wentworth Chamber of Commerce president and CEO in the release.
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The chamber states that hotel-motel excise taxes have increased steadily, up nearly 22% since 2022, since the chamber has served as the destination marketing organization, citing the city's FY25 budget proposal.
In 2020, the City of Port Wentworth decided not to renew its contract with the chamber for the first time, ending a two-decade partnership and cutting off funding. After a tumultuous time for the city, with mass resignations and staff upheaval, a new council and city manager took leadership in 2022, restoring the partnership.
City Manager Steve Davis said in the letter to the chamber that the "..the city genuinely and sincerely appreciates all of the hard work and service put forth by the Chamber, its employees, and staff......," according to the press release.
The Port Wentworth Chamber of Commerce states that it will continue to advocate for the residents and every business that calls Port Wentworth home.
Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Port Wentworth ends partnership with Chamber of Commerce again
