Learn the basics to buy first home
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service plans a seminar for first-time home buyers. Instruction will include setting goals, evaluating credit reports, developing a budget, determining your saving habits, exploring options and shopping for a home. Participants are required to attend sessions and will receive a Homebuyer Education Certificate.
Sessions are 5-8 p.m. Sept. 10 and 12 at the Southwest Chatham Library, 14097 Abercorn St. The seminar is free. For pre-registration call 912-652-7981 or email uge3051@uga.edu.
Sandfly area adds new bakery
Savannahians Janet Savadge and LeeAnn Aldridge will open a franchise of Great Harvest Bread Co. bakery Aug. 16 in Norwood Market, 7360 Skidaway Road. The Sandfly location will carry a full range of delicious whole grain breads, cookies, sweets and made-to-order sandwiches.
“We’re excited to bake and share fresh, healthy bread and sweets with our friends in Savannah,” said Savadge. “We have combined our love of food and community to fulfill this exciting opportunity to own and operate a neighborhood bakery.
Other unique items on the bakery’s racks will include pancake mix, Groovy Granola, a nine-grain hot cereal, and even special whole grain dog treats.
At the end of each business day, the bakery will donate leftover bread and sweets to Union Mission, the largest homeless shelter in Savannah.
‘Top Chef’ judge to open eatery in new development
Atlanta-based Jamestown Properties, which broke ground in May on One West Victory, a $25 million renovation of the property that once served as the home of the old Savannah Ice Factory on the corner of Victory and Bull streets, has announced that “Top Chef” judge Hugh Acheson’s Italian restaurant venture, The Florence, will be a part of the 114-unit residential facility.
One West Victory is scheduled for completion next summer, with the restaurant expected to be open by the following spring.
Wholesale inventories drop for 3rd straight month
U.S. wholesalers cut their stockpiles in June for a third straight month even as their sales rose again. Businesses may need to speed up restocking if demand continues to increase, a trend that could boost economic growth in the second half of the year.
The Commerce Department said Friday that wholesale stockpiles fell 0.2 percent in June from May. That follows a 0.6 percent drop in May — the biggest in 20 months — and a modest 0.1 percent decline in April.
Wholesalers haven’t shrunk their stockpiles for three months or longer since September 2009, which was three months after the Great Recession ended. The decline shows that many remain cautious and are keeping inventories lean, despite three straight months of solid sales growth.
In June, sales at the wholesale level rose 0.4 percent. That followed a 1.5 percent increase in May and a 0.8 percent gain in April.
Stronger sales could lead to more restocking in the July-September quarter and drive more economic growth. Faster growth in stockpiles means companies are ordering more goods from U.S. factories.