This week in BiS:
• The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and the Savannah Morning News are sponsoring the 2012 Business Expo and Awards Banquet Oct. 25 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. Find a schedule and other information in BiS.
• James Sanders oversees the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and its research faculty, working together because they “have a great desire to work together to understand the marine and coastal environment.”
• Harley Ashbaugh owns AWD Savannah, a small company that does custom-design furniture, cabinetry and one-of-a-kind millwork, something he describes as “my passion, my love.”
• Ervin Williams, SSU’s entrepreneur in residence, says entrepreneurs should develop a growth agenda to shape and guide their actions when the American economy shifts into an expansion mode after the presidential election.
• If you or your company own unspoiled land, you may be able to get a significant financial benefit by putting a permanent conservation easement on the property, according to tax accountant Kevin Morelli.
• Attorney Drew Ernst discusses Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” one of the first books to point out the environmental dangers of technological and scientific advancement made without understanding possible negative side effects.
County candidates to discuss tourism
The Savannah Area Tourism Leadership Council will host Chatham County Commission candidates at a political forum Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bryson Hall, 5 E. Perry St.
Candidates from both contested races have agreed to participate in the political forum.
Republican Eddie W. DeLoach and Democrat Albert J. Scott are running for commission chairman. District 6 also has a contested race between Republican Lori Brady and Democrat Willie E. Brown.
Democrat Tony Center, who’s unopposed in District 3, also has agreed to be part of the forum.
The council’s board of directors, made up of leaders in the hospitality and tourism trade, has prepared questions for the forum, and WJCL anchor Jenifer Andrews will moderate the event.
Accountants hold scholarship fundraiser
The Georgia Society of CPAs Savannah Chapter will hold its annual scholarship fundraiser on Oct. 25 at The Savannah Golf Club, 1661 E. President St.
The program will be an educational luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring state Sen. Buddy Carter, R-District 1, who will discuss state budget and legislative issues.
The luncheon is open to the public, but space is limited. RSVP to Maliece Whatley at whatleym@savannahstate.edu or 912-358-3408 by noon on Friday, Oct. 19.
Cost is $35 for lunch. Proceeds will be used to fund accounting scholarships for local college students.