Workmen’s Circle Credit Union receives magazine accolade
The Credit Union Times magazine has selected Savannah-based Workmen’s Circle Credit Union as “the most efficient credit union in the U.S. with assets over $20 million.”
In its December 2014 issue, the magazine said the local bank had an efficiency ratio of 25.7 percent, the best among the nation’s credit unions, according to Callahan & Associates analysis of 2014 data.
“I’m very old fashioned and I try to keep it simple,” Chris Miltiades, Workmen’s president, told the magazine. “We do lending based on collateral, capacity, character and credit scores. I don’t have MBL loans with more than a 75 percent loan-to-value ratio.”
Workmen’s Circle, at 527 Stephenson Ave., was chartered in February 1950 as a community credit union for Chatham County. Its assets now total $58 million.
Savannah Bee, Blueforce Gear among award winners
Two Chatham County businesses, Savannah Bee Co. and BlueForce Gear Inc., are among 44 firms recognized by the Georgia Department of Economic Development as winners of the GLOBE Awards, a state-led program to highlight companies that entered a new international market in 2014.
“The ability to remain competitive both domestically and internationally is key to staying ahead in an ever-changing economy,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr.
The 44 GLOBE Award winners, representing 17 Georgia counties, expanded into 104 countries and territories.
Among the winners, the most popular new markets were the United Kingdom, Australia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and Colombia. Gov. Nathan Deal will recognize GLOBE Award recipients on March 2 in Atlanta.
Chaattanooga firm to manage Savannah hotel
Vision Hospitality Group has been selected to manage the 127-room Holiday Inn Savannah/Historic District, which will mark the Chattanooga-based company’s entry into the Savannah market.
The Holiday Inn, 520 W. Bryan St., is one block from River Street and the City Market. It has more than 2,200 square feet of meeting space, a cocktail lounge, modern fitness center and an outdoor pool.
“Assuming management of this hotel reinforces our ongoing strategy to invest in premium brands in growing markets,” Vision president and CEO Mitch Patel said.
Locally owned Savannah Mall store relocates
Sweet Southern Sass, formerly known as Lydene’s Gifts and Collectibles, moved to center court at Savannah Mall his month.
Lydene Fiocca’s other store, Southern Sass, is being renamed “Sweet Southern Sass Too” and will soon feature kids-only merchandise.
For more information, call Lydene Fiocca at 912-925-1800 or visit the Sassy Southern Kids Facebook page.