SAVANNAH, Ga. -- The Coastal Empire is set to get a visit from President Barack Obama next month as part of his White House to Main Street Tour.
A White House press release announced President Obama's visit will take place Tuesday, March 2. The release said the president will meet with workers, small business owners, and local leaders to talk about the economy and job creation.
"I am extremely proud that the president has selected Savannah for a visit. Savannah, Chatham County, and the surrounding area was a strong supporter of the candidacy of President Obama, and there is a deep well of support for the President and what he is trying to do for our country here. So I'm very proud that he and his administration have selected Savannah for a visit," Mayor Otis Johnson told WSAV after Monday's announcement.
"I think it takes a very brave person to come out of, of the White House and then visit his constituency and talk to them in their face and hear the issues that they're dealing with," said Alderman Van Johnson.
Ron Altman owns Sweet Lane on West Broughton Street. Business is down almost 50 percent from last year.
"I didn't feel it until right before Christmas and it just caved in. It literally just caved in," said Altman. As neighboring businesses have closed their doors, it's taken a toll on Altman's business too.
"I have 50 or 40 less employees to sell 1 Coke to, and if you do that once a day, then all of a sudden your bottom line looks a little smaller," he said.
As the city prepares to welcome the president, neighbors hope the visit will help speed up economic recovery.
The White House to Main Street Tour kicked off in December in Pennsylvania. The tour has also included Ohio. Officials said the tour is an effort for the president to spend time with American families and talk to them about their experiences.
The White House said specific details about the visit will be announced in the coming days.
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