We Are the Village

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As the saying goes, it takes a village. Local businesses in our village have come together to help preserve the character and charm of St. Simons Island in partnership with St. Simons Land Trust’s 1% for St. Simons voluntary giving program. The program is turning pennies into protected acres. For example, if your bill comes to $20, a voluntary 1% (0.20) donation is added. Proceeds from the program are used by the land trust for land acquisition, land management, education and outreach, public access to waterways and wilderness preserves, and to ensure the protection and preservation of historic properties forever. The 1% for St. Simons program is a diverse and growing partnership of more than 30 participating businesses from restaurants like Certified Burgers and Beverage, graphic design services such as Commonground Creative, and locally-owned hospitality and lodging businesses such as Village Inn and Pub.  

Commonground Creative:

Commonground Creative, owned and operated by St. Simons Island native Clay Caldwell,

provides graphic design and branding that expertly clarifies each client’s mission and unique offerings to the community. Clay refers to this as “finding Commonground” with island residents and visitors. He serves local mainstays like Fuse, Coastal Georgia Historical Society, and the St. Simons Land Trust from his office in Aviator Plaza. “I grew up with the natural beauty and easy pace of St. Simons,” he says. “That’s something I want to preserve for my children and grandchildren. Joining the Land Trust’s 1% program made perfect sense.”

Commonground has been a member of the 1% program since it partnered with the Land Trust in 2018. Clay notes that his company and the St. Simons Land Trust were born of the same love for the local area and culture. “We both want to maintain the character of St. Simons. The Land Trust’s goal is to preserve the natural beauty of the land. My goal is to serve the brands that speak to that character and history through the execution of thoughtful design.”

Certified Burgers and Beverage: 

Grinder to griddle is Certified Burgers and Beverage’s approach to the hamburger.

This locally-owned establishment, located at the corner of Frederica and Sea Island roads, serves only wholesome, fresh, and local food ranging from hand-cut fries to fresh ground patties and thick, luscious milkshakes – all made in house. Chef and owner David Carrier, along with his wife Ryanne, who is “director of booze and donuts,” have created a warm environment with excellent service, delicious food including specialty sweets, and memorable drinks. Not only does the restaurant have a following for their mouthwatering burgers, their donuts have become just as popular. Certified donuts are available at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays. The donut list changes every week and is posted on the restaurant’s front door and on social media. Get ready to wait in line, however! When you take that first bite, you’ll realize what all the hype is about. The Certified donut demand has even spread to weddings and corporate events, and the restaurant is now venturing into cakes. The Carriers also have big hearts and want to help preserve St. Simons for locals and visitors alike. “As a business it is very important to support the community that supports you,” says David. “That community not only consists of the wonderful people around here but also the beautiful island that we make our home. The protection of green space here helps maintain its authenticity and preserves our island for years to come.”

Village Inn and Pub:

The Village Inn and Pub has the unique distinction of being a quaint inn designed around a restored 1930s beach cottage nestled under stately live oaks in the heart of St. Simons Island’s

popular oceanfront Village. “We built The Inn around the original property and the old live oaks,” says Stella Johnson, daughter of George Stewart, the owner of the Village Inn and Pub. They very purposefully integrated the design of the inn with the façade of the cottage and the architecture of the surrounding neighborhood. Instead of traditional pavement, they utilize “grass and shell pave” for parking in order to avoid disturbing the root systems of the trees and to promote environmentally safe water run-off. 

For taking this kind of care when constructing the inn, George Stewart and his wife Michelle were the honored with the first time ever “Good Developer Award” given by the island’s grassroots environmental group, Residents United for Planning and Action (RUPA). As 1% partners, that same dedication to preserving the character of the island continues. Stella adds, “some of our favorite compliments are about these oaks and the 88-year-old building that houses the Pub. Our guests are eager to help us protect the charm and history of this island and appreciate our participation in this program.”  

For the entire list of 1% for St. Simons partners visit sslt.org. If your business would like to participate in the program, please contact Sara Baker at 912.638.9109 or onepercent@sslt.org.