GNB Weekend Update

The weekend is here...Here's the news...

First, Chrysler. Now, General Motors.

Yesterday, the Chrysler Corporation announced it would close some 800 dealers, including 15 in Georgia. Earlier Friday, GM says it will close 1,100 of its floundering stores across the U.S. But a dealership in Columbus isn't of those, as the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports that a local GM dealership there was among those that were spared closure. Also, WABE reports that many of the largest GM dealers in metro Atlanta will stay open. GM will close 1,100 of its franchises by late next year. Both Chrysler and GM officials say that too many dealerships and low sales led to the decision to close those stores.

It's not even finished yet, but a new Macon hotel already has its leaders selected. Macon.com reports that the new Marriott hotel under construction on Coliseum Drive had a new leadership team picked earlier this week. David Rosenberg was named general manager, while Pat Horan got the nod for the sales director's position. The new hotel is scheduled to be completed by September.

Video cameras will soon be watching the moves everyone makes throughout downtown Albany this summer. The Albany Herald reports that more than $300,000 worth of security cameras will be installed either by late June or early July. At least 16 cameras will be placed in various locations throughout the downtown area. But SWGA Politics believes the installation of the new devices goes too far, saying it's an invasion of one's privacy.

That's the news. GNB is available online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, and on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat. Have a good weekend.