The first episode of Savannah Chamber Connect - from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce - hosted by Dee Daniels, introduces the podcast’s focus on Savannah’s business community through conversations with civic, nonprofit, and business leaders.
In “The Hot Seat,” Chamber President and CEO Bert Brantley interviews City Manager Jay Melder about year-round planning for St. Patrick’s Day, including public safety coordination, sanitation cleanup, and city service impacts.
The episode also spotlights 2026 Chamber Business Awards Cornerstone winner Julie Wade, executive director of Tharros Place, a residential program for human trafficking survivors ages 12–17, discussing awareness, trauma-informed care, staffing, and community support needs.
An advocacy update with Jared Downs covers state legislative priorities and funding, including Riverwalk repairs, a robotics academy at Georgia Tech Savannah, and tax credit and arts exemption bills.
Superstar Member Spotlight features Emily McCarthy, who shares the growth of her design and retail brand and new Victory Drive headquarters, including the Joy Club wine bar.
The “What’s Up” segment previews Chamber events such as speed networking, coffee chats, member benefits bootcamp, and a Chamber Connect launch party.
Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome to Chamber Connect
02:16 St Patrick's Day Planning
04:23 Cleanup and Public Safety
06:09 Sanitation Ride Along
08:03 Why Savannah Matters
09:28 Chamber City Partnership
11:37 Cornerstone Winner Spotlight
12:27 What Is Tharros Place
14:03 Trafficking Awareness Reality
16:25 Trauma Informed Care
18:09 Staffing and Small Wins
20:42 Programs and Community Support
24:17 Advocacy Update Starts
24:58 Budget Wins for Savannah
26:49 Bills to Watch Next
27:04 Historic Tax Credits Update
27:22 Hub Council Statewide Push
28:20 Fine Arts Ticket Exemption
29:01 Capitol Check-In and Wrap
29:39 Emily McCarthy Spotlight
30:38 From Stationery to Storefront
33:22 Clothing Line and Pandemic Pivot
35:24 New HQ and Joy Club Bar
39:32 Customer Led Design Lessons
41:25 Creativity Balance and Inspiration
44:04 Hot Items and Signature Style
46:26 Chamber Events Speed Networking
47:53 Coffee Chats at SCAD Cafe
50:05 Member Benefits Bootcamp
52:13 Launch Party and Small Biz Month
53:42 Sponsor Thanks and Closing
