Savannah Chamber Connect

Savannah Chamber Connect

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Savannah Chamber Connect episodes

  • Local Legislative Priorities, Small Business Health Benefits & Savannah’s Business Awards

    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect, presented by Vaden Automotive, we explore the issues, resources, and opportunities shaping Savannah’s business community. From the local legislative agenda and early voting to affordable health benefit options for small businesses, regional job opportunities, and the 2027 Chamber Business Awards, this episode highlights the people and initiatives helping our region thrive.

     

    Advocacy Update: Local Legislative Agenda

    Jared Downs, Vice President of Governmental Affairs

    Bert Brantley, President & CEO, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

     

    Jared Downs and Bert Brantley discuss early voting, the upcoming November 3 election, and the importance of reviewing sample ballots and researching candidates before heading to the polls. They also break down key priorities in the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce’s local legislative agenda, including development and government-imposed fees, regulatory enforcement, public safety, early childhood education, literacy, public transportation, infrastructure, and transparency in local SPLOST spending.

    Learn how these priorities affect businesses, residents, and the future of Savannah and Chatham County.

     

    Superstar Member Spotlight: The Chamber SMART Plan

    Tasha Allen, VP, People and Corporate Citizenship and Marketing Director for the SMART Plan, Georgia Chamber

    Phillip Cerrillo Jr., Strategic Sales Consultant, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

     

    Providing employee health benefits can be challenging for small businesses. Tasha Allen and Phillip Cerrillo Jr. explain how the Georgia Chamber SMART Plan was designed to help Georgia businesses with two to 50 employees explore competitive health benefit options backed by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

    They discuss eligibility requirements, employer contribution and employee participation guidelines, how the SMART Plan differs from traditional small-group and ACA plans, and the Chamber Plus option for larger businesses. They also share why employers should consider requesting a quote before assuming health insurance is out of reach.

     

    Quick Questions with Erica: Rise Savannah’s Job Board

    Angela Hendrix, Chief Marketing & Public Affairs Officer, Savannah Economic Development Authority

    With Erica Backus, Vice President, Communications & Social Inclusion

     

    Angela Hendrix shares how Rise Savannah connects job seekers and employers through a regional job board focused on career opportunities in the Savannah area. Originally focused on manufacturing, logistics, distribution, and assembly, the platform has expanded to include additional high-demand fields, including healthcare and hospitality.

    The conversation also explores the Succeed in Savannah marketing campaign, regional workforce development, and efforts to attract talent to Chatham County and surrounding communities. Discover how employers can post openings and job seekers can explore available opportunities.

    Visit risesavannah.com to learn more.

     

    Inside the 2027 Chamber Business Awards

    Tina Hinson Mock, President of Member Services, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Sam Wilkins, Small Business and Events Manager, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

     

    Tina Hinson Mock and Sam Wilkins explain how the 2027 Chamber Business Awards recognize the businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community leaders making a difference in Savannah. They outline the five award categories, explain who can submit nominations, and share tips for telling a compelling nominee’s story.

    The conversation also covers the November 15 nomination deadline, the selection process, and the recognition winners receive, including a professional public relations package, promotional materials, event photography, a video interview, and a billboard opportunity.

     

    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Explore upcoming events

    MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: VADEN IN THE COMMUNITY | Vaden Automotive

    SAVANNAH CHAMBER CONNECT IS PROUDLY PRODUCED BY DEE DANIELS MEDIA

     

    Follow for updates:

    INSTAGRAM

    FACEBOOK

     

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Show Intro

    01:19 Early Voting Guide

    02:32 Key Races Overview

    05:01 Local Policy Agenda

    05:51 Development Fees Taxes

    07:12 Regulations Public Safety

    08:37 Workforce Education Priorities

    10:27 Transit And SPLOST

    13:17 Advocacy Wrap Up

    15:10 Smart Plan Spotlight

    19:28 Smart Plan Eligibility

    24:18 Getting A Quote

    26:49 Rise Job Board

    31:00 Business Awards Nominations

    38:55 Sponsor And Closing

    41 min
  • Banana Ball, SCAD & SEC Volleyball: Three Forces Shaping Savannah

    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect, presented by Vaden Automotive, features three conversations with leaders and community voices shaping Savannah’s business, education, workforce, and sports landscape.

     

    In the Superstar Member Spotlight, Chamber President and CEO Bert Brantley sits down with Nick Wilson, Player #33 for the Indianapolis Clowns, to discuss his journey from college baseball and a career outside of the sport to becoming a Banana Ball player. Wilson shares the story of his unforgettable tryout, the history and legacy of the Indianapolis Clowns, and his personal connection to the Negro Leagues through his grandfather. He also talks about building an authentic personal brand, representing the Clowns’ history, and using his platform to inspire and educate others.

     

    The episode then features The Hot Seat with Erin O’Leary, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). O’Leary discusses SCAD’s economic and cultural impact on Savannah, the university’s community initiatives and hands-on student experiences, and how programs such as SCADpro and the new SCAD Backlot connect students with real-world opportunities. She also highlights SCAD’s growing programs in robotics, artificial intelligence, music, and other emerging fields, as well as the university’s continued focus on preparing students for professional careers.

     

    Finally, Joe Marinelli, President and CEO of Visit Savannah, joins the conversation to discuss Savannah’s growing reputation as a sports destination. Marinelli talks about the upcoming SEC Women’s Volleyball Championship, the opportunities it creates for local businesses, and how major sporting events can generate economic activity, national exposure, and future opportunities for the Savannah region. He also discusses the role of Savannah’s expanding sports infrastructure and the community’s participation in major events, including Banana Ball.

     

    The Hot Seat:

    Erin Lee O’Leary

    Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness
    Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

    Savannah College of Art and Design

     

    Superstar Member Spotlight:

    Nick Wilson

    Indianapolis Clowns, Player #33

    Instagram: @nickwilson_33

    Banana Ball – Nick Wilson

     

    Joe Marinelli, President & CEO, Visit Savannah

    SEC Volleyball Tournament

    Visit Savannah – SEC Volleyball Championship

     

    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Explore upcoming events

    MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: VADEN IN THE COMMUNITY | Vaden Automotive

    SAVANNAH CHAMBER CONNECT IS PROUDLY PRODUCED BY DEE DANIELS MEDIA

    Follow for updates:

    INSTAGRAM

    FACEBOOK

     

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Show Opening

    00:45 Meet Nick Wilson

    01:46 From College to Banana Ball

    04:27 Banana Ball Tryout

    08:29 Draft Night Breakthrough

    10:10 Indianapolis Clowns Legacy

    14:18 Negro Leagues Family Ties

    16:44 Building a Personal Brand

    21:40 Playoff Plug and Farewell

    22:11 SCAD Hot Seat Intro

    22:31 SCAD Back to Campus

    23:44 Economic and Cultural Impact

    25:39 SCAD Resources for Community

    26:06 SCAD Serve Impact

    26:51 Good 560 Nonprofit Projects

    27:09 SCADpro Industry Partnerships

    29:02 SCAD Backlot Opens

    31:04 Atlanta and Lacoste Options

    33:14 New Degrees and Music

    35:20 Savannah Economic Impact

    36:40 Relentless Career Readiness

    39:25 SEC Volleyball Comes

    41:31 Local Contributor Program

    43:43 Attendance and Exposure

    45:59 Growing Sports Amenities

    47:12 Banana Ball Buzz

    48:12 Sponsor and Wrap Up

     

    50 min
  • Live Oak Fiber’s Expansion, Georgia Workforce Skills, and Georgia Ports Authority’s Next Chapter

    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect, presented by Vaden Automotive, features three conversations with leaders shaping Savannah and Georgia’s business, workforce, and economic future.

     

    In the Superstar Member Spotlight, Chamber President and CEO Bert Brantley sits down with Steve Smith, Chief Revenue Officer of Live Oak Fiber, to discuss the company’s rapid growth, its expanding fiber network across the Savannah area, and plans to invest approximately $150–$200 million throughout the greater Savannah region. Smith also talks about Live Oak Fiber’s buildout on Tybee Island, the company’s community-focused approach, its Live Oak Locale initiative, and the growing importance of reliable high-speed internet as more professionals work remotely and choose the coastal Georgia lifestyle.

     

    The episode then features Quick Questions with Erica, as Erica Backus, Vice President of Communications and Social Inclusion for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Savannah, speaks with Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes about the future of Georgia’s workforce. Holmes discusses the importance of adaptability, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and technological skills, as well as efforts to better align education and workforce development with the needs of Georgia employers.

     

    Finally, Bert puts Kevin Price, the new President of the Georgia Ports Authority, in the Hot Seat for a wide-ranging conversation about Savannah’s competitive advantages as a global port, the importance of the port community and labor partnerships, and the Georgia Ports Authority’s statewide economic impact. Price discusses the Port’s long-term planning, the expansion of Ocean Terminal and the future Savannah Container Terminal, infrastructure improvements designed to support larger vessels and improve regional transportation, and the role the Port plays in supporting jobs and economic activity across Georgia.

     

    Bert's Hot Seat:

    Kevin Price

    President, Georgia Ports Authority

    Georgia Ports Authority

    Superstar Member Spotlight:

    Steve Smith

    Chief Revenue Officer, Live Oak Fiber

    Live Oak Fiber

    Live Oak Locale – Community Engagement

    Quick Questions with Erica:

    Barbara Rivera Holmes

    Georgia Labor Commissioner

    Erica Backus

    Vice President of Communications and Social Inclusion
    Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce & Visit Savannah

    Georgia Department of Labor

     

    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Explore upcoming events

    MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: VADEN IN THE COMMUNITY | Vaden Automotive

    SAVANNAH CHAMBER CONNECT IS PROUDLY PRODUCED BY DEE DANIELS MEDIA

     

    Follow for updates:

    INSTAGRAM

    FACEBOOK

     

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Show Intro and Guests

    01:31 Live Oak Fiber Spotlight

    02:34 Why Savannah and Expansion

    04:54 Major Investment Plans

    07:10 Tybee Island Buildout

    08:16 Community Engagement Mission

    10:44 Connectivity and Remote Work

    12:26 Quick Questions Workforce Skills

    14:31 Hot Seat Kevin Price

    15:08 Savannah Port Advantage

    17:57 Leadership and Transition

    19:32 Griff Lynch Legacy

    21:40 COVID Leadership Style

    22:08 ALA Supply Chain Partners

    23:31 Port Community Spotlight

    24:25 Economic Impact Explained

    26:21 Expansion Plans Ahead

    26:56 Ocean Terminal Timeline

    28:01 Planning and GDOT Projects

    29:53 Bridge Raise for Bigger Ships

    31:19 Life Outside the Port

    32:16 Transition and Future Vision

    34:38 Sponsor and Closing Message

     

    36 min
  • Celebrating Savannah's Culture and Community: From Diaspora Marketplace to the Bananas' Playoff Fever

    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect, presented by Vaden Automotive spotlights Richard Shinhoster of Diaspora Marketplace, who shares how trips to Ghana in 1994 and 1996 inspired a culture-focused business at 510 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and a mission rooted in relationships, heritage, and community revitalization; he discusses the Chamber’s Small Business Award recognition, a new bookstore focused on African and Black culture, and tours to Ghana.

     

    The show then features Dr. Julie Olson, honorary wing commander for the 165th Airlift Wing, explaining the expanded Honorary Commander Program connecting community leaders with Guard units, correcting misconceptions about the Guard’s full-time commitments and deployments, and highlighting the co-located but separate missions of the 165th and the Air Dominance Center/Combat Readiness Training Center.

     

    Finally, Visit Savannah’s Angela Westerfield and Lauren Cleland promote Banana Ball Playoff Weekend in Savannah, October 1–4, with a citywide “ballpark” approach, business participation tools, and an Opportunity Summit on September 10.

     

    Bert's Hot Seat:

    Dr. Julie Olsen

    Meet Dr. Julie Olsen 

    Workplace Advancement Strategies 


     

    Superstar Member Spotlight:

    Richard Shinhoster

    Diaspora Marketplace

     

    Bananas Playoff Weekend:

    Banana Ball Playoffs: Business Toolkit

    Visit Sav Marketing Leadership Angela & Lauren

    Angela Westerfield – Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)  Visit Savannah

    Lauren Cleland – Vice President, Strategic Marketing Visit Savannah 

    visitsavannah.com

     

    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Explore upcoming events

    MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: VADEN IN THE COMMUNITY | Vaden Automotive

    SAVANNAH CHAMBER CONNECT IS PROUDLY PRODUCED BY DEE DANIELS MEDIA

     

    Follow for updates:

    INSTAGRAM

    FACEBOOK

     

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Show Intro

    00:47 Meet Richard Shinhoster

    01:12 Ghana Trip Origins

    04:47 Chamber Award Impact

    06:00 Reviving MLK Boulevard

    11:02 Business Lessons Relationships

    14:10 Culture Bookstore Tours

    18:49 Dreams And Risk Taking

    20:40 Meet Dr Julie Olsen

    21:19 Honorary Commander Program

    22:49 Guard Mission And Impact

    25:02 Training Center Air Dominance

    28:22 Change Of Command Stories

    30:37 Leadership Training Work

    31:49 Honorary Commander Impact

    32:44 Program Details and Thanks

    34:05 Visit Savannah Guests

    34:31 What Is Banana Ball Weekend

    37:07 Citywide Business Ideas

    38:35 How to Sign Up

    40:22 Playoffs and Championship Stakes

    42:27 Global Bananas Buzz

    43:17 Hotel Demand and Future Events

    46:35 Dates Links and Wrap Up

    48:11 Sponsor Message and Chamber Close

    50 min
  • Bank of America’s Sharon Miller on Savannah Growth | Blessings in a Book Bag | AI Updates for Small Business

    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect, presented by Vaden Automotive, features three exciting and information-packed segments. 

     

    First up, a Hot Seat interview with Sharon Miller, President of Business Banking for Bank of America, who shares impressions of Savannah, discusses $37 billion in regional investment (port expansion, Hyundai, and an AI data center), labor and retention challenges, and expectations that interest rates may rise rather than decline; she also highlights Bank of America’s hybrid digital-and-branch approach, technology spending, upcoming “Erica for Business” enhancements, CashPro capabilities, lending growth, and community investment through volunteer hours and philanthropy.

     

    In a Superstar Spotlight, Mahogany Bowers, founder/executive director of Blessings in a Book Bag, describes the nonprofit’s 17-year mission to provide weekend food and accessible resources, details poverty and resource-access barriers, and shares ways to support events like the Back to School Bash, Tanger Dash and Splash 5K, Thanksgiving, and Christmas drives.

     

    An industry update with Chris Andre covers Google’s AI search overviews impacting website traffic, tracking AI bot visits in analytics, Siri’s AI upgrades powered by Google’s Gemini, LLM terminology, model competition (GPT, Claude, Gemini), and advice to test how bots can read a business website.

     

    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Explore upcoming events

    MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: VADEN IN THE COMMUNITY | Vaden Automotive

    Follow for updates:

    INSTAGRAM

    FACEBOOK

     

    Bert's Hot Seat:

    Sharon Miller

    President of Business Banking for Bank of America

     

    Superstar Member Spotlight:

    Mahogany Bowers

    Founder, Blessings in a Bookbag

     

    Council Update:

    Chris Andre

    CRM & MarTech Coordinator

     

     

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Show Intro

    00:42 Hot Seat Guest

    01:37 First Impressions

    03:03 Savannah Growth

    05:22 Banking Partnerships

    06:42 Interest Rates Outlook

    08:26 Digital vs Branches

    10:39 Tools and Lending

    12:17 Community Impact

    15:16 Superstar Spotlight

    15:52 Mission Origin Story

    17:27 Weekend Hunger Reality

    19:32 Redefining Poverty

    22:45 Accessible Resources

    24:18 Accessibility Struggles

    24:58 Why Support Matters

    25:29 How to Get Involved

    27:31 Thanksgiving Giving Drive

    28:44 Nostalgia and Dignity

    30:40 Need Still Growing

    32:26 Beyond Food Assistance

    34:36 Strong Together Savannah

    36:15 AI Industry Update

    36:48 Google Search Changes

    38:27 Siri AI Overhaul

    39:33 AI Terms Explained

    41:07 Misconceptions About AI

    42:16 Choosing AI Models

    43:23 AI Tips for Websites

    44:44 Sponsor and Closing

    47 min
  • Building Bridges: Film Commission Insights, Nine Line's Journey, and Ribbon Cuttings
    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect features Walker Dalton of the Savannah Regional Film Commission discussing how the commission markets the region, supports productions with permitting and customer service, leverages Georgia incentives and local rebates, and highlights Savannah’s diverse locations, film tourism, and workforce pipeline including SCAD; he also notes recent and current projects such as Comeback King, Road House 2 stunt work, and other units, plus relationship-building travel like Georgia Night in LA.
     
    Retired Army Captain Tyler Merritt shares how Nine Line Apparel grew from unit morale shirts into a major brand, explains its rapid product testing and operations, and details Nine Line Foundation efforts supporting nonprofits and initiatives like accessible homes and homeless veterans.
     
    Claudette Schomburg outlines the Savannah Chamber’s Ribbon Cutting Council and how businesses and volunteers can get involved. The show previews the free, public 2026 Business Expo and Business Connection on Sept. 24 at Kehoe Iron Works, including booth and sponsorship details.
     
     

    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Explore upcoming events

    MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD

    Follow for updates:

    INSTAGRAM

    FACEBOOK

     

    Bert's Hot Seat: 

    Walker Dalton, Executive Director Savannah Film Commission

    Walker Dalton has worked in production and photography for over 20 years. Starting out as a photo editor on Saban’s Power Rangers and moving up to producing photo shoots for ABC, Disney, and NBC. While at NBC he moved into producing the Emmy awards winning Jay Leno’s Garage web-series which then became broadcast show on CNBC for 7 seasons. He left LA in 2018 to produce fashion and documentary films film for the Savannah College Art and Design where he found a love and passion for Savannah production community.

    Savannah Film Commission - https://www.filmsavannah.org/

     

    Superstar Spotlight:

    CPT (retired) Tyler Meritt - Founder, Nine Line Foundation 

    https://www.ninelinefoundation.org/meet-the-founder

    Owner, Nine Line Apparel 

    ninelineapparel.com

    Nine Line Foundation was founded in 2013 by CPT Tyler Merritt, USA, a member of the Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. When Tyler, his wife, Angela and brother, Daniel created Nine Line Apparel, their vision was simple: to create a high quality clothing brand to be enjoyed by patriotic Americans around the globe. In the past few years, their brand has grown, and Tyler decided to give back to the community through expanding the Nine Line brand and incorporating the Nine Line Foundation. 

     

    Council Update: Ribbon Cutting Council

    Claudette Schomburg 

    Member Services Coordinator, Savannah Chamber of Commerce

     

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Show Opening

    00:38 Today’s Guests Preview

    01:32 Hot Seat Begins

    01:56 Film Commission 101

    02:52 Savannah as Backlot

    05:03 Film Tourism Buzz

    05:58 Incentives and Economics

    10:05 SCAD Talent Pipeline

    13:24 SCAD Film Festival Impact

    15:18 Recent Productions Highlights

    19:12 Winning Long Running Series

    19:57 Industry Relationship Trips

    21:43 Film Work Is Blue Collar

    23:15 Meet the Film Commission Team

    25:21 Superstar Spotlight Intro

    26:01 Nine Line Origins

    27:55 Side Hustle Scaling

    30:08 Giving Back Mission

    31:23 Foundation Impact Stories

    34:26 Product Systems Culture

    37:25 Savannah Business Advice

    39:54 Retail Expansion Plans

    45:16 Ribbon Cutting Council

    49:56 How Ribbon Cuttings Work

    53:36 Join Or Host Events

    57:18 Business Expo Details

    59:57 Sponsor Thanks Wrap

    1 hr 2 min
  • OpenAI Gives Details, Answers Questions About Project Camellia

    In this special Savannah Chamber Connect episode, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bert Brantley sits down with Chris Lehane of OpenAI about the company’s major announcement: a $20 billion Project Camellia investment in Effingham County.

     

    Lehane explains OpenAI’s role in modern AI and ChatGPT’s broad adoption, then outlines why coastal Georgia was chosen—state and local dynamism, port-driven growth, talent and education pipelines, and an industrial-zoned site. He details expected economic impact including 400 initial six-figure jobs growing to 1,000+ and broader ecosystem and supply-chain multipliers, plus an $80 million community investment.

     

    Addressing concerns raised at an open house, he cites commitments on power (no resident cost impact and added grid flexibility), a closed-loop water system, and ongoing audits. The discussion also covers potential property tax reductions and designing a long-term upgradable facility.

     

    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    Project Camellia

    Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Explore upcoming events

    MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD

    Follow for updates:

    INSTAGRAM

    FACEBOOK

     

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Show Intro

    00:29 Welcome and Guest

    01:43 What OpenAI Does

    04:07 Why Effingham County

    06:09 Jobs and Education

    09:04 Economic Ripple Effects

    13:01 Site Choice and Zoning

    14:38 Power Water and Audits

    17:33 Community Investment Plan

    19:59 Taxes and Long Term Vision

    23:58 Project Camellia and Wrap

    25:36 Sponsor and Chamber Outro

    27 min
  • Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present: From George Washington to Banana Ball

    In this episode of Savannah Chamber Connect, we celebrate Savannah's remarkable story—from the city's role in America's founding to one of its biggest modern-day success stories.

    Burt welcomes Stan Deaton of the Georgia Historical Society for an engaging conversation about Savannah's colonial beginnings, its role during the Revolutionary War, President George Washington's historic visit, and how preserving our past continues to shape the city's future.

    Then, Dee Daniels sits down with Savannah Bananas pitcher Tristan Levesque to talk about his journey to Banana Ball, the unforgettable fan experience that has made the Bananas a national phenomenon, and the personal mission that inspires him to make a difference both on and off the field.

    From history that shaped a nation to a hometown team captivating millions, this episode showcases the people and stories that make Savannah such a special place.

     

    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Explore upcoming events

    From Bert’s Hot Seat: Stan Deaton, Georgia Historical Society

    Get the Latest Events: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce

    Savannah Chamber's Superstar Member Spotlight: Trystan Levesque, Savannah Bananas

    MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD

    Follow for updates:

    INSTAGRAM

    FACEBOOK

     

     

    40 min
  • The Hot Seat on Community Leadership, Tybee Marine Science Center Turtle Season, and Business Expo Booth Tips

    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect features sponsor David Paddison of Sterling Seacrest Pritchard discussing why SSP invests in community involvement to better understand and serve Savannah, his book “Keeping it Light” (also on Audible) built from “Dave-isms,” and takeaways from the U.S. Army War College National Security Seminar, including confidence in military leadership and an update on his son’s overseas service.

     

    The Superstar Spotlight visits the Tybee Island Marine Science Center with Executive Director Chantal Audran and Communications and Marketing Director Jessica Leigh Lebos, highlighting the center’s 36-year evolution, exhibits, community partnerships, and a record-breaking turtle nesting season with public beach stewardship tips.

     

    The episode also previews the Savannah Chamber Business Expo with exhibitor advice from Ad Specialty founder Diana Morrison and chamber manager Samantha Wilkins, including a July 23 “More Bang for Your Booth” workshop, lead-generation tactics, and sponsorship benefits.

     

    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Explore upcoming events

    From Bert’s Hot Seat: Sterling Seacrest Pritchard

    Get the Latest Events: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce

    Savannah Chamber's Superstar Member Spotlight: Tybee Marine Science Center

    MEET OUR PRODUCTION TEAM

    MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD

    Follow for updates:

    INSTAGRAM

    FACEBOOK

     

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Show Intro

    00:36 Serving the Community

    03:23 Writing Keeping It Light

    06:32 Army War College Takeaways

    10:16 Savannah’s Economic Evolution

    13:45 SSP Growth Story

    17:47 Superstar Spotlight Begins

    18:35 Marine Center Origins

    20:25 Turtle Season Tips

    23:39 Inside the Exhibits

    27:07 Marsh Mural Magic

    28:09 Nature Still Surprises

    28:27 Loggerhead Rescue Story

    30:12 Coffee Chats Preview

    32:07 Community Partnerships

    35:06 Turtle Friendly Businesses

    36:40 Wrap Tybee Segment

    37:52 Expo Guests Introduced

    38:49 Common Expo Mistakes

    39:45 Workshop Details

    41:06 Booth Marketing Tips

    42:37 Lead Capture Nuggets

    43:57 Expo Value For Attendees

    45:23 Strategy To Avoid Overwhelm

    48:18 Sponsor Benefits Breakdown

    50:53 Final Thanks And Sponsors

    53 min
  • Union Mission Resource Center, 2026 Legislative Session Recap & Ambassador Council Spotlight

    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce features Chamber CEO Bert Brantley’s Hot Seat interview with Union Mission leader Mike Traynor on the organization’s housing and support services across southeast Georgia, the opening of a $5 million resource center repurposing a former Family Dollar with partners like Emmaus House, and ways the business community can help through donations, volunteers, and needed men’s clothing.

     

    The episode recaps the 2026 legislative session with VP of Government Affairs Jared Downes, highlighting state investments including $42.8 million for Savannah State, operations funding for the Gateway Children & Adolescents Crisis Stabilization Unit, funding for Savannah Tech’s aviation expansion, a fourth state court judge, and the Georgia Early Literacy Act, plus vetoed tax credit items.

     

    It spotlights the Chamber’s 50-member Ambassador Council and upcoming events including Business on the Move, Intern SAV networking, Tybee Coffee Chats, Expo sponsorships and workshops, and an Enrich Tuesday on avoiding burnout.

     

    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Explore upcoming events

    From Bert’s Hot Seat: Michael Traynor President/CEO Union Mission 

    Get the Latest Events: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce

    Savannah Chamber's Ambassador Spotlight:

    Matt Ambrosy - Ambassador Chair AVP, Commercial Relationship Manager at Fifth Third Bank

    Mahogany Bowers - Ambassador Co - Chair Founder Blessings in A Book Bag

    Tara Reese - Member Relations Manager

    MEET OUR PRODUCTION TEAM

    MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD

    Follow for updates:

    INSTAGRAM

    FACEBOOK

     

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Show Opening

    01:18 Hot Seat Union Mission

    02:16 Union Mission Impact

    05:08 New Resource Center

    09:12 Dignity And Clients

    10:46 Raising Hope Gala

    13:27 How To Support

    17:44 Legislative Session Recap

    18:06 Budget Wins And Bills

    20:24 Vetoes And Tax Credits

    22:28 Special Session Update

    25:16 Ambassador Council Spotlight

    25:48 What Ambassadors Do

    27:51 First Connection Stories

    28:20 Parking Lot Connection

    30:10 Ambassador Meetings Outreach

    32:10 Volunteer Days Recognition

    34:58 Mahogany Ambassador Benefits

    40:48 Mentorship Confidence Building

    44:47 First Steps For Members

    47:40 Summer Events Calendar

    50:38 Expo Sponsorship Workshop

    52:48 Enrich Tuesday Burnout

    54:48 Sponsors Closing Message

    57 min

About Savannah Chamber Connect

From the publisher's feed

Savannah Chamber Connect, a podcast from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, takes you inside the stories and conversations shaping Savannah’s business landscape. From local leaders and…