This episode is brought to you by the Savannah Economic Development Authority

Al Kennickell has lived in Savannah his whole life and made a name for himself through his business, but he isn't a slouch when it comes to sports. Outside of founding the Savannah Sports Council, Kennickell has been instrumental in establishing a number of still popular local events and bringing big names to the Hostess City. He now is using that superpower to help with the RBC Heritage over on Hilton Head, which is a big job for the only Georgian on their board. He sits down for this episode of Difference Makers to discuss golf in Savannah, why he decided to work with the Heritage board and what he makes of the current sports scene in Savannah.

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(9:23): Getting involved in the Savannah sports scene

(12:13): Origins of the Champions Tour coming to Savannah

• Champions Tour's Legends of Golf survives with new sponsor, new approach (Golf Digest, Feb. 25, 2014)
• Champions Tour golf tourney leaves Savannah (SMN, Nov. 11, 2013)

(17:46): What goes into running a successful golf tournament

(19:12): Kennickell joining the Heritage board

• Savannah's Al Kennickell achieves first as chairman of RBC Heritage golf tournament (SMN, Nov. 21, 2018)

(24:30): Opening events for the RBC Heritage, 50th anniversary lighthouse

• Cannon shot for RBC Heritage is Monday morning (SMN, April 9, 2017)
• Golf academy volunteers relish opportunity at RBC Heritage (SMN, April 12, 2018)
• Hilton Head Island's RBC Heritage about golf and giving to charities (SMN, Feb. 25, 2019)

(34:53): What do you make of the current state of Savannah sports?

• Web.com Tour bringing Savannah Golf Championship to The Landings (SMN, May 22, 2017)
• Editorial: Hockey Classic bucks Savannah sports trend (SMN, Jan. 21, 2019)
• Life University wins 3rd straight Savannah St. Patrick's Day Rugby Tournament (SMN, Mar. 10, 2019)

(39:36): Does a new arena change the landscape?

• Video: New Savannah arena design concept presented by city officials (SMN, March 1, 2019)

(41:33): Are less events better for Savannah?

• Savannah Bananas tickets on sale to the public on Monday (SMN, April 5, 2019)

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.

This episode is brought to you by the Savannah Economic Development Authority

The first meeting was an instant connection, but that didn't keep the start from being a bit rocky. Today, it would seem absurd to think of The Grey as unsuccessful but the journey taken by chef Mashama Bailey and founding partner John O. Morisano has been a challenging one. But it has been fruitful. Now nationally-recognized, The Grey has become a beacon of the emerging food scene in Savannah and Bailey has become a staple on the national chef awards circuit and a participant on the recent season of Netflix's 'Chef's Table' series. On this episode of Difference Makers, they talk about starting the restaurant and the challenges that entailed, how they focused on creating an enriching culture at The Grey, what the national spotlight has done to change the restaurant and what to make of the explosion of food culture in the Hostess City.

(6:57): Mashama's move into cooking

(10:30): Johno's experience buying the old Greyhound bus terminal

• Revamp planned for original Greyhound depot on MLK (SMN, Sept. 11, 2013)
• Savannah's own Greyhound terminal could soon earn a place in history (SMN, Dec. 5, 2016)

(13:57): Mashama and Johno's first meeting, development of their partnership

• Jane Fishman: New Savannah restaurant turns strangers into partners (SMN, Oct. 25, 2014)

(18:56): Culture is key to creating a successful enterprise like The Grey

(27:00): The growth of The Grey

• New restaurant The Grey opens with gusto (SMN, Dec. 20, 2014)

(33:17): What has the national attention around Mashama done for The Grey?

• Eater: The Grey is the 2017 Restaurant of the Year (Eater, Nov. 8, 2017)
• Savannah's The Grey earns international praise as one of TIME's 'greatest places of 2018' (SMN, Aug. 27, 2018)
• Savannah's The Grey featured in trailer for new season of Netflix's 'Chef's Table' (SMN, Feb. 13, 2019)
• Savannah chefs Mashama Bailey and Bryan Furman nominated for James Beard awards (SMN, Feb. 27, 2019)

(36:04): What does Johno and Mashama make of the food scene explosion in Savannah?

(40:11): The food scene in Savannah now compared to the Paula Deen craze before

(43:18): Creating a memorable setting at The Grey and other Savannah restaurants re-purposing old buildings

• City Talk: First visit to Husk yields look at renovation, creative menu (SMN, Feb. 19, 2018)
• Historic Savannah home gets new life as La Scala Ristorante (SMN, Oct. 20, 2018)

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.

This episode is brought to you by the Savannah Economic Development Authority

He didn't start in music, but that has become his lasting legacy so far on the Savannah area. Beginning with his work in the infant stages of the Savannah Philharmonic, David Pratt has left an imprint on the cultural scene in Savannah for a long time. After leaving for other jobs in California and Australia, Pratt is back in the Hostess City and tasked with leading the ship at the Savannah Music Festival, which is set to kick off its 30th season at the end of March. On this episode of Difference Makers, Pratt talks growing up in Australia, working in the film industry before shifting to music, his first impressions of Savannah and what fans can expect from the Savannah Music Festival both this year and beyond.

(6:35): Working in the film industry in Australia

(10:37): What caused the shift from movies to music?

(14:25): Joining up with the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra

• Savannah Philharmonic executive director David Pratt leaving for job in Colorado (SMN, Dec. 3, 2013)
• To the next 10 years: Savannah Philharmonic celebrates first decade while looking to future (DoSavannah, Sept. 8, 2018)

(22:47): Pratt's new role with the Savannah Music Festival

• Savannah Music Festival hires new executive director ahead of 30th season (SMN, Aug. 17, 2018)

(29:09): Daniel Hope's departure and its impact on the festival

• Savannah Music Festival announces Daniel Hope's final season (SMN, Mar. 5, 2019)

(32:19): Previewing the 2019 Savannah Music Festival

• DoSavannah's coverage of the 2019 Savannah Music Festival

(39:39): What the Savannah Music Festival means to the city and what Pratt plans for in the future with the festival

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.

This episode is brought to you by the Savannah Economic Development Authority

Growing up in the area, the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade was a staple of tradition for Bubba Edgerly as it signified a deep swell of Irish heritage dating back to his grandfather — who immigrated here with his grandmother — and his father. Now one of the most well-known events for the holiday worldwide, Edgerly aims to continue this tradition as the general chairman of the parade committee. In this episode of Difference Makers, Edgerly discusses his history with the parade, tidbits of the preparations that most people may not have realized, the roles each person plays in bringing the event to life and what the parade, and St. Patrick's Day overall, means to the city of Savannah.

(7:56): Personal history with the St. Patrick's Day Parade

(11:44): How would you define the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade?

(16:21): What goes into coordinating the parade

• 2019 Savannah St. Patrick's Day Events (SMN)

(19:28): Tips for best enjoying the parade

• City outlines Savannah St. Patrick's Day festival updates (SMN, Feb. 26, 2019)

(24:32): A history of the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade

• Savannah St. Patrick's Day: Through the Years (SMN)
• A Savannah Song for St. Patrick's Day (SMN)
• A history of Savannah St. Patrick's Day (SMN, 2008)

(27:07): What does it mean to be the grand marshal of the parade?

• Jerry Counihan named grand marshal for 2019 Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade (SMN, Feb. 24, 2019)
• LISTEN: The Commute, Feb 25: Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal-elect Jerry Counihan on being city's top Irishman (SMN, Feb. 25, 2019)

(30:48): The flag unit and other key players of the parade

• 2018 Savannah St. Patrick's Day by Steve Bisson (SMN, Mar. 17, 2018)

(33:08): Significance of the parade for the city of Savannah

• Love, Savannah: Thousands join with friends, family, strangers to celebrate St. Patrick's Day (SMN, Mar. 17, 2018)

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.

This episode is brought to you by Nutrition with B.Ray

The road didn't immediately lead to brewing — or Savannah for that matter — when Kevin Ryan started. A few tours with the U.S. Army followed by working with his father in healthcare led Ryan to Bluffton, S.C. and eventually his wife Meredith, and a Valentine's Day gift of a home-brewing kit sparked what became their new passion — Service Brewing Co. Located on Indian and Fahm Streets, the brewery has become a must-see spot for locals and tourists, and Ryan credits the hard work of Meredith and his employees for the success. On this week's podcast, Adam speaks with Ryan about the beginnings of Service Brewing, his time in the military and how a change in brewing laws in Georgia opened up giant possibilities for his company and others in the area.

(4:20): What he learned from his time in the military

(8:16): Origins of Service Brewing Co.

• Service Brewing Co. celebrates grand opening in Savannah (SMN, Sept. 11, 2014)
• Service Brewing living up to its name (SMN, Dec. 22, 2014)

(12:50): What kicked off his passion for brewing

• Warrior brewers: U.S. Army veterans launch Service Brewing, Savannah's latest craft brewery (SMN, July 9, 2014)

(16:09): Picking the location on Indian and Fahm Streets

• Savannah's Plant Riverside District on track for summer opening (SMN, Dec. 1, 2018)

(19:00): Programs and events coming to Service soon

• Savannah Stopover Music Festival teams up with Service Brewing (DoSavannah, Jan. 10, 2019)

(24:45): How the change to brewing laws completely revolutionized the Georgia industry

• Local breweries celebrate state's new alcohol-selling bill (SMN, May 15, 2017)

(38:20): The science of beer and where the business is headed

• Savannah's Service Brewing celebrates anniversary with bands, beers, food trucks (DoSavannah, July 17, 2018)

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.

This episode is brought to you by Nutrition with B.Ray

You don't want to receive a call from them if you're the spouse of a first responder, but the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire has been helping families who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty since 2001 — a mission close to the heart of its president, Mark Dana. A police officer for a time, Dana left active duty after two deaths from other officers close to him and has channeled his passion for first responders into the organization. On today's episode of Difference Makers, he sits down with Adam to discuss the origins of the organization, what it is like to sit down with one of those families right after their loved one has died and the many programs and events the 200 Club offers to the community.

(6:12): How he got involved in the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire and its history in the area

(12:30): The 200 Club's membership base and stories of the people they have helped

• Two Hundred Club of the Coastal Empire gives food to Chatham County first responders  (SMN, Nov. 17, 2016)
• Families First anniversary raises $1,000 for 200 Club in Savannah (SMN, Aug. 10, 2018)
• A little yarn, a lot of love: Savannah woman crochets afghans for 200 Club's families of fallen first responders (SMN, Jan. 27, 2019)

(16:22): How many families they have helped since 2001

• Two Hundred Club of the Coastal Empire to assist fallen Ludowici police chief's survivors (SMN, Sept. 18, 2018)

(19:57): How to approach speaking with the family after the death of their loved one

(28:45): Programs and events offered by the 200 Club

• Bunny in the City: Savannah Mile runners deliver for 200 Club (SMN, Jun. 2, 2018)
• Super Bowl Party Boston Butts Sale - (Feb 1-2, 2019)
• Valor Awards (Feb. 28)

(37:08): How the 200 Club offers long-term support for the families

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.

This episode is brought to you by Nutrition with B Ray

For 40 days this year, Rep. Ron Stephens and Sen. Lester Jackson will be making the trek from Savannah to Atlanta as the 2019 Georgia General Assembly session begins. A range of issues are on their plate, but this isn't the first rodeo for either man. Stephens was sworn into the House in 1997 and has held a position there since, branching out into different committees as one of the leaders of the Republican party in the Capitol. Jackson joined the House in 1999 and was sworn into the Senate in 2009, serving as the chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. Stephens joined Adam in the studio, and Jackson called over the phone while in route from Atlanta, to discuss about their backgrounds, how they got into politics and what their plans for the 2019 session are.

Ron Stephens

(5:00): History of working with an array of different governors

(8:12): Proudest legislation he has passed

• Tax increases ahead in Savannah, Chatham County (SMN, Jun. 23, 2018)

(9:16): Forecasting the 2019 session

• Viewpoints: Georgia legislature readies to address full agenda (SMN, Jan. 11, 2019)

(12:29): Top priorities for 2019 session

(15:55): Economic development actions for this session

• Kessler breaks ground for $270 million Plant Riverside District (SMN, Dec. 7, 2016)
• Savannah's Plant Riverside District on track for summer opening (SMN, Dec. 1, 2018)

(19:12): Thoughts on casino gambling heading into the session

• Chatham lawmaker introduces gambling legsilation at Atlanta meeting (SMN, Jan. 26, 2017)
• Editorial: State rep renews casino push, proposes 'mega-entertainment venues' (SMN, Aug. 10, 2018)

Lester Jackson (23:33)

(26:58): Decision to enlist in the Navy

(28:52): First experience in politics

(33:07): Proudest accomplishment in his time at the Capitol

• Higher school drop-out age bill backed by Sen. Lester Jackson advances (SMN, May 5, 2011)

(36:28): Dealing with change in leaders in Atlanta

(38:35): Dynamic between other Chatham County legislators

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.

This episode is brought to you by Do Savannah

"Little Joe Buck's Boy" may have come from a small town in Alabama, but he has been all over with stops from San Francisco to Vietnam and on naval ships. Joe Buck now returns to a role he's done before — Savannah-Chatham school board president. But he came back because he saw some direction was needed after years of turmoil havocked the board he once presided over. On this episode, Buck discusses his upbringing in Alabama, what his mother taught him about other people, his leadership philosophy, the early days of Armstrong State and what he wants to do as the leader of Savannah's schools.

(10:30): Early days at Armstrong State University

(15:49): Establishing new trust and direction in the school board

• Savannah Chatham school board President Jolene Byrne cites 'petty politics' in decision to not seek second term (SMN, Feb. 1, 2018)
• Savannah-Chatham school board focuses on improvement (SMN, Aug. 21, 2018)
• Savannah-Chatham County school board caps off controversial year (SMN, Jan. 1, 2019)

(19:31): Steps being taken to help students perform to their best and creating a better school environment

(22:36): The challenges of a modern student

(27:19): Business partnerships in the Savannah community

• Gulfstream launches student leadeship program (Nov. 6, 2008, SMN)
• Gulfstream celebrates student learning and leadership (May 30, 2013, SMN)

(29:48): Thoughts on transportation and school safety

• Savananh-Chatham school board wants action on school safety (SMN, March 7, 2018)
• Savannah-Chatham school parents worried about bullying (SMN, Sept. 23, 2018)
• Chatham County nabs $500,000 in federal security funds for school safety (SMN, Oct. 4, 2018)

(35:44): Thoughts on school legislation on the state level

• Editorial: Education funding key issue in governor's race (SMN, Oct. 5, 2018)

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.

This episode is brought to you by the Empty Stocking Fund.

Flight has always been on the mind of Jay Neely, even as a kid growing up in Butler, Georgia. Now, he's working with some of the most innovative aviation products in the world at Gulfstream where the possibilties are endless. On this episode of Difference Makers, Neely speaks about his upbringing, how he got into law and aviation, what exactly people do at Gulfstream, the many ways the company helps the community here in Savannah and what to expect next in the world of flight.

(4:15): His first aspirations to work in aviation

(7:00): The history of Gulfstream

(10:35): What Gulfstream does to assist in the community and work as a global hub in Savannah

• Gulfstream launches student leadeship program (Nov. 6, 2008, SMN)
• Gulfstream celebrates student learning and leadership (May 30, 2013, SMN)
• Gulfstream gives $2.1 million to United Way (Nov. 7, 2016, SMN)
• Savannah Mediation Center receives $4,500 in donations (May 31, 2018, SMN)

(16:55): What is produced in Savannah at Gulfstream

• Gulfstream, Triumph relocate work to Savannah (April 4, 2018, SMN)

(20:12): The designs of the G500 and G600 jets

• Gulfstream G500 earns certification (July 20, 2018, SMN)
• Gulfstream G500 to be on display next month (Oct. 12, 2018)
• Gulfstream's G600 aircraft in testing (Aug. 14, 2018, SMN)

(24:32): What it is like to fly in a Gulfstream jet

(26:32): The innovations happening at Gulfstream and in Savannah

• Gulfstream's new year: Expansion, new technology ready to fly (May 26, 2018, SMN)

(34:07): The future of aviation, in his opinion

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.

This episode is brought to you by the Empty Stocking Fund.

To describe the Salvation Army as a calling for Maj. Paul Egan would be an understatement, a more fitting term would be a destiny. Beginning young and growing through the organization, Egan, and his wife Karen, have called many cities home while working with the Salvation Army and their latest is Savannah — a place close to Egan's heart as he was born in Hinesville and grew up in Beaufort. On this episode of Difference Makers, he discusses joining the Salvation Army, how he met Karen, his many stops before coming to the Hostess City, stories from the trail and what he and his organization are doing to help the people of Savannah during this holiday season.

Click here to volunteer to help The Salvation Army of Savannah

(4:31): Decision to join The Salvation Army

(8:52): Cities the Egan family has been designated to

(12:18): Making the move to Savannah

• Savannah's Salvation Army commanding officer moving to lead Asheville branch (SMN, Jun. 16, 2018)
• The Salvation Army of Savannah

(14:39): Red Kettle Campaign

(23:36): Women's Auxiliary of Savannah

(27:36): History of The Salvation Army

(36:00): Homelessness in Savannah

• Savannah residents, officials talk homelessness at forum (SMN, June 13, 2018)
• Savannah's homeless talk challenges for getting out of poverty (SMN, Aug. 4, 2018)
• Letters to the editor: Make homelessness a SPLOST project (SMN, Dec. 3, 2018)

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.