Savannah Chamber Connect
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 entrepreneurs to innovative ideas and economic trends, it connects you to the people and insights driving the region forward.
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Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
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
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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
Tuesday Jun 23, 2026
Tuesday Jun 23, 2026
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:
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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
Tuesday Jun 09, 2026
Tuesday Jun 09, 2026
This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce features Dee Daniels interviewing Marley Davis of Southern Cross Hospitality, named 2026 Hospitality Business of the Year, discussing its restaurant portfolio, hospitality-first culture, international influences, and an upcoming Italian concept, Laveta, planned for end of June on Broughton Street.
In the Hot Seat, Savannah Bananas and Fans First Entertainment CFO Tim Naddy shares his accounting and theater background, mentoring focus, and how the Bananas’ national expansion still drives economic impact in Savannah while offering partnership opportunities with players and coaches.
Dee spotlights Jan and Todd Womble of Savannah Logistics Group, founded in 2017 with four trucks and now nearing 100, including Big Rig University to help drivers become owner-operators. Jennifer Davenport provides a community update on homelessness policy, PIT Count results showing major reductions in encampments and unsheltered homelessness since 2023, and the need for prevention dollars. Visit Savannah CEO Joe Marinelli reviews the 2025 tourism impact study, noting normalization after record post-pandemic years and efforts to develop new demand-generating events.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
Explore upcoming events
From Bert’s Hot Seat: Tim Naddy, Vice President of Finance - The Savannah Bananas
From the Winners Circle: Marley Davis, Marketing Coordinator Southern Cross Hospitality (Hospitality Business of the Year Award)
Get the Latest Events: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce
Superstar Member Spotlight: Todd Womble - CEO AND Jan Womble - CPO Savannah Logistics Group
Highlights: Jennifer Davenport Vice President, Community Affairs & In-House Counsel - Head of Leadership Savannah, Savannah Chamber
Highlights: Joe Marinelli, President & CEO Visit Savannah
MEET OUR PRODUCTION TEAM
MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD
Follow for updates:
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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Show Opening
01:01 Hospitality Award Spotlight
02:12 Restaurants Under The Brand
04:00 Global Flavors Local Heart
06:05 Team Culture And Growth
07:56 Favorite Dishes Fast Picks
09:15 Bananas CFO Hot Seat
12:22 Mentoring Through Finance
17:02 Savannah Impact Of Banana Ball
19:46 Partnering With Players
24:25 Podcast Plug And Wrap
25:20 Next Guest Tease Logistics
25:59 Starting With Four Trucks
26:40 Early Grind And Reflection
27:48 Culture Built On Faith
29:46 Scaling And Driver Opportunity
30:45 Big Rig University Explained
33:22 Mentoring And Team Development
34:12 Advice For Logistics Careers
37:03 Homeless Authority Origins
38:08 Interagency Council Role
39:11 PIT Count And Progress
40:56 What Drove The Improvements
42:19 Priorities Prevention And Housing
44:17 Tourism Impact Study Overview
45:43 2025 Takeaways And Trends
47:41 New Demand Generators
49:27 Joe Marinelli Quick Wrap
50:56 Sponsor Thanks And Closing
Tuesday May 26, 2026
Tuesday May 26, 2026
Welcome to Savannah Chamber Connect from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce!
This episode features multiple exciting Savannah segments like: Lance Wade of Savannah Harley-Davidson discusses receiving the Gulfstream Community Involvement Award, the dealership’s community-focused events, flood-relief supply drives, and an October breast cancer awareness poker run, emphasizing listening for local needs.
In the HOT SEAT - Jared Downs interviews Lt. Col. Derick Taylor, Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander, on the importance of relationships with the business community, Transition Assistance and quarterly career fairs, challenges for military families, and a new $62 million hangar; Taylor is transitioning to a Middle East deployment while his family stays in Savannah.
Host Dee Daniels sits down with Michael and Brian Roberson who share the Savannah Sauce Company origin story, growth to 250+ stores, key products, and Athlete Brand Co. for NIL. Visit Savannah leaders mark 50 years and tourism growth to 13 million visitors and a $4B economy, noting convention expansion and the Signia hotel.
Dr. Joe Buck reflects on Leadership Savannah’s history and June 1 applications, while Joe Marinelli, President & CEO Visit Savannah - and - Kellie Linder, VP Sales, Visit Savannah help celebrate 50 Years!
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
Explore upcoming events
From Bert’s Hot Seat: Lt. Col. Derick Taylor
From the Winners Circle: Lance Wade, Savannah Harley-Davidson (Gulfstream Community Involvement Award)
What’s Up: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce
Superstar Member Spotlight: Savannah Sauce Company
Highlights: Leadership Savannah and Dr. Joe Buck
MEET OUR PRODUCTION TEAM
MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD
Follow for updates:
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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Winners Circle Intro
00:20 Lance Wade Surprise Win
00:48 Harley Roots and Riding
01:42 Community Giving Culture
02:22 Flood Relief Story
04:11 Advice for Businesses
05:55 Upcoming Charity Rides
07:13 Parting Thanks and Wrap
08:15 Hot Seat Introduction
08:43 Base and Business Ties
09:40 Transitioning Service Members
11:22 Military Family Challenges
12:46 Community Support and Projects
15:16 Savannah Reflections
17:20 Memorial Day Meaning
19:16 Superstar Spotlight Intro
20:16 Sauce Origin Story
23:20 Whole Foods Breakthrough
Tuesday May 12, 2026
Tuesday May 12, 2026
This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect features a "Hot Seat" interview with Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp on why Savannah has been a priority for state investment, including the Convention Center expansion, port growth, and the Hyundai plant and its suppliers, emphasizing workforce opportunity and economic development across southeast Georgia.
The show also celebrates Dee Daniels and Megan Mason of Dee Daniels Media as the Chamber’s 2026 Entrepreneurs of the Year, discussing their podcast production approach, client work, mobile studio recordings, podcast advertising, and expansion into audiobook production.
Conni Reynolds, Director of Executive Events & Strategic Project, explains InternSAV, a free Chamber program connecting interns through networking and community experiences to encourage them to return to Savannah after graduation.
Connor Buchanan, Small Business Programs Chair, shares results from the Chamber’s first small business survey, highlighting business longevity, common challenges like sales, costs, cash flow, and AI adoption, and member needs for networking and resources. Upcoming events include a small business job fair, Member Services Day, and a Mega Chamber mixer before the first Savannah Steel game.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
Explore upcoming events
From Bert’s Hot Seat: Governor Brian Kemp
From the Winners Circle: Dee Daniels Media, 2026 Entrepreneurs of the Year
What’s Up: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce
INTERN SAV
MEET OUR PRODUCTION TEAM
MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD
Follow for updates:
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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Show Opens
01:16 Governor In Hot Seat
03:16 Convention Center Boom
06:01 Ports Growth Strategy
08:41 Hyundai Jobs Impact
10:51 Leadership Focus Advice
15:41 Entrepreneurs Of Year
18:20 Podcast Craft Process
21:48 Mobile Studio Highlights
24:23 Advertising And Future
30:16 Favorite Podcast Moments
31:15 Editing Audio Magic
33:04 Nonprofit Stories Impact
34:20 Entrepreneur Award Thanks
35:10 Intern SAV Overview
37:56 Kickoff Events Networking
39:25 Intern Success Stories
40:18 How to Join InternSAV
41:21 Networking Survival Skills
42:55 Small Business Survey Insights
45:13 Challenges Sales AI
46:19 What Works Team Culture
48:09 Chamber Support Expectations
51:34 Savannah Business Diversity
53:40 Making Events More Meaningful
55:56 Calendar Job Fair Events
57:18 Mega Chamber Mixer Steel
59:16 Sponsor Mission Closing
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect features 2026 Chamber Business Awards Small Business Advocate of the Year - George Freeman of Kombative Academy of Traditional Martial Arts, who shares his Army background, networking advice, and leadership of the Chamber’s Ribbon Cutting Council, which helped increase ribbon cuttings from 85 in 2024 to 112 in 2025, along with his volunteer work and goal to train 100 women for free in self-defense and promote a June 6 Crimson Cocktail Block Party.
In the Hot Seat, Savannah State University President Dr. Jermaine Whirl discusses his first-year priorities, strategic planning, executive team hiring, community engagement, and securing $42.8 million in state funding for campus facility projects, plus raising $400,000 at his gala and joining the Chamber board.
Industry Council spotlights SEDA and RISE’s regional workforce efforts following the Hyundai Meta Plant project, addressing retention challenges and initiatives like Succeed in Savannah and Industry Insiders.
Superstar Spotlight highlights film veteran and Leopold’s Ice Cream owner Stratton Leopold on filmmaking, community preservation, and maintaining original recipes.
Events include Small Business Week (May 4 ribbon cutting, Eastern Wharf mixer), a May 13 small business job fair, May 28 federal contracting workshops, and a May 22 Savannah Steel game networking event.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
Explore upcoming events
From Bert’s Hot Seat: Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Savannah State University
From the Winners Circle: George Freeman Kombative Academy of Traditional Martial Arts Small Business Advocate of the Year
What’s Up: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce
Superstar Member Spotlight: Stratton Leopold, owner and operator of Leopold’s Ice Cream - producer, director and actor
Industry Council Update: Zachary Ott, Director of Existing Industry, SEDA and Maria Whitfield Director of Employer Engagement, RISE
MEET OUR PRODUCTION TEAM
MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD
Follow for updates:
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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Savannah Chamber Connect Intro
01:16 Small Business Advocate Spotlight
02:19 George Freeman Origin Story
04:47 Ribbon Cutting Council Impact
08:04 Community Giving And Referrals
10:30 Advice For Small Businesses
11:59 Hot Seat With SSU President
16:00 First Year Priorities At SSU
17:39 Winning State Funding For Campus
19:55 Investiture Weekend And Gala
23:29 Industry Council Workforce Focus
24:21 How Rise Was Launched
27:13 Employer Engagement Backgrounds
30:11 Retention Challenges And Regional Strategy
31:49 How Industry Can Get Involved
32:05 Rise Working Groups
32:40 Succeed in Savannah Brand
33:07 Industry Insiders Outreach
33:29 Magic Wand Fix
35:14 Superstar Spotlight Intro
36:31 Film Career Origins
40:08 Leopold’s Legacy
43:38 Quality Over Profit
44:49 Preserving Savannah
47:30 Favorite Films Stories
50:57 Breaking Into Film
53:25 Ice Cream Favorites
54:38 Legacy Business Advice
55:47 Small Business Week
57:19 Job Fair and Contracts
58:55 Savannah Steel Networking
01:00:01 Sponsor and Wrap Up
Tuesday Apr 14, 2026
Tuesday Apr 14, 2026
This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce - hosted by Dee Daniels, features 2026 Chamber Business Award winner Adam Finns of Friedman’s Framing, named Small Business of the Year, discussing the company’s 124-year, five-generation evolution, its focus on customer service and quality control, new custom framing innovations, and upcoming happy hours and meet-the-artist events at its Eisenhower and Waters location.
In the Hot Seat, Chamber President/CEO Bert Brantley interviews Alderwoman Carol Bell about reviving the Summer 500 youth summer jobs program, including school-system partnership, a four-week commitment, soft-skills training, employer matching, and sponsorship options for students to work in nonprofits.
Superstar Spotlight highlights Savannah Steel Head Coach Coretta Brown previewing the new professional women’s basketball team’s May 15 season opener and May 22/24 home openers at Enmarket Arena.
The What’s Up segment covers the May 21 clay shoot funding military affairs advocacy, the Chamber relocation guide updates and advertising, a April 21 podcast launch party, and Small Business Week events including a May 5 mixer, reverse trade show, May 13 job fair, and May 28 military contracting workshop.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
Explore upcoming events
From Bert’s Hot Seat: Carol Bell
From the Winners Circle: Adam Fins, Friedman’s Framing
Small Business of the Year
What’s Up: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce
Erica Backus, Director, Communications & Social Inclusion, Visit Savannah
Jared Downs, Vice President, Governmental Affairs, Savannah Chamber of Commerce
Superstar Member Spotlight: Coretta Brown, Head Coach, Savannah Steel
MEET OUR PRODUCTION TEAM
MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD
Follow for updates:
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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Savannah Chamber Connect Intro
01:09 Small Business Winner Interview
01:58 Friedmans Framing Legacy
03:30 Customer Service Secrets
04:40 Quality Control Process
06:04 Innovation And Advice
09:24 Hot Seat Summer 500
10:51 Program Impact And Data
12:35 Relaunch Partners And Plan
18:24 How Employers Can Join
20:18 Superstar Spotlight Savannah Steele
21:32 League Details And Growth
22:11 Open House And Players Arrival
22:54 Hometown Hoops Roots
24:10 Savannah Steel City Love
25:00 Coaching Beyond The Court
27:29 Players Who Come Back
28:36 Home Opener Hype
30:44 Clay Shoot For Military
33:35 Relocation Guide Insider
40:19 Launch Party And Small Biz Week
46:45 Sponsor Thanks And Next Steps
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
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.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
Explore upcoming events
MEET EMILY MCCARTHY
MEET THARROS PLACE
MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM
MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD
Follow for updates:
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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome to Chamber Connect
00:30 Episode Roadmap
01:48 Hot Seat Begins
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
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Savannah Chamber Connect, a podcast from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, brings you inside the conversations shaping Savannah’s business community.
From candid conversations with local leaders and entrepreneurs to insights on economic growth, advocacy, and innovation, each episode connects you to the people and ideas driving the region forward. Featuring segments like The Hot Seat, The Winner’s Circle, Advocacy Update, Superstar Member Spotlight, and What’s Up, you’ll hear directly from those making an impact across Savannah.
Whether you're a business owner, professional, or community leader, this podcast keeps you informed, inspired, and connected.
Subscribe or follow now and be part of the conversation shaping Savannah’s future.
Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
Explore upcoming events
Follow for updates:
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK