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.
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.
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
49 min
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 ShinhosterDiaspora Marketplace
Bananas Playoff Weekend:
Banana Ball Playoffs: Business Toolkit
Visit Sav Marketing Leadership Angela & Lauren
Angela Westerfield – Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Visit Savannah
awesterfield@visitsavannah.com
Lauren Cleland – Vice President, Strategic Marketing Visit Savannah
lcleland@visitsavannah.com
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
7 days ago
49 min

Aug 18, 2026
Aug 18, 2026
46 min
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 MillerPresident of Business Banking for Bank of America
Superstar Member Spotlight:
Mahogany BowersFounder, Blessings in a Bookbag
Council Update:
Chris AndreCRM & 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
Aug 18, 2026
46 min

Aug 4, 2026
Aug 4, 2026
1 hr 1 min
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 Commissionwdalton@filmsavannah.org
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
cschomburg@savannahchamber.com
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
Aug 4, 2026
1 hr 1 min

Jul 28, 2026
Jul 28, 2026
26 min
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
Jul 28, 2026
26 min

Jul 21, 2026
Jul 21, 2026
40 min
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
Jul 21, 2026
40 min

Jul 7, 2026
Jul 7, 2026
52 min
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
Jul 7, 2026
52 min

Jun 23, 2026
Jun 23, 2026
56 min
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
Jun 23, 2026
56 min

Jun 9, 2026
Jun 9, 2026
52 min
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:
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
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
Jun 9, 2026
52 min

May 26, 2026
May 26, 2026
1 hr 3 min
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:
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
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
May 26, 2026
1 hr 3 min

May 12, 2026
May 12, 2026
1 hr 19 sec
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:
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
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
May 12, 2026
1 hr 19 sec







