Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
A Scoop of Savannah Legacy, SSU Momentum, Small Business Advocate & Workforce Insights
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.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
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 PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD
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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
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