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Savannah Chamber Connect

Savannah Chamber Connect

Written by: Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
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About this listen

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.

Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Economics Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Savannah in Action: The Current Agency, 220 Years of Chamber Legacy & Honoring Veterans

    Savannah in Action: The Current Agency, 220 Years of Chamber Legacy & Honoring Veterans
    Nov 10 2026

    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect, presented by Vaden Automotive, celebrates the people and organizations shaping Savannah’s business community. From a local marketing agency’s growth and the Chamber’s 220-year legacy to the contributions of veterans and the upcoming Veterans Day celebrations, this episode highlights the partnerships and leadership that keep our region moving forward.

    Superstar Member Spotlight: Chirag Shah, The Current Agency

    Dee Daniels talks with Chirag Shah, CEO of The Current Agency, about the company’s growth from its founding in Tallahassee to its Savannah expansion. Shah shares the importance of collaboration, building a strong team, and staying connected to the community.

    What’s Up: Celebrating 220 Years of the Savannah Area Chamber

    Tina Mock speaks with Chamber President and CEO Bert Brantley and Board Chairman Jamie McCurry about the Chamber’s 220-year history, its role in supporting regional economic growth, and the industries that shape Savannah’s economy. They also discuss leadership programs and the upcoming Annual Meeting on December 10, where former Mayor Edna Jackson will receive the Oglethorpe Award.

    Quick Questions with Erica: Honoring Savannah’s Veterans

    Erica Backus speaks with Harry Gardner, Chairman of the Veterans Council of Chatham County, about the region’s veteran community, the value veterans bring to the workforce, and ways local businesses can get involved. They preview the 80th Veterans Day Parade on November 11, the World War I memorial observance, and the Flags on Broughton project.

    IMPORTANT LINKS

    • The Current Agency

    • Veterans Council of Chatham County

    • Flags on Broughton

    • Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

    Sponsors & Production

    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 Savannah Chamber Connect Intro

    00:39 Meet Chirag Shah

    02:09 Family Roots and Hustle

    03:35 Motivation and Team First

    05:28 What Sets Current Apart

    08:16 From Tallahassee to Savannah

    13:39 Why Sponsor Ribbon Cuttings

    18:10 Growth Plans and Giving Back

    21:23 Chamber 220 Year Milestone

    22:00 Jamie McCurry Background

    23:14 Coming Home to Savannah

    27:14 Chamber Origins and Mission

    30:28 Savannah Economic Pillars

    34:57 Favorite Chamber Programs

    35:53 Future Focus Programs

    36:29 Leadership Trips Impact

    37:23 Savannah Chatham Day

    38:24 Annual Meeting Highlights

    40:04 Awards And Reports

    42:25 Savannah In Three Words

    43:16 What Should Never Change

    44:33 Veterans Spotlight Begins

    45:30 Harrys Service Story

    47:04 Why Savannah Is Military Hub

    50:26 Hiring Military Talent

    52:28 Veterans Council Resources

    55:49 Flags On Broughton

    57:32 Parade Details And Tribute

    01:00:15 How To Get Involved

    01:03:12 Closing And Sponsor Messages
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Starland’s Small Business Magic, Military Initiatives & Tybee Seafood Festival

    Starland’s Small Business Magic, Military Initiatives & Tybee Seafood Festival
    Oct 27 2026
    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect, presented by Vaden Automotive, explores the people, businesses, and initiatives shaping Savannah’s vibrant community. From the independent businesses putting Starland on the map to programs supporting our military community and a new festival celebrating Tybee Island’s seafood, this episode highlights the connections, creativity, and collaboration that help our region thrive. Superstar Member Spotlight: Starland District’s Small Business Community Marguerite Seckman, Owner of Superbloom, Starland Strange & Bazaar, and One for the Road Kay Heritage, Owner of Big Bon Bodega, Miss Sophie’s, and the soon-to-open Maizal Cafe Marguerite Seckman and Kay Heritage join Dee Daniels to explore the growth, creativity, and community spirit behind Savannah’s Starland District. They share the stories behind their businesses, from art-filled coffee shops and eclectic boutiques to wood-fired bagels and the upcoming Maizal Cafe, a Colombian cafe offering gluten-free, seed-oil-free fare. The conversation explores what makes Starland such a distinctive destination for independent businesses, how local entrepreneurs support one another through challenges, and why building relationships is essential to small-business success. They also share advice for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the neighborhood and highlight some of their favorite places to eat, shop, and connect. Discover how Starland’s collaborative spirit, creative energy, and commitment to local businesses continue to shape one of Savannah’s most distinctive districts. What’s Up: Supporting Savannah’s Military Community Tina Hinson Mock, Vice President, Member Services Jared Downs, Vice President, Governmental Affairs Tina Hinson Mock welcomes Jared Downs for an update on the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce’s military initiatives and the programs strengthening connections between the region’s military installations and business community. They discuss the annual Veterans Day Tribute and Military Briefing Luncheon, which recognizes the more than 25,000 service members who live and work in the region, and the Home for the Holidays program, which helps active-duty service members travel home to spend time with family and loved ones. Jared also shares details about his appointment to the Georgia Joint Defense Commission, explaining how the commission works to support Georgia’s military installations, defense missions, and military families. The conversation explores the significant economic impact of the region’s military presence and how local businesses can get involved through Chamber programs, events, and sponsorship opportunities. Learn how the Chamber continues to advocate for military personnel, support their families, and strengthen Savannah’s position as a military-friendly community. Quick Questions with Erica: Tybee Island Seafood Festival Melissa Yao Hille, Principal, My Agency Savannah, and Event Planner for the Tybee Island Seafood Festival With Erica Backus, Vice President of Communications, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Erica Backus talks with Melissa Yao Hille about the first annual Tybee Island Seafood Festival, a weeklong celebration showcasing the island’s restaurants, local businesses, fresh seafood, and coastal culture. The conversation covers the festival’s November 8–15 schedule, including restaurant specials throughout the week, a Lowcountry boil and oyster roast benefiting HUGS, and the main festival day featuring food vendors, live music, magic shows, face painting, rock walls, and family-friendly activities. They also discuss why November is an ideal time to highlight Tybee Island, encourage local tourism, and support area restaurants and hotels during the fall season. Visit tybeeseafoodfest.com for festival details, participating businesses, and event updates. IMPORTANT LINKS: Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Explore upcoming Chamber events Starland District Businesses Superbloom Starland Strange & Bazaar One for the Road Big Bon Bodega Miss Sophie’s Tybee Island Seafood Festival Visit the Tybee Island Seafood Festival website Sponsors & Production 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 the Guests 02:26 Superbloom and Starland Strange 04:02 Big Bon Bodega Origins 05:06 Maizal Cafe Story 06:23 One For The Road Events 07:42 Why Starland Feels Different 10:53 Getting Into Starland 12:24 Surviving Business Challenges 15:57 Starland Favorites Debate 16:26 Starlandia and Vittoria 17:27 Nightcap at Wormhole 17:43 Chamber Support Matters 20:16 Veterans Day Luncheon 21:58 Home for the Holidays 23:23 Defense Commission Role 25:24 Supporting Military Programs 27:18 Tybee Seafood Fest Preview 27:48 Festival Week ...
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    34 mins
  • Local Legislative Priorities, Small Business Health Benefits & Savannah’s Business Awards

    Local Legislative Priorities, Small Business Health Benefits & Savannah’s Business Awards
    Oct 13 2026
    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
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    40 mins
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