July 1, 2025

Leadership Savannah Class of 2026 Applications Now Open

Leadership Savannah, the second-oldest leadership program in the country, has opened applications for the 2026 class, with submissions accepted through September 30.

With more than 2,300 distinguished alumni, Leadership Savannah has a long and proud tradition of equipping local professionals with the knowledge, connections, and experiences needed to lead effectively across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The year-long program begins in January and concludes with a graduation ceremony in November.

Those ready to grow their leadership capacity and make a meaningful impact in Savannah are encouraged to apply today. Read more 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Business Connection
Under the Big Top
Weekly Ribbon
Cutting Round Up
Leadership Savannah
Local Government Day

MEMBER NEWS

SAVANNAH CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber Celebrates First-in-State Interagency Council on Homelessness Becoming Georgia Law July 1

On July 1, Georgia law will officially recognize the Chatham-Savannah Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH)—the first of its kind in the state—marking a significant milestone for our region and the collaborative partners working to address homelessness. The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, along with key community partners, began the work of re-establishing our local Continuum of Care (CoC) in 2019, a requirement under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Over the next several years, this effort re-engaged community stakeholders and rebuilt a coordinated system of care. Under the leadership of City Manager Jay Melder, the CoC took a bold next step: forming the ICH to lead a system-wide, data-driven response to homelessness in Savannah. Read more 

Leadership Savannah Explores Local Government in Action Across the County

The Leadership Savannah Class of 2025 hit the road in June for a full day dedicated to understanding the inner workings of local government—across city, county, and municipal lines. The day kicked off with an engaging panel featuring members of the local delegation: Chairman Ron Stephens, Representative Edna Jackson, Representative Anne Allen Westbrook, and Senator Derek Mallow. The conversation focused on the importance of state-local collaboration as well as the realities of life during the legislative session. From big cities to small towns, Leadership Savannah continues to foster a deeper understanding of the people, policies, and partnerships that shape our region. Read more 

Chamber Hosts Under the Big Top Business Connection

Around 150 Chamber members gathered on Thursday night to mix and mingle at the Chamber’s Under the Big Top Business Connection. Thanks to the our event sponsors, Georgia Power and Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, guests were treated to carnival-styled food, which included nachos, mini-corndogs, onion rings, cheese curds, popcorn and cotton candy. In addition to the amazing décor, members enjoyed tarot card reading from Dr. Michael Bilkis with Soul Alchemy Healing Services and world-class magic from Robert Moreland of Magic Curator. The event was held at the Savannah Country Club on Wilmington Island where guests also enjoyed networking and connecting. Read more 

VISIT SAVANNAH NEWS

Visit Savannah Secures New Earned Media In ConventionSouth Magazine
 
Visit Savannah recently secured a new earned media placement in ConventionSouth titled “Southern Traveler: Savannah Smiles on Meetings,” written by the publication's editor-in-chief, Michelle Martin. Visit Savannah's PR team hosted Michelle for the SCC earlier this year and highlighted some of Savannah’s amazing hospitality, the new expanded Convention Center, and overall appeal for conferences and conventions. National editorial coverage like this helps decision‑makers visualize Savannah as a top-tier meeting destination. Read more 
Georgia Municipal Association Holds Annual Meeting In Savannah
 
The Georgia Municipal Association held its annual meeting at the Savannah Convention Center last week. With 2,500 attendees, this year marked the association's 31st year meeting in Savannah. Visit Savannah's Jen Thompson is pictured here with the association's meeting planners. Read more 
Visit Savannah Team Members Attend IPW Trade Show in Chicago
 
Visit Savannah's Mindy Shea, Jeff Hewitt, Kellie Linder, Supriya Christopher and Tanvi Chauhan recently attended IPW's annual trade show in Chicago, the largest international travel trade show in the U.S. During the week, more than 5,000 delegates—including nearly 1,800 international and domestic buyers and media—gathered in Chiago to drive an estimated $26 billion in future travel to the U.S. Visit Savannah's team met with over 100 tour operators and members of the media during the event, continuing to promote Savannah as an authentic and welcoming destination for all international visitors, as well as the city's proximity to Atlanta, home of eight FIFA World Cup matches in 2026. Read more 

MEMBER NEWS

Port of Savannah Sees Continued Growth Marking Its Third Month With Over Half-Million TEUs
 
The Port of Savannah handled over 500,900 TEUs in May, marking its second-busiest May on record and continuing a three-month streak above half a million containers. Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) CEO Griff Lynch credited strong customer trust and operational efficiency for the growth. Fiscal year-to-date, Savannah has moved 5.3 million TEUs, up 10.3% from last year. Read more 
Share Job Opportunities In Coastal Georgia Through RISE
 
The Savannah Economic Development Authority established the Regional Industry Support Enterprise (RISE) in 2024 following a regional workforce study. RISE serves as a key driver of workforce development and industry support across eight Southeast Georgia counties, focusing on seven core areas: Military, Underrepresented Populations, Housing, Education, Transportation, Childcare, and Marketing. RISE’s official campaign, Succeed in Savannah, targets young adults ages 18–35 and connects them to job opportunities in warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution. Employers in the region are encouraged to share open positions to be featured on the job board. Read more