June 17, 2025

Chamber Staff Meets With Members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation

Last week, Savannah Area Chamber President and CEO Bert Brantley and Vice President of Government Affairs Jared Downs joined a small Savannah-based contingent in a short trip to Washington D.C. to visit with members of Georgia’s Congressional delegation. Discussions covered a range of key priorities, including funding for the Riverwalk in front of the Convention Center, support for Brand USA (the public-private partnership promoting U.S. tourism internationally), small business tax provisions under consideration in Congress, and updates on funding and projects at the Georgia Ports Authority. Read more ▶

UPCOMING EVENTS

Weekly Ribbon Cutting
Round Up
InternSav Kick Off
at Starland Yard
Morning Mingle at
The Clyde Venue

MEMBER NEWS

SAVANNAH CHAMBER NEWS

Savannah Chamber and Startup Savannah Host Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger

Last week, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Startup Savannah hosted an insightful discussion on small business and economic development, featuring Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. The roundtable explored practical strategies and collaborative solutions to help entrepreneurs navigate volatility and build long-term success to serve the Savannah business community. Read more ▶

Chamber Staff Member Jennifer Davenport Graduates from Leadership Southeast Georgia

The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the graduation of Jennifer Davenport, Vice President of Community Affairs and In-House Counsel, from the prestigious Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA) program. LSEGA brings together leaders from across the 10-county coastal region to foster collaboration, deepen understanding of regional issues, and strengthen partnerships that drive economic vitality and community success. Read more ▶

Leadership Savannah Graduate Series Kicks Off with Data, Dialogue & New Leaders

The Leadership Savannah Graduate Series launched this week with a powerful evening of insight and connection at The Clyde Venue. The event began with the United Way of the Coastal Empire presenting its newly released 2025 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data. Attendees then participated in an interactive poverty simulation. Following the program, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour welcoming two distinguished new leaders to Savannah: Retired Chief Justice Michael Boggs, now a Partner at Hunter Maclean, and Dr. Jermaine Whirl, the new President of Savannah State University. Read more ▶

VISIT SAVANNAH NEWS

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are open! Vote Savannah as one of the Best Cities in the U.S!
 
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are officially open! It only takes a few minutes to vote—and we'd love your help nominating Savannah as one of the Best Cities in the U.S. Voting will be open from now until the end of June 2025. Bonus: You’ll be entered to win an 8-day trip along the Rhine! Read more ▶
Visit Savannah Shares New Meetings Advertising Video
 
Visit Savannah is excited to share a brand-new 30-second Meetings advertising video! This dynamic spot features beautiful footage around Savannah, as well as updated visuals of the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center. Read more ▶
Visitor Center Staff Tours Massie Heritage Center
 
On Wednesday, June 11, the staff from the Visit Savannah and Visit Tybee Visitor Information Centers enjoyed an informative outing to the Massie Heritage Center. For some, it was their very first visit, while for others, it was a wonderful reintroduction to the incredible exhibits and educational opportunities the center offers for all ages. Read more ▶
Visit Savannah's Communications Manager Connects with Top Media at PRSA Conference
 
Earlier this month, Visit Savannah's PR Manager Tanvi Chauhan represented Savannah at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Travel & Tourism Conference held in Tampa, Florida. The annual gathering brought together destination marketing professionals from across the country to exchange insights and build relationships with key media. Read more ▶
Visit Savannah's Joe Marinelli Celebrates Grand Opening of Savannah Culinary Institute at Ribbon Cutting
 
Last week, Visit Savannah's Joe Marinelli attended the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Savannah Culinary Institute, powered by Savannah Technical College. The state-of-the-art facility, located at 7 West Bay Street in historic Savannah, marks a significant milestone for Savannah Technical College and the culinary landscape of our region. Read more ▶

SPORTS COUNCIL NEWS

Savannah Sports Council Seeks Volunteers for 2025 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships
 
The 2025 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships are coming to Savannah July 21–27—and volunteers are the heartbeat of this incredible event. From athlete check-in to event support, there's a volunteer role for everyone. Sign up and we look forward to seeing you there! Read more ▶

MEMBER NEWS

Shuk Mediterranean Launches Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Drinks
 
Shuk Mediterranean is now serving up two limited-edition drinks inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate trend: the Dubai Chocolate Latte and Dubai Chocolate Martini. Infused with pistachio and tahini, both drinks offer a rich, nutty twist on classic favorites—perfect for a summer indulgence. Read more ▶
Savannah Culinary Institute Releases Summer Schedule
 
The Savannah Culinary Institute, powered by Savannah Tech, released a new schedule in anticipation of their summer semester. Make a reservation to experience their historic downtown Savannah restaurant or grab a bite to-go at the retail cafe. Read more ▶