Savannah Chamber Connect

Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Business
  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. Sep 29

    Banana Ball, SCAD & SEC Volleyball: Three Forces Shaping Savannah

    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect, presented by Vaden Automotive, features three conversations with leaders and community voices shaping Savannah’s business, education, workforce, and sports landscape.   In the Superstar Member Spotlight, Chamber President and CEO Bert Brantley sits down with Nick Wilson, Player #33 for the Indianapolis Clowns, to discuss his journey from college baseball and a career outside of the sport to becoming a Banana Ball player. Wilson shares the story of his unforgettable tryout, the history and legacy of the Indianapolis Clowns, and his personal connection to the Negro Leagues through his grandfather. He also talks about building an authentic personal brand, representing the Clowns’ history, and using his platform to inspire and educate others.   The episode then features The Hot Seat with Erin O’Leary, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). O’Leary discusses SCAD’s economic and cultural impact on Savannah, the university’s community initiatives and hands-on student experiences, and how programs such as SCADpro and the new SCAD Backlot connect students with real-world opportunities. She also highlights SCAD’s growing programs in robotics, artificial intelligence, music, and other emerging fields, as well as the university’s continued focus on preparing students for professional careers.   Finally, Joe Marinelli, President and CEO of Visit Savannah, joins the conversation to discuss Savannah’s growing reputation as a sports destination. Marinelli talks about the upcoming SEC Women’s Volleyball Championship, the opportunities it creates for local businesses, and how major sporting events can generate economic activity, national exposure, and future opportunities for the Savannah region. He also discusses the role of Savannah’s expanding sports infrastructure and the community’s participation in major events, including Banana Ball.   The Hot Seat: Erin Lee O’Leary Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Savannah College of Art and Design   Superstar Member Spotlight: Nick Wilson Indianapolis Clowns, Player #33 Instagram: @nickwilson_33 Banana Ball – Nick Wilson   Joe Marinelli, President & CEO, Visit Savannah SEC Volleyball Tournament Visit Savannah – SEC Volleyball Championship   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 Opening 00:45 Meet Nick Wilson 01:46 From College to Banana Ball 04:27 Banana Ball Tryout 08:29 Draft Night Breakthrough 10:10 Indianapolis Clowns Legacy 14:18 Negro Leagues Family Ties 16:44 Building a Personal Brand 21:40 Playoff Plug and Farewell 22:11 SCAD Hot Seat Intro 22:31 SCAD Back to Campus 23:44 Economic and Cultural Impact 25:39 SCAD Resources for Community 26:06 SCAD Serve Impact 26:51 Good 560 Nonprofit Projects 27:09 SCADpro Industry Partnerships 29:02 SCAD Backlot Opens 31:04 Atlanta and Lacoste Options 33:14 New Degrees and Music 35:20 Savannah Economic Impact 36:40 Relentless Career Readiness 39:25 SEC Volleyball Comes 41:31 Local Contributor Program 43:43 Attendance and Exposure 45:59 Growing Sports Amenities 47:12 Banana Ball Buzz 48:12 Sponsor and Wrap Up

  2. Sep 15

    Live Oak Fiber’s Expansion, Georgia Workforce Skills, and Georgia Ports Authority’s Next Chapter

    This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect, presented by Vaden Automotive, features three conversations with leaders shaping Savannah and Georgia’s business, workforce, and economic future.   In the Superstar Member Spotlight, Chamber President and CEO Bert Brantley sits down with Steve Smith, Chief Revenue Officer of Live Oak Fiber, to discuss the company’s rapid growth, its expanding fiber network across the Savannah area, and plans to invest approximately $150–$200 million throughout the greater Savannah region. Smith also talks about Live Oak Fiber’s buildout on Tybee Island, the company’s community-focused approach, its Live Oak Locale initiative, and the growing importance of reliable high-speed internet as more professionals work remotely and choose the coastal Georgia lifestyle.   The episode then features Quick Questions with Erica, as Erica Backus, Vice President of Communications and Social Inclusion for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Savannah, speaks with Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes about the future of Georgia’s workforce. Holmes discusses the importance of adaptability, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and technological skills, as well as efforts to better align education and workforce development with the needs of Georgia employers.   Finally, Bert puts Kevin Price, the new President of the Georgia Ports Authority, in the Hot Seat for a wide-ranging conversation about Savannah’s competitive advantages as a global port, the importance of the port community and labor partnerships, and the Georgia Ports Authority’s statewide economic impact. Price discusses the Port’s long-term planning, the expansion of Ocean Terminal and the future Savannah Container Terminal, infrastructure improvements designed to support larger vessels and improve regional transportation, and the role the Port plays in supporting jobs and economic activity across Georgia.   Bert's Hot Seat: Kevin Price President, Georgia Ports Authority Georgia Ports Authority Superstar Member Spotlight: Steve Smith Chief Revenue Officer, Live Oak Fiber Live Oak Fiber Live Oak Locale – Community Engagement Quick Questions with Erica: Barbara Rivera Holmes Georgia Labor Commissioner Erica Backus Vice President of Communications and Social Inclusion Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce & Visit Savannah Georgia Department of Labor   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 and Guests 01:31 Live Oak Fiber Spotlight 02:34 Why Savannah and Expansion 04:54 Major Investment Plans 07:10 Tybee Island Buildout 08:16 Community Engagement Mission 10:44 Connectivity and Remote Work 12:26 Quick Questions Workforce Skills 14:31 Hot Seat Kevin Price 15:08 Savannah Port Advantage 17:57 Leadership and Transition 19:32 Griff Lynch Legacy 21:40 COVID Leadership Style 22:08 ALA Supply Chain Partners 23:31 Port Community Spotlight 24:25 Economic Impact Explained 26:21 Expansion Plans Ahead 26:56 Ocean Terminal Timeline 28:01 Planning and GDOT Projects 29:53 Bridge Raise for Bigger Ships 31:19 Life Outside the Port 32:16 Transition and Future Vision 34:38 Sponsor and Closing Message

  3. Sep 1

    Celebrating Savannah's Culture and Community: From Diaspora Marketplace to the Bananas' Playoff Fever

    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 Shinhoster Diaspora 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

  4. Aug 18

    Bank of America’s Sharon Miller on Savannah Growth | Blessings in a Book Bag | AI Updates for Small Business

    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 Miller President of Business Banking for Bank of America   Superstar Member Spotlight: Mahogany Bowers Founder, Blessings in a Bookbag   Council Update: Chris Andre CRM & 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

  5. Aug 4

    Building Bridges: Film Commission Insights, Nine Line's Journey, and Ribbon Cuttings

    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 Commission wdalton@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

  6. Jul 28

    OpenAI Gives Details, Answers Questions About Project Camellia

    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

  7. Jul 21

    Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present: From George Washington to Banana Ball

    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

  8. Jul 7

    The Hot Seat on Community Leadership, Tybee Marine Science Center Turtle Season, and Business Expo Booth Tips

    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

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5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Savannah Chamber Connect

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