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:

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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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

This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce features Chamber CEO Bert Brantley’s Hot Seat interview with Union Mission leader Mike Traynor on the organization’s housing and support services across southeast Georgia, the opening of a $5 million resource center repurposing a former Family Dollar with partners like Emmaus House, and ways the business community can help through donations, volunteers, and needed men’s clothing.

The episode recaps the 2026 legislative session with VP of Government Affairs Jared Downes, highlighting state investments including $42.8 million for Savannah State, operations funding for the Gateway Children & Adolescents Crisis Stabilization Unit, funding for Savannah Tech’s aviation expansion, a fourth state court judge, and the Georgia Early Literacy Act, plus vetoed tax credit items.

It spotlights the Chamber’s 50-member Ambassador Council and upcoming events including Business on the Move, Intern SAV networking, Tybee Coffee Chats, Expo sponsorships and workshops, and an Enrich Tuesday on avoiding burnout.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

Explore upcoming events

From Bert’s Hot Seat: Michael Traynor President/CEO Union Mission

Get the Latest Events: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce

Savannah Chamber's Ambassador Spotlight:

Matt Ambrosy - Ambassador Chair AVP, Commercial Relationship Manager at Fifth Third Bank

Mahogany Bowers - Ambassador Co - Chair Founder Blessings in A Book Bag

Tara Reese - Member Relations Manager

MEET OUR PRODUCTION TEAM

MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD

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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Show Opening

01:18 Hot Seat Union Mission

02:16 Union Mission Impact

05:08 New Resource Center

09:12 Dignity And Clients

10:46 Raising Hope Gala

13:27 How To Support

17:44 Legislative Session Recap

18:06 Budget Wins And Bills

20:24 Vetoes And Tax Credits

22:28 Special Session Update

25:16 Ambassador Council Spotlight

25:48 What Ambassadors Do

27:51 First Connection Stories

28:20 Parking Lot Connection

30:10 Ambassador Meetings Outreach

32:10 Volunteer Days Recognition

34:58 Mahogany Ambassador Benefits

40:48 Mentorship Confidence Building

44:47 First Steps For Members

47:40 Summer Events Calendar

50:38 Expo Sponsorship Workshop

52:48 Enrich Tuesday Burnout

54:48 Sponsors Closing Message

This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce features Dee Daniels interviewing Marley Davis of Southern Cross Hospitality, named 2026 Hospitality Business of the Year, discussing its restaurant portfolio, hospitality-first culture, international influences, and an upcoming Italian concept, Laveta, planned for end of June on Broughton Street.

In the Hot Seat, Savannah Bananas and Fans First Entertainment CFO Tim Naddy shares his accounting and theater background, mentoring focus, and how the Bananas’ national expansion still drives economic impact in Savannah while offering partnership opportunities with players and coaches.

Dee spotlights Jan and Todd Womble of Savannah Logistics Group, founded in 2017 with four trucks and now nearing 100, including Big Rig University to help drivers become owner-operators. Jennifer Davenport provides a community update on homelessness policy, PIT Count results showing major reductions in encampments and unsheltered homelessness since 2023, and the need for prevention dollars. Visit Savannah CEO Joe Marinelli reviews the 2025 tourism impact study, noting normalization after record post-pandemic years and efforts to develop new demand-generating events.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

Explore upcoming events

From Bert’s Hot Seat: Tim Naddy, Vice President of Finance - The Savannah Bananas

From the Winners Circle: Marley Davis, Marketing Coordinator Southern Cross Hospitality (Hospitality Business of the Year Award) ​

Get the Latest Events: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce

Superstar Member Spotlight: Todd Womble - CEO AND Jan Womble - CPO Savannah Logistics Group

Highlights: Jennifer Davenport Vice President, Community Affairs & In-House Counsel - Head of Leadership Savannah, Savannah Chamber

Highlights: Joe Marinelli, President & CEO Visit Savannah

MEET OUR PRODUCTION TEAM

MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD

Follow for updates:

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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Show Opening

01:01 Hospitality Award Spotlight

02:12 Restaurants Under The Brand

04:00 Global Flavors Local Heart

06:05 Team Culture And Growth

07:56 Favorite Dishes Fast Picks

09:15 Bananas CFO Hot Seat

12:22 Mentoring Through Finance

17:02 Savannah Impact Of Banana Ball

19:46 Partnering With Players

24:25 Podcast Plug And Wrap

25:20 Next Guest Tease Logistics

25:59 Starting With Four Trucks

26:40 Early Grind And Reflection

27:48 Culture Built On Faith

29:46 Scaling And Driver Opportunity

30:45 Big Rig University Explained

33:22 Mentoring And Team Development

34:12 Advice For Logistics Careers

37:03 Homeless Authority Origins

38:08 Interagency Council Role

39:11 PIT Count And Progress

40:56 What Drove The Improvements

42:19 Priorities Prevention And Housing

44:17 Tourism Impact Study Overview

45:43 2025 Takeaways And Trends

47:41 New Demand Generators

49:27 Joe Marinelli Quick Wrap

50:56 Sponsor Thanks And Closing