Savannah Chamber Connect

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.

Savannah Chamber Connect is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 12 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Savannah Chamber Connect, a business show with 12 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #13

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

  Aug 18, 202646 min

  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

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #12

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

  Aug 4, 20261h 1m

  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

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #11

  OpenAI Gives Details, Answers Questions About Project Camellia

  Jul 28, 202627 min

  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

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #10

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

  Jul 21, 202640 min

  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

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #9

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

  Jul 7, 202653 min

  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

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Savannah Chamber Connect. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.