NEWS

Throughout 2025, the Chamber advanced key advocacy priorities that strengthened the region’s economic foundation. Here is a look at the 2025 Impact Report

Our Biggest Advocacy Wins

• Partnered in a statewide effort to bring greater balance to Georgia’s civil litigation system
• Helped advance reductions in state income taxes for retired military members
• Secured a significant investment in a regional water plan to serve our community for the next 30–40 years
• Joined with the Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless to advocate for an urban camping ordinance at both City Council and County Commission—protecting public spaces while encouraging access to services
• Led the charge to pass SPLOST 8, funding critical infrastructure projects across the region
• Launched the Chamber’s first Local Policy Agenda to communicate the business community’s priorities to elected leaders clearly.

Chamber by the Numbers

• Hosted 101 Chamber events with more than 6,500 attendees
• Launched new member-focused programs, including:
  • Enrich Tuesdays
  • Member Service Days
  • Industry Council Meetings
• Hosted our first-ever regional LEADS Trips, taking Savannah leaders to Charleston and Nashville to learn from thriving metro areas facing similar challenges.
• Engaged 1,500 members through the Ambassadors Council—supporting events and strengthening member connections
• Produced our first truly regional job fair with RISE and coastal partners, welcoming 120+ employers and 2,400 job seekers
• Hosted a first-of-its-kind Small Business Mixer at Eastern Wharf with the Greater Savannah Black Chamber, Downtown Business Association, and Metropolitan Hispanic Chamber
• Welcomed 363 new members, with more than one-third qualifying as minority- or women-owned businesses
• Retained 90%+ of existing members, well above industry averages
• Delivered the strongest Business Expo in Chamber history, with 800+ attendees and 80+ exhibiting companies
• Launched a Ribbon Cutting Task Force, sponsored by The Current Agency, completing 112 ribbon cuttings in 2025
• Celebrated 49 new graduates of Leadership Savannah

Expanding Our Reach

• Generated nearly 500,000 video views on Facebook alone, expanding our reach to members and the broader community like never before

2025 Chamber Award Recipients

• Ambassador of the Year Award – George Freeman
• Dr. Joe Buck Legacy Award – Somi Benson-Jaja

Both individuals are exceptional assets to our community, exemplifying leadership, dedication, and a commitment to serving others.

The evening also included a heartfelt tribute honoring two giants of our community—Don Waters and the late Cliff McCurry—as recipients of the Oglethorpe Award. Both men embodied the true spirit of servant leadership, leaving enduring legacies that continue to inspire the people of Savannah.

• Click HERE to view the moving dedication videos celebrating our 2025 Oglethorpe Award honorees.

This recap highlights just a portion of the many programs and initiatives delivered throughout the year. Taken together, 2025 stands out as a season of firsts, record-setting achievements, and strong collaboration.

The Chamber team remained fully intact throughout the year and continued to operate at a high level, delivering meaningful impact for members and strengthening the region’s business community. That success is made possible through the continued engagement and support of the Chamber’s membership.

Together, these efforts position the Chamber and its members for continued momentum and a prosperous 2026.