NEWS

The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a year of extraordinary progress during its 219th Annual Meeting, held Thursday evening and attended by more than 200 Chamber members and community leaders. The event highlighted key achievements from 2025 while setting an optimistic tone for the year ahead.

Throughout 2025, the Chamber secured major statewide advocacy wins, including progress on civil litigation reform, state income tax relief for retired military members, and a significant investment in a regional water plan designed to serve coastal Georgia for the next 30 to 40 years. Locally, the Chamber advanced key policy priorities by partnering with the Interfaith Coalition on Homelessness to support an urban camping ordinance, leading the successful passage of SPLOST 8 for critical infrastructure, and launching its first-ever Local Policy Agenda.

The Chamber also strengthened its role as a trusted convener, hosting state and federal leaders—including representatives from the Federal Reserve, Insurance Commissioner John King, and multiple state agencies—who sought direct engagement with Savannah’s business community.

Workforce and leadership development remained a priority. In partnership with RISE and coastal chambers, the Chamber hosted its first truly regional job fair, attracting over 120 employers and 2,400 job seekers. The Chamber also launched its inaugural regional LEADS program, which featured a day trip to Charleston and a multi-day leadership visit to Nashville, attended by more than 70 regional leaders. Planning is already underway for LEADS 2026 in New Orleans.

Additional highlights included a first-of-its-kind Small Business Mixer during Small Business Week at Eastern Wharf, record-setting attendance at the 2025 Business Expo with over 800 attendees and 80 exhibitors, and the creation of a Ribbon Cutting Task Force that supported 111 ribbon cuttings in 2025, assisted by more than 40 volunteers.

Membership growth and engagement reached new heights, with 363 new members welcomed—more than one-third of which were minority- or women-owned—and retention exceeded 90 percent, well above the industry average. Leadership Savannah celebrated the graduation of 49 participants, while the Chamber’s digital presence achieved a record level of engagement, with nearly 500,000 Facebook video views.

Emceed by Rabbi Robert Haas of Congregation Mickve Israel, the evening also honored outstanding leaders and contributors. Awards included Ambassador of the Year to George M. Freeman, Jr., and the Dr. Joe Buck Legacy Award to Somi Benson-Jaja.

The Chamber’s highest honor, the James Oglethorpe Leadership Award, was presented posthumously to Cliff McCurry and accepted by his son, Jamie McCurry, and family. The award was also given to Don Waters, recognizing his longstanding leadership and advocacy for education in Savannah and across Georgia.

Experience heartfelt tribute videos celebrating the remarkable contributions and enduring legacies of Cliff McCurry and Don Waters, as shared by colleagues and friends.

The Annual Meeting also marked a leadership transition for the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Chairman Brad Harmon of HunterMaclean concluded his two-year term, during which the Chamber advanced major advocacy priorities, strengthened regional collaboration, and navigated a period of significant growth and momentum for Savannah’s business community. Harmon ceremonially passed the gavel to Jamie McCurry of the Georgia Ports Authority, who will serve as Chairman of the Board for the 2026–2027 term. Under McCurry’s leadership, the Chamber looks forward to building on its strong foundation while continuing to champion policies and partnerships that support economic growth across the region.

As the Chamber looks ahead, it remains committed to building on this momentum—advancing policies, partnerships, and programs that strengthen Savannah’s business community and region for years to come.