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.

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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

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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