This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect features a "Hot Seat" interview with Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp on why Savannah has been a priority for state investment, including the Convention Center expansion, port growth, and the Hyundai plant and its suppliers, emphasizing workforce opportunity and economic development across southeast Georgia.

The show also celebrates Dee Daniels and Megan Mason of Dee Daniels Media as the Chamber’s 2026 Entrepreneurs of the Year, discussing their podcast production approach, client work, mobile studio recordings, podcast advertising, and expansion into audiobook production.

Conni Reynolds, Director of Executive Events & Strategic Project, explains InternSAV, a free Chamber program connecting interns through networking and community experiences to encourage them to return to Savannah after graduation.

Connor Buchanan, Small Business Programs Chair, shares results from the Chamber’s first small business survey, highlighting business longevity, common challenges like sales, costs, cash flow, and AI adoption, and member needs for networking and resources. Upcoming events include a small business job fair, Member Services Day, and a Mega Chamber mixer before the first Savannah Steel game.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

Explore upcoming events

From Bert’s Hot Seat: Governor Brian Kemp

From the Winners Circle: Dee Daniels Media, 2026 Entrepreneurs of the Year

What’s Up: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce

INTERN SAV

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 Opens

01:16 Governor In Hot Seat

03:16 Convention Center Boom

06:01 Ports Growth Strategy

08:41 Hyundai Jobs Impact

10:51 Leadership Focus Advice

15:41 Entrepreneurs Of Year

18:20 Podcast Craft Process

21:48 Mobile Studio Highlights

24:23 Advertising And Future

30:16 Favorite Podcast Moments

31:15 Editing Audio Magic

33:04 Nonprofit Stories Impact

34:20 Entrepreneur Award Thanks

35:10 Intern SAV Overview

37:56 Kickoff Events Networking

39:25 Intern Success Stories

40:18 How to Join InternSAV

41:21 Networking Survival Skills

42:55 Small Business Survey Insights

45:13 Challenges Sales AI

46:19 What Works Team Culture

48:09 Chamber Support Expectations

51:34 Savannah Business Diversity

53:40 Making Events More Meaningful

55:56 Calendar Job Fair Events

57:18 Mega Chamber Mixer Steel

59:16 Sponsor Mission Closing