The first episode of Savannah Chamber Connect - from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce - hosted by Dee Daniels, introduces the podcast’s focus on Savannah’s business community through conversations with civic, nonprofit, and business leaders.

In “The Hot Seat,” Chamber President and CEO Bert Brantley interviews City Manager Jay Melder about year-round planning for St. Patrick’s Day, including public safety coordination, sanitation cleanup, and city service impacts.

The episode also spotlights 2026 Chamber Business Awards Cornerstone winner Julie Wade, executive director of Tharros Place, a residential program for human trafficking survivors ages 12–17, discussing awareness, trauma-informed care, staffing, and community support needs.

An advocacy update with Jared Downs covers state legislative priorities and funding, including Riverwalk repairs, a robotics academy at Georgia Tech Savannah, and tax credit and arts exemption bills.

Superstar Member Spotlight features Emily McCarthy, who shares the growth of her design and retail brand and new Victory Drive headquarters, including the Joy Club wine bar.

The “What’s Up” segment previews Chamber events such as speed networking, coffee chats, member benefits bootcamp, and a Chamber Connect launch party.

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MEET EMILY MCCARTHY

MEET THARROS PLACE

MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM

MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD

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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to Chamber Connect

00:30 Episode Roadmap

01:48 Hot Seat Begins

02:16 St Patrick's Day Planning

04:23 Cleanup and Public Safety

06:09 Sanitation Ride Along

08:03 Why Savannah Matters

09:28 Chamber City Partnership

11:37 Cornerstone Winner Spotlight

12:27 What Is Tharros Place

14:03 Trafficking Awareness Reality

16:25 Trauma Informed Care

18:09 Staffing and Small Wins

20:42 Programs and Community Support

24:17 Advocacy Update Starts

24:58 Budget Wins for Savannah

26:49 Bills to Watch Next

27:04 Historic Tax Credits Update

27:22 Hub Council Statewide Push

28:20 Fine Arts Ticket Exemption

29:01 Capitol Check-In and Wrap

29:39 Emily McCarthy Spotlight

30:38 From Stationery to Storefront

33:22 Clothing Line and Pandemic Pivot

35:24 New HQ and Joy Club Bar

39:32 Customer Led Design Lessons

41:25 Creativity Balance and Inspiration

44:04 Hot Items and Signature Style

46:26 Chamber Events Speed Networking

47:53 Coffee Chats at SCAD Cafe

50:05 Member Benefits Bootcamp

52:13 Launch Party and Small Biz Month