This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce features Chamber CEO Bert Brantley’s Hot Seat interview with Union Mission leader Mike Traynor on the organization’s housing and support services across southeast Georgia, the opening of a $5 million resource center repurposing a former Family Dollar with partners like Emmaus House, and ways the business community can help through donations, volunteers, and needed men’s clothing.

The episode recaps the 2026 legislative session with VP of Government Affairs Jared Downes, highlighting state investments including $42.8 million for Savannah State, operations funding for the Gateway Children & Adolescents Crisis Stabilization Unit, funding for Savannah Tech’s aviation expansion, a fourth state court judge, and the Georgia Early Literacy Act, plus vetoed tax credit items.

It spotlights the Chamber’s 50-member Ambassador Council and upcoming events including Business on the Move, Intern SAV networking, Tybee Coffee Chats, Expo sponsorships and workshops, and an Enrich Tuesday on avoiding burnout.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

Explore upcoming events

From Bert’s Hot Seat: Michael Traynor President/CEO Union Mission

Get the Latest Events: Samantha Wilkins, Small Business & Events Manager, Savannah Chamber of Commerce

Savannah Chamber's Ambassador Spotlight:

Matt Ambrosy - Ambassador Chair AVP, Commercial Relationship Manager at Fifth Third Bank

Mahogany Bowers - Ambassador Co - Chair Founder Blessings in A Book Bag

Tara Reese - Member Relations Manager

MEET OUR PRODUCTION TEAM

MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD

Follow for updates:

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Show Opening

01:18 Hot Seat Union Mission

02:16 Union Mission Impact

05:08 New Resource Center

09:12 Dignity And Clients

10:46 Raising Hope Gala

13:27 How To Support

17:44 Legislative Session Recap

18:06 Budget Wins And Bills

20:24 Vetoes And Tax Credits

22:28 Special Session Update

25:16 Ambassador Council Spotlight

25:48 What Ambassadors Do

27:51 First Connection Stories

28:20 Parking Lot Connection

30:10 Ambassador Meetings Outreach

32:10 Volunteer Days Recognition

34:58 Mahogany Ambassador Benefits

40:48 Mentorship Confidence Building

44:47 First Steps For Members

47:40 Summer Events Calendar

50:38 Expo Sponsorship Workshop

52:48 Enrich Tuesday Burnout

54:48 Sponsors Closing Message