Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Honors Local Businesses at 2023 Business Awards Banquet
SAVANNAH, GA (October 19, 2023) – The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce honored local businesses at the 2023 Chamber Business Awards Banquet at the Hyatt Regency Savannah on Thursday, October 19.
At the annual event, the Chamber recognizes standout leaders in the community each year and honors individuals and companies representing Savannah’s economic drivers, including hospitality, manufacturing, and small businesses.
“This year, we received some exceptional nominations, the majority of which were put forward by fellow businesses and community experts in their field,” said Bert Brantley, president and CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate those who took the time to nominate these outstanding leaders and organizations. Choosing the final candidates was a formidable task due to the abundance of well-qualified applicants within the business community.”
The following businesses and individuals were honored at the 2023 Chamber Business Awards Banquet:
SMALL BUSINESS
WINNER: The Savannah Tribune
Presented to a company that has achieved success in its business through growth and quality performance, innovative efforts, and active participation in the community. All nominees must be owners, partners, or major shareholders of a business in the Savannah area and must be active in the day-to-day operations of the business. The individual should advocate for his or her trade by participating in trade associations and community activities, as they will serve as an ambassador for small, local business owners during the year in which the award is received. Companies must have been established for a minimum of three years, with fewer than 50 employees and sales not exceeding $7 million.
Entrepreneur
WINNER: Michael Roberson – Savannah Sauce Company, Inc.
Celebrates those who are building and leading growing and dynamic businesses. This award is presented to an individual whose creative vision, talent and innovative thinking helps to develop opportunities for growth in business and community. This entrepreneur demonstrates the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and overcome obstacles, learn from experience, foster teamwork and build loyalty.
HELEN V. HEAD
WINNER: Trip Tollison – Savannah Economic Development Authority
Helen V. Head was the first female board chair of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, who is known for believing in and supporting small businesses. She was the first recipient of the Chamber’s Athena Award for her achievements as a woman in business. While the Chamber board chair in 1993, Head owned and operated a successful CPA firm while still finding time to give back to the community by serving on numerous boards and councils. The Helen V. Head Business Advocate Award goes to an individual who exemplifies dedication to the community while being a true advocate for local small businesses. Candidates’ companies must have been established for a minimum of three years.
HOSPITALITY
WINNER: Perry Lane Hotel
Presented to a business that demonstrates how to be a true steward and host. The business should embody the spirit of service so much that its guests visit again, relocate here and/or tell their family, friends and colleagues about the city. Nominees should also be engaged in social responsibility while contributing to the community by staying up-to-date with tourism trends by educating potential visitors about all Savannah has to offer. Examples of potential award recipients include hotels, museums, art galleries, restaurants, tour companies and retail establishments.
ENVIRONMENTAL
WINNER: Chatham Area Transit Authority
Presented to a manufacturing company that has demonstrated outstanding performance in its efforts to maintain a quality environment for Savannah in 2017. Examples of the criteria for the award include achievement in any of the following areas: emissions reduction, pollution prevention projects, reduction in hazardous waste generated, reduction in usage/storage of EHS chemicals, water conservation, waste recycling, and special products.
GULFSTREAM
WINNER: Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity
Presented to a company that conducted an outstanding community outreach project during 2023. The activities can vary to include involvement with a partnership school, company involvement in the coordination of a fundraising event for a charitable organization, ongoing community relations efforts, open house programs for the community, educating the public regarding an issue of concern, or any other project that encouraged interaction between the nominated business and the community.
CORNERSTONE
WINNER: The Dive Savannah
Recognizes a non-profit company whose mission directly supports Savannah’s business community. It is intended to represent, acknowledge, and encourage a non-profit partnership to result in a richer, better trained, and more diverse and inclusive human resource pool.
MANUFACTURER
WINNER: Pratt Industries
The Manufacturer of the Year Award is presented to a company that has achieved success in its business through growth and quality performance, innovative efforts, and active participation in the community. Manufacturing provides more than 17,500 jobs in the Savannah Area. In addition, manufacturing brings suppliers, distributors, and transportation companies to our area. The Manufacturer of the Year Award is given to a company that has contributed to the overall prosperity of our local economy.
For more information, contact Erica Backus with the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce at Ebackus@VisitSavannah.com or 912.704.3500
