NEWS

This week, students in the Student Leadership Program (SLP) had the opportunity to engage with two of Savannah’s key leaders—Bert Brantley, President and CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, and Jay Melder, Savannah’s City Manager—during a special session at Gulfstream Aerospace.

SLP is a community-driven initiative designed to prepare students for success beyond the classroom. It provides exposure to career pathways through industry tours, leadership workshops, and community service projects. The program helps develop future talent to meet the region’s workforce needs.

During their discussion, Brantley and Melder emphasized the vital role of public service, the impact of elected officials, and the opportunities available through entrepreneurship. They highlighted how the Chamber and the City of Savannah collaborate to drive economic growth and community success.

Brantley and Melder inspired students to think about their future roles in shaping Savannah’s business and government landscape by sharing their insights on leadership, civic engagement, and career development. The Chamber is proud to support programs like SLP that cultivate the next generation of leaders and strengthen our community’s workforce.