seda annual report 2024
seda annual report 2024
For the sixth consecutive year, the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) was honored with a Mac Conway Award by Site Selection magazine.
Named for Conway Data Founder Mac Conway, the prestigious award celebrates the organizations and individuals who work relentlessly to bring both large and small projects to their communities.
While new projects continued to fill the SEDA calendar, a major focus for the marketing team in 2024 was the launch of the Regional Industry Support Enterprise (RISE).
As the RISE team formed working groups, hosted meetings, and presented to key stakeholders to build public awareness, the marketing team worked in parallel to establish the organization’s identity – crafting consistent branding and logos to ensure a professional and cohesive presence from the start.
In addition to supporting RISE, the team took on new challenges with the launch of Succeed in Savannah – a campaign aimed at attracting talent from outside Georgia to meet the region’s growing workforce demands. In 2024, SEDA joined Visit Savannah’s Surprisingly Savannah tour, visiting six cities to promote the abundant job opportunities and exceptional quality of life available in Coastal Georgia. At the same time, the team rolled out a targeted social media campaign spotlighting local careers and lifestyle perks, along with a new website that serves as a central hub for all things Coastal Georgia.
SEDA’s highly anticipated annual St. Patrick’s Day and Thanksgiving mailers remain a favorite among partners and clients, combining gratitude, regional pride, and a taste of Savannah.
This year, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Savannah’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade, SEDA sent out a festive box packed with local favorites. The gift included Salacia Salts lip balm, Byrd cheddar biscuits, Lottiebelle’s candied pecans, Savannah’s signature aluminum to-go cups, green beads and a custom 200th anniversary tote – showcasing the charm and creativity of Savannah’s local businesses.
SEDA kicked off 2024 with its Annual Meeting on January 4, drawing a sold-out crowd of more than 1,200 attendees. The event featured writer, researcher, and Inlay Insights founder Kim Lear as the keynote speaker, who offered insights into generational trends and workplace dynamics.
The event also marked a historic leadership transition: SEDA Board of Directors Chairperson Paul Hinchey passed the gavel to Vice Chairperson Kay Ford—who now serves as the first woman chairperson in SEDA’s 99-year history.
Another highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the newly named Monahan Drive at the Savannah Chatham Manufacturing Center, honoring longtime Chatham County Assistant County Manager and City of Savannah City Manager Pat Monahan. “Pat served Chatham County and Savannah for more than 35 years, and among his many accomplishments was his instrumental role in making the Savannah Chatham Manufacturing Center happen,” said SEDA President and CEO Trip Tollison. “Pat epitomizes the best you can find in public service—which, in my opinion, is integrity mixed with a ‘can-do’ attitude matched with results.”
