James_Sept-Oct_2025_web - Flipbook - Page 90
PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT
places where these two left their
mark, and the truth is their legacies
aren’t yet complete. Leaders today
and in the future will continue to
follow the examples set by these
giants. Savannah’s people lead
today so that others will benefit
tomorrow, and decades from now.
I hope the point you take away
after reading this is that we tend
to focus too much on institutions
and too little on the people that
make them work. We focus too
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much attention on those who
insist on standing in front of the
camera instead of the work being
done behind it.
That’s the role that every local
Chamber of Commerce plays in
their communities. We put in the
work, through our boards, our
councils and our support of the
organizations that are making a
difference. There are incredible
Georgians across the state just like
Robert James, “Catfish” Jackson
and Cliff McCurry that show up for
the benefit of others.
Savannah’s success has had
many catalysts along the way. Our
location gives us advantages in
manufacturing, logistics and militarily. Our history and culture draw
visitors from across the globe. And
our quality of life keeps generations
of families here while also attracting new residents like us.
None of this happened by accident. By highlighting those who
have made it possible, we can inspire those who will take up these
roles in the future. And because of
our people, James magazine can
keep devoting pages in future editions to our success.
Bert Brantley is President & CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, the leading
business advocacy organization in Savannah
for more than 219 years. He moved to the coast
in 2023 after more than 20 years serving in
various leadership positions in state government
in Atlanta.
