2018

By the Numbers

13

Expansions / Announcements

81

New Attraction Projects Worked

4.1M

Additional Square Footage

1906

New Job Opportunities

$500M+

Total Investment

Business Development


The expansion and retention of companies already here and the attraction of those yet to come are SEDA’s ultimate goals. Meeting these goals means more job opportunities for our region, more investment all around us and ultimately a better quality of life for our community.

2018 was a banner year for our region. With the help of our partners, thousands of new job opportunities and millions in investment were created.

In 2018, 13 percent of business development projects entering the pipeline were $100 million or more in investment and we had the second highest number of new job opportunities announced in SEDA’s recorded history.

WTC Savannah



WTCSav announces target countries

As a part of World Trade Center Savannah’s strategic plan to elevate Coastal Georgia on the global business stage, the organization develops a list of countries for proactive engagement. This exercise began as a project to understand how the Coastal Georgia region is connected to the rest of the world and how those connections evolve. The effort resulted in a target country process that helps the team advance the mission of WTCSav through data-driven decision making and focused efforts.

After an in-depth analysis of over 20,000 data points, including both qualitative and quantitative information, these countries emerged as those which hold the most potential for the region based on existing assets, industries, economic and political climate, connections and relationships. Selection of these target countries occur after a review of the extensive research performed with both public and private sources. Some highlights of each are outlined below.

Canada
  • Georgia’s top export market at $6.1B
  • Six World Trade Centers
  • Canadian Consul General based in Atlanta
  • 25 Canadian companies in region
  • Nine inbound/outbound delegations since 2016
Germany
  • Savannah’s second largest export and import market
  • Seven World Trade Center locations
  • German Consul General based in Atlanta
  • Georgia International Trade and Investment office based in Munich
  • 15 German companies operating in region
  • Five German delegates attended Savannah Gateway Regional Showcase 2018
  • Four outbound trade missions since 2016
Ireland
  • Sixth largest import market in Savannah
  • Two World Trade Center locations (Dublin and Belfast)
  • Irish Consul General based in Atlanta
  • Seven Irish companies in region
  • Georgia Southern University’s Sav/Wex Axis Project
  • Wexford-Savannah TradeBridge initiative
  • 11 inbound/outbound delegations since 2016
Ghana
  • World Trade Center Accra
  • Bi-National Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta
  • Relationships with high level national Ghanaian leadership
  • One inbound delegation since 2016
  • WTCA General Assembly to be held in Accra 2021
  • Rich in natural resources, largely untapped
Japan
  • Georgia exports to Japan totaled $1.36 billion in 2017
  • Three World Trade Center locations
  • Georgia International Trade office in Tokyo in operation for 45 years
  • Consul General in Atlanta
  • Two inbound delegations
  • Savannah’s 4th largest import market
  • 23 Japanese companies operating in region
  • Southeast U.S. Japan Conference 2019 to be hosted in Savannah
  • High-tech manufacturing and services sectors
United Kingdom
  • Georgia exports to the United Kingdom totaled $1.28 billion in 2017
  • Five World Trade Centers
  • Georgia International Trade office in the U.K.
  • Consul General in Atlanta
  • Savannah’s 3rd largest export market
  • Four inbound/outbound delegations
TradeBridge brings business deals

Group of people posing at a tasting for Ghost Coast Distillery

Ghost Coast Tasting.

"To have someone on the ground in Wexford (or Savannah) who knows the players and knows how to get things done is extraordinary; we’ve never done anything like this before."

Trip Tollison, SEDA and WTCSav president and CEO.

On March 16, 2018, SEDA, WTCSav, the Wexford, Ireland County Council, the Wexford, Ireland Enterprise Centre and the Wexford, Ireland Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of TradeBridge, a joint international pilot program designed to drive international trade and investment between the Savannah region and Wexford County, Ireland.

The TradeBridge initiative was designed to foster an effective and proactive economic network and bring long-term economic value to both regions. Savannah and Wexford will serve as starting points for business growth throughout both regions, countries and continents. Since 2016 a series of international visits to Savannah and Wexford by key representatives were organized to gain a better understanding of the substantial historical links between the regions and to explore potential joint venture prospects. The result of the visits led to the development of TradeBridge.

“The utilization of this strategic partnership will deliver growth opportunities for our small-medium sized companies and organizations in both regions, and the growth of these companies will in turn deliver sustainable job creation in Savannah, Georgia and County Wexford, Ireland,” said Brendan Ennis, Wexford Enterprise Centre Chairman at the launch of TradeBridge.

“TradeBridge is the culmination of years of research and collaboration,” said Brynn Grant, WTCSav Vice President. “Although Savannah and Wexford are each the tip of the spear in our respective areas, we hope to grow trade throughout our regions, across our nations and continents. Our goal is to help the businesses we serve generate revenue and create more jobs while cultivating long-term investment opportunities for our communities. We are truly building a bridge for international trade and investment.”

Originally the program was designed as an eight month pilot program where dedicated trade representatives worked on the ground in each location; one in Savannah and one in Wexford. Business development professionals from both regions were identified and facilitated trade opportunities for businesses from Wexford into the Savannah region.

In October 2018, a nine-person delegation spent four days in Savannah exploring opportunities for their businesses and organizations. The delegation included representation from Wexford Enterprise Center, Wexford County Council, Kent Stainless, Survipod, Poachers Tonic, and Jackford Gin. The week kicked off at the Savannah Philharmonic’s annual Picnic in the Park event. Throughout the week the delegates attended over 30 business to business meetings and attended two networking events resulting in trade leads for all companies involved. Notably, as a result of this mission, Survipod has signed a US distribution agreement with Ram Tool.

In November 2018, WTCSav led a delegation of businesses from the Coastal Georgia region to Southeast Ireland to explore business development and trade opportunities. Representatives from Georgia Southern University, Ghost Coast Distillery, Savannah Bee Company and Wet Willie’s participated in the trade mission. As a result, every participating business has qualified leads they are working to advance. Coastal Georgia companies and those in Wexford who want to do business internationally, are now a quick call or email away from starting the process.

WTCSav and Georgia Power host German business delegation for Savannah Gateway Regional Showcase
In April 2018, WTCSav in partnership with Georgia Power, welcomed an international business delegation from Bremen, Halle (Saale) and Munich, Germany for the Savannah Gateway Regional Showcase. The event, which coincided with the Savannah Music Festival, served as an opportunity to highlight the economic assets and strategic advantages of the Coastal Georgia region and how it can serve as an ideal gateway into the U.S. market.

The German delegation visited the Georgia Ports Authority.

The delegation was comprised of companies from the film, logistics, manufacturing and aerospace industries. Companies represented included KlangFee Media, KSB Pumps, Karl Gross Logistics and Aircraft Philipp Group.

The region was showcased through industry visits, targeted business-matchmaking meetings and networking opportunities. The delegation visited the Georgia Ports Authority, home to the Port of Savannah, the fourth largest and fastest-growing container port in North America. Additionally, the group toured PaR Marine in Brunswick, an international manufacturer specializing in aircraft elevators, as well as steering gear, fireproof technologies and door systems for ships and offshore constructions.

The group also visited Georgia Southern University, the fourth largest public university in Georgia located in Statesboro, as well as the internationally renowned university for creative careers, Savannah College of Art and Design. The week concluded with dinner at the former estate of Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company.

The delegation enjoyed the quality of life Coastal Georgia has to offer.

The German delegation visited several regional companies and institutions including Georgia Southern University.

DIRTT Environmental Solutions named WTCSav International Business of the Year

DIRTT Team

The DIRTT team receiving the World Trade Center International Business of the Year Award.

DIRTT Environmental Solutions (Doing it Right This Time) was awarded the 2018 World Trade Center Savannah International Business of the Year Award at the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce 2018 Chamber Business Awards Banquet in September 2018.

The World Trade Center International Business of the Year Award recognizes companies that excel in international trade and acknowledges the importance of trade to the Savannah region’s economy. DIRTT exemplifies this award as a manufacturing facility that not only supports customers throughout North America but their products are also exported from Savannah to Europe and the Middle East.

You can watch a video on DIRTT Environmental solutions here.

WTCSav Thanksgiving Mailer
Taking a cue from SEDA, World Trade Center Savannah started a Thanksgiving tradition in 2018 with a mailer and gift to their partners, clients and allies.

Looking to showcase the region they represent, WTCSav chose Kim’s Cheese Straws, which are made in Statesboro, Ga. located in Bulloch County. The Development Authority of Bulloch County is a partner of WTCSav.

Kim’s Cheese Straws grew from her grandmother’s recipes for cheese wafers. Using her own recipe and instincts, her business has grown from her kitchen to operating Marsh Cabin Bakery. Kim’s Cheese Straws are offered in eight flavors and more information can be found at kimscheesestraws.com.

Accountants/CPA Firms
Attorneys
Contract Furnishings/ Interior Design
WTCSav Financials Actual Fiscal 2018
Fiscal 2018: Accrual Revenue covered 61% of the total $589,139 expenses (including allocated expenses).
Fiscal 2017: Accrual Revenue covered 71% of the total $538,922 expenses (including allocated expenses).

The assumptions are: Direct Allocation includes 2 direct payroll, taxes and pension, insurance benefits, and telephone expenses. Indirect Allocation includes:

  • 75% of the Manager of Research and Trade Development
  • 30% of Vice President
  • 10% of President, Marketing, and Finance
  • Automobile; office supplies/expenses; and office space expenses.
Since Inception
WTCSav 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
Revenue $360,152 $381,704 $346,953 $333,915 $276,349 $202,344 $8,636 $0
Expenses $209,177 $212,376 $307,756 $245,747 $240,670 $213,183 $66,486 $308,630
Net Income before Allocations $150,975 $169,328 $39,197 $88,168 $35,680 ($10,839) ($57,850) ($308,630)
Allocated Expenses $379,962 $326,545 $369,428 $397,499 $372,415 $360,231 $0 $0
Net Income /(Loss) after Allocations ($228,987) ($157,217) ($330,231) ($309,331) ($336,735) ($371,070) ($57,850) ($308,630)
Accrual Income coverage 61.13% 70.83% 51.23% 51.91% 45.08% 35.29% 12.99% 0.00%
Accrual Income coverage excluding SWTCI 61.58% 71.63% 58.11% 56.53% 51.96% 37.90% 12.99% %0.00

Letters


Kevin Jackson

Chairman and CEO
EnviroVac

Read Letter

Hugh "Trip" Tollison

SEDA President & CEO
 

Read Letter

Scott Center

Chairman, World Trade Center Savannah
National Office Systems

Read Letter

The SEDA Team

The SEDA Board of Directors

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Left to Right Back Row: Kalpesh Patel, Trey Thompson, Quentin Marlin, Frank Macgill, Nina Gompels, Bill Hubbard, Robert E. James, Truitt Eavenson, Reed Dulany, Kay Ford, Stephen S. Green, Cheri Dean
Front Row:: Loretta Cockrum, John Coleman, Kevin Jackson, Joyce Roche’

2018 SEDA Board of Directors
  • Kevin JacksonChairman
    EnviroVac
  • John ColemanVice Chairman
    Bonitz of Georgia, Inc.
  • Paul HincheySecretary / Treasurer
    St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System
  • Bobby Chu
  • Loretta Cockrum
  • Trey Cook
  • Reed Dulany
  • Truitt Eavenson
  • Nina Gompels
  • Stephen S. Green
  • Bill Hubbard
  • Robert E. James
  • Frank Macgill
  • Quentin Marlin
  • Monica Mastrianni
  • David Paddison
  • Greg Parker
  • Kalpesh Patel
  • Willie Seymore

The SEDA Advisory Council

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2018 SEDA Advisory Council
  • Jennifer Abshire
  • Eugene "Bruce" Adams
  • Rex Benton
  • Russell Canady
  • Jason Coley
  • Stephen Coomer
  • Ricky DeLoach
  • Dr. Cheryl Dozier
  • Andrew Ernst
  • Danny Falligant
  • Kay Ford
  • Jenny Gentry
  • Holden Hayes
  • Brett Hulme
  • Dr. Ann Levett
  • Heath Lloyd
  • Griffith Lynch
  • Sam McCachern
  • Mike McCarthy
  • Martin Miller
  • Frank Peeples, Jr.
  • Gaye Reese
  • Joe Shearouse
  • Ansley Threlkeld

The SEDA Staff

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Left to Right Back Row: Jessie Bynum, Beth Nelson, Katie Schuck, Mark Sprosty, Antwone Smoak, Leia Dedic, Jesse Dillon, Cassie Beckwith, Matt Poyner, Leigh Ryan, Catalina Alcaraz-Guzman, Beth McLaughlin, Leigh Acevedo, Ralph Singleton, Angela Hendrix
Front Row:: Jen Bonnett, Trip Tollison, Brynn Grant, LeAndrea Mikell

The SEDA Staff
  • Trip TollisonPresident and CEO SEDA and World Trade Center Savannah
  • Leigh AcevedoDirector of Business Retention and Workforce Development
  • Catalina Alcaraz-GuzmanOffice Manager
    Savannah Regional Film Commission
  • Jen BonnettVice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Jessie BynumManager of Research and Trade Development
  • Leia DedicDirector of Research and Grant Management
  • Jesse DillonVice President of Business Development
  • Brynn GrantCOO, SEDA
    Vice President of World Trade Center Savannah
  • Angela HendrixDirector of Marketing and Public Relations
  • Beth McLaughlinExecutive Assistant and Office Manager
  • LeAndrea MikellPrograms and Marketing Coordinator
    World Trade Center Savannah
  • Beth NelsonExecutive Director
    Savannah Regional Film Commission
  • Leigh RyanDirector of Trade Services
    World Trade Center Savannah
    Foreign Trade Zone 104
  • Katie SchuckLocation Specialist
    Savannah Regional Film Commission
  • Ralph SingletonEntertainment Industry Liaison
    Savannah Regional Film Commission
  • Antwone SmoakAdministrative Assistant/Front Desk
  • Mark SprostyVice President of Finance and Administration
  • Andy YoungLocation Scout/Photographer
    Savannah Regional Film Commission

The Financials


Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Board of Directors of
Savannah Economic Development Authority

We have audited the consolidated statements of net position of the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and affiliates, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of revenues, expenses, and changes in fund net position and of cash flows for the years then ended.

The accompanying condensed financial information of SEDA as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is not a presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Reading the condensed financial statements; therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial statements of SEDA.

Management’s Responsibility
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

Opinion
In our opinion, the accompanying condensed financial information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the portion of the basic financial statements from which it has been derived.

Other Matters
SEDA has not presented the management’s discussion and analysis that the Governmental Auditing Standards Board has determined is necessary to supplement, although not required to be a part of, the basic financial statements.


Holland, Henry & Bromley, LLP
Holland, Bromley, Barnhill & Brett, LLP
Savannah, Georgia
April 29, 2019


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FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2018

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Position

December 31
Assets 2018 2017
Total Assets $42,724,301 $42,213,231
Cash and Cash Equivalents $4,947,128 $4,182,552
Investments $19,409,073 $19,878,964
Capital Assets - Net of Accumulated Depreciation $6,427,850 $6,649,104
Real Property Held for Sale or Development $8,437,451 $9,465,940
Other $3,502,799 $2,036,671
Deferred Outflows of Resources 2018 2017
$1,197,468 $1,285,088
Liabilities 2018 2017
Total Liabilities $6,166,075 $7,115,088
Current Liabilities $3,120,000 $3,916,673
Noncurrent Liabilities $3,046,075 $3,198,415
Deferred Inflows of Resources 2018 2017
$164,574 $248,266
Net Position 2018 2017
$37,591,120 $36,134,965

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Fund Net Position For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

2018 2017
Total Net Position - Beginning of the Year $36,134,965 $33,883,829
Total Net Position - End of the Year $37,591,120 $36,134,965
Operating Revenues $7,507,140 $7,351,552
Operating Expenses ($7,014,322) ($6,397,163)
Nonoperating Revenues (Expenses) $963,337 $1,296,747
Net Income $1,456,155 $2,251,136