seda annual report 2023
seda annual report 2023
For the fifth year in a row, SEDA was named a Mac Conway Award recipient by Site Selection magazine.
Named for Conway Data Founder Mac Conway, the Mac Conway Awards recognize the efforts of those who work tirelessly to bring projects large and small to their communities.
Site Selection noted in its recognition of SEDA, “’Trip Tollison and the Savannah Economic Development Authority were exemplary hosts during our site visit,’” wrote Hyundai Motor Company Global President and COO early this year on a LinkedIn post in response to publication of Site Selection’s coverage of his company’s $5.5 billion metaplant now rising along I-16 just northwest of Savannah.
SEDA has helped the project from the beginning, as Gary Daughters has documented earlier this year (visit siteselection.com for the full story), and suppliers continue to stream into the region with their own substantial investments.
Among other programs, SEDA supports the Savannah Regional Film Commission. In 2022, the entertainment production industry generated nearly $207 million in direct spend in the Savannah region, attributable to 101 professional productions and 44 student productions (driven largely by the Savannah College of Art and Design, which is developing its own film studio complex). SEDA also supports workforce development programs able to take advantage of the region’s relatively young median age of 35.7 and the 4,000 military members transitioning to the area’s civilian workforce every year. The area continues to ride the momentum of the growing Port of Savannah, which moved 11.4% of the nation’s loaded international containers for FY2023 through December. Georgia Ports Authority now handles one out of every 8.8 loaded twenty-foot equivalent container units in the U.S., its highest national market share ever.”
Anticipated by many are SEDA’s St. Patrick’s Day and Thanksgiving annual mailers. The mailers are SEDA’s opportunity to thank our partners and clients, showcase local products and sell the advantages of locating and expanding in the region.
The 2023 St. Patrick’s Day mailer featured Savannah Sauce Company. Since announcing in May 2020, Hyundai Motor Group has already invested in Savannah region non-profits through their corporate social responsibility program as well as supporting local businesses through its Progress Project, which provides financial assistance to black-owned small businesses. In 2023, the area of focus was the Savannah region and the Savannah Sauce Company was selected as one of three minority-owned business in the area to receive a generous donation.
Savannah Sauce Company is a community-centered company that makes delicious sauces, jams and other locally-sourced products in Georgia, inspired by the Savannah kitchen of owner Mike Roberson’s grandmother Henrietta Smith.
The Savannah Economic Development Authority hosted the SEDA Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 4. The sold out crowd of more than 1,200 people heard from Hyundai Motor Group Chief Executive Officer Randy Parker.
Additionally, the audience learned more about the landing of Hyundai Motor Group at the Bryan County Megasite, other major accomplishments of 2022 and plans for 2023.
