Pamala Southard, Executive Director of the Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, Inc, (previously, the Pooler Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, Inc), has announced her retirement effective immediately.  Southard says, “This has been an amazing journey and one that I am so proud to have been a part of”.  Southard has been part of the chamber for over a decade. When Pam started, there were 95 members on the membership roster.  Today, there are over 365 members, and the chamber continues to grow. “Pam’s contributions, work ethic, and focus have had a significant impact on the Chamber’s growth,” says Ben Anderson, President of the Board of Directors.  She has been a valuable part of the Pooler community and the Board thanks her for her meaningful leadership over the years.

Through Pam’s tenure with the Chamber, the Pooler business community has grown substantially. Pam states, “It has been so exciting to watch the chamber’s growth over the years, thanks in no small part to a staff, board, and ambassadors that connect with our business community. And events such as, the Pooler Food Truck Festival, St Patrick’s Weekend Celebration Shuttles, Holiday Festival in the Park, and so many others have proven to be so successful, not only embracing the business and residential community, but also the tourists that visit our beautiful and safe city of Pooler”.  

Pam was instrumental working with the chamber to provide shuttles to and from Savannah for the annual St. Patrick’s celebration.  Rain or shine, Pam suggested this as an annual event to get folks (whether residents or tourists) to and from Savannah safely.  It has been so well received and the chamber will continue offering this service.

One of Pam’s most successful events has been the annual Hearts for Heroes Gala.  The event was put on hold due to COVID, but hopefully will return this year.  Pam had this vision to have what she called “an upscale black-tie event to put Pooler on the map” 7 years ago.  It is a sold-out event every year and the hard work pays off for the beneficiary chosen each year.

Pam has always believed that you can be successful at anything, if you focus on what you do best and are willing to take chances.  While some of our newer events are not yet off the ground, the perseverance in adding to and making these future events bigger and better for Pooler will pay off.  “Dedication and focus are key points in success”, says Pam.

The Board of Directors along with the assistance of Pam will begin a search for a new Executive Director to replace Pam’s position over the coming months.