On Thursday, November 7, 2019, Junior Achievement of Georgia-Coastal Region celebrated the 20th anniversary of JA’s Savannah Business Hall of Fame. Presented by Colonial Group, Inc., the event was attended by more than 500 business and civic leaders and honored two of Savannah’s most outstanding citizens: Sterling Seacrest Partners Director of Community Development Cliff McCurry and WTOC Director of Creative Services Craig Harney.

“Junior Achievement’s Savannah Business Hall of Fame has a long history of bringing our city’s best and brightest leaders together to honor those individuals whose commonality is shared in their selflessness and singular purpose of serving others,” said Robert Grant, director of development at Junior Achievement of Georgia.

With more than 40 years holding executive management positions with Seacrest Partners, Willis HRH, HRH, and Jones Hill & Mercer, McCurry is passionate about the community he serves and has volunteered his time and talent with numerous organizations, including: University of Georgia Foundation, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System Foundation, Armstrong Atlantic State University Educational Properties Foundation, Communities in Schools/Savannah, Bethesda Academy, Coastal Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Jenkins Athletic Club, and many more.

“Cliff has always been focused on making our city better than it was yesterday,” said Russo. “A true mentor, his pay-it-forward attitude and willingness to advance new opportunities to young minds who need it the most speaks to the heart of our mission at Junior Achievement,” said Camille Russo, vice president of marketing at Junior Achievement of Georgia.

WTOC's Craig Harney is one of Savannah’s best advocates and storytellers. A Savannah native, a graduate of Savannah Chatham County Public School System and student at Armstrong State University, Harney understands the Savannah community and her inner workings better than most. “With a 40-year career in broadcast television, Craig has forged friendships in all corners of the city and his greatest gift lies in his unique ability to capture the true essence of the story he is telling. His humbleness and professional excellence are evident in all he does,” said Russo.

Fellow laureate, Cliff McCurry, underscored Harney’s impact on Savannah: “There is no one I admire more for setting the standard of excellence in their profession and service to our community than you, sir.”

Harney closed his acceptance speech saying: “Thank you so much. I don’t believe I have the credentials to be in this Hall of Fame, but I am certain I have the friends. Thank you so much.”