February 2026 Features

• Visit Savannah Celebrates 50 Years

  February 24, 2026

  When Interstate 95 was completed in the mid-1970s, community leaders recognized both a challenge and an opportunity. Thousands of travelers were passing by Savannah each day—but without a dedicated marketing effort, many would continue on without ever experiencing our city.

• AI Hype Versus Reality & 'Generational Recession': New Goodwill Report Reveals Growing Workforce Gaps

  February 24, 2026

  Amid widespread layoffs and economic disruption, a new report from Goodwill Industries reveals a number of critical gaps in the reality of today's workforce. The Workforce in Flux: Americans and the Changing World of Work report, includes findings that allude to a deepening "generational recession" affecting the nation's youngest workers as well as a widening gap between AI expectations and reality.

• Georgia Historical Society to Host Discussion on America’s National Commemorations During Turbulent Times as Part of US250 Commemoration

  February 23, 2026

  As part of its statewide commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) will present “A United States but a Divided America: How We Have Celebrated the Nation’s Birthday During Turbulent Times.” This special panel discussion will examine how major national commemorations have unfolded during periods of deep division. It will take place on Thursday, February 26th, at 6:00 p.m. at Christ Church Episcopal in Savannah.

• Amanda Free Named President of Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Georgia

  February 23, 2026

  Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia announced that Amanda Free has been named President. She succeeds Robert Bunch, who has transitioned to a new role within Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, leading the East Region Commercial region and Anthem’s Specialty Business.

• Senior Citizens Inc. Announces the 2026 Legends, Leaders, & Life Well Lived Honorees

  February 20, 2026

  Senior Citizens Inc. is proud to announce the honorees for its 2026 Legends, Leaders, and Life Well Lived Awards Luncheon, that will take place on May 14th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Palmetto Club at The Landings.

• Savannah Chamber Honors 2026 Business Award Winners at February Meeting

  February 19, 2026

  The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce honored local businesses and leaders during the 2026 Chamber Business Awards, presented at the February Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday at Savannah State University. The annual awards recognize excellence in hospitality, advocacy, community service, and entrepreneurship.

• GDOL Honored as “Model Agency” for HR Excellence

  February 19, 2026

  The Georgia Department of Labor has earned the “Model Agency Award” for Excellence in Human Resources from the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, achieving the highest assessment results among all Tier 1 agencies.

• Former US Ambassadors to Participate in Georgia Southern’s Norman Fries Distinguished Lectureship Series

  February 18, 2026

  Members of the American Academy of Diplomacy will discuss global challenges and their connections to Georgia and the Southeast during a panel discussion Feb. 24th in the Performing Arts Center on the Statesboro campus. The event is open to the public and co-hosted by Georgia Southern University’s Honors College and the Office of Research and Economic Development as part of the annual Norman Fries Distinguished Lectureship series.

• Georgia Power Delivers Lower Costs for Customers with Latest Filings

  February 18, 2026

  Georgia Power today filed its expected Fuel Cost Recovery and Storm Cost Recovery cases with the Georgia Public Service Commission. Together, the cases seek to lower costs for customers through two distinct filings. The cumulative effect of the filings will result in overall lower rates for customers beginning this summer if approved by the Georgia PSC.

• Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Issues Call for Nominations for 2026 Night of Champions

  February 17, 2026

  The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is accepting nominations for its 17th Annual Night of Champions, recognizing businesses that provide meaningful employment opportunities to differently-abled adults, including individuals with Down syndrome.

• Georgia Historical Society Premieres New Georgia Day Video Exploring the Thirteenth Colony’s Founding

  February 13, 2026

  In recognition of the 293rd anniversary of Georgia’s founding on February 12, 1733, the Georgia Historical Society premieres a new Georgia Day video today, marking Georgia Day 2026.

• Georgia Leaders Selected for 2026 GeorgiaForward Young Gamechangers Cohort

  February 12, 2026

  GeorgiaForward has selected 50 promising young leaders to serve the organization’s 2026 Young Gamechangers program. YG is a unique leadership action program hosted by GeorgiaForward, a non-profit organization administered by the Georgia Municipal Association.

• Kevin Price to Join Georgia Ports Reporting to CEO Griff Lynch

  February 11, 2026

  Georgia Ports Authority has appointed Kevin Price as President reporting to CEO Griff Lynch effective July 1st, with a longer-term transition plan to assume the role of President and CEO in mid-2027.

• Georgia Chamber Hosts 37th Annual Georgia Quail Hunt in Albany

  February 10, 2026

  Last week, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted its 37th Annual Georgia Quail Hunt, a premier statewide recruitment initiative designed to showcase the economic advantages of doing business in Georgia. The event took place on February 4th–6th in Southwest Georgia but the event’s impact and vision extended far beyond Southwest Georgia, with a continued focus on attracting investment, creating jobs, and building partnerships that benefit communities across the entire state.

• Ghana’s U.S. Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith Visits Savannah to Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties

  February 09, 2026

  Last week, Ghana’s Ambassador to the U.S. His Excellency Victor Emmanuel Smith visited Savannah to strengthen trade and investment ties between Ghana and the Greater Savannah region during the Greater Savannah-Ghana Business Forum.

• TCSG State Board Elects Buzz Law as Chair & Carvel Lewis as Vice Chair

  February 09, 2026

  The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia today announced the election of new board leadership for 2026, naming longtime board member Buzz Law as Chair and Carvel Lewis as Vice Chair.

• Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum Announces Speakers For Upcoming Event

  February 06, 2026

  Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum is proud to announce the speakers for this year’s Forum in Savannah  scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th at  Kehoe Iron Works at Trustees’ Garden.

• AT&T Expands Fiber Network to More Than Two Million Customer Locations in Georgia

  February 06, 2026

  AT&T Fiber is now available to more than two million residential and business locations in Georgia. The expanded network gives more customers access to super-fast internet speeds up to 5-Gigs. AT&T made the announcement at an event in Albany alongside local and state leaders.

• Survey: Companies Take a More Cautious Approach to Corporate Philanthropy as Political & Economic Pressures Mount

  February 06, 2026

  Amid heightened scrutiny, companies are retreating from issues perceived as politically sensitive in their corporate philanthropy efforts. In 2026, nearly one-third of surveyed philanthropy leaders plan to scale back racial equality initiatives, with reductions also planned for environmental justice and gender equality, according to a new survey by The Conference Board. This continues the trend observed in 2025.

• Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia Announces Appointment of New CEO

  February 05, 2026

  Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia is pleased to announce the appointment of Miriam Langley as its new Chief Executive Officer.

• Georgia Election Review Panel Recommends Gradual Shift To Hand-Marked Ballots

  February 05, 2026

  After six lengthy hearings around the state last year, a special legislative committee studying the elections process has recommended incremental changes to Georgia’s voting system.

• Georgia Ports Initiative Helps Families Repair, Buy or Build Homes

  February 04, 2026

  The Georgia Ports Authority’s Workforce Housing Initiative has so far helped 178 families repair, buy or build a home in the Savannah area.

• Savannah Downtown Business Association Hosts February Luncheon: “The Business of Influence” Exploring Digital & Influencer Marketing

  February 04, 2026

  The Savannah Downtown Business Association will host its February Networking Luncheon, The Business of Influence: Digital & Influencer Marketing for Business Impact, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pilot & Park at Eastern Wharf, 201 Pilot Street.

• YMCA of Coastal Georgia Announces Promotion of Mary Arocha to Chief Operating Officer

  February 03, 2026

  The YMCA of Coastal Georgia announces the promotion of Mary Arocha to Chief Operating Officer, following her successful service as Interim COO over the past six months.

• Leadership Southeast Georgia Announces New Board Members & Executive Committee for the 2026 Term

  February 02, 2026

  Leadership Southeast Georgia, the region’s premier leadership development program, proudly announces its newly appointed board members and executive committee for the coming term.