Junior Achievement of Georgia-Coastal Region will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the nonprofit’s Savannah Business Hall of Fame, an event attended by more than 500 business and civic leaders each year and highlights the careers and community service of Savannah’s most outstanding citizens. Presented by Colonial Group, Inc., the 20th Annual JA Savannah Business Hall of Fame will take place on Thursday, November 7, 2019, at the Savannah Convention Center.

“We’re thrilled to announce Craig Harney of WTOC-TV and Cliff McCurry of Sterling Seacrest Partners as the 2019 Savannah Business Hall of Fame inductees,” said Camille Russo, vice president of marketing at Junior Achievement of Georgia. “The laureates will be recognized for their outstanding business accomplishments and extensive contributions to our city. This year’s ceremony will be extra special as JA celebrates 20 years of working alongside the Savannah community to help bridge the gap between business and education.”

As the director of creative services at WTOC-TV, Craig Harney has earned a reputation in the Savannah community as a quiet legend, gifted storyteller and humble soul. A Savannah native, 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 longstanding and incredible career in broadcast television, he’s a tireless advocate of a long list of community-minded events and organizations.

“Whether it's Junior Achievement, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, United Way of the Coastal Empire, the 200 Club, or any other organization in need of his creative expertise, Craig is always the first to volunteer and puts his heart and soul into every project,” said Russo. “His response to deserving recognition for his service is always: ‘You get back much more than you ever think you can give. That’s how it works.’”

As the director of community development at Sterling Seacrest Partners, Cliff McCurry built a widely-respected career of more than 40 years in the commercial insurance brokerage and risk management business. “Despite a demanding career, Cliff has always been focused on making our city better than 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.”

McCurry has volunteered his time and talents with countless organizations including: St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System Foundation, United Community Bank, Armstrong Atlantic State University Educational Properties Foundation, Communities in Schools/Savannah, Bethesda Academy, Coastal Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Jenkins Athletic Club, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), University of Georgia Foundation, and more.

“This year’s event promises to be one to remember with such outstanding laureates to celebrate,” said Russo. “You would be hard pressed to find someone in our business and civic circles whose lives these two individuals have not touched.”

Tables and tickets to this year’s event can be purchased online: http://www.georgia.ja.org/hall-of-fame-savannah/.