savannah-chamber-of-commerce

Support, Encourage and Engage Youth Entrepreneurs

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 18:55:04 GMT

Why Supporting Youth Businesses Strengthens Your Community

Behind every young entrepreneur is a dream, a spark of innovation, and a desire to make an impact. Today’s youth are more creative, tech-savvy, and socially conscious than ever before—and many are turning their ideas into real businesses. From handmade crafts to youth-run businesses we have dozens of businesses popping up in our communities! The question is: Are we supporting them? Young entrepreneurs often bring new perspectives and creative solutions to everyday problems. Their ventures can inject energy into local economies, offering unique products, services, and approaches that stand out from traditional business models. When young people run businesses, they gain real-world skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and financial literacy. Supporting them now helps shape confident, capable leaders who will continue to invest in their communities long-term. Youth-run businesses generate income, create jobs, and attract foot traffic—just like any other business. When we shop from or collaborate with these young entrepreneurs, we’re putting money back into the local economy and encouraging more youth to pursue entrepreneurship and community connection.

Ways to support them NOW:

Shop locally – Buy from youth vendors at markets or online.

Spread the word – Share their work on social media or by word of mouth.

Offer mentorship – If you’re experienced in business, consider offering guidance or support.

Invite them to events – Give youth-run businesses a platform at community events or pop-up markets.

The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce offers a youth membership at a rate of $50/annually. Investing in this program allows us to make connections with our youth entrepreneurs, while allowing them to make meaningful community connections and shadow successful community leaders and business owners.

Shop Small. Support Dreams.

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:44:07 GMT

Shopping small with a big impact.

In a world dominated by big-box retailers and overnight shipping giants, it's easy to overlook the magic of shopping small and local. But when you choose to support a local business—whether it’s a cozy restaurant, a family-owned service business, or a locally owned retail store front—you’re making a real impact.

Shopping small means more than just getting a product. It means getting personal service, unique goods, and a connection to your community. It’s the waitress who knows your name, the hair dresser that remembers your favorite color, the mechanic who asks "How the family is" and the smiling face of a business owner that sponsors your kids ball team.

Every dollar spent at a small business stays closer to home—helping to create jobs, support local events, and keep neighborhoods vibrant and thriving. It’s the positivity of creativity, character, and entrepreneurship.

What's the impact

Local businesses return more money to the local economy.
For every $100 spent at a local business, roughly $68 stays in your community, compared to only $43 when spent at a national chain. (Source: Civic Economics)
Small businesses create jobs.
Small businesses account for 64% of new jobs created in the U.S. annually. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration)
Local business taxes support local services.
Small businesses contribute more proportionally in property taxes, which help fund schools, roads, and emergency services.

4. Stronger community connections.
Local businesses are more likely to support local nonprofits , schools, and community events.

5. Small businesses reflect the identity of your community.
They preserve the unique character of your town or city and help maintain its charm and individuality.

So the next time you need a gift, a treat, or even just your morning drink, think small. It’s a simple choice that makes a big difference in your community.

What is a chamber of commerce?

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:56:43 GMT

What does the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce even do?

You've likely heard of a Chamber of Commerce but.. what is it? "What do they even do?"

A chamber of commerce is a local organization made up of businesses, professionals, and community leaders who work together to promote and support the economic interests of a specific area. Think of it as a business network with a civic twist—its goal is not just to help companies grow, but to build a stronger, more connected community.

They are usually non-profit entities, and they operate independently of government, though they often collaborate closely with local governments, schools, and nonprofits.

Chambers of commerce offer a wide range of services, but here are a few of the most common for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce:

Business Advocacy: We represent the interests of local businesses to government officials, advocating for economic growth and fair regulations.
Networking Opportunities: We host mixers, luncheons, and events. We provide these opportunities for members to connect, collaborate, and build relationships.
Marketing and Promotion: Our chamber promotes our members through our new state of the art website, up and coming mobile app, social media spotlights, business recommendations and community events that reach tens of thousands of consumers across the four state area each year.
Education and Resources: We offer workshops on marketing, health insurance options, web safety and more. We offer these educational opportunities to help businesses stay informed and competitive.
Economic Development: The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce has a dedicated partnership with our local government. Together we work with officials, developers, business owners, investors, community leaders and stakeholders to attract new businesses to the area as well as build up our existing businesses.
Community Events: We host numerous events throughout the community each year. These events build community connections, small town pride and promote businesses and small town living. We are the proud hosts of Concerts in the Park, Independence Day at Duncan, Fall Festival and Candlelight Walk. We are proud to provide these safe family friendly events to the community with help from our local emergency services, City and County workers, community volunteers and our sponsorship supporters.

At our core, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce is about connection and advocacy . We help turn individual business goals into a voice, one that strengthens this community. Whether you’re running a storefront on our historical square, launching a startup from your home, looking to grow your business or are just looking to make community connections we want to be your ally on the road to success.

To join the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce please visit: https://www.chamberorganizer.com/members/newmem/new-mem-reg.php?org_id=SAVA

For more information email me at: savannahmochamber@gmail.com

-Katie Graham

Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

Discover Andrew County, Missouri

savannahmochamber@gmail.com (Katie Bowles) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:37:14 GMT

Small Town Charm, Big Heart

Nestled in the heart of Northwest Missouri, Andrew County offers a unique blend of small-town charm, a thriving agricultural community, and schools that families are proud to be part of. Whether you're visiting or looking to stay, you'll quickly feel right at home.

In Savannah, the county seat, growth is in full swing. Explore our vibrant historic square, where you'll find something for everyone—delicious eateries for every taste, refreshing drink options, unique gift shops, stylish home décor, and even a chance to refresh your look at one of our local salons. Try your swing at a round of virtual golf or simply soak in the welcoming atmosphere.

Our picturesque downtown caught the eye of filmmakers in 2024 and became the charming backdrop for A Chrismystery. That same movie-magic vibe can be felt throughout the community, especially during our seasonal events.

Venture just off the square and discover home-style cooking, fast food favorites, cozy coffee options, and much more. Play a round at our top-tier golf course, relax in our beautiful city parks, or check out the sports complex. Be sure to stop by the Andrew County Museum to dive into the rich history of our area.

Wrap up your day with a sweet treat from one of our local ice cream spots, then take a short drive to explore our neighboring towns. You'll find everything from excellent eateries and well-stocked fuel stops to a quilt shop, antique stores, farm equipment dealers, and scenic conservation areas perfect for fishing or a peaceful walk.

Make it a day trip—or stay a little longer—and join us for one of our beloved community events. Whether it's the Andrew County Fair, Independence Day at Duncan, Savannah Homecoming, the Fall Festival, or the magical Candlelight Walk, you'll feel like you're stepping into a Hallmark movie.

If our attractions don't win you over, our people certainly will. Come see for yourself what makes Andrew County the true heart of small-town living.

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 22:01:51 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Tips for writing great posts that increase your site traffic

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 22:01:51 GMT

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Speak to your audience

You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post

Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images

Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting

Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.