Savannah Economic Development Authority unveils RISE regional workforce organization name

Joseph Schwartzburt, Savannah Morning News
RISE President and CEO Anna Chafin unveils branding for the new regional workforce organization, which she leads and now has an official name and brand. Her announcement came during SEDA's monthly board meeting on April 16, 2024 at 906 Drayton St, Savannah, GA.
RISE President and CEO Anna Chafin unveils branding for the new regional workforce organization, which she leads and now has an official name and brand. Her announcement came during SEDA's monthly board meeting on April 16, 2024 at 906 Drayton St, Savannah, GA.

The Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) had planned to share a comprehensive workforce organization update at its April 2024 board meeting this past Tuesday. The presentation was delayed, however, until the May meeting because SEDA President Trip Tollison needed to move proceedings into executive session.

During SEDA's traditional introductions where everyone in attendance goes around the room, Anna Chafin introduced herself as a member of "Savannah's regional workforce organization." So, too, did Justin Farquhar.

A shortened announcement by Chafin revealed the name of and branding for that regional workforce organization as RISE, which stands for the Regional Industry Support Enterprise. Chafin is now officially president and CEO of RISE. Farquhar is vice president of workforce for RISE.

Chafin said the organization officially started on Jan. 2 and has been working on "lots of opportunities." As SEDA representatives passed out baseball caps with RISE's logo on them, Chafin added, "We look forward to rising together."

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How did RISE surface?

SEDA's plan to create a regional workforce organization has been in the works since SEDA presented its November 2023 Regional Workforce Study conducted by Wadley Donovan Gutshaw Consulting.

The study recommended the creation of a such an organization to manage challenges arising in Savannah and its surrounding counties as Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) and its suppliers amp up preparations to start production by the fourth quarter of 2024.

A press release following SEDA's Tuesday meeting, quoted Chafin as stating, “The name reflects RISE’s mission to be the key facilitator of industry support services and workforce development in the Savannah region." The RISE organization will be governed by board of directors who have yet to be named.

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According to the press release, some of the other planned progress updates were to include:

  • Identifying and meeting with representatives in each of the six working groups/focus areas: military, underrepresented, housing, education, transportation and marketing.

  • Meeting and/or presenting to 79 organizations and groups in the region.

  • Continued meetings with industry representatives.

Chafin's full update will be provided at the May SEDA board meeting. To date, it is known that SEDA intends to partner with Visit Savannah as part of pop-up tour of US cities. The partnership will promote tourism and career opportunities in the greater Savannah area.

This is a developing story.

Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at JSchwartzburt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Economic Dev Authority unveils RISE workforce organization

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