The Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce welcomed community leaders, business owners, and guests to its highly anticipated Annual Meeting on January 15, 2025. Held at Visit Statesboro, the event, themed “Passport to Progress,” celebrated progress, leadership, and the Chamber’s achievements in 2024 and laid the groundwork for an ambitious 2025.
Emcee Bo Broadwell kicked off the event with warm remarks, setting an engaging tone for the evening. “Buckle up, y’all,” he said, acknowledging the crowd’s energy after a two hour cocktail hour.
He provided housekeeping details and introduced Stephen Pennington, CEO of East Georgia Regional Medical Center, who led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
Michelle Davis, the 2024 Board Chair, took the podium to welcome attendees and recognize distinguished guests, including elected officials and sponsors. She praised the evening’s presenting sponsor, Bulloch Solutions, alongside Gold Sponsors Georgia Power, Morris Bank, Georgia Southern University, JUVE and Renasant Bank, as well as Silver Sponsors such as Hall & Navarro, Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Statesboro Bulloch County Development Authority, Statesboro Family Dental, and Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon LLP.
Davis emphasized the Chamber’s member driven mission. “Tonight is about celebrating you, our members, who make everything we do possible,” she said. She highlighted the importance of collaboration and looked forward to continuing the Chamber’s momentum.
2024 Annual Investors
Gold Investor
- East Georgia Regional Medical Center
Silver Investors
- Aspen Aerogels
- Bulloch Solutions
- Citizens Bank of the South
- Dyess Air
- Ecoplastic
- ExperCare
- G.A.F
- Georgia Power
- Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America
- Maginnis Orthodontics
- Morris Bank
- Ogeechee Technical College
- Renasant Bank
- Responsive Technology Partners
- SL Realty Group, Coldwell Banker Southern Coast
- Synovus
- Walsh Custom Surfaces
The evening also served as an opportunity to honor outgoing board members and welcome the incoming 2025 Board of Directors. Davis presented plaques to outgoing members Carolyn Ethridge, Sara Russell, and Chad Wiggins, praising their dedication and leadership.
“Your commitment has been a guiding force for the Chamber’s success,” she said.
2025 Chamber of Commerce Incoming Board Members
Executive Board:
- Chair: Joel Hanner, Georgia Power
- Past Chair: Michelle Davis, BEMD Partners
- Incoming Chair: Stephen Pennington, East Georgia Regional Medical Center
- Treasurer: Stuart Gregory, Bulloch Solutions
- Secretary: Dr. Kyle Marrero, Georgia Southern University (not present)
Board Members:
- Garrett Clark, Rolling Monkey
- John Roach, Morris Bank
- Tal Johnson, Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon
- Dr. Nancy Hurlock, Beyond Health Group
- Gloria Strauthers, Exodus Management & Consulting
- Megan Yawn, BAK Builders
- Jenny Foss, Statesboro Magazine
- Joan Shurtz, Capstone Benefits & Consulting
- AJ Jetwani, Tandoor & Tap
- Sarah Rapillard, Coastal Plain Therapy & Wellness
- Morgan Conner, Bulloch Academy
- Ryan Quick, Synovus
- Andrew Lavoie, Bruce, Mathews & Lavoie
- Brett Rushing, Southern Insurance & Annuities
- Amber Stewart, Renasant Bank
- William Webb, Weichert Realty, Webb & Associates
- Sean Payne, Ogeechee Technical College
Awards Presentation
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards recognizing outstanding contributions by local businesses and individuals. Each recipient shared heartfelt remarks about their journey and community impact:
Start-Up of the Year: Bubba Golf
Bubba Hunt, owner of Bubba Golf, shared how his business began as an idea sparked in October of the previous year when he noticed the absence of a dedicated golf shop in Statesboro. Reflecting on his earlier experience repairing clubs for Georgia Southern University’s golf team, he envisioned creating a one stop shop for golf enthusiasts. That vision quickly took shape, driven by his determination and the support of his family.
“My wife gave me the green light, so long as I didn’t open another restaurant," Hunt joked. "My son, Matthew, reignited my love for the game.” The family centered approach became a cornerstone of the business, with Hunt’s son, son-in-law, and close friends all pitching in. A key staff member, Caroline, played a critical role in crafting the brand’s image and digital presence, including designing a “world-class website” and social media campaigns.
The shop itself, located in a 5,000-square-foot building, features a TrackMan golf simulator that Hunt proudly described as the best in the region. The simulator offers golfers a cutting edge indoor experience, and Hunt noted its increasing popularity with customers.
Beyond the business’s immediate success, Hunt expressed a larger vision: to grow Bubba Golf into a national and international brand. “It’s about always thinking bigger and better,” he said. He also highlighted how the community embraced the store and how the Chamber’s programs, including Leadership Bulloch, have influenced his entrepreneurial journey.
Reflecting on his experience with the Chamber, Hunt praised its role in making connections and growth. “Leadership Bulloch changed my life and opened my eyes to what leadership really means,” he said. Hunt closed by thanking the Chamber and the Statesboro community for their support.
Small Business of the Year: Three Tree Coffee
Philip Klayman, founder of Three Tree Coffee, accepted the Small Business of the Year award at the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber Annual Meeting with heartfelt gratitude and a reminder of the business's mission. During his remarks, Klayman reflected on the journey that started in 2014 when he and his wife, Anna, launched their coffee roasting company with the dream of making a meaningful impact.
Klayman shared his initial surprise upon receiving the award, emphasizing the strength of Statesboro's small business community. “This community is full of incredible small businesses, and to be recognized among them is truly an honor,” he said.
He thanked his wife, Anna, for her unwavering support from the beginning, recounting how the couple roasted their first batches of coffee with their young daughter at their side. Klayman also acknowledged his ownership team, management staff, and community partners who believed in the business and helped it grow.
Highlighting Three Tree Coffee’s mission, Klayman reminded the audience of its commitment to fighting human trafficking. “We started this company with the purpose of ending human trafficking, and that mission drives everything we do,” he said. January, Human Trafficking Prevention Month, has become a significant focus for the business. Klayman announced that for every bag of coffee sold in January, Three Tree donates $3 to local safe houses, a continuation of the $34,000 they’ve raised for this cause over the years.
Klayman also shared his involvement with Leadership Bulloch, where he and his peers are working on a project to build an ADA-compliant playground at the YMCA. He invited the community to sponsor the project, with the incentive of having sponsor logos featured on the playground.
In closing, Klayman expressed gratitude for the support of the Statesboro community and the Chamber. “We’re honored to serve this community, and this award is a reflection of all the people who’ve been part of this journey,” he said.
Employer of the Year: Shea Tractor
Christian “Chris” Shea, owner of Shea Tractor and Equipment Company, accepted the Employer of the Year award at the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber Annual Meeting with heartfelt appreciation for his team and the community that has supported his business.
Shea emphasized that the company's success stems from the people who work alongside him. “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with,” he stated.
Reflecting on a milestone year, Shea highlighted a remarkable accomplishment: Shea Tractor finished second in the nation for dealerships of its size, selling an impressive 454 units in 2024. “For a small dealership here in Bulloch County, that’s amazing,” he said, expressing pride in the team’s hard work and dedication.
Nonprofit of the Year: Freedom Through Recovery
Catherine Tootle, representing Freedom Through Recovery, accepted the Nonprofit of the Year award during the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber Annual Meeting with a heartfelt message about the importance of supporting those in recovery. As a woman in long-term recovery, Tootle shared her personal story and emphasized the organization's mission to help others on their journey.
“It’s been over eight years since I’ve had to use any kind of illicit drugs or alcohol to cope with my life,” Tootle said, highlighting the transformative power of recovery. She acknowledged her teammates, Tiffany and Clint, along with Julianne, who couldn’t attend, for their dedication to the organization’s work.
Tootle noted the stark reality of addiction, particularly in Georgia, where over 900,000 people are in recovery. Freedom Through Recovery, established in 2019, provides free peer support services to individuals battling addiction. Tootle extended an invitation to local businesses, offering to assist in creating policies to support employees in recovery and foster safe workplace environments.
Acknowledging the community’s role in their success, Tootle expressed gratitude for the support and recognition, saying, “It’s a big deal when the community sees you, hears you, and respects you.” She also commended Chamber President Jennifer Davis for her thoughtful gesture of providing pins engraved with the phrase, “One event at a time,” symbolizing the incremental victories in recovery.
Tootle concluded by celebrating Statesboro as not just a thriving college town but also a growing recovery-friendly community. Freedom Through Recovery continues to provide vital services and inspire hope, making a profound impact on individuals and families in Bulloch County.
Ambassador of the Year: Maggie David
Maggie David, honored as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year, delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on her journey and connection to the community.
David shared her personal story of leaving and then returning to Statesboro, noting how the Chamber and the local community helped her rediscover a sense of belonging. “Y’all have really helped me make this my home,” she said.
Known for her enthusiasm and dedication, David described her tradition of choosing a guiding word for each year. “In 2023, my word was plant, and I planted in Bulloch County. In 2024, my word was grow, and I grew here,” she said, expressing gratitude for the support and encouragement she’s received. Looking ahead, she announced her word for 2025: sustain, symbolizing her commitment to nurturing the growth she has achieved alongside the community.
David praised the positive energy and camaraderie in the room, thanking the Chamber and its members for having an environment of love and support. “There’s so much love in this room, and I want to take all of this into 2025 with us,” she said.
Chris Wiggins introduced a heartfelt change to one of the event's prestigious honors: the Leadership Bulloch Alumni Award, now renamed the Steven Sanders Leadership Bulloch Alumni Award. Wiggins emphasized the significance of this recognition and its deep connection to Sanders’ legacy.
Wiggins described the Leadership Bulloch program as transformative, praising it for fostering leadership and connecting participants to the community’s core industries, including agriculture, education, and public safety. He highlighted its profound impact on himself and many others who have gained a deeper appreciation of their community through the program.
The decision to rename the award in honor of Steven Sanders, who passed away last year, was deeply personal for Wiggins. He reflected on Sanders’ 17 years with Synovus and his remarkable leadership style. “Steven’s leadership came from a heart of service,” Wiggins shared. “He was kind, gentle, and firm when needed, embodying true strength and humility. Meekness, power in control, is what defined him.”
Wiggins highlighted how Sanders’ quiet yet profound influence made him an extraordinary leader. “Steven walked humbly and led well,” he said, noting that this legacy of selfless and controlled leadership made naming the award after Sanders both fitting and inspiring.
The inaugural recipient of the Steven Sanders Leadership Bulloch Alumni Award was Mary Lynn Pennington, a Leadership Bulloch alumna from the class of 2023. Wiggins celebrated Pennington’s dedication to the program, noting her extensive volunteer hours, support for class schedules, and encouragement to participants.
“She quietly goes about her work, never expecting recognition,” he said. “Her infectious smile and uncanny ability to listen and be a friend reflect her true heart for the Chamber.”
Steven Sanders Leadership Bulloch Alumni of the Year: Mary Lynn Pennington
Mary Lynn Pennington reflected on the guidance and wisdom she received from Sanders during their two years working together, sharing how his frequent reminder to “be ready” became a personal mantra.
“Stephen’s advice wasn’t just about advancing in our careers,” Pennington said. “It was about always being proactive, continuously improving, and positioning ourselves to make a difference when the time came.”
As she reflected on Sanders’ qualities, dedication, service, and adaptability, Pennington expressed her deep gratitude for the Leadership Bulloch program, which she credited for instilling similar values. She praised the program for empowering participants to grow and contribute meaningfully, noting her commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders through ongoing involvement.
Pennington also highlighted the relationships and encouragement she’s gained, not only through the program but also from leaders at Synovus who inspired her to stay connected with the Chamber. Her remarks paid tribute to Sanders’ enduring impact, urging attendees to carry forward his legacy of service, support, and elevation of others.
“Let us honor Stephen’s legacy by continuing to serve, support, and elevate those around us, as he did so well during his lifetime,” she concluded. “And remember, be ready.”
CTAE Instructor of the Year: Josh Hall, Statesboro High School
Josh Hall, construction and carpentry instructor at Statesboro High School, humbly accepted the CTAE Instructor of the Year Award at the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. During his remarks, Hall highlighted his unconventional path to success and the unwavering support he has received from his wife, school administration, and the broader community.
“I thought I had to go to college to be successful, but I don’t think I made a mistake,” Hall reflected, noting how his career has been defined by a commitment to teaching life skills and fostering connections with students. He credited his wife for standing by him, even when his passion for helping students led to long hours and countless phone calls.
Hall expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of his school’s leadership and industry partners, sharing that he has never been denied help when reaching out for support. “I’m just a conduit,” he said. “This award has little to do with me and everything to do with the people who surround me.”
In a moment of levity, Hall shared an anecdote from a recent conference where participants were asked to describe themselves as a tool. “Some said they’d be a shop vac because kids suck the life out of them, or a nail because they’re constantly hammered,” he joked. “But I realized my role is about impact—giving students something to connect with, whether it’s construction, life lessons, or their future dreams.”
Hall emphasized that his teaching goes beyond carpentry or construction.
“It’s about building life skills and rapport,” he said, adding that the award serves as another tool in his kit to inspire students. “I can show them what the Chamber is, what it does, and connect with that one student I haven’t reached yet.”
He closed by thanking the community and encouraging others to support educational initiatives. “If you haven’t had the opportunity to say yes, now’s the time,” Hall urged, underscoring the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of local students.
Bruce Yawn Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Lowell Mooney
Dr. Lowell Mooney, director of graduate programs at Georgia Southern University’s Parker College of Business, was deeply honored to accept the Bruce Yawn Lifetime Achievement Award during the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. With heartfelt gratitude, he thanked the Chamber, his wife Paula, his children, and his colleagues, particularly Benjy Thompson, for their unwavering support throughout his career.
Dr. Mooney recounted his journey to Statesboro in 1989, a move he initially promised his wife would last only two years before they returned to Atlanta. “Almost 36 years later, we’re still here, and it’s clear why,” he said. “This community became far more than a stop—it became a place to raise our family, build our lives, and create lasting connections.”
He shared a touching story about former award recipient Ray Hendley to exemplify the community’s spirit. During a housing crunch, a chance encounter with Hendley while he was out for a run led to an act of generosity that left a lasting impression. “Without hesitation, Ray offered his help, solving our crisis and showcasing the incredible kindness that defines this community,” Dr. Mooney said. “It’s this spirit of care and generosity that makes Statesboro and Bulloch County so special.”
Dr. Mooney also reflected on the values that have kept his family rooted in the area. “This moment reminds me why we never made that move back to Atlanta,” he said. “Kindness, generosity, and the genuine care of neighbors make this community extraordinary.”
In his closing remarks, Dr. Mooney praised the Chamber’s role in advancing Statesboro and Bulloch County. “Through its broad array of initiatives, the Chamber continues to foster growth, champion our strengths, and prepare us for the future,” he said. “I will always cherish this recognition and this community that has given me so much.”
Jennifer Davis, Chamber President, presented the 2024 Annual Report, highlighting key achievements such as increased membership, event participation, and financial growth. She proudly announced that the Chamber’s operating budget had surpassed $500,000.
“This is our first-ever sold-out Annual Meeting,” she noted.
Davis also thanked the Chamber’s team and members for their commitment. “We live a good life because it has meaning, and it’s each of you who give us that meaning,” she said.
Joel Hanner, the 2025 Chair, shared the Chamber’s vision for the coming year. Goals included leveraging the Chamber Foundation to enhance service delivery, expanding leadership programs, and launching the “Choose Bulloch” campaign to attract residents and businesses. “Together, we can embrace change as an opportunity,” Hanner said, urging collaboration among members.
Closing Remarks
Michelle Davis returned to the stage to deliver closing remarks, reflecting on the evening’s themes of kindness, partnership, and growth. She expressed confidence in the Chamber’s future and thanked attendees for their support.
“Progress is in the air, and the best is yet to come,” she concluded.