seda annual report 2025
seda annual report 2025
For more than a decade, World Trade Center Savannah (WTCSav) has continually adapted to better serve our partners and the Coastal Georgia region—while staying firmly grounded in our core mission to:
2025 was shaped by partnerships and opportunities that extended well beyond Southeast Georgia. Engagements in Quebec, Ghana, Marseille and County Limerick marked another active year abroad, strengthening the region’s connections across global markets. As always, the goal remained the same: to forward its mission of creating jobs and attracting investment by helping to facilitate foreign direct investment opportunities for the Southeast Georgia region.
The year began close to home. In partnership with Georgia Power, World Trade Center Savannah (WTCSav) hosted the Southeast Georgia Good News and International Protocol Training program, led by international protocol expert Chris Young. Representatives from more than 23 counties and affiliate agencies gathered to strengthen their understanding of diplomatic engagement, cross-cultural communication and global etiquette. Our regional partners left the program with a better understanding of how to host, negotiate and collaborate with international contacts.
In April, WTCSav traveled to Marseille, France, to participate in the World Trade Centers Association’s 55th Global Business Forum. More than 400 leaders representing over 50 countries and 120 World Trade Center businesses gathered along the Mediterranean to exchange ideas, explore partnerships and strengthen global connections. Throughout the week, the team carried Savannah’s character and competitive strengths overseas and met with fellow World Trade Centers, business leaders and international partners to highlight the region’s strategic advantages.
The team also launched its inaugural Global Business Summit, hosting nearly 130 public and private sector leaders from Quebec, Washington, D.C., Georgia state agencies and across Southeast Georgia. The summit created meaningful space for direct dialogue between municipal leaders, trade experts and business executives. WTCSav welcomed these leaders to Savannah and created space for meaningful conversations between global voices and the local partners who drive our region forward.
The year wouldn’t be complete without the execution of several international trade missions. In partnership with the Greater Savannah Ghana Alliance, WTCSav supported Savannah’s first large-scale, structured trade mission to West Africa. Led by Mayor Van R. Johnson II and Dr. Joseph H. Silver Sr., the 40-member delegation conducted 16 formal meetings with 18 institutions, generated 40 business connections, engaged four universities and met with eight government and traditional leaders across Ghana.
The conversations didn’t stop when the team arrived back home. Within two months, Savannah welcomed inbound delegations from Kumasi and Accra, transforming initial conversations into continued exchange. These reciprocal visits advanced discussions surrounding trade facilitation, education partnerships and investment pathways. Both regions have made it clear that this partnership is built for the long run.
The TradeBridge program also reached an exciting milestone in 2025. County Limerick became the first west coast Irish partner to join the initiative. A WTCSav-led trade mission to Ireland culminated in the signing of a friendship agreement between the City of Savannah and County Limerick, formalizing a relationship rooted in economic alignment and shared opportunity.
Behind each mission and event was sustained operational work. WTCSav managed 146 trade service projects on behalf of 116 partners, prospects and fellow World Trade Centers, marking one of the most active years in the organization’s history. These projects focused on market entry, research, regulatory guidance and business matchmaking that produced impactful outcomes.
Global Education Programs continued expanding in scope and participation. In 2025, WTCSav delivered ten programs, including seven in-person sessions and three virtual offerings, reaching approximately 900 participants. Topics ranged from European market access through TradeBridge Ireland to blockchain applications in trade efficiency and Foreign-Trade Zone strategy. A notable program was titled “U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone 101: Boost Your Business with Strategic Insights,” which equipped Southeast Georgia companies with timely information on navigating tariff shifts and trade policy changes. Attendees gained practical insight into how FTZs can reduce costs, strengthen competitiveness and protect against trade uncertainty.
The Greater Savannah International Alliance continued operating as the City’s civic platform for structured global engagement. WTCSav supported the signing of the County Limerick partnership agreement and coordinated the annual GSIA Mayor’s International Luncheon, which included nearly 80 stakeholders representing business, education and civic leadership.
Throughout 2025, WTCSav hosted 20 international delegations representing eight countries across four continents and delivered three cross-continental programs with participants from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
The work of 2025 was not measured only in miles traveled, but in partnerships strengthened and opportunities advanced. Across the Southeast Georgia counties and in collaboration with 76 regional partners, World Trade Center Savannah continued building the relationships that move the region forward.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award in our first year of production and thankful to all the community leadership that made it possible.”
– Brent Stubbs, HMGMA Chief Administrative Officer
In May, World Trade Center Savannah (WTCSav) presented the World Trade Center Savannah International Business of the Year Award to Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA).
The award was given during the sixth annual Prosperity Through Trade Luncheon that featured journalist and author Peter Goodman as the keynote speaker. Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America’s story began in May 2022, when Hyundai Motor Group entered into an agreement with the State of Georgia and the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the United States.
In 2025, that vision expanded. HMGMA announced its Phase 2 expansion, increasing production capacity to 500,000 vehicles annually and representing an additional $2.7 billion investment and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for the region.
“We’re honored that HMGMA calls Bryan County home, but the truth is, it is the entire Southeast Georgia region and beyond that it impacts,” said Development Authority of Bryan County CEO Ryan Purvis. “The company has proven to be more than just the ‘largest economic development project in the State of Georgia.’ They have shown to be a key community player that strives to be a leader and champion for our region.”
Sponsored by Georgia Southern University, the award is given annually to a regional company demonstrating excellence in international trade. This award is presented to encourage and recognize exemplary corporate leadership for international business or trade that advances relations between the U.S. and other nations as well as creates quality jobs in the region.
U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone 104 had a remarkable year. Serving a 17-county region in Southeast Georgia, the zone approved more than ten new operator applications in 2025, reflecting unprecedented interest as companies navigated shifting global trade conditions. WTCSav supported 29 companies operating within FTZ 104, assisting businesses as they leveraged the cost savings and supply chain advantages the program provides.
