News Summary
Mia Mance has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Savannah Downtown Business Association. With a strong background in local business advocacy, she will work to connect businesses with funding opportunities and navigate city regulations. Mance emphasizes the need for innovation, particularly in technology. Upcoming events include discussions on Savannah’s riverfront and local business security. The new culinary education facility has been established to enhance the local culinary scene. Mance’s commitment to supporting Savannah’s community and businesses is evident in her strategic vision.
Savannah – Mia Mance has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Savannah Downtown Business Association (SDBA), marking a significant milestone in her career. This role is seen as a natural fit due to Mance’s extensive background working with businesses across key areas of Savannah, including City Market, Ellis Square, and the Waterfront.
In her new position, Mance will focus on advocating for local businesses by connecting them with funding opportunities, providing guidance around city licensing and inspections, and preparing them for advancements in technology. She highlights the necessity of continuous innovation, particularly regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence into the local business landscape.
Mance brings to the SDBA a wealth of experience from organizing events with various prominent organizations such as the City of Savannah, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and Savannah Pride. Her efforts with these entities have given her a firm understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by local businesses.
Upcoming events under Mance’s leadership include the “Wine & Waterfront” event scheduled for June 12, 2025. This event will focus on the future of Savannah’s riverfront, featuring discussions led by Julie Musselman. Additionally, the “Revenue, Restaurants, & Security” Luncheon is set for June 11, 2025, where the conversation will center around issues impacting downtown businesses and the security measures in place for their protection.
Another pivotal development highlighted by the SDBA is the new culinary education facility located at 7 West Bay Street. This facility aims to bolster Savannah’s culinary scene and is expected to help double the student enrollment at Savannah Technical College’s culinary program. Originally projected to take a year, the facility’s completion spanned over twice as long, incurring a cost of $13 million, all while successfully preserving the historical character of the building.
Mance has expressed that this educational advancement will have a positive ripple effect on local restaurants and hospitality services in Savannah. This aligns with her commitment to fostering growth and development within the community.
On a personal level, Mia Mance is married to Chadrick Mance, an attorney who owns the Mance Law Firm. The couple has two young daughters aged 2 and 3. They have lived in a diverse neighborhood off Highway 204 for the past eight years and have settled into community life, looking at nearly 100 homes to find the right fit for their family.
Mance is known for her affinity for local businesses, often frequenting establishments like Savannah Coffee Roasters, Java Burrito Co., The Y Bar, and enjoying meals at restaurants such as Alligator Soul and Flock to the Wok. Aside from dining, she is an avid reader, often visiting E. Shaver Booksellers, and indulging in bubble tea from Bowls & Bubbles.
Her commitment to the community extends beyond professional responsibilities. Mance participates in local tours and trolley rides, showcasing Savannah’s rich history. She also prioritizes personal wellness, which includes nail care, skincare routines, and attending therapy sessions—activities she considers essential for her overall well-being.
Mance’s passion for serving her community, along with her vision for supporting and uplifting local businesses, positions her as a dedicated leader for the Savannah Downtown Business Association. Her initiatives and forward-thinking approach embody a commitment to enhancing the local economy and supporting the vibrant community of Savannah.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal: Wine & Waterfront Event
- WTOC: Behind the Scenes at Culinary Institute
- Connect Savannah: Tariffs Talk Breakfast
- Savannah Business Journal: Revenue, Restaurants, & Security Luncheon
- WSAV: Behind the Scenes at Culinary Institute
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Google Search: Savannah Downtown Business Association
- Google Scholar: Savannah Business Economy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
- Google News: Savannah
