Featured Guest Speaker: Mia Mance, Executive Director-Savannah Downtown Business Association
Presentation Recap: Encouraging Locals to Support Downtown Savannah
Mia Mance, a proud wife, mom, and powerhouse community leader, brings over two decades of broadcasting experience into her current roles as Owner of Mia Talks Media & Marketing and Executive Director of the Savannah Downtown Business Association (DBA). She’s a tireless advocate for local businesses and a familiar face across Savannah’s civic, nonprofit, and motivational spaces.
Why Downtown Engagement Matters Mia encouraged year-round support for downtown, reminding us that locals bring authenticity, stabilize business revenue, and boost community pride.
Downtown At A Glance
$2.2B spent in 2022 | 17M+ visitors in 2023
Challenges: parking, crime, construction, awareness
Savannah competes with Pooler & RH developments
DBA supports 40+ local tour companies, iconic shops, & festivals
Current Strategies
Shop Savannah Campaign
Local Appreciation Events & Discounts
Validated Parking Days
Broughton Street Clean-Up: May 8 at 8:30 AM
Small Business Week: May 5–9 | Shop Small Day: May 8
Culinary Institute Event: May 15, 8:30–10 AM at 7 W Bay St (Register by 5/13)
Events = Energy
Local Nights: Wexford Pub, Service Brewing
Family Weekends: Junior League, Telfair, Girl Scouts
Artist Markets & Starland Block Parties
School & Nonprofit Partnerships
Community & Communication
Digital campaigns, influencer highlights, local media support
Panel on Ellis Square safety, media transparency
Encourage visitors to share & tag downtown experiences
DBA Goals
Boost weekday foot traffic
Increase local sales & repeat visits
Strengthen online engagement
Gather feedback from businesses & residents
Follow the Savannah DBA on social, join, and get involved.
Member survey has been sent out to DBA members- please complete it!