SAVANNAH, Ga., February 28, 2025 – The significant impact of the workforce on Savannah’s economy, along with the legacy of resilience and community strength that has characterized the Black American experience for generations, formed the core message of a GPA speech delivered during the Black History Month Program at Bryan County Middle and High School in Georgia.
Tanya Chisholm, Director of Workforce Development and Training for the Georgia Ports Authority, addressed an audience of over 500 students and faculty members.
“Georgia Ports Authority employs more than 1,700 people,” Chisholm noted. “Our organization thrives on a diverse workforce, including Black American professionals across various sectors such as logistics, shipping, management, technology and operations.”
Chisholm emphasized GPA’s commitment to the community. “We are laying the foundation for long-term growth through strategic investments in housing and community development while also empowering future leaders through initiatives like the YES+ Student Mentoring Program.”
Georgia Ports has pledged a total of $6 million in a multi-year program to support affordable and workforce housing. The initiative focuses on housing improvements for residents of near-port communities and supports eligible applicants with downpayment assistance for first-time home purchases.
“Teaching Black history extends beyond simply relaying facts,” Chisholm remarked. “It fosters critical thinking and empathy among students. Let us encourage everyone – teachers, parents, and community members to initiate discussions that nurture understanding and empathy, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.”
In her closing remarks, Chisholm urged everyone to “create a world that is kind and grand.”
About Georgia Ports
Georgia’s ports and inland terminals support more than 609,000 jobs throughout the state annually, contributing $40 billion in income, $171 billion in revenue and $5.3 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. GPA anticipates investing $4.2 billion in the next ten years as part of its port master plan to expand cargo handling capabilities to support future supply chain requirements. As part of GPA’s community engagement efforts, $6 million will be donated to communities located near the Port of Savannah to support a multi-year, local workforce housing initiative. CNBC ranked Georgia #1 in the U.S. for infrastructure in America’s Top States for Business in 2024. Area Development – a site selection news outlet for the U.S., has ranked Georgia as the Top State to Do Business for 11 consecutive years. For further information, visit gaports.com or contact Tom Boyd, Chief Communications Officer, [email protected] 912-964-3884.