ECIDA and RISE Host Quarterly Industry Group Meeting Focused on Emergency Preparedness

September 26, 2025

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, GA – The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA), in partnership with RISE (Regional Industry Support Enterprise), recently hosted its quarterly Industry Group Meeting on Friday, September 26th, bringing together local industry leaders to discuss hurricane preparedness, emergency management, and lessons learned from recent severe weather events.

The virtual meeting featured presentations from Shanna Smith, Deputy Director of the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Mickey Daniell, Area Manager for Chatham and Effingham Counties with Georgia Power, and Stacy Hamlin, Director of Safety and Security with SNF Holding Company. More than 30 attendees representing 13 different industries across Effingham County participated.

Shanna Smith provided an overview of emergency protocols for industries, including continuity of operations during voluntary and mandatory hurricane evacuations, onsite incident response, drills, medical emergencies, and the use of mass notification systems.

Georgia Power’s Mickey Daniell discussed storm readiness and restoration efforts, sharing how planning, logistics, and communication strategies help minimize disruption and ensure faster recovery following major weather events.

SNF’s Stacy Hamlin reflected on hurricane preparedness from an industry perspective, emphasizing the people, process, and equipment challenges companies face during natural disasters, and the importance of proactive planning to minimize disruptions.

“The presentations were full of practical information, and I came away with a few ideas we can put to use at our facilities,” said Wade Warnock, Safety Coordinator at Adams Warnock. “Having the chance to hear how others approach emergency planning helps us strengthen our own processes and ensure we’re ready when severe weather impacts our region.”

The Industry Group Meeting is part of ECIDA and RISE’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration, strengthening resilience, and supporting the long-term success of industries in Effingham County.

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