Marianne Ganem-Poppell is the Owner of Savannah Master Calendar, the Hostess City’s most comprehensive event and networking calendar, which is distributed to more than 44,000 local business professionals weekly. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Valdosta State University prior to spending more than a decade in the fast-paced world of fashion merchandising. 

A third-generation Savannahian, Marianne’s love of the Coastal Empire brought her back to her roots at the family’s thriving business, Johnnie Ganem’s, where she discovered a passion for helping local businesses succeed while simultaneously giving back to our community. Excelling in multiple customer service roles, Marianne has been able to gain a unique perspective on the customer experience. Specifically, she has identified teams who strategically operate with the intention of going above and beyond existing expectations in order to leave a lasting positive impression and build customer loyalty. This has become a true passion project within the ever-changing world of marketing. As the owner of SMC, Marianne has been sought out to assist countless organizations to implement and execute a solid, successful marketing path. 

Marianne currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Business Association and is the 2021/2022 Chairperson for the Small Business Council for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce (as well as a Chamber Ambassador). She also sits on the marketing committee for the United Way of the Coastal Empire in addition to passionately championing numerous philanthropic initiatives, including the Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia Big Wigs and American Diabetes Association Kiss-a-Pig campaigns. Marianne is a graduate of the 2016 Leadership Savannah Class and was named a recipient of the Next Generation Rising Stars in Savannah, which honors local business leaders under the age of 40. Marianne and her husband Rob are the proud parents of three active boys: Lawson, Brady Thomas, and Palmer—and one sheltie, Beau.

Additions:
• Helen V Head Business Advocate Award Chamber Award 2022
• Board of Directors for The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce