William “Bill” Gettis

from Effingham Magazine December/January 2022/23

Taking a Stand in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

Bill Gettis, Chairman of the Savannah Interagency Diversity Council (SIDC)—along with the entire SIDC organization and its Trafficking Planning Committee—have taken a phenomenal stand against human trafficking, gaining worldwide attention due to the Traffick Jam event, which is at the heart of the organization.

Founded in May 2013, the SIDC is composed of members representing various federal, state and local government agencies, along with non-profits, private companies and public universities.

The organization’s mission has been to: “appreciate social diversity in Savannah and promote understanding, tolerance and inclusion of all residents.” It strives to implement community projects and programs that will support those objectives.

“We want to be a positive light, getting people to become more involved in their community,” Bill says.

The SIDC implemented its Trafficking Planning Committee in 2016 to focus on the overall Traffick Jam initiative. It is committed to promoting awareness about the evil of human trafficking in order to bring it to an end while offering hope to victims whose very humanity and lives have been undermined and violated.

“We have a great committee that works well together,” Bill says.

Career of Character

Bill, a Mississippi native, is a career professional in the field of law enforcement and justice. In 1986, he obtained a position in Texas as an intern for the U.S. Department of Defense; afterward, he worked for the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command in Michigan. He later became director of logistics for the 24th Infantry Division in Ft. Stewart.

Over time, Bill accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Justice as an Immigration and Naturalization Service inspector. Since June 2000, Bill has been an industry operations investigator for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), helping to keep this country safe by ensuring that each commercial and private dealer operates within the parameters of federal law.

A Humbling Honor

On August 18, Bill received the ATF organization’s James E. Little Award in Washington, D.C. following a scrupulous selection process. He was one of few individuals around the country selected for the award after demonstrating a tremendous “concern for people” through unparalleled humanitarianism, social advocacy and community service.

“I’m representing the ATF as someone in the community involved in the fight against human trafficking—an atrocity to humanity. It really was enriching and enlightening. It made me feel that what I’m doing in the community makes a difference,” he comments.

Bill felt humbled that his tireless fight against human trafficking, along with the success of the Savannah Traffick Jam, had been noticed by the ATF.

“It is an ATF award, but the award is for the whole SIDC organization. I have it because of their hard work,” he remarks.

Ending Human Trafficking

With a career dedicated to promoting justice, Bill is passionate about bringing an end to human trafficking. He knows that it starts with community awareness.

“We want to provide awareness. A lot of people think that trafficking only goes on in big cities, but it is happening here,” he says.

The City of Savannah is one of the top tourist destinations in the nation while also hosting famed international events. For instance, the St. Patrick’s Day celebration ushers in countless individuals each year, some with malicious intentions.

“It’s easy for a trafficker to come here and blend in,” Bill says.

Moreover, Savannah has one of the largest ports in the country. Stowaways have often migrated to this country via container ship after being deceitfully promised opportunities of a better life. Instead, they are frequently ensnared in a web of involuntary prostitution, a form of sex trafficking. Further, some individuals have fallen prey to the sinister act through kidnapping. In most cases, sex traffickers exploit young women and girls, some as young as 12 years old. “ Traffickers characteristically target We want to be a positive light, getting people people who they feel are to become more involved in their community. “ easily “pulled into their web,” including individuals they observe to be underprivileged or others they believe to be desperate and alone. The massive growth of the local area is driving law enforcement officers to ensure that communities are not flooded with trafficking predators. Nonetheless, caring and conscientious residents make all the difference. “Be more aware. If something doesn’t look right, go with your gut feeling. It can turn out to be nothing at all, or it can be something—someone can be involved in a trafficking situation,” Bill says.

Sincerest Regard

Bill has tremendous gratitude for the SIDC and its Trafficking Planning Committee for their persistence, diligence and commitment. He, too, appreciates the efforts of Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, who has been supportive of the organization. “The mayor takes on a big role in assisting us and getting other elected officials involved. It’s good to have his support,” Bill says. The accomplished humanitarian is

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological.

Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion was used. (Source: Dept. of Justice)

24.9 million victims

Human traffickers use violence, force, fraud and coercion to prey on adults and children of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities, exploiting them for their own profit. (Source: US Dept. of State)

thankful for the love of his life, Leidell, his wife of 31 years.

“Her love and support have been unwavering and strong through my ups and downs. She has supported me greatly while I have been leading this organization and during all my time working within the government [sector],” he says.

Bill is grateful for two of his biggest role models: his dad William and his mom Nellie, who passed away on September 5.

“My mom will always be remembered in my heart. Both my parents always inspired me to be the very best that I can be,” he says.

Savannah Traffick Jam

The Savannah Interagency Diversity Council (SIDC) will host the 8th Annual Savannah Traffick Jam on Friday, January 27, 2023, and Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Savannah State University (SSU), as January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Each year, millions of people around the world are bought and sold into forced labor or sexual servitude. The horrible injustice does not discriminate, targeting nearly any demographic.

The Traffick Jam event represents a continuous effort to raise community awareness about the malicious injustice that affects communities around the globe. A law enforcement workshop will be held in SSU’s Howard Jordan Auditorium on Friday, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., while the main conference will be held at the student union on Saturday, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. The free event is open to the public. Over 40 vendors will participate, and complimentary food and beverages will be provided for attendees.

Sex trafficking has been the focus of several previous Traffick Jam events. However, the 2023 theme is labor trafficking, as many individuals have fallen victim to it over the years, some forced to work without pay; others are coerced to work for despicably low wages or in inhumane conditions.

A labor trafficking survivor will recall their personal experience with the distressing offense. Other speakers include: Dr. Kate Perry, a Georgia

Southern University professor and SIDC member, Tammy Hopper, a nationallyrenowned human trafficking speaker, Dr. Karen Lambie and Amy Waddell, representatives for Savannah Working Against Human Trafficking (SWAHT), Greg Gilluly and Tania Groover, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, along with Diane McLeod, a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Attorney and SIDC member. “We have some great speakers; they’re top-notch,” SIDC Chairman Bill Gettis “ says.

People are becoming more aware, but we still Taking a Stand have a long way to go. It’s a huge undertaking, but Those interested in obtaining additional we’re up for the challenge information about “ the SIDC or the 2023 Traffick Jam may contact the SIDC at: www.thesidc.org / P.O. Box 673 / Savannah, GA 31402. Bill encourages anyone who may be aware of a human trafficking situation to contact their local police department. Bill Gettis, alongside the SIDC, are taking a relentless stand in the fight against human trafficking. “People are becoming more aware, but we still have a long way to go. It’s a huge undertaking, but we’re up for the challenge.” ■

Santa’s mischievous helper, Buddy the State Farm Elf on a Shelf, is right here in Effingham County. Santa’s elves are pure Christmas Magic that capture our imagination and fire up our holiday spirit. Brad Cherney, of Brad Cherney State Farm Insurance, says, “Buddy the State Farm Elf is our resident Elf on a Shelf, and he is a bit of a rascal. With a heart full of Christmas joy, he likes to make a little mischief in the businesses in our area all through the month of December.”

This is Buddy’s second year at State Farm but like all elves he is ageless. This year Buddy did get a makeover with a brand-new State Farm logo look and he has some new tricks up his sleeve. Hint— one may involve a remote controlled Elf mobile! “He is a perpetual surprise to me and my staff,” says Brad.

A little about Elves on Shelves...

On December 1, Santa’s little helpers leave the North Pole and head out to where they’ll be staying for the holiday season. In Buddy’s case, that is at the

Brad Cherney State Farm Insurance

office in Springfield, GA.

During the month of December elves pop up in places around town, watching to see who is naughty and nice and occasionally stirring up a little holiday fun.

The night before Christmas, Buddy’s job comes to an end. He and the other elves fly back to the North Pole following Santa’s sleigh, where they will stay at Santa’s workshop until the next Christmas season.

Rules for Buddy the State Farm Elf

1. No one can touch Buddy the Elf. 2. Buddy does not move nor speak during the day. 3. Buddy reports back to Santa every night to let Santa know who was naughty or nice that day. 4. Be Christmas Kind.

Who Can Touch an Elf on the Shelf?

Santa advises that no one touches any Elf on the Shelf, but he does describe a few rare instances when an adult may use tongs or potholders to help an elf in an urgent situation.

What if Someone Touches an Elf on the Shelf? Or if He Falls off the Shelf?

There are several options. 1. Sprinkle him with cinnamon

Follow Buddy’s adventures on the Brad Cherney State Farm Insurance Facebook page: @bradinsuresus!

because it has magical Christmas powers. 2. Write a Letter to Santa and apologize for touching the Elf. 3. Pop him into the freezer a bit, it’s as refreshing as the North Pole.

Does Buddy Move to a New Location Every Day?

It’s tradition for Buddy to magically move most days because he needs to see as many people as possible so he can report back to Santa on the naughty and nice list. He may stay over a day or two, but because he is a playful prankster, he usually is on the move every day! Brad says Buddy really enjoys seeing and being seen. “Buddy can be anywhere on any given day. He could be at a candle shop or at a café- you simply never know!” Look for Buddy at retail stores, shopping centers and other local businesses.

Buddy’s Likes

1. Sparkly lights 2. Gingerbread 3. Safe Drivers

Buddy’s Dislikes 1. Grinches

If your business would like a Buddy visit, give Brad a call and he will see what he can do. “I don’t make any promises, because Buddy has a mind of his own, but I can make suggestions.”he says. “A promise of a Christmas cookie or candy cane certainly can help your case.”

Brad says his team loves decorating the office and really enjoys Buddy’s annual visit.

“Buddy is our sixth team member. He helps us get out into the community and see old friends, make new friends and just spread the joy of Christmas.” And it’s hard to keep a frown when an elf on a shelf is around. “Buddy is what makes small town life so wonderful, “says Brad, “he brings out the brightest holiday spirit in all of us. “

Follow the Adventures of Buddy, the State Farm Elf on Facebook as he appears all over Effingham County this holiday season. Find Buddy and get a little boost of Christmas magic!

At Brad Cherney State Farm Insurance, more than 46 years of insurance industry experience generates personalized insurance plans that will help you manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize your dreams.

Brad I. Cherney State Farm Insurance Agent (912) 754-6051 facebook: @bradinsuresus 1451 Highway 21 N, Unit L, Springfield, GA

www.geovistacu.com CREDIT UNION

in Effingham —2022—

The October/November issue of Effingham Magazine inadvertently featured a photo for the Pooler staff of GeoVista Credit Union instead of the Rincon staff. We want to make sure these amazing individuals are recognized for their accomplishments as the Best Credit Union in the Best of Effingham Reader's Choice Awards. Next time you're visiting their branch for your banking needs, let them know that you appreciate them!