SERVICE, FAMILY, INTEGRITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Colonial Terminals president Ryan Chandler looks back on 100 years of the Colonial Group and what makes it successful On 21 July 1921, Raymond McAllister Demere stood on East Charlton Street in Savannah, Georgia, US, with his first 55-gallon barrel of oil, with a view to supplying fuel to the ‘horseless carriages’ that were rapidly growing in popularity. The young man had returned from the First World War and was seeking to make his way in the world when he hit upon the fuel business idea, and founded the American Oil Company. Two years later, he set up his first automobile service station in Savannah. Fast forward to 21 July 2021, and on the site of that first service station, at 342 Drayton Street, Raymond McAllister Demere’s great grandson Christian Demere has unveiled a historical marker to commemorate the centenary of what is now known as the Colonial Group. The centenary celebration event is hosted by Dr W Todd Groce, president and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. Ben Watson, State Senator for Georgia Senate District 1, is in attendance, having sponsored a Georgia Senate Resolution recognising Colonial Group for having grown from its ‘humble beginnings in...