CHAMBER INFO

Letters From the Chair

Serving as Chair of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce has been one of the highlights of my business career. Over the past year, the Columbia County Chamber has continued to cultivate public / private partnerships in our community.

The Chamber encouraged the efforts of the Development Authority of Columbia County to create a partnership for the creation of a new 260-acre business / industrial park near the intersection of Interstate 20 and Lewiston Road.

Chamber volunteers continue to work with the Columbia County Board of Commissioners and our elected delegation to bring about positive changes in our system of government.

We are most excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the education of our children. We commend the Columbia County Board of Education for their willingness to explore new and innovative teaching methods. We also applaud the Board of Education for being recognized as one of the premier education systems in the state of Georgia.

I join with Chairman Ed Tarver in thanking the membership, board of directors, and staff for their continued support of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.

Linda G. Crowell
Chair
Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

It has been my pleasure to serve as Chairman of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. Throughout 2001, the Chamber took more aggressive positions regarding issues that directly impact the business community. The Chamber, along with its economic development partners, acted to create opportunities, rather than obstacles, for business and growth in Richmond, Columbia and Burke Counties.

The Chamber’s program of work included an economic development agenda that placed increased emphasis on both retaining existing industry and the recruitment of new business. The hard work of the Chamber’s economic development professionals resulted in the successful recruitment of the Civic Development Group, Trocellen and other new industry during a less than favorable economy. Consistent with its economic development mission, the Chamber worked hand in hand with the Augusta Aviation Commission to improve air service to Augusta Regional Airport.

Through its platform for sustained growth and development, the Chamber called for meaningful dialogue on issues such as improved public services and infrastructure maintenance. The Chamber also joined with the Richmond County Board of Education in urging the extension of the one cent sales tax to be used for school construction and upgrades. Most importantly, the Chamber’s participation in the CSRA Leadership Conference, a coalition of four area chambers of commerce, enabled our community to maintain a strong presence with both state and national legislators on critical issues facing our region.

My thanks to the Chamber’s membership, executive committee, board of directors, staff, and all the volunteers for a great year and for giving their time, energy and expertise to bring about economic growth and community development.

Edward J. Tarver
Chairman
Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce

Mission Statement:
The Mission of the Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the economic prosperity of Richmond, Columbia, and Burke Counties by promoting the location, development and expansion of new and existing businesses.