As we say good-bye to 2002, what an exciting six months this has been for me. I am pleased with the direction the Chamber is heading and I am looking forward to a promising 2003. One of the things that you can look forward to in the New Year is continued improvement to the Chamber newsletter.

The newsletter is being redesigned to provide the best possible information to our members and the metro area. The newsletter will reflect the recent restructuring of the Chamber.

In order to supply the business community with a more complete range of current news and information, the newsletter will include member-related information and updates, as well as regular articles from business leaders, arts and entertainment, the medical community, Fort Gordon and Westinghouse Savannah River Company.

The Augusta Business Connection is still very new, so there’s always room for improvement. If you have any comments or suggestions about this new format, please feel free to send electronic mail lduncan@augustagausa.com.

Augusta, Georgia, Home of the ?
by Brenda Durant
Executive Director, The Greater Augusta Arts Council

How do we define ourselves in Augusta? When people ask where we’re from, what images does the name Augusta, Georgia conjure up? I know to many people, the beautiful images of an azalea- filled golf course springs to mind. What about the other 51 weeks a year?

How do we define ourselves in Augusta? When people ask where we’re from, what images does the name Augusta, Georgia conjure up? I know to many people, the beautiful images of an azalea- filled golf course springs to mind. What about the other 51 weeks a year?

We’re home to a cultural corridor located downtown, encompassing The Morris Museum of Art, a beautiful Riverwalk, Fort Discovery, Artist’s Row, the Woodrow Wilson House, the Imperial Theatre, and the Augusta Museum of History. We hope to complete the array with a regional Performing Arts Center in the near future.

Augusta is home to many organizations dedicated to exposing our children to Art. The Art Factory, located in the Harrisburg Neighborhood, offers a wide range of art classes to children from all over Augusta. The Augusta Mini Theatre was a pioneer in teaching in children’s art classes The Gertrude Herbert Institute just opened a new wing to expand the classes offered as well. Many arts groups offer summer camps lending exposure to dance, drama or music. The Greater Augusta Arts Council is working in partnership with the Augusta Housing Authority and Augusta Recreation and Parks to produce an 8-week summer arts camp for children who live in our housing communities. This camp, with classes in music, visual art, drama, dance and chorus, allows these at-risk campers to come to a secure, supportive and loving environment during the summer months. We are currently raising money to support this summer-long effort with hope that, in the future, we’ll offer these youths a fun place to come throughout the year.

We hope you are taking advantage of all the great performances, exhibits and events our community has to offer. We have a thriving cultural community…treat yourself. Our on-line calendar is updated often to help you choose the right event (check out www.AugustaArts.com). After all, if we’re the Georgian city known for the Arts, you’ll want to be in the know!

www.AugustaArts.com