CHAMBER LAUNCHES AUGUSTA INTO CYBERSPACE WITH NEW WEBSITE

Chamber Launches Augusta into Cyberspace with New Website The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce recently launched its new, updated website, www.AugustaGaUSA.com, an expansive guide to the Augusta metro area. With economic development information ranging from labor statistics to educational and housing data, the website, designed by Red Door Designs and eBusiness Solutions, a division of the Augusta Chronicle, offers a wealth of information to businesses and individuals considering a relocation to the Augusta area.

Information on the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and its services is also available to site visitors, as well as an overview of area arts organizations and attractions. Spreadsheets containing demographic information, labor force statistics and information on leading employers in the area are easily downloaded. There are also links to other sites of interest, including government, local educational institutions, community organizations and employment sites. Finally, information on relocation is ready to demonstrate why Augusta is a great place to live and work!

"Our new website offers us a unique opportunity to reach many more people with the message that Augusta, Georgia is a fantastic place to live, work and do business," says Chamber President Jim West.

CHAMBER HOSTS FORUM ON WATER ISSUE

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum on September 7 to increase local business and industry's understanding of the proposed Total Maximum Daily Load for mercury in the Savannah River, which could have a devastating effect on the local economy.

The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) that has been proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Savannah River is one part per trillion. This is the equivalent to the mass of a penny in the entire Savannah River Basin. These regulations are neither reasonable, nor achievable because current technology is incapable of removing mercury to such a level. Implementation of such a regulation would be catastrophic to the area because both industrial and municipal water users could be forced to purchase extremely expensive equipment to remove mercury from the water, even though they are not responsible for its presence.

The proposed limit is well below the background level of mercury, a naturally occurring element, in the water due to non-point sources such as runoff and rain, which are the largest contributors to the mercury problem, and the most difficult to control. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce will continue to fight such regulations and push instead for reasonable approaches to environmental issues. For more information on the EPA's proposal, contact Scott MacGregor at the Chamber.

CHAMBER HOSTS NEW SENATOR AT FORT

The Augusta Metro Chamber hosted Georgia's newest senator, Zell Miller, and others at a lunch held at Fort Gordon on August 15 to familiarize him with the facility and discuss its role in the community. Senator Zell Miller, appointed to fill the seat of Senator Paul Coverdell after his untimely death earlier this summer, spent the day touring Fort Gordon and learning about its various operations.

Luncheon attendees, including local government officials, discussed the impact of Fort Gordon on the Augusta community, emphasizing the need to continue to maintain and grow the facility. Not only is Fort Gordon the area's largest single employer, but thousands of former military personnel relocate to our area because of its presence.

Fort Gordon is a major part of Augusta's economy and the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce will continue to do all in its power to assure its continued prosperity.

If you are interested in issues involving the Fort, please contact the Chamber about serving on its Military Affairs Committee.

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