Quality Preschool Education
GEORGIA'S FIRST LADY SPEAKS ON IMPORTANCE OF EARLY LEARNING

Bank of America, the Georgia Early Learning Initiative (GELI) and the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored a reception honoring Marie Barnes, Georgia's First Lady, on September 20 at the Radisson Riverfront Hotel. Mrs. Barnes spoke of the importance quality early learning makes in optimal child development and future school success.

Senator Charles Walker, State Court Judge David Watkins and Mayor Bob Young were also guest speakers. Mr. Bill Garrett, the Executive Director of the Georgia Early Learning Initiative, discussed the proposals that GELI has developed to enhance Georgia's preschool care system.

The Georgia Early Learning Initiative (GELI), launched in 1999, is dedicated to enhancing the preschool care system for Georgia's children. A partnership with the Whitehead Foundation and the United Way, GELIs mission is to educate the community about the importance of accessible, affordable, quality childcare and to advocate public policy to improve childcare services. To learn more about the Georgia Early Learning Initiative, visit www.geli.org.

PACKED HOUSE ATTENDS SCHRENKO'S SPEECH

More than 100 attended the August 15 Women In Business luncheon where Linda Schrenko, state school Superintendent, addressed a full house that included local dignitaries and officials as well as the Richmond and Columbia County Boards of Education. Her topic was "Current Issues and Threats to our School System."

AWARD RECOGNIZES EXEMPLARY CITIZEN

The Augusta Metro and the Columbia County Chambers of Commerce, in an effort to honor a person who has made a significant contribution to the progress, harmony, and quality of life within the metro Augusta area, has created The Augusta Award. The first recipient of the award will be honored December 7 at the Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chambers of Commerce Joint Annual Meeting, to be held at the Radisson Riverfront Hotel.

The recipient of this award must be a current or former resident of Metropolitan Augusta who has demonstrated strong evidence of personal, business or professional achievement, as well as community involvement, commitment, leadership or service. This contribution to the community must be measurable in terms of economic or social progress; improved unity, tolerance or collaboration among the citizens, or overall improvement in the quality of life for a significant population.

"It is important to recognize and honor those people who generously give of themselves to the betterment of the Augusta community. The Augusta Award gives us the opportunity to do that," said Augusta Chamber President Jim West.

The award recipient will be selected by a committee of seven members which are chosen to represent the composition of the community. In November, nomination forms will be available through the Chamber and other community outlets. In addition to being honored at the Joint Annual Meeting, the recipient of The Augusta Award will receive a $5,000 award by the CSRA Community Foundation to be given to a charity of his or her choosing.

Former Congressman Doug Barnard, Jr. was appointed by Chamber President Jim West to appoint the initial planning committee, formulate the selection criteria, and establish the other specifics for this honor.

In an effort to preserve the integrity and prestige of the award, The Augusta Award will not necessarily be presented annually, but will instead be bestowed on a deserving individual who clearly meets the established criteria.

RELOCATION PACKET RECEIVES MAKEOVER

The relocation packet for the Augusta Metro area recently got a makeover. Everything you ever needed to know about the Augusta area is now available on diskette with information ranging from the history of the area to quality of life. Whether you are relocating one employee or an entire division, the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce relocation packet will certainly make the move a smooth one.

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