Oct 20, 2020
Back to BUSINESS ADVOCACY Local & Regional Interactions
A report and video published by the U.S. Chamber Foundation found that lack of childcare is a main barrier for returning to work as many parents have yet to find a stable solution for their childcare needs.

It's the fourth report in a series of studies on working parents, employers and childcare providers that began in the spring and summer of 2020 to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the childcare industry.

Key Findings:
  • 50% of parents who have not yet returned to work cite childcare as a reason they have not returned
  • 63% of parents anticipate needing to change their childcare arrangement in the next year, up from 60% in the June survey
  • 26% of parents are paying for a childcare arrangement they are not currently using

Why it matters: The childcare equation was already hard to get right during a strong economy. This year, COVID-19 disrupted working parents' carefully designed childcare arrangements—and now, many continue to experience difficulties.
Help Us Plan for 2021, Complete a Simple Survey
If there has ever been a time for planning, it is now. And to inform that planning, research is vital! The Chamber’s Board of Directors is asking each of our members to complete a simple survey that will help us identify and take action on how we can best support a successful economic recovery in the coming months. The survey will only require about 3-5 minutes of your time.
 
Don’t delay! We look forward to a great response from over 1,200 members and the opportunity to share results to help inform YOU and the growth of your business.
Be an Informed Voter for Public Education
The Augusta Metro Chamber is encouraging voters to support the continuation of the current Augusta-Richmond County penny sales tax dedicated to education. Proceeds from this tax extension will go towards the expansions and renovations of 4 schools including Richmond Academy, 2 new K-5 schools to meet increased student population and significant resources allocated for the technology needs of students.  
 
Additionally, voters in districts 1, 3, 4, 8 and 10 will be choosing among many candidates for the Richmond County Board of Education. As a service to members, the Chamber has compiled answers from many of the candidates on a variety of issues as part of their platforms. To view the candidate responses, click on the link below.
Back to BUSINESS MEMBER NEWS Celebrating our Members
Season 2 Wraps Up This Week, Season 3 Filming This Friday!
Tues. Oct 20, 4:15 PM


Thurs. Oct 22, 4:15 PM
S2 E6 - SOUL(TRE)


Streaming across the Chamber's YouTube and Facebook channels.
Have you been tuning in each week to watch our Pivot + Pitch Video Series? Spend time catching up. Click here to view Seasons 1 & 2. Interested in being a part of Season 3? Share your story with us virtually on Friday, October 23. To sign up, email Blaire.Marvin@AugustaMetroChamber.com.
New Members
Ribbon Cutting Celebrations
Thursday, October 22 at 10am

Thursday, October 22 at 12pm

Thursday, October 22 at 5pm

Thursday, October 29 at 10am

Wednesday, November 4 at 10:30am

Thursday, November 12 at 4pm
Last Week, Celebrating Heritage Academy & Augusta Isotopes
Celebrated the groundbreaking of Heritage Academy's Early Learning Academy. Heritage Academy is a leader in the area of urban education, and this campus expansion is vital to their mission to offer quality Christ-centered education to children of diverse economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds, empowering them to become a positive influence for Christ in this community and around the world.
Founded a little over a year ago, Augusta Isotopes brings back community Nuclear Pharmacy to the Augusta region. Their mission is to provide quality radiopharmaceuticals to customers so they can do what they do best, take care of patients. We applaud Augusta Isotopes on their commitment to our local community and our Chamber.
Visit LIVE Ribbon Cuttings on our website to take a look back at all of our ribbon cutting and groundbreaking celebrations with our members!
Back to BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS Chamber Events & Programs
Wednesday, November 18 at 5:00 pm
We hope you will join us next month for our annual Women In Business Signature Event. Held each fall, this high-profile event features nationally renowned speakers that exemplify role models.

This year, we are pleased to share an evening with Rebecca Wesson Darwin on Wednesday, November 18 at the Miller Theater. Rebecca is cofounder & CEO of the Allée Group LLC, formed with partners Pierre Manigault and J. Edward Bell III. The group owns Garden & Gun magazine, which launched in spring 2007. Their goal was to craft a magazine that would appeal to both men and women interested in the sporting life, adventurous travel, and good food and drink.

More details to come!
Third Thursday Business Builder Playback
Our Third Thursday Business Builder on October 15, Digital Transformation: What You Need to Know, featured Dr. Tony Robinson of Rural Sourcing sharing expert knowledge during this current climate when digital culture has become part of our new normal.

All of the Chamber's virtual events can now be viewed On Demand on our website.
Back to BUSINESS CHAMBER NEWS Updates, Initiatives & More
6th Annual Pack a Backpack Mask Supply Drive
On Saturday, October 17, Chamber Associate VP Sheknita Davis and Chamber Board member James O’Neal attended the 6th Annual Pack a Backpack Mask Supply Drive supporting Richmond County School System students with much needed resources. This year's event gathered donations of 14,000 face masks alone for students to stay safe with their own personal mask.
CORNERSTONE MEMBERS Presidents Level Cornerstone Members
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