Back to BUSINESS ADVOCACY Local & Regional Interactions
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Pick Local Before You Click, Guest Columnist Sue Parr |
Whether you refer to it as “buy local” or “shop small,” there is an imperative right now for customers to consider the impact to local economies when making their online purchase decisions. Consider that in June 2020 alone, online sales grew by 76% according to eMarketer. As consumers have pivoted to online shopping as the preferred means of purchasing, our business community needs you to pick local before you click.
The reasons to purchase locally are clear and compelling. We save jobs; we save the products and entrepreneurs that make our community unique with their one-of-a-kind services and we contribute to our tax base. There is no doubt that e-commerce is here to stay and was growing exponentially even before the pandemic. Now is the time, though, to grow our habits in a way that will keep our local economy healthy now and into the future.
Read more for some easy tips to keep your spending dollars local while still using the convenience of online shopping.
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Post COVID-19: The New Normal Workforce for Manufacturers |
Excellent conversations and concepts during last week's Manufacturer's Exchange Zoom Meeting, a regional effort between the Augusta Metro Chamber, the Augusta Economic Development Authority, Development Authority of Burke County, Development Authority of Columbia County, and the Western South Carolina Economic Development Partnership. Thank you to Lindsay Stevens and Drew Epting with MAU Workforce Solutions for leading the discussion on Post COVID-19: The New Normal Workforce.
The Chamber's Manufacturer’s Exchange is comprised of representatives of area manufacturers who share common ground. The Exchange meets quarterly to share information about the needs and conditions within the manufacturing sector and to share best practices. If you're interested in learning more about the Chamber's Manufacturer's Exchange, please contact Sue Parr.
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Back to BUSINESS MEMBER NEWS Celebrating our Members
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September 10, Augusta Metro Chamber Pivot + Pitch Video Series |
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We want to tell your story! How has your company pivoted operations during the pandemic? What changes have you currently implemented or how are you planning to change to be most effective in this new normal?
Do you have a success story you would like to share of ways you have adapted and evolved in this ever changing environment? We would love to virtually interview you on September 10 for our new Augusta Metro Chamber Pivot + Pitch video series (formally Augusta Metro ChamberChat).
Several time slots are still available. To be part of the Chamber's Pivot + Pitch on Thursday, September 10, please contact Blaire Marvin.
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Back to BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS Chamber Events & Programs
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Join us Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at noon for an empowering virtual session with Genifer Gray, Vice President of Operations for Topgolf Entertainment Group.
Gen will take us through her career path and the progression that led her to the highest levels within Topgolf. She will also share the values she instils as a leader to her team, her philosophy of directing employees, and representing the brand within a male dominated industry.
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On Thursday, September 17, the Augusta Metro Chamber will host an informative webinar presented by panelists from Edgar’s Hospitality Group, BrandStorm Promotions, LLC and T-Mobile, USA.
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Tripp Harrison
Senior Vice President
Edgar's Hospitality Group
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Tom D'Abruzzo
Owner
BrandStorm Promotions
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Rachel Romero
Director, Customer Care
T-Mobile, USA
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Although you may have adjusted your operations, our panelist will address key elements to delivering your best, provide ways to communicate with customers through branded materials and advise you on how to train staff to continue representing your 'brand' and service despite the differing methods needed to serve customers. |
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Go for the green! As a BIRDIE Sponsor, your team of three players receives corporate name recognition in our 20th ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC. Grab your team and join us Monday, Sept 28 at Topgolf Augusta for a fun-filled afternoon of tournament golf followed by happy hour!
BIRDIE Sponsor ($450 - Multiple Available):
- Recognized as ACE Sponsor on Chamber event web page
- Corporate name recognition in program and post-tournament newspaper Thank You ad
- Opportunity to place 1 promotional items in swag bags
- Exclusive company logo on designated bay
- One (1) team of three players
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20th Annual Golf Classic presented by |
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Third Thursday Business Builder Playback |
The Augusta Metro Chamber hosted guest panelists from Bank of America for our Third Thursday Business Builder webinar on August 20. Will Manning, Kathleen Ferguson and Jason Sowinski highlighted ways to safeguard businesses ahead of economic downturn including managing cash flow, credit, survival training, and monitoring expenses.
To view last week's virtual discussion, please click here.
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Back to BUSINESS CHAMBER NEWS Updates, Initiatives & More
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Now Hiring! Director of Membership Development |
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This position is responsible for increasing and maintaining the membership dues revenue of the organization and performing basic accounting reports and invoicing. Two key areas of focus for the Director of Membership Development include:
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New Member Sales: Recruit businesses and organizations, throughout the CSRA, to become members of the chamber through various prospecting and marketing methods. Assess current members’ levels and evaluate for enhanced membership level opportunities.
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Membership Retention: Ensure a systematic process is employed by the organization to retain the most number of members in continuing membership. The purpose of membership retention is to renew the support of as many existing members as possible.
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Laptops Needed for Richmond County Students |
With over 11,000 students beginning the school year through the system’s Online Academy, the Richmond County School System has deployed thousands of laptops, leveraged all available funding through federal and state grants, mobilized hot spots through schools and buses and readied teachers and students for a new virtual platform of learning. But, just a few remaining students whose families are unable to purchase or have access to transportation to identified support locations, need our help for additional laptops to reach 100% capacity.
The Chamber is asking all members to consider donating or financing a new laptop to these students in need. Any NEW laptops from individual donors regardless of the specifications are accepted. For large companies, any used laptops that have been cleaned will be accepted. Businesses interested in sponsoring the cost of a student laptop can make a donation of $875.
If your company is interested in supporting the Richmond County School System's need, please reach out to Sheknita Davis, the Chamber’s Associate Vice President for Workforce Development at Sheknita.davis@augustametrochamber.com.
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CORNERSTONE MEMBERS Presidents Level Cornerstone Members
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JOIN US TODAY Join the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
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