August 6, 2020
Back to BUSINESS ADVOCACY Local & Regional Interactions
Advocacy Committee Considers Fall ESPLOST Referendum
A local option sales tax dedicated towards improving public education infrastructure is an important way of financing new schools, school expansions, school renovations and other capital needs such as technology. The Chamber’s Advocacy Committee had the opportunity to learn more about the November 2020 Referendum and how it will meet the needs of the district’s expanding school population, curriculum and instruction methods. 
 
Recommendations from the Advocacy Committee on policy positions are presented to the Chamber’s Board of Directors as opportunities to advocate for policy that will improve the business climate of our region. Investment in public education is a key priority in continuing to advance a superior workforce for the future. A recommendation will be presented to the Board at its next meeting in September.
Garnett Johnson Named to Georgia Department of Economic Development Board of Directors
Governor Brian Kemp announced seven appointments to the Georgia Department of Economic Development Board of Directors including Garnett Johnson, Treasurer for the Chamber's Board of Directors, Chair of our Member Representation Advisory Council, and past recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Garnett Lewis Johnson has been the president and owner of Augusta Office Solutions, LLC since 2010. He earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in Management from Augusta University in 1998. Johnson and his wife live in Augusta, and they have two children.
Back to BUSINESS MEMBER NEWS Celebrating our Members
New Members
Ribbon Cutting Celebrations
8.27.2020 - Beacon Station
Good news! American Express® Enrollment Period Extended
American Express has extended the offer enrollment period to 8/23/20 – so even more eligible Amex® Card Members have the chance to get rewarded when they Shop Small.

American Express Card Members can get $5 back in the form of a statement credit after they spend $10 or more at eligible small businesses – in stores and online – up to 10x* after they enroll on ShopSmall.com by 8/23/20 and spend by 9/20/20.

Download your Neighborhood Champion Toolkit to share the offer with your community.

To help the small businesses in your community prepare for their next phase of reopening, we’ve included a few new things in the toolkit. From safety signage to a contactless payment sticker, we hope you have everything you need to keep showing up for your community.
Back to BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS Chamber Events & Programs
Resilience over Recovery, Third Thursday Business Builder Webinar
The Augusta Metro Chamber will host a virtual panel discussion, presented by Bank of America, to inform business owners on ways to safeguard their businesses ahead of economic downturn.

Our panel of experts will provide advice and key steps related to managing cash flow, credit, survival training, and monitoring expenses. They will also highlight free virtual coronavirus resources available through Bank of America's Small Business Community.
Panel Moderator:
Sue Parr, President & CEO, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
Will Manning
Senior VP, Global Banking & Markets, Bank of America
Kathleen Ferguson
VP, Global Banking & Markets,
Bank of America
Jason Sowinski
VP, Consumer and Small Business,
Bank of America
Complimentary for Members, $15 prospective members
Presenting Sponsor:
Why Limit Happy Hour to an Hour? We didn't!
Held at the new, entertaining golf and party venue in Augusta, teams will compete in tournament games followed by a two-hour Happy Hour with appetizers and drinks in the VIP Pavilion. Join fellow member and Happy Hour Sponsor Carole Fabrics on Monday, September 28 at Topgolf Augusta for our 20th Annual Golf Classic and enjoy all the benefits of becoming a Happy Hour Sponsor:

  • Recognized as Happy Hour Sponsor on all marketing material
  • Exclusive logo displayed on TV in pavilion area
  • Company logo included in event program
  • Opportunity for product presence on tables in pavilion area
  • One (1) team of three players
20th Annual Golf Classic presented by
Back to BUSINESS CHAMBER NEWS Updates, Initiatives & More
Leadership Augusta Announces Class of 2021
The Leadership Augusta selection committee is pleased to announce the Leadership Augusta Class of 2021. The LA 2021 Class is comprised of 30 individuals, representing a wide variety of businesses and industries within the CSRA region.

Congratulations to the members of the LA 2021 Class:

James Allen, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
Brittney Alls, Augusta University
John Barksdale, Milestone Construction
Maritess Bell, University Health Care System
Sarah Childers, Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Amy Christian, Dickinson Architects, PC
Ricky Coates, Augusta GA District Attorney’s Office
Sheena Dorsey, Argos Health
Drew Epting, MAU Workforce Solutions
Shanteka Glover, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
Will Godwin, South State Bank
John Hayes, Augusta University
Maria Henry, Boys & Girls Club of the CSRA
Keldrick Hieke, Richmond County Tax Assessor’s Office
Wade Jackson, TPB Realty, LLC
Stephen King, Jr., Georgia Power Company
Chanette Lewis, Richmond County Solicitor General’s Office
Shauntia Lewis, Augusta GA Housing & Community Development
Rebecca van Loenen, Augusta Locally Grown
Heather McCoy, Augusta University
Michelle McKenzie, RE/MAX True Advantage
Mitchell Murchison, Cranston Engineering Group
Chiquita Richardson, Richmond County Marshall’s Office
Molly Richardson, TaxSlayer
Cathy Shaw, Fort Gordon Directorate of Family & MWR
Alicia Sweat, Burn Foundation of America
Briana Williams, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.
Tawanaca Williams, SRP Federal Credit Union
Keri Wilson, Augusta University
Katie Wynn, Dynamik Consulting
Students2Work Virtual Closeout Celebration
The Chamber's Business Education Advisory Council hosted a Virtual Closeout Celebration on July 30. Students, Employers, and Community Partners celebrated the close of the 2020 Students2Work Summer Internship Program. Students, Caleb Acree, Morgan Taylor, and Brandon Darren shared their internship experience with the audience. The students emphasized some transferable skills they acquired during their internship. Melissa Speight of Starbucks and Jamie McCrillis of Rendition Infosec shared from the employers perspective the importance of providing internships for students.

2020 Student Participants:
  • Joana Castro Arreola​
  • Caleb Acree​
  • Desmond Barnes​
  • Alexander Bello​
  • LaMarquez Benning​
  • Brian Blake​
  • Katherine Boone​
  • Jaylon Brooks​
  • Makya Climons​
  • Brezani Coleman​
  • Julian Cooper​
  • Madison Darling​
  • Brandon Darren​
  • Janeria Edouard​
  • Alexis Frazier​
  • Aaliyah Gilbert​
  • MiAsia Heath​
  • Cameron Hightower​
  • Jonathan Hobbs
  • Nikiyia Jean​
  • James Johnson​
  • ShaAriel Jones​
  • Isaiah Jordan​
  • Nicholas Lewis​
  • Anaj Mack​
  • Makayla Marshall​
  • Mai Lena McAlphin​
  • Carissa Parker​
  • Natalie Parrish​
  • Tyrique Robinson​
  • Jeffrey Rouseau​
  • Lauren Sherman​
  • Morgan Taylor​
  • Sean Taylor​
  • Brianna Walker​
  • Adam Wallace​
  • Alexis Weathers​
  • Ashanti Williams
CORNERSTONE MEMBERS Presidents Level Cornerstone Members
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