Chamber News

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Local program manager discusses supporting future female entrepreneurs

Female business professionals can’t always provide college scholarships, but they can provide support and mentor for the next generation of businesswomen, according to Revellee McNeil. “Women can provide their time and their presence,” McNeil said. “Make a phone call or meet for lunch.” McNeil, program manager for IntelliGenesis, LLC’s Augusta office, spoke about the importance of women helping women at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Program on Tuesday, June 21. Company President and CEO, Angie Lienert was originally scheduled to speak, but she was unable to

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Business owner to discuss preparing young women for STEM careers

Angie Lienert has held many jobs throughout her nearly 30-year career: Arabic linguist in the U.S. Air Force, program manager, and government contractor, just to name a few. Now she’s helping young women enter the STEM field. Lienert currently serves as President and CEO of IntelliGenesis, LLC, a company she founded in 2007 that offers a variety of services, including cyber operations, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity training courses. She will serve as the keynote speaker for this month’s Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Program on Tuesday, June

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Nonprofit leader to discuss creating opportunities for next generation

Phil Olaleye runs an Atlanta-based nonprofit that provides mentoring and exposure to post-secondary educational opportunities and careers for high school students. Olaleye will serve as the keynote speaker for this month’s Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Member Economic Luncheon, which will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in North Augusta. His topic will be “Creating a Culture of Opportunity.” The event will also recognize 2022 Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. Much of his speech will come from his own story,

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Local dessert entrepreneur recognized as a top businesswoman in Columbia County

Susan See was a local attorney, a career she loved, for more than 25 years until a friend told her about a franchise opportunity that piqued her interest – and she was recently awarded for her role in running that franchise. See and her husband, James, own Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise locations in both Evans and Aiken. Last week, she was selected as the 2022 Business Woman of the Year, presented by Bank of America, at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Executive Luncheon Series. “I was really surprised,” See

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Chamber and Augusta Magazine select annual Top 10 list

Growing up in Augusta, Charles Jimenez thought there were few opportunities to succeed in this city. Jimenez, now Senior Mortgage Advisor and branch manager of New American Funding, is one of 10 young professionals selected by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Augusta Magazine for their 2022 list of the Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. “I just wasn’t exposed to professional success,” he said. “Being selected to receive this recognition validates the journey I have taken to get to this point.” Since 2009, the Chamber and

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Local marketing executives discuss branding at Chamber event

David Ray serves as co-owner and General Manager of Cyber City Circuits, Augusta’s largest electronics manufacturer. But Ray admits he still has more to learn about branding. That’s why he attended the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Third Thursday Business Builder event on Thursday, May 19. Kate Sanders and Cynthia South with the Alison South Marketing Group presented strategies for building a strong brand and effectively conveying it to potential customers. “Your brand is your identity and how people interact with your company,” Ray said. Sanders, Alison South’s Chief Operating

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Business leaders advised how to navigate social media landmines

According to Debbie Reeves, people don’t always use common sense, courtesy, and kindness when posting on their social media accounts. Reeves, Account Executive with Lamar Advertising Company, said it’s especially important for sales professionals to avoid posting derogatory content about people or businesses because clients read that content. “Even if your remarks are personal opinions and protected by the law, our words have consequences,” she said. “Just because you can say something, doesn’t mean you should.” Reeves was one of more than 100 local business professionals who attended the May

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Local marketing experts to share effective branding techniques

When you think of popular brands, companies like Starbucks and Nike may come to mind. Branding is one of the most important things business owners do, yet few know how to build a strong brand and convey it to employees and the public, according to Kate Sanders. Sanders, Chief Operating Officer and co-owner of Alison South Marketing Group, along with President Cynthia South, will discuss that topic at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Third Thursday Business Builder on Thursday, May 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the

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Friday is the deadline for Businesswoman of the Year nominations

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce will be choosing its 2022 Businesswoman of the Year soon, but the deadline for nominations for the award are due by Friday, May 13. Taylor Williams, Director of Programs and Events, said the Chamber has already received several nominations for the award. The recipient of the 2022 award will be announced at the Executive Luncheon on June 8 at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Recent winners of the award were Angi Brock of The Cleveland Group in 2021 and JoAnn Herbert of Herbert Homes in

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State representative discusses gas tax and other legislation to help businesses

By now, you’re familiar with the phrase, “pain at the pump.” Small businesses throughout the state have been hit hard by rising gas prices, but the Georgia General Assembly has passed legislation signed by Gov. Brian Kemp to suspend the gas tax through May 31, according to State Rep. Jodi Lott. Lott, who represents District 122 in Evans, was one of six local legislators who attended the Post-Legislative Breakfast hosted by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce on Friday, May 6. The others were Reps. Barry Fleming, Rob Leverett, and

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