Chamber News

B2B Stories

Follow the Leader(ship) Application

Applications are now open for Leadership Augusta’s Class of 2026, closing on April 18th. Established in 1980 by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Augusta is dedicated to educating and inspiring emerging and existing leaders to strengthen the community. The program offers participants in-depth exposure to regional achievements, challenges, and opportunities while fostering meaningful connections across cultural and economic boundaries. Sarah Childers will be the adult Class of 2026 Chair, and Taylor Lamb will serve as Co-Chair. Sarah Childers, Class of 2021, is the Director of Destination Experiences at

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Awards/Celebrations

Looking for the best and brightest

Applications are being accepted for an annual program that shines a light on the best the Augusta region has to offer for future leaders. Top 10 in 10 was started by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce in 2009. It is for young professionals, aged 25-35, who are leaders in their respective fields. Angie Cox, President and CEO of the Chamber, said the goal is twofold. First, to show the depth of talent, from artists to medicine to business to education in Metro Augusta. Second, the winners are submitted to

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B2B Stories

Networking tips from 4 of the best connectors in the CSRA

One of the most challenging things business owners and individuals face is how to grow a vibrant network of contacts. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Third Thursday brought together a panel of experts from different backgrounds to give advice on what they have found to be successful. The panel included Tiffany Heitzman of Homebuilders Association Greater Augusta Region, Patrick Wells, President of Piedmont Landscape Management, James Clayton with New York Life Insurance, and Jeannine Steinkuhl, Director of Sales at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in North Augusta. “All four of

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B2B Stories

Check Your Heart at the Door Tomorrow

Women constitute half the population, workforce, and community and are responsible for over 80 percent of a family’s medical decision-making. Therefore, women’s well-being plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall health of families and communities, according to the McKinsey Health Institute. The North Augusta Chamber has joined in February’s Go Red for Women Month, the American Heart Association’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Tomorrow is the Chamber’s Women in Business How to Be Heart Smart luncheon. It will be held at the North Augusta Community

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B2B Stories

CSRA Businesses Focus on Finding the Future for Students

Just as ABD reported on North Augusta’s presentation for bridging the gap between business needs through apprentice programs, comes an expo sponsored by the Columbia County Chamber Foundation and the Columbia County School District. The goals for both are very aligned with CSRA employment needs. The expo focuses on exposing parents and students to career opportunities for the future. The initiative will align the educational, technical, and trade sectors with the businesses, showing parents and students the pathways to obtain a future quality career. Each company will list the main

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B2B Stories

Businesses Partner with Richmond County Students

The Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce is calling on businesses to participate in a program to give rising juniors and seniors a glimpse into career possibilities. Applications are being accepted from businesses and students for the Students2Work program. The program is coordinated by the Student Workforce Committee, which is a subcommittee of the Business Education Advisory Council (BEAC). “The council is made up of about 30 business partners within the community that come from varying backgrounds, and they discuss things such as students to work program, the student shadow program

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B2B Stories

Random thoughts on 20th Anniversary of Columbia County Chamber

Circa 2005, I vividly remember a meeting at the Sunrise Grille in Martinez with the first Columbia County Chamber President, Gordon Renshaw, and a few of his volunteers. Over scrambled eggs and home-fried potatoes, they talked with me about helping them sell memberships as a help to the community. Fast forward to the modern-day Chamber—there have been two full-time employees growing the membership! 20 years ago, the scrappy Columbia County Chamber was the stepchild in town to the well-established Augusta Metro Chamber. I even sensed some friction and a bit

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B2B Stories

New information tool for Georgia businesses

The Georgia Chamber Foundation has published its annual report of where the state stands and what to anticipate in the future. Called the 2025 Economic Competitiveness Redbook, or Redbook for short, it breaks down every segment of Geogia, with demographics, business applications, international competitiveness, and transportation among the topics. “Our goal is to continue to provide valuable business intelligence and long-term forecasting for your business. Having access to high-quality data will enable strategic decision-making by Georgia business and elected leaders to sustain Georgia’s record-breaking economic success,” said Daniela Perry, Executive

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B2B Stories

Local Coffee Shops “Go Green for Caffeine”

Almost every leading business publication in America has written about the perks of coffee in the workplace, from improved creativity and communication to increased motivation and morale. From February 1 through the end of March, the focus will be “Go Green for Caffeine” a two-month initiative to encourage eco-conscious coffee consumption. Three local coffee shops are participating including Goat Kick Coffee Co., Harlem Java House, and Ubora Coffee. Each participating coffee shop has implemented unique sustainability initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to a greener future by: Utilizing reusable cups for product

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B2B Stories

U.S. Chamber outlook for American business

The President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce traveled to Texas to present her 2025 State of American Business address. Suzanne Clark stepped away from the Chamber headquarters in Washington, D. C. to emphasize the fact that, in her words, all business is local. “Because the economic growth that powers people’s lives comes from cities and regions and states where private enterprise, supported by smart public policy, drives progress and creates opportunity,” said Clark. “And that kind of public-private partnership not only helps propel thriving communities but helps

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