The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announced a new center targeting workforce development, and the Columbia County Chamber is ready to tap into it.
The Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness was announced on Jan. 10 at the annual Eggs and Issues breakfast.
“This new strategic initiative was created to lead the state through an unprecedented talent transformation,” said Daniela Perry, Vice President of the Georgia Chamber Foundation in a news release announcing the center. “Talent continues to be the number one issue facing our members. The Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness aims to bridge the gap between employers across Georgia, community partners, and careers available in the Peach State.”
Russell Lahodny, President and CEO of the Columbia County Chamber attended the breakfast. He told ABD the center will create great opportunities for Georgia.
“You’ve heard Chris Clark (President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber) say, we are facing down a workforce that probably qualifies towards the level of a crisis. As we get more and more of the boomers retiring, Gen Xers can’t fill the boomers’ shoes. So, we’ve got to dip into the millennials and Gen Z and get them engaged in participating in the workforce,” he said.
The state chamber’s news release said the center “is dedicated to leading Georgia businesses and partners in attracting, developing, connecting, and retaining the talent needed to drive a highly skilled workforce with a strong work ethic. The Center is designed to better leverage the Chamber’s statewide network, partnerships, and capacity to directly help employers, educators, and community partners across Georgia build effective talent pipelines, and provide real-world experience and entrepreneurship training for the next generation.”
Lahodny said, while looking forward to utilizing the new center, the Columbia County Chamber Foundation has some of the groundwork already in place, including its internship program. Still, they look forward to working with the center’s partners, including FLEX (Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneur X-Perience), Be Pro Be Proud Georgia, The National Civics Bee, and the Georgia College and State University Georgia Education Mentorship Program.
Columbia County is home to two facilities, one that just opened, and another being developed, that will make the county a leader in regional workforce development.
The Junior Achievement (JA) Discovery Center opened last week in the Columbia County School District’s (CCSD) Support Building on River Watch Parkway. Programs there are geared toward teaching sixth and seventh-grade students how to prepare for future careers and teach them financial literacy.
“When we talk about our future pipeline of talent, that’s putting us a step ahead of everybody else,” Lahodny said. “There are certainly discovery centers across the state and in the country, but when we look at the quality of our schools, the quality of life here, it’s kind of like that cherry on the top of the dessert.”
Still in development is the 81,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Facility that Augusta Technical College has planned for the county. In May 2023, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed a state budget that includes $2.7 million funding the design, with just under $36 million for construction in FY25 and nearly $7 million for FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) in FY26.
Lahodny said that the project will be a game-changer, putting Columbia County at the forefront for the region and the state, in terms of competitiveness.
“When companies are looking at where to relocate, you’ve got Rivian on and a couple of these electric vehicle manufacturers within the radius of where they’re looking to have their manufacturing centers, they want to have their suppliers within a certain mile radius. And we’re certainly in that, that bubble,” he said.
The state chamber’s new center is partnering with the Georgia Department of Education with $3 million grants to rural school districts. The money will strengthen ties between business and industry. It will also grow entrepreneurial and work-based learning opportunities.
“As the Chamber continues to focus on building the workforce of the future, we look forward to partnering with our newest affiliates and existing state partners to provide hands-on learning experiences to Georgia’s students,” said Chris Clark. “Early exposure to career opportunities will play a vital role in ensuring the next generation of talent is successful as they enter the workforce.”
The Columbia County Chamber Foundation is gearing up for an annual event that targets high school students preparing to graduate and advance into further education and career opportunities.
The Foundation’s 4th Annual Career & College Expo is set for March 7 at the Columbia County Exhibition Center. It brings together educational institutions, trade organizations, and businesses to nurture the future workforce.
“It’s a great place for families and kids to see the types of careers that are available in our community,” explained Lahodny, adding it can also keep homegrown talent at home. “Because it’s one thing to educate our kids, put our tax dollars to good use, and then export our talent. They don’t know that the job they’re seeking actually exists here.”
The chamber is accepting registrations from businesses that want to participate at www.columbiacountychamberfoundation.org.
To learn more about the Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness, visit www.gachamber.com/foundation.
