More than 200 realtors and home-oriented business owners got “sold” by a self-proclaimed salesman, Augusta Mayor-elect Garnett Johnson. Johnson was the keynote speaker at the bi-monthly Greater Augusta Association of Realtors—a group of more than 2,000 members.
“I need your help,” Johnson told the capacity crowd. “Your group is so important to welcoming people into our area,” he said.
The owner of Augusta Office Solutions and Modern Business Workplace Solutions in downtown Augusta said his next-door neighbor was almost talked out of moving onto Walton Way— to look at Columbia County neighborhoods.
Johnson said the benefits of Richmond County are not being fully integrated into Welcome Packets that go out to potential new movers. He says it is because of perceived poor schools, high crime rates, and other factors.
He countered those arguments by stating that Richmond County has a world-class magnet and private schools and improvements are being made at other schools.
Johnson said downtown is safe—if you don’t venture out after the club’s shutdown after Midnight, 1 or 2 in the morning.
Jenny Viger, the Board President of the GAAR spoke to the Mayor from the podium. “You have a roomful of ambassadors here and we appreciate your transparency.”
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: ABD will look at several issues brought up at the luncheon such as a downtown grocery store, more film production expansion, and his plans for Regency Mall.
