INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Chamber offers opportunities for involvement through committees, roundtables and special activities. The following opportunities are yours for the taking:

The Chamber is focused to provide value to the Small Businesses among our membership. They work to create quality opportunities for Chamber members to network with other member businesses by coordinating with several regular programs such as the Women In Business luncheon, Business @ Breakfast, and Business After Hours

The Women in Business committee provides a mechanism for area businesswoman to network with other professionals, and to be informed and educated. It also provides the opportunity for professional and personal development through monthly luncheon meetings. The group promotes Chamber membership as a vital link for information about our region and economic trends. The Women in Business committee hosts an annual Women In Business Signature Event in the fall. At the September 2002 event there were over 500 attendees. Elaine Clark Smith, former director of protocol for the World Trade Center/GSP, was the keynote speaker. The committee is preparing to present another phenomenal program in 2003.

The Business@Breakfast committee offers monthly breakfast meetings with networking opportunities for member businesses. Programs feature topical subjects, directly related to the CSRA business community. There are opportunities for monthly sponsors to bring awareness and educate the business community on their product or service. This committee is committed to bringing high quality speakers to attract the senior management level of membership.

The Business After Hours Committee provides bi-monthly networking events intended to bring awareness to a member's business or service, in a mini-trade show format. These evening events of business networking, information and conversation is in a relaxed business atmosphere. Members can spotlight their businesses/services by hosting or participating as a vendor. Monthly themes offer the opportunity for related businesses/industry/services to host or participate as a vendor.

Small Business Council

This Committee's vision is to develop programs and events that will enhance the membership of small business owners. The focus is to make the Chamber of Commerce more user friendly, to develop resources that enhance the growth of small businesses and to provide a dynamic networking experience for small business owners.

This committee coordinates the Small Business Person of the Year event, the Small Business Roundtable Program and the Small Business Expo.

Ambassadors Club

The Ambassadors are the goodwill arm of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, under the direction of the Membership Development Department. The Ambassadors are a liaison between the Chamber staff, board and chamber members. The Ambassadors consist of volunteers from Chamber businesses.

Golf Committees

On May 20, 2002, the Chamber hosted the 2nd Annual Golf Classic. The tournament took place at The River Golf Club and over 240 golfers and over 30 sponsors participated in the event. Thank you to all the players and sponsors who made the event a huge success. Look for the 3rd Annual Golf Classic in May 2003. Sponsorships and foursomes are selling quickly! Please call (706) 821-1300 to reserve your sponsorship and foursome.

On October 1, 2002, the Chamber hosted the 12th Annual Existing Industry Appreciatioon Golf Tournament at Forest Hills Golf Course. This exciting event brings out approximately 100 golfers each year with well over half being representatives of local industry. This is one way the Chamber shows the community's appreciation to the industries for their commitment to the Augusta area economy. Look for the 13th Annual Existing Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament in the fall of 2003. Sponsorships are now available. Please call (706) 651-0018 to reserve your sponsorship.

Economic Development Council

Brings a high-level of attention to and involve the business community in the process of economic development in the Metro Augusta area. Provides a forum for discussion and plans of action for resolution of economic development issues. Creates a consistent level of involvement by business executives interested in economic development that will span the change of Chamber of Commerce administrations.

Life Sciences Council

Provides counsel and direction to the Chamber's staff in its effort to attract pharmaceutical companies to the Augusta area.

Existing Industry Committee

Serves as an outreach program to local industrial and non-retail service businesses. Through pro-active outreach the chamber works with existing businesses to understand the opportunity they want to pursue and the obstacles that are in their way.

Manufacturers Council

The Manufacturers Council serves as the forum for member manufacturers to discuss and respond to industry specific needs and issues. The Council convenes quarterly and provides members with information that will assist them in maintaining the growth of their operations.

Red Carpet Tour

Markets the Metro Augusta area, as a prime business location for new and existing companies.

Government Affairs Committee

The Government Affairs Committee monitors the community along with federal, state and local government for issues that may benefit or damage Augusta's business environment. Issues are analyzed and solutions developed. The committee steers the Chamber's relations with elected officials.

Military Affairs Committee

The Military Affairs Committee serves as a liaison between the business and military communities of the Augusta metro area. Development of ways to use Augusta's military infrastructure to increase economic development are explored. The committee seeks to improve the quality of life for members of the military and their families. The committee also works to maintain the long-term stability of Fort Gordon and Eisenhower Hospital.

Infrastructure Committee

The Infrastructure Committee works to enhance the surface transportation infrastructure in the area. Improvements in transportation are a vital part of making our community appealing to business.

Education Committee

The Education Committee works to find ways for businesses to work with local educators to improve our local public school systems. The committee is charged with the responsibility of developing ways to improve local education and working with the proper parties to see that these improvements are pursued.

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with CSRA School to Work Partnership introduced the CHOICES® program in 2001. CHOICES® is an interactive, turnkey classroom seminar that gives middle and high school students something entirely new: a chance to see into the future and recognize the importance of the personal and academic decisions they make today.

Through creative, highly participatory exercises, students learn how to take control of their lives through making wise decisions. They consider the effects of choices they make and explore time and money management techniques.

The CSRA School to Work Partnership has purchased the license for making these presentations to 75 eighth grade classes in Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie and Richmond counties. Local business leaders will participate in the training sessions and present the program to area students.

You and your company can gain exposure within the community by participating with this worthy program.

Environmental Issues Taskforce

The Environmental Committee works to protect our natural environment while making sure that the local area continues to be business friendly. The committee evaluates the impact of regulation on the area and develops plans to minimize any negative impact. The committee works with state and federal agencies to develop strategies for improving local environmental conditions.

Air Service Task Force

The mission of the Air Service Task Force is to create a high level of air service for the Metro Augusta area. They work with candidate airlines in identifying a business opportunity and with Bush Field to assure the operating environment for future air carriers. The task force maintains and develops a relationship with existing carriers.

Small Business Celebration: Business-to-Business Expo

The Small Business Celebration event is a one-day exposition that showcases the best of the CSRA's business community. On August 29, 2002, over 70 businesses displayed their products and services to key buyers and business executives. The event also included a FREE Dale Carnegie seminar, "What to do in a Room Full of Strangers" and the Small Business Person of the Year Award Luncheon. Congratulations to Tommy Norris, Tommy Norris Insurance for winning this prestigious award. Look for the 2003 Expo in the early fall of 2003. Sponsorships and booths are now available. Please call (706) 821-1300 to reserve your booth.