The Augusta-Aiken MSA sets the standard for supportive business environments. This is accomplished in part by a unique partnership between Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties, which simplifies procedures for new and expanding businesses.

In the January 2001 issue of “Expansion Magazine”, Augusta-Aiken was ranked 13th out of 50 hottest cities for business relocation. The considering factors were the business environment, work force quality, operating costs, incentive programs, worker training programs, and ease of working with local officials.

Area growth reflects the benefits of this partnership, with a variety of expanding and relocating companies in the tri-county area in recent years including: Delta Air Lines, John Deere, AT&T, SITEL, Monsanto Life Sciences, KwikSet, International Flavors & Fragrances, Titan Wheel, Bill’s Dollar Stores Distribution Center, FIAMM, Helmac Products, SKYGEN, Trocellen and Civic Development Group. Companies that have expanded their operations include: Rock-Tenn, World Color, RUTGERS Organics Corporation, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Co., Frigidaire Home Products, Shapiro Meat Packing Company, Murray Biscuit, Boral Bricks and BellSouth. Over the past five years, new and expanding projects in Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties have invested $1.4 billion and created 6,395 new jobs. The multiplier effect of these projects is $2.1 billion in total capital investment and 10,125 total new jobs.

Over 20 major corporations with facilities located in the MSA are traded on the New York Stock Exchange
Regions Bank Amoco BellSouth Coca-Cola Delta Air Lines DuPont First Union Georgia Bank & Trust Georgia Pacific Kimberly Clark McDonalds	Merrill Lynch Procter & Gamble Bank of America SouthTrust Bank Southern Co. SunTrust Bank SCE & G Textron Monsanto GTE Wachovia Bank Pharmacia