ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Economic development is the primary mission of the Chamber. This department is charged with attracting new industry and encouraging the expansion of existing businesses in Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties.

• Raised $4-million for the five-year Forward Together 2000 economic development program.
• Secured $1-million of SPLOST funds for the Development Authority of Richmond County.
• Managed a $10-million grant for the Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corporation in conjunction with the Development Authority of Richmond County.
• Created & published a new economic development profile to market Richmond, Columbia & Burke counties.
• Worked throughout all project stages to attract Monsanto Dairy Plant. Their facility was dedicated in May.
• Worked with Boral Bricks to bring a $10 million brick paver plant to Augusta. This project is providing more than 35 new jobs to the area.
• Assisted Garrett Aviation in its selection of Augusta for a new engine test cell facility.
• Assisted Helmac Products Company and FIAMM Technologies with the procurement of their facility sites in Burke County.
• Marketed & leased the former Mattel building to RBW Logistics.
• Acquired additional property for the Development Authority of Richmond County adjacent to the Augusta Corporate Park.
• Coordinated plans for the entrance road to the Augusta Corporate Park.
• Hosted the Tenth Annual Existing Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament.
• Hosted a meeting in Augusta for Industry, Trade & Tourism officials from Georgia & South Carolina.
• Held a briefing luncheon for statewide developers during the Legislative BBQ in Atlanta.
• Hosted a dinner for statewide developers at the Georgia Economic Developers Association annual conference in Savannah.
• Produced & updated Augusta Metro Area Manufacturers Directory.
• Produced a newsletter for our Forward Together investors & 300 site selection consultants to market Augusta.
• Updated & enhanced the Chamber's relocation packet for general inquiries.
• Produced a permitting process guide to assist new & expanding businesses.

• Produced a list of available industrial, office & warehouse sites, as well as building flyers to assist in the marketing effort of these facilities.
• Worked with Deloitte & Touche/Fantus Consulting to produce the SIC 283 study of pharmaceutical, medical & biotechnical companies.
• Completed the standardized AEDC/CUED/EDAC Site Selection Standards & data set for consultants and posted it on our website.
• Sent mailings to a database of Atlanta companies to expand recruitment efforts in that area.
• Re-established the Manufacturers Council.
• Conducted direct mailings to site location consultants.
• Nominated several existing industries for the GEDA Governors Appreciation Awards.
• Hosted 37 companies on the 41st Annual Red Carpet Tour.
• Hosted a tour of the Augusta Metro area for the new Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism staff.
• Actively worked on 37 developmental projects during 2000.
• Marketed Augusta to consultants and prospects at the International Development Research Council.
• Developed a new ad for economic development, general business & trade publications.
• Conducted a wage & benefit survey of the business community. Membership Development Membership, the funding arm of the Chamber, strives to continually improve & expand the value of Chamber membership by providing quality services, networking opportunities and programming for businesses of all sizes and stages.
• Reached an unprecedented membership goal of $250,000*.
• Revised the format of Business @ Breakfast & Business After Hours.
• Presented 9 Business @ Breakfast events, 11 Women In Business luncheons, and 8 Business After Hours in the year 2000.
• Expanded the membership database to include assigned members.
•Hosted First Annual Small Business Street Fair
* Revised membership rate card to base investment levels on employee count.
• Reinstated the Small Business Council.
• Recognized Lottie Ellison, President of Advanced Computer Maintenance DBA: Computerland Advanced Technology Group as Small Business Person of the Year.
• Presented the first Women In Business Signature event as a joint effort with the Aiken & North Augusta Chambers of Commerce. Over 800 attended.

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