The Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce has heard comments from our membership and the community regarding the need to share the level of ongoing activity. Our response, which might be a first for any community in America, is to publish a list of the current projects on which our economic development staff is working.

The following terms appear in the table and merit a brief explanation: Project Code Name - Immediately upon receiving notice about a project, either from a consultant, real estate broker, utility provider, Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism, or directly from the company, Chamber staff create a code name for the project. This assures the confidentiality of the company and the referring agency.

Type of Project - Augusta has a truly diverse economy. The types of projects that companies are currently considering pursuing in our community indicate that this will continue well into the future.

Project's Preferred County - When a company first looks at our region, we present potential sites and buildings in Burke, Columbia and Richmond Counties. We then allow the company to determine which county(ies) best meets the needs of the project. Once the project narrows in on a specific building or site, we bring in the respective Development Authority to assist with closing the deal.

Proposed # of New Jobs and Estimated Investment - Economic development is all about jobs and investment. One of the first things we ask about a potential project is the estimated number of new jobs and investment that will result from this project.

We hope you find the data informative. Please direct your comments to Bryan Quinsey at (706) 651-0018 or bquinsey@augustagausa.com.

Court Upholds Ban on Video Poker. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce applauds the June 6, 2002, decision of the Georgia Supreme Court to uphold the constitutionality of the law banning video poker in Georgia. 3Video poker has a detrimental impact on the Augusta area, damaging families and removing money from the local economy,2 James F. West, Jr. President and CEO of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, stated. 3The return of these games to our area is not in the best interest of our community or our local economy.2 The Chamber now will be monitoring efforts by the state to enforce the statute.

Educators in Industry Program. Approximately 100 teachers began reporting for work at area businesses in June as part of the Educators in Industry Program by the CSRA School to Work Partnership. Each teacher will spend two 8-hour days getting an overview of what the company does, the businesses' hiring practices, training and education requirements for employment, workplace requirements, etc. The teachers will then use the information to create lesson plans that will enhance career awareness among students. The teachers are from Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie and Richmond counties. Some of the businesses participating include APAC, the Augusta Chronicle, Clear Channel Communications, Club Car, DSM Chemicals, E-Z-GO, Georgia Bank and Trust, Greater Augusta Arts Council, Kennametal, Knology, Kwikset, Muns Welding, Ritz Instruments, Sitel, and WJBF-TV. In its second year, the Partnership is involved in activities that enhance business involvement in the education process. For further information please contact Linda Sliger, Program Manager, 724-5629, or linda.stw@sizemoreinc.com.