Economic Impact Study. The Chamber's Military Affairs Consultant is continuing to compile data for an accurate, comprehensive economic impact study. He has obtained data for all military retirees in Fort Gordon's 44 county area of responsibility. He found that there are over 20,600 retirees who collectively receive over $33 million in military retirement pay annually. In Columbia, Richmond and Aiken counties alone, there are over 10, 600 retirees receiving over $176 million annually.

Mayor's Military/Veterans Affairs Committee. Mayor Young is hosting a luncheon in July to update representatives of veterans groups on items of interest to veterans and military affiliates. Topics will include the National Disaster Management Training Center, upcoming base closure concerns, Fort Gordon security efforts and VA support to veterans. Also, a web site dedicated to veterans' issues has been established on the mayor's web site (http://augusta.co.richmond.ga.us) that offers information and links to other sites of interest to military veterans and retirees and creates a forum for communication with the military population.

Newcomer's Day at Fort Gordon. The Chamber's Military Affairs committee is planning a Newcomer's Day in late summer at Fort Gordon for new soldiers and their families. Up to 50 businesses will be able to participate and tables and booths will be free. Chamber members will have first priority in obtaining space.

Augusta in Army Boots. Sixteen Augusta community leaders experienced a day in the life of a soldier by participating in the Augusta in Army Boots program with the 93rd Signal Brigade at Fort Gordon. Participants were exposed to many facets of Army life, including tactical communications and information technology, field rations, tent living, night operations using night vision goggles, and even how to react to an ambush. Upon completion of their 24+ hours in uniform, all were designated honorary lieutenants. The participants said that their most memorable experiences were talking to the young soldiers about what it means to be a soldier today, and observing how technically proficient, dedicated and professional the soldiers are.

Partnership/Base Closure. The Military Affairs Consultant represented the Chamber at a briefing by Gen. Abrams, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, to Senator Cleland, Rep Collins, Rep Bishop and numerous Congressional staffers and community leaders from Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL, on April 21 at Fort Benning, Georgia. The intent was to have Gen. Abrams clarify the impact of Army and TRADOC reorganization on Fort Benning and Fort Gordon.

Twelve at Noon
So much of what the Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce does is communicated only one-way, usually from us to our members. We are introducing a new member benefit, the Twelve at Noon lunch program, which will allow our members to better communicate their ideas and comments to us. For more information on participating in this program, please contact Janna DeMott at 706-821-1306.

Small Business Celebration Scheduled for August. The Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce will hold the Small Business Celebration on Thursday, August 29, 2002, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Radisson Riverfront Hotel.

Business to Business Expo is a one-day exposition that will showcase the best of the CSRA's business community. Over 70 businesses will display their products and services to key buyers and business executives. Not only will exhibitors and participants enjoy the Expo, but they are invited to attend the FREE Dale Carnegie seminar, 3What to do in a Room Full of Strangers.2 This is an incredible one-time opportunity to learn how to make the most of networking time with the members of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber will honor our small businesses by hosting the prestigious 12th Annual Small Business Person of the Year Luncheon. Exhibitor's registration will include one ticket to enjoy this exciting event. If you have not turned in your nomination forms, please complete by July 1, 2002.

Our day will culminate with Business After Hours from 5:00 - 8:00 PM while the booths remain open. Knowledge gained from the Dale Carnegie seminar can be put to work immediately!

All events will be held on site and parking is free for attendees and exhibitors. Please call Janna DeMott at (706) 821-1306 for more information and to secure your booth today. Space is limited.

The Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce has established an exciting new department, Small Business Services. The department will serve as an advocate for the needs and concerns of small businesses in the CSRA. The department also will provide numerous services for small businesses such as assisting members with business planning, financing structuring, marketing and other areas critical to success. For more information contact the Chamber at 821-1300.