Letter from Pierce Blanchard, Chairman of the
2001 Total Resource Development Campaign
Augusta Needs a "Shared Vision" 

 As a long-time supporter of the Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, it is my great pleasure to Chair the 2001 Total Resource Development Campaign. The Chamber of Commerce plays an integral role in the growth and prosperity of our community. As members of the business communicty, it is imperative that we support our Chamber in its attempt to accomplish its objectives.

    I have accepted my responsiblity and ask you now to join me as we work together to accommplish our goal of $280,000. This is the largest goal ever set by our Chamber and we will need each of you to join in this effort. Money will be generated by inviting new members as well as securing sponsorships for events in the year 2001 - 2002. Please review the calendar and commit your company to sponsor or host a Chamber event.

  New members are needed to empower our organization. We must increase our size and amplify the voice of the business community in order to strengthen our clout with local, state, and federal elected officials. Talk to your business colleagues, your customers and clients about joining the Chamber of Commerce. Explain that the Chamber of Commerce is their advocate for community issues such as air service, environment, workforce development and other quality of life initiatives. Make sure they understand that this organization is working for economic vitality and quality of life for our area.

See Call for Leadership continued on Page 3

Red Carpet Tour
Highlights Augusta to Business to Business
Leaders

 For more than 40 years, Georgia's Red Carpet Tour has welcomed business executives from around the world, offering four days of "red carpet treatment", while the stat'es top economic, business and government leaders showcase select regions of Georgia. The tour provides guests the unique opportunity to view Georgia's pro-business climate and attend the worl's most prestigious golf event. The Masters Golf Tournament.

    This year's guests arrived in Augusta on Thursday, April 5. They spent the day at the Masters tournament, and the evening dining and socializing with Augusta civic, business cand political leaders and the Augusta Country Club.

  "This allows Augusta a unique opportunity to interact with the Red Carpet visitors and form relationships that can potentially lead to new industry and jobs in the Augusta area, " said

See Red Carpet Tour continued on page 2