Greater Augusta Day

GREATER AUGUSTA DAY

February 3rd, 2026

Today’s Agenda 6:45am

Depart for Atlanta - Hobby Lobby Augusta Exchange

9:15am

Arrive at Centergy Building, Hodges Room 75 Fifth Street, Suite 3500, Atlanta, GA

9:30am

Briefing from the Georgia Department of Economic Development Bob Kosek - Division Director, Global Commerce

10:00am

Briefing with University System of Georgia Costas Spirou, Chief Innovation & Entrepreneurial Strategies Officer

10:30am

Briefing with Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier

11:00am

Briefing with Georgia State Superintendent of Schools Superintendent Richard Woods, State School Superintendent

11:30am

Walk to Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center Salon 4-6 800 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA

12:00pm

Lunch with Leadership Augusta Class of 2026 Fried Chicken Salad - Romaine Lettuce with a Peppercorn Ranch, Fried Chicken Strips, Pear Tomatoes, and Cheddar Cheese Served with Tomato Truffle Bisque and Flourless Chocolate Cake

12:00pm

Georgia Politics 2026 Brian Robinson, Robinson Republic

1:15pm

Walk Back to Centergy Building, Hodges Room

1:30pm

Data Center Panel Jeremiah C. Haswell, Regulatory Affairs Director, Georgia Power Company Shane Short, Executive Director of the Development Authority of Walton County Kelsi Austin, Business Development & Strategy Manager at Georgia Power Company

2:30pm

Travel to the Capitol Room 216

3:00pm

Briefing with Lieutenant Governor of Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones

3:30pm

Briefing from the Georgia Department of Transportation Andrew Heath, P.E., Deputy Commissioner

4:00pm

Briefing with the Governor of Georgia Governor of Georgia Brian Kemp

5:00pm

Travel to World of Coca-Cola - Loft & Lobby 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA

5:30pm

Cocktail Reception & Dinner

8:15pm

Depart for Augusta

Participants James Allen, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Kerry Bridges, Georgia Power Company Bennish Brown, Destination Augusta Helen Caldwell, Pinnacle Bank Angie Cox, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Janee Dock, Piedmont Augusta Dr. Jackson Drumgoole, Wellstar MCG Health Adam Flakes, Burke County Board of Commissioners Laura Gafnea, Goodwill/Pinnacle Club Rod Goins, Augusta Coca-Cola Johnny Gregory, III, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce Sabrina Griffin, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Jason Grove, Ellefson Transportation Group Shagraila Hammond, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce Tiffany Heitzman, Home Builders Greater Aiken-Augusta Region Dr. Lily Henson, Piedmont Augusta Dr. Lyle Hogue, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Dr. Kendricks Hooker, Augusta Technical College Lisa Hopper, Georgia Power Company Colie Irby, Augusta Coca-Cola Jordan Johnson, City of Grovetown Dr. Russell Keen, Augusta University Stephen King, Georgia Power Company Elaine Matthews, City of Grovetown Juli Means, Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate Keith Perret, State Farm Insurance - Keith Perret Jacqueline Rivera-Player, City of Grovetown Steve Sanders, Fulcher Hagler LLP David Schultheis, Aurubis Richmond Stan Shepherd, AT&T Nelson So, Wellstar MCG Health Dr. Quynh Spicer, Harlem Family Dental Austin Stacy, Development Authority of Burke County Heath Taylor, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Ronic West, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce Merv Waldrop, Burke County Board of Commissioners Kimberly Wilder, Davis, Chapman, & Wilder, LLC

2026 Augusta Legislative Delegation Brian Prince, Delegation Chairman State Representative, District 132 brian.prince@house.ga.gov Capitol Address 18 Capitol Square SW 409-G CLOB Atlanta, GA 30334 Phone: (404) 656-0116

District Address P.O. Box 142 Augusta, GA 30919 Phone: 706.364.4230

Harold Jones II - Senate Minority Leader State Senator, District 22 harold.jones@senate.ga.gov District Address Capitol Address 2717 Willis Foreman Road 604-A Coverdell Leg. Office Bldg Hephzibah, GA 30815 Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: (404) 656-0265 Max Burns State Senator, District 23 max.burns@senate.ga.gov Capitol Address 327-A CLOB Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: (404) 463-1376

District Address P.O. Box 203 Sylvania, GA 30467

Lee Anderson State Senator, District 24 lee.anderson@senate.ga.gov Capitol Address 325-B CLOB Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: (404) 656-5114

District Address 160 Louisville Road Grovetown, Ga 30813

Rob Leverett State Representative, District 123 rob.leverett@house.ga.gov Capitol Address 508-A Coverdell Leg. Office Bldg.

Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: (404) 656-0213

District Address P.O. Drawer 399 Elberton, GA 30635

Gary Richardson State Representative, District 125 gary.richardson@house.ga.gov Capitol Address 601-F Coverdell Leg. Office Bldg Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: (404) 656-0254 L.C. Myles Jr. State Representative, District 126 lc.myles@house.ga.gov Captiol Address 604-B Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: (404) 656-0264

District Address P.O. Box 154 Evans, GA 30809

District Address P.O. Box 6016 Augusta, GA 30916

Mark Newton State Representative, District 127 mark.newton@house.ga.gov Capitol Address 401-D State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: (404) 656-7855 Karlton Howard State Representative, District 129 karlton.howard@house.ga.gov Capitol Address 511-G Coverdell Leg. Office Bldg Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: (404) 656-6372 Rob Clifton State Representative, District 131 rob.clifton@house.ga.gov Capitol Address 408-B Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg Atlanta, GA 30334 Office: (404) 657-1803

District Address 4324 Wheeler Rd Augusta, GA 30907

2026 Priorities Housing Opportunity Georgia continues to face a significant shortage of housing opportunity and affordability, impacting workforce recruitment, retention, and long-term economic competitiveness across the CSRA. The Chamber supports efforts by state and local policymakers to re-evaluate and modernize zoning ordinances and land use policies to encourage a wider range of housing options—such as higher-density development, mixed-use projects, and alternative housing types—while maintaining appropriate standards that protect public safety, infrastructure capacity, and community needs. Regional analysis conducted through SRSCRO’s housing study underscores the scale of need in the Augusta–Aiken market, projecting demand for more than 17,000 new housing units over the next five years driven by population and job growth. The Chamber supports coordinated state, regional, and local strategies that accelerate housing production and address housing instability—including homelessness —recognizing the direct impact on workforce readiness, student outcomes, and the safety and vitality of commercial districts.

Energy Usage, Utilities & Emerging Technologies As Georgia experiences growth in energy-intensive industries, including data centers and advanced manufacturing, the Chamber supports balanced energy policies that promote economic competitiveness while ensuring reliability, affordability, and sustainability. We encourage collaboration among state policymakers, utilities, and economic development partners to ensure Georgia remains well-positioned to support growth while responsibly managing energy demand and infrastructure expansion. The Chamber also supports long-term water resource planning and investment to ensure secure, high-quality water supplies for communities and businesses across the state.

Historic Tax Credits Tax incentives that promote redevelopment and reuse of historic properties are important tools for revitalization, private investment, and community growth. The Chamber supports continued access to historic tax credits as a proven mechanism to support redevelopment in downtowns and neighborhoods, encourage adaptive reuse, and expand housing and commercial opportunities—supporting small business growth, tourism, and community vitality—particularly in older urban areas such as Augusta.

Ft. Gordon - Cyber Center of Excellence Fort Gordon is a cornerstone of the Greater Augusta Region’s economy and a vital national defense asset, serving as the home of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence.

As the installation continues to grow, the Chamber supports sustained state investment in supporting infrastructure and transportation improvements proportional to mission expansion and workforce access. Priorities include regional transportation enhancements such as the proposed interchange at I-20 and Lewisville Road to improve safety, mobility, and long-term mission readiness.

2026 Priorities Augusta University Augusta University plays a vital role in Georgia’s future by advancing education, healthcare, and workforce development. The Chamber supports continued state investment in Augusta University’s ability to train the next generation of talent—from medical professionals to researchers and cyber-related fields—and to strengthen the region’s role as a hub for innovation, healthcare delivery, and economic opportunity.

Business Climate & Economic Competitiveness The Chamber supports maintaining a predictable business climate that encourages investment, job creation, and entrepreneurship across Georgia. This includes modernizing regulations where appropriate while maintaining consistency and uniformity for Georgia employers. The Chamber supports continued efforts to preserve a fair and balanced legal climate and build upon recent tort reform progress, ensuring Georgia remains competitive while protecting employers’ ability to maintain safe business environments. The Chamber also supports responsible tax policy that sustains Georgia’s competitiveness while ensuring long-term fiscal stability and avoiding undue shifts in tax burden, through consumption tax or various forms of property tax, to the business community.

Licensing and Certifications Occupational licensing requirements can create barriers to workforce participation and mobility, particularly for individuals relocating across state lines and those entering highdemand career fields. The Chamber supports efforts to modernize and streamline licensing systems, reduce unnecessary barriers to employment, and improve portability of licenses and credentials. These reforms help employers meet workforce needs, expand opportunity, and strengthen Georgia’s ability to attract and retain talent.

Next Generation 911 The Chamber supports legislative solutions to address funding for the implementation of Next Generation 911, ensuring all Georgians have access to a modern public safety communications network. This is a critical public safety and business continuity issue, and the Chamber supports coordinated statewide efforts that strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve public confidence in community safety.

Augusta Technical College & Workforce Development Augusta Technical College is a cornerstone of the region’s workforce development pipeline, providing critical training aligned with Georgia’s high-demand industries. The Chamber supports continued state investment in technical education and workforce facilities that prepare students for high-wage, high-skill careers. We specifically support completing the funding necessary to deliver the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology facility, building on prior appropriations and ensuring the project can be fully realized to meet regional workforce and employer needs.

2026 Priorities Public K-12 Education The Chamber supports continued state investment in K-12 education to ensure Georgia students are prepared for future workforce demands. Priorities include funding equity across districts, expansion of CTAE career pathways, STEM learning, and stronger alignment between education systems and regional workforce needs. The Chamber supports policies that enhance work-based learning, apprenticeships, and career exploration programs, while also supporting efforts to increase access to affordable, quality childcare—recognizing that childcare availability is a major factor in workforce participation and family economic stability.

Transportation Investment (TIA/TSPLOST) The Augusta Region has benefited significantly from the Transportation Investment Act of 2010 and the successful 2020 TSPLOST referendum, which funds regional transportation needs through 2032. The Chamber supports continued local flexibility in transportation funding while also advocating for equitable state and federally authorized transportation investments that reflect the region’s growth, infrastructure demands, and economic impact. Strategic investment in transportation strengthens workforce mobility, freight movement, and quality of life, and the Chamber supports the continued funding and timely delivery of transformational regional projects—such as the ongoing Broad Street TIA corridor improvements—which enhance safety, connectivity, and long-term downtown economic vitality.

Technological Developments in Transportation Georgia is well positioned to lead in emerging transportation technologies, including electric vehicles and advanced mobility solutions. The Chamber supports policies that encourage innovation and infrastructure readiness to support evolving transportation technologies, ensuring communities across the state can adapt to future mobility trends while improving efficiency, safety, and economic competitiveness.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors