Columbia County Chamber Newsletter - Spring-Summer 2019

DRIVING THE COMMUNITY

issue 2

SPRING|SUMMER 2019

AMANDA CLEMENTS DRAKE 2019 BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

INSIDE

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY

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RIBBON CUTS

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

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LEADERSHIP COLUMBIA COUNTY

2019 BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Amanda Clements Drake, C&C Automotive The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce named Amanda Clements Drake the 2019 Business Woman of the Year at its June 5 Executive Luncheon, presented by Augusta University. Awarded for the ninth time, the Business Woman of the Year award is given annually to recognize a woman in the workplace for her hard work, dedication, and passion both professionally and personally. Each year nominations are opened to the membership, the nominators fill out a profile sheet and then those profiles are presented to the Columbia County Chamber Board of Directors and they select a winner. The award was sponsored by Hardwood Floors and More.

Amanda Clements Drake opened C & C Automotive West in 2011 with her father and managed staff of ten people for eight years. She opened C & C Automotive in Martinez, Georgia in 2018, and currently manages both locations.

Amanda now serves as Vice President on the Automotive Service Association Georgia Board for over five years. She also serves as Secretary/Treasurer of Augusta Elite Power Networkers BNI chapter for three years.

Drake continues to strive for excellence in her company by receiving an accredited Automotive Manager certification from the Automotive Management Institute and an

Automotive Service Consultant Certification from the Automotive Service Excellence National Institute.

Along with professional accomplishments and civic involvement, Drake has volunteered in various capacities with the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador Committee and Events Advisory Committee, her company holds blood drives and toy drives on an annual basis and volunteers on the Augusta Technical Institute Automotive Repair Advisory Board. Also, Drake ran for Woman of the Year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society campaign five years ago and raised over $10,000 for the cause.

2019 Business Woman of the Year Nominees Heather Backus, Salazar Certified Public Accountant Beatrice Sanders, Concerned Women Rachel Romero, T-Mobile Virginia Atkins, Gerald Jones Auto Group Amanda Clements Drake, C&C Automotive Anna Kay Duckworth, Savannah River Dermatology Erin Armstrong, Dickinson Architects Aubrey Nesbitt, Zaxby’s Angela Maskey, Jim Hudson Lexus Beth Pence, AlphaGraphics Carey Miller, Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate Co. Jenifer Davis, Premier Networx Ashlee Duren, Augusta Magazine Rhonda True, Honey Baked Ham Susie Ferrara, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Barbara Crenshaw, Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners

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MAGAZINE OF THE COLUMBIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JUNE EXECUTIVE LUNCHEON SERIES

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce hosted the second installment of its 2019 Executive Luncheon Series on June 5 at Savan nah Rapids Pavillion.

Representatives Jodi Lott, Dis trict 122 and Gloria Frazier, District 126, spoke on “Empowering Womento Lead the Future.�

Politics were put aside in this discussion and the women gave their testimonial of their journey to the Georgia Capitol General Assembly Floor. Lott and Frazier discussed their life experiences and gave advice to the future women leaders in the room.

Lott had never been to the Georgia Capitol until 2015 and after that visit she says that she knew she could make a difference. Frazier had to be a little more convinced, she recalled that she did not want to run but was convinced by her peers.

Fourteen years and 7 terms later, she found her niche during session.

AD

ISSUE 1: SPRING|SUMMER 2019

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CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE DIAMOND LEVEL

PLATINUM LEVEL

GOLD LEVEL

AT W E S T L A K E A PREMIER RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

SILVER LEVEL

S OU T H E A S T E R N DEVELOPMENT

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BROKERAGE

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C O N S U LT I N G

BRONZE LEVEL Alfred Benesch & Company • Bio-Life Plasma Services • Bojangles • Brandon Wilde Lifecare Community • Camelia Walk • Carter Koenig Photography • Cintas • Classic Collision • Convergent Outsourcing • Duckworth Development, LLC • EDTS Cyber • F&M Bank • First Community Bank • FLSmidthAFT Operations • Fulcher Hagler LLP • Grand Oaks at Crane Creek • Harlem Family Dental • IntelliGenesis • JANUS Research Group, Inc. • Maner Building Supply Co • Marshall Pines Alzheimers Care • Metova • Mulherin Lumber• Papa John’s • PlanDwell, Inc./ Stone & Story, LLC • Perfect Health • Premier Networx • Pruitt Health Hospice •Reeves Construction Company • Security Onion Solutions, LLC • Sonic Drive-In • Sherman & Hemstreet • Sonic Drive-In • Southern Beverage • Sparkle Express Car Wash • SunTrust Bank • Total Comfort Soluitons • US Battery • Yancey Rents • Zaxbys

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MAGAZINE OF THE COLUMBIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! (April 2019 through June 2019)

Southern Land Surveyors Web: southernlandsurveyors.com

Fifth Third Bank

Garnto Southern Construction Web: garntosouthern.com

Chicken Salad Chick Grovetown Web: chickensaladchick.com

Kings Crown Barber Shop

Southern Georgia Insurance Services, LLC

Talent Poole Solutions Web: TPS-Talent.com

Evans Gynecology, LLC Web: evansgynecology.com

Print It! Web: weprintga.com Salon Indigo/Spa Indigo Triple M Site Work, LLC Brittany Boutique Web: shopbrittany.net Kamo Total Janitorial Solutions & Supplies Web: kamo.com Southern Vanity Web: southernvanity.us MJ Real Estate Professionals- Tiffani Landers Web: tiffanilanders.com SharedSpace Web: sharedspace.work MJ Real Estate Professionals Web: columbiacountyhomesbymj.com John Harris Body Shops, LLC Grovetown Web: jhbodyshops.com Pinot Palette Web: pinotspalette.com

Harlem Family Dental Evans Lifestyle Magazine

Sitel Web: sitel.com

Augusta Endodontic Center Web: augustaendo.com

Tropical Smoothie- Fort Gordon Web: tropicalsmoothie.com

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems Web: northropgrumman.com

Care Partners @ Home of Augusta Web: carepartnersathome.org

Pollock Moore Academy Web: pollockmooreacademy.org

Artist Lane Creative Web: artistlanecreative.com

Platinum Marine Web: platinummarine.com

Blanchard & Calhoun- Andrea Bryant Web: blanchardandcalhoun.com

Premier Barber Lounge and Salon Web: thepremierbarberlounge.com

SUITE 10 Restaurant & Bar

Magnolia Chiropractic Web: magnoliachirocsra.com American Journeyman LLC Web: americanjourneyman.com

Murphy Auto Group Web:bobrichardstogota.com Goody Two Shoes Augusta, INC Web: goodytwoshoesaugusta.com

Augusta Endodonctic Center Web: augustaendo.com

MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES ADVERTISE WITH US: The Chamber is currently looking for sponsors for its E-News and quarterly newsletter publications. If you’re interested in promoting your company or business, contact Olivia Reich, Communications Coordinator, at 706-651-0018. Act Now! SHARING IS CARING: Got an important announcement, or an upcoming event? Maybe you just want to toot your own horn a little bit?

Share Your Company News with us! Let us know what you’ve got going on and we’ll share it with our 1000+ business members. Learn more at columbiacountychamber.com/Share-your-Company-News ISSUE 1: SPRING|SUMMER 2019

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LEADERSHIP CLASS OF 2019 &RQJUDWXODWLRQV WR RXU /HDGHUVKLS &ROXPELD &RXQW\ &ODVV RI /HDGHUVKLS &ROXPELD &RXQW\ LV GHVLJQHG WR H[SRVH EXVLQHVV DQG DUHD OHDGHUV WR WKH RSSRUWXQLWLHV DQG FKDOOHQJHV IDFLQJ RXU FRPPXQLW\ DV ZHOO DV WR SURPRWH DQG IRVWHU WKH GHYHORSPHQW RI OHDGHUVKLS 7KH SURJUDP HGXFDWHV DQG SUHSDUHV FRPPXQLW\ OHDGHUV ZKR DUH FRPPLWWHG WR VKDSLQJ &ROXPELD &RXQW\·V IXWXUH DQG DOORZV FODVV PHPEHUV WR H[SHULHQFH D KLJK OHYHO RI FRPPXQLW\ DZDUHQHVV

SPONSORED BY:

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLASS OF 2019

&RQJUDWXODWLRQV WR RXU <RXWK /HDGHUVKLS &ROXPELD &RXQW\ &ODVV RI 7KH &KDPEHU·V <RXWK /HDGHUVKLS 3URJUDP LV designed to educate through experience and motivate young leaders and enable them to take an active role in their community. Students are allowed interaction with community leaders and decision makers and are exposed to community QHHGV LVVXHV DQG UHVRXUFHV 7KURXJKRXW WKH QLQH PRQWK SURJUDP VWXGHQWV IRFXV RQ GLIIHUHQW DVSHFWV RI RXU FRPPXQLW\ LQFOXGLQJ ODZ HQIRUFHPHQW JRYHUQPHQW EXVLQHVV DQG LQGXVWU\ WHFKQRORJ\ PHGLD PDUNHWLQJ DQG KHDOWKFDUH

SPONSORED BY:

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MAGAZINE OF THE COLUMBIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JOIN US ON JULY 11TH AT FIRST COMMUNITY BANK’S NEW LOCATION IN EVANS! 1200 TOWN PARK LANE- EVANS, GA 5:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M. MEMBERS ONLY EVENT 2019 Post Legislative Breakfast

the state of Georgia, getting broadband network into the rural corners of the state and the future of healthcare for Georgians.

The Post-Legislative Breakfast also featured a panel discussion with State Senate and House Representatives from Columbia County. The state leaders atteneded included: Senator Jesse Stone, Senator Lee Anderson, Representative Barry Fleming, Representative Jodi Lott and Representative Mark Newton.

The Columbia County Chamber hosted its annual Post Legislative Breakfast on May 8 at Savannah Rapids Pavillion.

Geoff Duncan, the State of Georgia’s 12th Lieutenant Governor, gave the keynote address. A former professional baseball player and successful entrepreneur, Duncan was elected as Lieutenant Governor in November of 2018. Originally elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2012, Duncan is the second Republican Lieutenant Governor in the state’s history. He was inaugurated on January 14, 2019.

Some of the key topics that Lt. Governor Duncan highlighted included the $3,000 pay raise for teachers in 7

MAGAZINE OF THE COLUMBIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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MAGAZINE OF THE COLUMBIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIR: Ed Burr, University Healthcare Systems CHAIR-ELECT: Reagan Williams, Meybohm IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR: Robbie Moore, Blanchard and Calhoun Insurance TREASURER: Adam Williams, Cleveland Group CPAs SECRETARY: Beth McLeod, Fulcher Hagler, LLC AT-LARGE: Robert Amos, Cartridge World Elizabeth Lamb, Doctors Hospital

The Chamber hosted its Small Business Round Table, formly called Chamber Before Hours, on May 15 at the Chamber RIĂ&#x20AC;FH &KLFN Ă&#x20AC;O D *URYHWRZQ serves as breakfast sponsor for the program. Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Small Business Round Table was focused on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Insurance Options for Small Businesses.â&#x20AC;?

Featured speakers included Robbie Moore, Blanchard and Calhoun Insurance and Bob Kendra, New York Life/Kendra Financial.

Join us for our next meeting on July 17 at 7:30- 9:00 am!

BOARD: Bill Bates, Savannah River National Lab Dorothy Brandon, Security Federal Bank Kerry Bridges, Georgia Power Pat Brown, John Deere Adam Harris, Queensborough Mark Herbert, Herbert Homes, Inc. Russell Keen, Augusta University Robert Kelly, $XJXVWD 6WDIĂ&#x20AC;QJ Bob Kenda, .HQGUD )LQDQFLDO 1HZ <RUN /LIH Rick Logsdail, Nutritional Resources, Inc. Yvonne Meeks, SRP Federal Credit Union Mike Oates, :5': 79 &K Wendy Perry, Catalyst Executive Jordan Pierce, First Community Bank Samantha Stough, Costco Joe Todd, 3ODQ'ZHOO ,QF 6WRQH 6WRU\ Janeabeth Wells, %RDUG RI &RPPLVVLRQHUV

CHAMBER STAFF

Tammy Shepherd President/CEO

Thursday, July 11 4:00-5:00 pm

Thursday, August 15 4:00-5:00 pm

Tiffany Heitzman Sabrina Griffin Vice President Programs & Events Manager

Darrell Butler Membership Relations Manger

Olivia Reich Communications Coordinator

Sarah Hare Beth Frits Leadership Programs Bookkeeper Coordinator

Paige Allen Membership Sales Representative

Wednesday, August 21 4:00-5:00 pm

Thursday, July 11 5:00-7:00 pm

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Robbie King Membership Sales Representative

Kelly Starkey Administrative Assistant

OFFICE 1000 Business Boulevard Evans, GA 30809 706-651-0018 phone 706-651-0023 fax ColumbiaCountyChamber.com

Hiring our Heroes

Hiring Our Heroes is a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military employment opportunities.

Each year the Columbia County Chamber looks forward to assisting with this intiative here at Fort Gordon.

On June 19 & 20, Hiring our Heros spent two days at the Fort Gordon Career Sumopen to active duty service members, Guard and Reserve, veterans, and military spouses.

Out of 7,051 job seekers, 40% those two days.

In accordance with its by-laws, the Columbia County Chamber Foundation is established and sustained for charitable and educational purposes, civic, community, and economic projects and other endeavors as may be approved from time to time by the Board of Directors.

The Foundation has been created to develop, sponsor and provide educational programming, develop and foster a high level of civic concern, community development, and activity on the part of participants in any Foundation program(s).

FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Next Principal for a Day will be on November 19, 2019 Pairs an executive with a principal in each Columbia County School, introduces educators to local industries and highlights future workforce needs and fosters understanding between educators and employees.

Teachers in Business

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Next Teachers in Business will be on September 27, 2019

CHAIR: Beth Pence, AlphaGraphics IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR: Jordan Pierce, First Community Bank VICE CHAIR: Phyllis Salazar, First Community Bank TREASURER: Stephan Swafford, Right at Home SECRETARY: Ralph Alee, Augusta University

-Coordinates tours of local businesses for educators -Introduces educators to local industries and highlights future workforce needs -Fosters understanding between educators and employers.

BOARD: Matt Forshee, Georgia Power Norman Foundation, Vance Henry, Carrie Hodges, South State Bank Sean Petro, Columbia County Schools Tammy Shepherd, Columbia County Chamber

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MAGAZINE OF THE COLUMBIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

What do those five stars mean?

Tammy Shepherd, President/CEO

,W¡V DPD]LQJ KRZ IDVW WKH ODVW Ă&#x20AC;YH \HDUV KDYH Ă RZQ E\ ,W VHHPV OLNH LW ZDV MXVW WKH VXPPHU RI 2014 when the Columbia County Chamber last applied for accreditation through the US Chamber of Commerce. Not only did the Chamber apply, but we were awarded the top level of 5 6WDUV ,Q WKH &KDPEHU ZDV DZDUGHG VWDUV This was amazing for a 15 year old organization. To give you a feel of what a huge accomplishment this was, currently there are approximately 7,000 Chambers of Commerce in the United States and only 211 Chambers have been bestowed the honor. These Chambers represent the top 3% being recognized as Accredited, or Accredited with 3 Stars, 4 Stars, or 5 Stars. Georgia is the second highest state with the most accredited chambers. Glad to say we are one of the fourteen in the state. Obviously by looking at the numbers, not every chamber even applies, so why do it?

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce by earning Accreditation, a chamber shows its dedication to: â&#x20AC;˘Reviewing, improving, and promoting strong business practices â&#x20AC;˘Recognizing leadership and outstanding contributions to the community â&#x20AC;˘Supporting the principles of free enterprise and promoting progrowth policies â&#x20AC;˘Establishing best practices and staying in-step with industry changes Since the Chamber is operated much like a small business, the below nine areas of our Accreditation process, can be applied to most any business. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a high level view of some of the documents reviewed. Various trade industries have accreditation processes of their own. Take a few minutes and ask yourself about WKHVH LWHPV IRU \RXU EXVLQHVV

Governance / Organizational Structure â&#x20AC;˘By-Laws, Organizational Charts, Handbooks for Board of Directors and Volunteers, Agenda and minutes,Goals of committees Finance Â&#x2021;5HYLHZ RI SURĂ&#x20AC;W DQG ORVV EDODQFH VKHHWV IRU D Ă&#x20AC;YH \HDU SHULRG )LQDQFLDO SROLF\ DQG SURFHGXUH PDQXDO WR LQFOXGH FDVK Ă RZ investments, operating reserves, Annual audit and tax returns, Budget Human Resources Â&#x2021;-RE 'HVFULSWLRQV 2ULHQWDWLRQ 3URFHVV (PSOR\HH %HQHĂ&#x20AC;WV DQG Training Government Affairs - Although this is a key role of the Chamber, for a business, it would suggest becoming aware and engaged in legislative process.

Program and Product Development â&#x20AC;˘Strategic Plan, Annual Report, Description of current products, programs, and services, Environmental Scan Technology â&#x20AC;˘Data protection and privacy policy, Communication Equipment plan, Computer hardware and software guidelines, Technology plan Communications â&#x20AC;˘Written communications and marketing plan with clear annual goals, Style Guide Facilities â&#x20AC;˘Projects appropriate business image and is accessible to FXVWRPHUV ,QWHULRU DQG ([WHULRU )DFLOLW\ 2IĂ&#x20AC;FH 6DIHW\ 3URSHUO\ PDLQWDLQHG RIĂ&#x20AC;FH HTXLSPHQW +DV D FULVLV SODQ LQ SODFH Well, how did your company or organization do? Are most of these documents used on a daily basis or do they just sit on a shelf? As we make re-applying for the U.S. Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Accreditation program, our top priority of the summer, I would encourage you to ask the questions and make sure your company is VWULYLQJ IRU RSHUDWLRQDO H[FHOOHQFH WRR

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