CHAMBER COLUMBIA COUNTY · GA
2020 Quarterly Newsletter
Third Quarter Edition
Welcome New President/CEO | Upcoming Events | Recovery Task Force| State of the Community
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE DIAMOND LEVEL
PLATINUM LEVEL
GOLD LEVEL
the claiborne AT W E S T L A K E
A PREMIER RETIREMENT COMMUNIT Y
SILVER LEVEL
BRONZE LEVEL Adavanced Technology Leaders, Inc. • Alfred Benesch & Company • Augusta Industrial • Bio-Life Plasma Services • Bojangles • Brandon Wilde Lifecare Community • Carter Koenig Photography • Cintas • Classic Collision • Colony Bank • Convergent Outsourcing • Corsica Technologies • Cranston Enginering Group • Duckworth Development, LLC • F&M Bank • First Community Bank • FLSmidth-AFT Operations • Fulcher Hagler LLP • GreenpointThe Prather Company • Harlem Family Dental • IntelliGenesis • JANUS Research Group, LLC • JH Cleveland Construction • Maner Builders Supply Co. • Marshall Pines Alzheimers Care • Mulherin Lumber • Murphy Auto Group • Papa John’s • Peach State Federal Credit Union • PlanDwell, Inc./ Stone & Story, LLC • Premier Networx • Reeves Construction Company • Security Onion Solutions, LLC • Sonic Drive-In • Southeastern Development • Southern Beverage • Sparkle Express Car Wash • SunTrust Bank • Total Comfort Solutions • US Battery • Yancey Rents • Zaxbys
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MAGAZINE OF THE COLUMBIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! (June 2020 through August 2020)
Extraordinary Home Care LLC Web: extraordinary-home-care.com Pinpoint HR Consulting, LLC Web: pinpointhrc.org Consilium Solutions, LLC Web: linkedin.com/company/consiliumsolutions-llc
Steven Langley Consulting Web: stevenlangleyconsulting.com Newsome Electrial Construction, LLC Web: nec-llc.com Augusta University Care Center Grovetown Web: augustahealth.org
Stanley Steemer Web: steemer.com Blanchard & Calhoun Real EstateMatt Kelly Web: facebook.com/MattKellyBlanchardandCalhoun
Sol Himalayan Salt Cave & Spa Web: solcaveandspa.com tripdeals.FUN Web: tripdeals.fun Tico New Roofing & Repairs, INC. Web: ticoroofing.com Augusta Industrial Services Inc Web: augustaindustrial.com El Toro Taqueria Web: eltorotaqueriaburke.com White Hart Insight Web: whitehartinsight.com CHB Acquisition Services, LLC Web: chbacquisitionservices.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 Manager 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 5
MAGAZINE OF THE COLUMBIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Columbia County Chamber Board of Directors Executive Board Reagan Williams, Chair Meybohm Real Estate Ed Burr, Immediate Past Chair University Health Care Adam Williams, Chair Elect Cleveland Group CPAs Jordan Pierce, Treasurer First Community Bank Yvonne Meeks, Secretary SRP Federal Credit Union Wendy Perry Catalyst Executive Advising & Development Robert Kelly Augusta Staffing Board of Directors Caroline Ashe Ivey Homes William Bates SRNL-SRNS Dorothy Brandon Security Federal Bank Kerry Bridges Georgia Power Pat Brown John Deere Commercial Products Norman Fountain The Fountain Experience Adam Harris Queensborough National Bank & Trust Mark Herbert Herbert Homes Russell Keen Augusta University Dee Dee Kurilla Kamo Manufacturing Elizabeth Lamb Doctors Hospital Don Lawrence D.C. Lawrence Real Estate Rick Logsdail HealthWise Beth McLeod Fulcher Hagler LLC Carey Miller Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Joe Tate Singh Investment Group Janeabeth Wells Columbia County Board of Commissioners
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Farewell and Best Wishes It has been a great joy and pleasure to serve the membership of the Columbia County Chamber, the Board of Directors, staff, and community stake holders for over 12 years. It seems like yesterday, that I was serving on a Chamber Committee and then joined the staff in 2008, and shortly after promoted to President / CEO in April 2010. Time flies when you are having fun!
A Message From
TAMMY SHEPHERD President/CEO
In our short 15-year existence, the Chamber has been fortunate to see tremendous growth. In membership, we have achieved 1,000 business members, with over 40 % of the membership located outside the county. In addition to the Chamber organization, three other non-profit organizations have been formed under the Chamber arm. The Chamber Foundation which houses workforce and education initiatives, the Holdings Corporation for property purchased by the Chamber, and a Political Action Committee developed to take advocacy to a higher level. A few of our great accomplishments for these organizations include an annual $1 million dollar operating budget, the opening of a Grovetown-Harlem office of the Chamber, and being award a second 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2019. Out of over 7,000 Chambers in the country, only 128 have been designated a 5-Star Accrediated Chamber. These accomplishments are a direct result of the dedicated leadership of the Board of Directors, committee volunteers, community stakeholders, and a professional driven staff. My personal success has been due to a very supportive husband and family. My goal has always been to retire at 55 years old, enjoy more time with family, and see what the next chapter of life brings me. I hope our paths will continue to cross. I wish you much business and personal success now and for the future.
16th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament
Monday, October October 19 Monday, 19 West Lake Lake Country Club West Club
Presented by:
Recovery Task Force
The Columbia County Chamber has established a Recovery Task Force to address the effects of the pandemic on the business community and the strategies needed to lead a recovery. The task force is made up of leaders from the Columbia County Board of Commission, Board of Education, City of Grovetown, and City of Harlem along with Development Authority, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Chamber’s executive committee representing financial, utilities, and real estate / development sectors. Two surveys were conducted, one in March and one in June, to assess the effects and needs of the business community. These surveys asked questions such as a business’s operating reserve, potential layoffs or furloughs, access to personal protection equipment, and the knowledge or use of the CARES ACT programs such as the Payroll Protection Plan. The survey results show a stronger business climate than originally thought, however additional resources were needed. One of those resources developed by the Chamber is the Virtual Engagement Sessions. These sessions provide the latest information from key experts on SBA Emergency Funds program and Small Business Relief Programs, Small Business Marketing such as on-line stores, curbside, delivery services, and updating business insurance and financial plans. The Board of Directors is taking an active role in leading the Recovery and the Resiliency of our business community. As part of the strategic direction, the board is divided into 6 key areas of focus to analyze and develop short and long term strategies in these areas: Corporate Resiliency Small Business Survival Talent and Upskilling Innovation & Infrastructure Inclusiveness & Economic Mobility Rural Recovery The Chamber is leading this vital role in Recovery and Resiliency in the Greater Augusta region.
Reopening Resource Page www.columbiacountychamber.com Visit the Chamber's website home page and click on the Reopening Resource tab at the top right corner for updated links on the following topics: Hospitals SBA Loans Local, State and Federal resources CDC regulations
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Upcoming Events
Wednesday, August 19 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Savannah Rapids Pavilion *Registration Required $30 Members | $40 Non-Members
CHAMBER VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT SERIES Wednesday, August 12 1:00 p.m. Zoom Platform
*Registration Required FREE Members | $20 Non-Members
It's time to rethink your company's IT strategy. Presented by:
Thursday, September 10 4:00 p.m.- Business Expo 5:45 p.m.- Dinner 6:30 p.m.- Program Begins Columbia County Exhibition Center *Registration Required
Chamber After Hours September 21, 2020 5:00- 7:00 p.m.
Event Attendee Warning Any person entering the premises waives all civil liability against this premises owner and operator for any injuries caused by the inherent risk associated with contracting COVID-19 at public gatherings, except for gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, reckless infliction of harm, or intentional infliction of harm, by the individual or entity of the premises.; or an individual or entity of the premises has posted at a point of entry, if present, to the premises, a sign in at least one-inch Arial font placed apart from any other text, a written warning stating the following: Under Georgia law, there is no liability for an injury or death of an individual entering these premises if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of contracting COVID-19. You are assuming this risk by entering these premises. The provisions in this Code section shall not be construed so as to limit or restrict the immunities from liability provided in Code Section 51-16-2; further failure to participate as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section shall in no way limit or restrict the immunities from liability provided in Code Section 51-16-2 nor shall such failure to participate be admissible.
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TSPLOST TSPLOST Passes! Congratulations to the 13 county region for passing the Transportation SPLOST / TIA for 2023-2032 by an overwhelming 70.95 % for the region, with Columbia County approval rate of 68.97%. The estimated financial funds equal $555,227,217 plus GDOT funds, totaling $798,375,814. These funds will have a tremendous positive impact on the economic prosperity of the region and quality of life for Greater Augusta residents and visitors. Hereford Farm Road and Hardy McManus Road will be transformed to serve as corridor roads and many other roads will be repaved totaling an estimated $204 million dollars in projects for Columbia County. 13 county Chambers of Commerce banded together to use a collective voice of “YES FOR THE FUTURE� slogan and website. Reagan Williams, Chairman of the Columbia County Chamber, served as Chairman and James Kendrick, Past Chairman of the Augusta Chamber, served as Treasurer, of the CSRA Transportation Improvement Committee. All area Chamber presidents performed the tasks required to work the campaign. The Columbia County Chamber and Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) played a vital role in leading the passage of this vote. The Columbia County Chamber PAC raised thousands of dollars, through the committee, to pay for digital media promotions, printed yard signs, large signs with action messaging, and newspaper ads. In addition to fundraising, presentations were made to 13 civic and non-profit organizations to educate and advocate for the passage of the vote. Lastly, the Chamber promoted the passage through press releases, numerous interviews with local television stations, and at all the Chamber events. Voters agreed that this was the best way to fund major construction projects to ensure a great quality of life and economic prosperity for the future.
Important Projects under this TSPLOST! Hereford Farm Widening Euchee Creek Greenway all remaining phases Hardy McManus Widening
Clanton Road Improvements from William Few to Washington Road Stevens Creek Intersection Improvement of Evans to Locks Q2 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 7
CLASS OF 2021
Rachel Addy Doctors Hospital of Augusta
Jay Al-Hashimi Shifa Clinic
Logan Banks Brandon Wilde
Charlie Barmore Barmore Hammond CPAs
Michael Blanchard Columbia County BOC
Tera Bonsell Columbia County CVB
Jamie Booth Blanchard & Calhoun
Shawn Bova Army Cyber School
Kasey Bryan McLeod & Murdock
Helen Caldwell Synovus Bank
Adam Carstens WJBF News Channel 6
Marion Cofer Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
Sabrina Dean Taxslayer
Logan Eason BHHS Beazley REALTORS
Dawn Gantt Augusta UniversityDCG
Maryam Hassan Department of Defense
Amanda Heath Augusta Judicial Circuit Court
Tiffany Heitzman Columbia County Chamber
Michelle Joseph ADP
Leigh Ann Keels Tuscany, A Classic Italian Spa
Matt Kelly Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate
Kevin LaDue ADP
Lauren Mansfield South State Bank
Ryan Martin Jordan Trotter Realty
Janet Mueller GIW Industries, Inc
Brantley Player Total Comfort Solutions
Paul Romagnoli Cyber Center of Excellence
Bradley Smith City of Grovetown
Brian Smith Southeast Restoration
Ashley Sweet Meybohm Real Estate
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Andrew Tyson MEGAH SoftWash
Janet Wheatley City of Grovetown
Kelly Whitener JANUS Research Group
CLASS OF 2021
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Welcoming Russell Lahodny The Columbia County Chamber is pleased to announce that Russell Lahodny, IOM has been selected as the Chamber’s new President & CEO. Lahodny will begin work officially on August 7, 2020. Lahodny comes to the Columbia County Chamber from the California Chamber located in Sacramento, California, where he served in a dual role as the Vice President, Local Chamber Relations and President, Local Chamber Relations and Vice President of the Western Association of Chamber Executives. In his previous role, he engaged local chambers across the state on legislative issues and worked with more than 800 chamber professionals sharing industry best practices, collected and analyzed industry data, and promoted the association across all platforms including print, video, photography and podcasts to communicate the mission and goals of the organization.“I am honored and extremely excited to join the Columbia County Chamber," said Lahodny. "My wife Kimberly, and I, had the opportunity to visit the area and immediately knew that it would be a great fit for us and would provide the quality of life we are looking for to raise our family. In my quest to take my career to the next level, I was looking for an organization that is successful, that possesses strong leadership that is looking to continue the success and has a great potential for the future and based on my research and meeting members of the executive committee, Columbia County fit the bill. The chamber’s work is vital to the region’s business community and I look forward to working with the chamber’s board, members, volunteers, and staff to grow the organization and to promote the interest and ensure the livelihood of local businesses in Columbia County and in the region."
Chamber Staff
Russell Lahodny, IOM
President/CEO
Tiffany Heitzman Vice President
Sabrina Griffin Darrell Butler Programs & Events Member Relations Director Manager
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Olivia Reich Communications Manager
Ashley White Workforce Developement Manager
Beth Frits Leadership Program Manager
Sarah Hare Bookkeeper
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Congratulations to Jayden Figuero-McGary, a
rising senior at Grovetown High School, for winning one of the two $500 scholarships after the Career and College Expo this year. Thank you to First Community Bank in Evans for sponsoring this scholarship.
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