Sept 21, 2020
Back to BUSINESS ADVOCACY Local & Regional Interactions
Georgia's Road to Recovery with Georgia Chamber's Chris Clark
Georgia Chamber President Chris Clark is on the circuit discussing Georgia's road to Recovery. At a presentation for the Augusta Downtown Rotary, here are some key takeaways:

  • How will communities up-skill workforce talent to move into economic sectors that will recover much faster, especially zoomers who cannot return to hospitality jobs.
  • What is the plan to expand the pipeline and recovery of small business startup and entrepreneurism through incubators and accelerators, especially for economically disadvantaged groups.
  • What components of digital disruption are permanent and how will businesses, educators and government sectors invest and change long term.
Fortitude Hall at Fort Gordon, GA
Fortitude Hall, the headquarters for U.S. Army Cyber Command at Fort Gordon, Ga., brings key ARCYBER elements together under the same roof for the first time since the organization’s founding in 2010. The facility was officially dedicated in a virtual ceremony on September 3, 2020. The building is designed to be a highly collaborative environment for high-tech professionals, with state-of-the-art audio and video capable workstations, 46 video teleconference-capable conference rooms, 32 video teleconference “caves”, and dozens of small group meeting spaces interspersed throughout open-concept work centers. The facility contains more than 300 servers and about 3,100 miles of passive wiring (about 900 miles longer than the Appalachian Trail). Fortitude Hall is expected to bring more than 1,200 Soldiers, civilian professionals and industry partners, and more than 3,000 family members to the Central Savannah River Area community.
Take the 2020 Census...It's Not Too Late!
Getting a complete and accurate count in 2020 requires everyone's help.
  • It's Quick and Easy...The 2020 Census takes just a few moments to complete.
  • It's Not Too Late...You can still complete the census today.
  • It's Safe and Secure...The U.S. Census Bureau keeps your answers safe and confidential.
The 2020 Census is happening now. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail.
Georgia Department of Labor July Unemployment Stats
Preliminary unemployment statistics released for July indicate that the Augusta MSA has the 7th lowest unemployment rate in Georgia among 15 MSA’s throughout the state. While the overall state sits at a seasonally adjusted rate of 7.6%, the Augusta MSA rate is 7.3%, and far below the national average. Other communities throughout Georgia that are seeing job gains and the lowest unemployment are Warner Robbins, Valdosta, Rome, Hinesville, Gainesville and Athens. 

In addition to publishing final unemployment claims for July, the GDoL also published job gains around the state last Friday. The Augusta MSA added 1,800 jobs in August. The only other two MSA’s in Georgia to top Augusta in the state were Atlanta MSA with 16,200 jobs and Savannah with 2,500 jobs. Click here to read the full report.
Back to BUSINESS MEMBER NEWS Celebrating our Members
Ribbon Cutting Celebrations
Wednesday, September 23 at 9am

Friday, October 2 at 11am

Wednesday, October 14 at 10am

Friday, October 16 at 11am

Thursday, October 22 at 4pm
Tune in for Episodes 3 and 4 of Pivot + Pitch Video Series
Tues. Sept 22, 4:15 PM
Episode 3 with FIELD Botanicals

Thurs. Sept 24, 4:15 PM
Episode 4 with COVID Angel of Mercy

Streaming across the Chamber's YouTube and Facebook channels.


Want to be a guest on Season 2 of Pivot + Pitch? We are filming upcoming episodes on Thursday, October 1 and want to virtually interview you! If your company has a story to tell about how you've pivoted operations during the pandemic, we would love to hear it and share it.
Back to BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS Chamber Events & Programs
One Week Out! Sign Your Team Up Today
The 20th Annual Golf Classic marks a milestone for our traditional golf outing, and this is definitely the year you don't want to miss. Join us at the new, entertaining golf and party venue, Topgolf Augusta, on Monday, September 28.

Highlights of the afternoon include:
  • Two (2) tournament games with lunch & complimentary drinks served in the bays
  • Putt-Putt contest on the 9-hole miniature golf course
  • Silent auction and raffle prizes
  • Happy Hour with appetizers & drinks in the VIP Pavilion following play
Women In Business Rewind
Guest speaker Genifer Gray, Vice President of Operations with Topgolf, shared her story during the Chamber's virtual Women In Business on September 15. We valued hearing a positive perception on female leadership within a male dominated industry. To view last week's Women In Business webinar, click here.
Third Thursday Business Builder Playback
Our virtual Third Thursday Business Builder on September 17 included panelists Tripp Harrison of Edgar’s Hospitality Group, Tom D’Abruzzo from BrandStorm Promotions, and Rachel Romero with T-Mobile. It was inspiring to hear how each of these industries have modified their operations while still delivering their best. Click to view last week's Third Thursday Business Builder webinar.
Back to BUSINESS CHAMBER NEWS Updates, Initiatives & More
Chamber Past President Charles Bellmann Passes
Augusta Metro Chamber Past President Charles H. Bellman, 96, died on September 16th, 2020. Charlie, recipient of the Chamber's Lester S. Moody Award of Excellence, was instrumental in building the Chamber offices on Broad St. and was Founding President of the CSRA Community Foundation.

Memorials can be made to United Way of the CSRA or to the Community Foundation for the CSRA.
6th Annual Pack A Backpack Mask Supply Drive
Join Mayor Hardie Davis, The O'Neal Insurance Agency, Tuesday Talks with Tonia, 96.3 KISS-FM & POWER 107 are challenging businesses, employees, community leaders & citizens to support our elementary school students.

Items needed: backpacks and face masks

A big thank you to Carole Fabrics for donating 3,800 cloth face masks for students as part of this effort.
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