Sept 1, 2020
Back to BUSINESS ADVOCACY Local & Regional Interactions
Easy Tips to Help You 'Pick Local Before You Click'
Here are some easy tips to keep your spending dollars local while still using the convenience of online shopping.

The next time you purchase from a national retailer that has a store in the local market, click on the option to pick the item up at the local store. In most instances, the local store will receive credit for the sale and you have helped to not only demonstrate the value of that retail store to its corporate decision makers, but you’ve also moved inventory and kept local workers busy.

Is it time to take a new look at the resources you use that may be in the local market? All of our regional chambers of commerce have online directories by category so you can easily find local merchants. Even if they might not have offered online shopping in the past, they likely do now!

Is farm fresh food a must for your family cooking and dining experience and you want it delivered right to your front door? Then try locally curated products through Augusta Locally Grown. Ordering is easy and delivered on a weekly basis.

If you are a business owner, how many online vendors do you use that are not in the local market? Whether it is office supplies, signs, insurance, printing needs or PPE, start a relationship with a local businessperson, like yourself, and watch the synergy grow. Plus, your local vendor will likely invoice you taking a little pressure off that credit card.

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to put pressure on the economy, every dollar spent locally is a dollar more important than ever in helping our local community recover. Please be sure to make your online decisions a click in our direction.
Back to BUSINESS MEMBER NEWS Celebrating our Members
New Members
SME CPA Listed on INSIDE Public Accounting Nationwide Largest 400 Accounting Firms List
It was announced that SME CPAs is in the ranking of the nation’s largest 400 accounting firms by INSIDE Public Accounting. The INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) Survey and Analysis of Firms, is the longest-running, up-to-date ranking of the nation’s largest accounting firms. IPA’s annual rankings of the 400 largest firms in the U.S. are listed from the multi-billion-dollar Big 4 to firms of roughly $5.5 million in net revenue. Read more...
September 10, Augusta Metro Chamber Pivot + Pitch Video Series
We want to tell your story! How has your company pivoted operations during the pandemic? What changes have you currently implemented or how are you planning to change to be most effective in this new normal?

Do you have a success story you would like to share of ways you have adapted and evolved in this ever changing environment? We would love to virtually interview you on September 10 for our new Augusta Metro Chamber Pivot + Pitch video series (formally Augusta Metro ChamberChat).

Several time slots are still available. To be part of the Chamber's Pivot + Pitch on Thursday, September 10, please contact Blaire Marvin.
Back to BUSINESS MEMBER PROGRAMS Chamber Events & Programs
Thursday, September 10 - It's a Virtual Meet.Mingle.Mesh. Let's have some fun and test your knowledge with a fun and exciting Online Trivia Night featuring, "Guess That Vacation Location!" All from the comfort of your home, with a cocktail in hand, you can:

  • MEET new connections and industry partners.
  • MINGLE with business community professionals.
  • MESH to come together for success.
Join us Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at noon for an empowering virtual session with Genifer Gray, Vice President of Operations for Topgolf Entertainment Group.

Gen will take us through her career path and the progression that led her to the highest levels within Topgolf. She will also share the values she instils as a leader to her team, her philosophy of directing employees, and representing the brand within a male dominated industry. 
Sponsored by
On Thursday, September 17, the Augusta Metro Chamber will host an informative webinar presented by panelists from Edgar’s Hospitality Group, BrandStorm Promotions, LLC and T-Mobile, USA.
Tripp Harrison 
Senior Vice President
Edgar's Hospitality Group
Tom D'Abruzzo
Owner
BrandStorm Promotions
Rachel Romero
Director, Customer Care 
T-Mobile, USA
Although you may have adjusted your operations, our panelist will address key elements to delivering your best, provide ways to communicate with customers through branded materials and advise you on how to train staff to continue representing your 'brand' and service despite the differing methods needed to serve customers.
The Annual Golf Classic, held September 28 at Topgolf Augusta, is ideal for business development and team building and offers the opportunity to highlight your company through sponsorship and prizes.
  • Sign up your team as a BIRDIE or ACE Sponsor (see benefits below)
  • Promote your business with a contribution to the Auction or Raffle
  • Or contribute an item for the Player Swag Bag
BIRDIE Sponsor ($450):
  • Recognized as BIRDIE Sponsor on Chamber event web page
  • Corporate name recognition in program and post-tournament newspaper Thank You ad
  • One (1) team of three players
ACE Sponsor ($650):
  • Recognized as ACE Sponsor on Chamber event web page
  • Corporate name recognition in program and post-tournament newspaper Thank You ad
  • Opportunity to place 1 promotional items in swag bags
  • Exclusive company logo on designated bay
  • One (1) team of three players
20th Annual Golf Classic presented by
Women In Business Rewind
Grace Helms, AVP of Community Development for SRP Federal Credit Union, was the guest speaker for the Chamber's Virtual Women In Business on August 25. Attendees learned how to position yourself to achieve goals and financial security now and in the future.

To view last week's Women in Business webinar, please click here.
Back to BUSINESS CHAMBER NEWS Updates, Initiatives & More
Now Hiring! Director of Membership Development
This position is responsible for increasing and maintaining the membership dues revenue of the organization and performing basic accounting reports and invoicing. Two key areas of focus for the Director of Membership Development include:

  • New Member Sales: Recruit businesses and organizations, throughout the CSRA, to become members of the chamber through various prospecting and marketing methods. Assess current members’ levels and evaluate for enhanced membership level opportunities.
  • Membership Retention: Ensure a systematic process is employed by the organization to retain the most number of members in continuing membership. The purpose of membership retention is to renew the support of as many existing members as possible.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Blaire Marvin, Vice President, at blaire.marvin@augustametrochamber.com.
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