Washington DC Four Chamber Trip



After a two-year hiatus, the Augusta, North Augusta, Aiken, and Columbia County Chambers of Commerce hosted a group of local leaders on a trip to Washington, D.C. September 13 - 15, 2022. The trip to the nation's capitol provides an opportunity for regional leaders to make the trek to our nation's capital for three days of visits to have their collective voice heard. 

Central to the trip are the top economic and policy issues most important to our community that were discussed with state departments and elected officials. The first stop was the Department of Energy (DOE) to hold community discussions with Environmental Management and the National Nuclear Security Administration.

During the trip, the leaders met with Senators, Congressmen and staffers from both South Carolina and Georgia. Missions at both Savannah River Site and Fort Gordon are always important issues to discuss with members of Congress, as well as the need for a permanent solution to the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam and the need to alleviate traffic congestion and improve commuter times surrounding Ft. Gordon. 

The regional group, with the expertise and organizations /institutions represented, is impressive and does make a difference with government agencies and elected officials. The long list of accomplishments from the past trips were highlighted during the meeting with the DOE leadership. 

Community leaders with direct ties to the SRSCRO included Sue Parr, David Jameson, Terra Carroll, Russell Lahodny, and Rick McLeod.  

Annual National Cleanup Workshop

The Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) held the annual National Cleanup Workshop on September 21-23, 2022, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA. The ECA sponsors the workshop in cooperation with DOE-EM and the Energy Facility Contractors Group. 

The annual workshop brings together DOE executives, industry leaders, national and local elected officials, and other stakeholders to discuss EM's progress on the cleanup of the environmental legacy of the nation's Manhattan Project and Cold War nuclear weapons program.

Speakers included William “Ike” White, EM senior advisor; Candice Robertson, acting EM principal deputy assistant secretary; and other officials from EM headquarters and field sites.

Topics discussed included EM successes at field sites over the past year; upcoming EM acquisition plans and schedules; lessons learned toward improving project performance; entering a new era for Hanford tank waste treatment; developing the future EM workforce; and resolving key community and state issues, among others.

Local communities also emerged as pivotal players in developing the future of the EM workforce. Early education within site communities and drawing from local talent were both emphasized during the day's proceedings.

Rick McLeod, President and CEO for the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization,  facilitated a panel discussion on “Maximizing Reuse Operations at EM Sites.” The panel was composed of a very diverse group of organizations involved in reuse/economic development at various DOE site. These organizations included representatives from County Councils, Special Purpose Districts, Community Reuse Organization and Cleanup Contractors. The panel emphasized to DOE and the audience the many different types of organizations involved in reuse/economic development at each site and highlighted what working is well and suggestions for improvement.