2014 ANNUAL REPORT
impacting our community
An old song with powerful words came to mind when thinking about what
to say in this Annual Report … “Thanks for the memories”.
Since April 18, 1988 when I was hired, there have been many memories.
Together with the support of key leadership and staff, many ideas and
dreams became reality. Being able to work with an organization that
encouraged creativity was a blessing. But we also were working on current
obstacles while searching for future opportunities, which was the most
exciting aspect of the job.
We even had some “successful failures”. Failure from not having an
immediate positive result but success by having seeds planted, providing
the groundwork that would pay dividends later. Of course, history will be
the best judge of the final outcomes.
So thanks for the memories. Thanks for the opportunity to serve. Thanks
for caring and sharing on the journey to help the Columbus chamber
reach its mission to be the regional leader in economic and community
development.
Mike Gaymon
President and CEO
It has been a privilege to serve as the Chamber Chair in 2014. I particularly
want to thank our recently retired CEO Mike Gaymon for his 26 years of
service to the Chamber and our community. Under Mike’s leadership,
the Chamber has received much recognition as a leader in economic and
community development. Through the work of a very dedicated Chamber
staff, the Board of Directors particularly, the leadership of incoming Chair
Troy Woods and the many volunteers, the Chamber has and will continue to
promote vibrant and sustainable economic development within the region.
Sincerely,
Alan Rothschild
Chair
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote business success by being the leader
in economic and community development in the region.
2014 Executive Committee
and Board of Directors
2014 Executive Committee
Chair- Alan Rothschild- Hatcher, Stubbs, Land, Hollis, Rothschild
Past Chair- Jacki Lowe - Georgia Power
Chair-Elect - Troy Woods - TSYS
Vice Chair - Cedric Hill - Hill-Watson-People’s Funeral Service
Vice Chair - Billy Blanchard - Columbus Bank and Trust Company
Vice Chair - Joel Ames - Liberty Utilities
Treasurer - Jimbo Martin - PMB Broadcasting
Special Advisor - Carmen Cavezza
Special Advisor - Phil Tomlinson - TSYS
Special Advisor (Economic Development Chair) - Russ Carreker - Starrett-Bytewise
Special Advisor - Jay Alexander - Alexander Electric
To Serve 2014-2016 (3-year term)
Mark Baker - Hughston Clinic
Tom Bode - Pratt & Whitney
Richie Grantham - Sunshine Banners
Matt Loudermilk - Aflac
Rick Lowe - St. Francis Hospital
Keith Paul - Recyc Systems, LLC
William Taylor - Taylor CPA & Associates
Chamber Staff
ADMINISTRATION
Robert Nichols
Chief Operating Officer
Kim Tharp
Executive Assistant to the President
LEADERSHIP AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Amy Bryan
Executive Vice President
Maggie Reese
Coordination Manager
Mark Woodhams
Computer & Information
Systems Manager
MEMBERSHIP
ENGAGEMENT TEAM
Hillary Blanc
Member Relations Specialist
Milly Owens
Receptionist
Information Specialist
Ashley Chism
Campaign Manager
To Serve 2014-2015 (2nd year of 3-year term)
John Anker - Ankerpak
Betty Jackson
Gene Perkins - Suntrust Bank
Terry Smith - AT&T GA
Scott Hill - Columbus Regional Health
Jennifer Wad - BCBS GA
Carey Scott
Membership Sales Representative
To Serve 2014 (completion of 3-year term)
Joe Appleton - Batson Cook
Will Burgin - Jackson-Burgin
D. Copeland - Synovus
Tony Hodge - TSYS
Sean Knox - Knox Pest Control
Marc Olivie - W.C. Bradley
David Passman - Carmike Cinemas
Dana Whaley
Program Manager
Partners in Education
SMALL BUSINESS AND
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Janeen Tucker
Executive Vice President
Tom Scott
Consultant
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
William P. Murphy, EDFP
Executive Vice President
Brian Sillitto
Senior Vice President
David Lyons
Project Manager
Katherine Kelly
Coordination Manager
Lindsey Braxton
Administrative Research Analyst
REGIONAL GROWTH
Gary Jones
Executive Vice President
Military Affairs
FINANCE
Joe Sanders
Executive Vice President
Tabetha Getz
Vice President
Small Business Development
One Year Appointees 2014
Scott Allen - 2WR
Mario Davis - Certus Bank
Selvin Hollingsworth - The Hollingsworth Group
Jennifer Newman - Clear Channel Media+ Entertainment
Phillip Thayer - Thayer Properties
Young Professionals Chair - Crystal Trawick - Carmike Cinemas
Chris Woodruff - W.C. Bradley
1200 6th Avenue • Columbus, Georgia 31901 • 1.800.360.8552 • 706.327.1566 • columbusgachamber.com
Our Vision
The Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce is an energetic and visionary
organization in our region. We are committed to building a more prosperous
community while preserving the democratic process.
impacting our
community through
MEMBERSHIP
The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce is
a voluntary business membership organization. It unites
businesses, community leaders and firms, thus creating a
central agency that lends itself to improving business and
building a better community. A membership with the Chamber
gives businesses access to an extensive network of professionals,
customized marketing opportunities and exclusive discounts,
and supports local economic development.
membership
HIGHLIGHTS
• Celebrated 42 grand openings and ribbon cuttings
• Hosted 25 networking events
• Welcomed more than 223 new members
• Hosted an annual Member Appreciation event with
250 members in attendance
The Ambassadors are known as one of the
Chamber’s most active committees and are highly
visible throughout the Chamber and the community.
The Ambassadors committee is comprised of over
20 members representing more than 15 companies.
Ambassadors are responsible for encouraging,
nurturing, and expanding relationships on behalf of
the Chamber with key influencers in the community.
Ambassadors attend monthly meetings, ribbon
cuttings and all other Chamber events, as well as
provide support to new members.
The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce Welcomes
223 NEW MEMBERS
as of October 2014
11th and Bay
501 Salon, Inc.
A Cut Above Landscape
Absolute Audio Systems
ACE Hardscapes
Ad Pro Advantage, LLC
Adams Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
Air Purification Specialists, Inc.
Alday Chiropractic, Inc.
Alford, Ashley
Allstate Insurance Co.
Alston & Bird LLP
Ambient Healthcare
American Solutions for Business
AMPRO Pressure Washing and Steam Cleaning
Animal Emergency Center
Asian Market
Aspirion Health Resources, LLC
Atlantic Relocation Systems
AVI-SPL
Barber’s Driving School
Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc.
Bealls Outlet
Belk Properties, LLC
Bfit Studio
Bi-City Body Works, Inc.
Big Dreams, Inc.
Bitter Brick
Bojangles Restaurant - Airport Trwy.
Boren, Gina
Boss Print Design
Brand Mortgage Group, LLC
Bravo Wellness
Brushes & Beverages, LLC
Burr & Forman LLP
C. Schomburg & Son
Caduceus Occupational Medicine
Callaway Gardens
Cerch Cleaning, LLC
Chattahoochee Brewing Company
Chattahoochee Scuba
Chef Lee’s Peking Restaurant
Chem-Aqua, Inc.
Chik-fil-A at Midland
Chill Yogurt Cafe
Church’s Chicken
Columbus Cabinet Company
Columbus Healthy Vending
Columbus Mixed Martial Arts
Columbus Sports & Training Complex, LLC
Comer Alexander Construction Services, LLC
Complete Facilities Management, Inc.
Comprehensive Women’s Care of Columbus
Concentra Medical Center
Consolidated Electrical Distributors
Country Financial
Courtyard By Marriott - Riverfront
Coverall
Craftmaster Printers, Inc.
Cruise Planners
Davis Electric
Davita Victory Dialysis
Day & Dodds, LLC
Days Inn
De la Pop Gourmet Popcorn
Dell Military
Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
Direct Auto Insurance
Disability Service Center
Disaster Services
Dobbs, Dianne
Door Specialties, Inc.
Dramatic Paws
Dykes Body Shop
Ecocloud Insulation, LLC
ECOLAB
Eiland Pools
Elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson, LLP
EMS Care Ambulance
Faith on T’s
Fischer | Scott, LLC
Fort Benning Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation
Fred’s Super Dollar
Gemini Services
Glenn’s After Hours Repair Service
Golden Corral
Griffin and Griffin Towing Inc.
Group 1 Automotive
Grow Landscaping
GTC Business Solutions
Gulf Atlantic Surgical LLC
Harris-McBurney Company
Hart Steel, LLC
Hazel’s Flowers & Gifts
HD Supply Power Solutions
Hemma Conrete, Inc.
Heritage Bank of the South
Holbrook Service Co., Inc.
Home Depot #136
Homewood Suites by Hilton
Huckaby Brothers
Hunt, Duane- Intentional Leadership Partners, LLC
Interface
Jay Harris Orthodontics
JCIR
Jordan-Blanchard Capital, LLC
KC Computers & Leather
Kodak
Labor Ready
LaGrange Banking Company - Columbus
Law Offices of Mark P. Jones
Lawn Doctor
Liberty Beauty Supply
Lisle Company, The
Live Healthy Columbus Coalition, Inc.
Lower Chattahoochee Direct Service Corporation
Magic Circle Trampolines, LLC
Mallory Agency
McAlister’s Deli
Melissa Thomas Enterprises, LLC
Merchant e-Solutions
MercyMed at Mission Columbus
Metropolitan Baptist Church
Mike Irvin - Integrated Financial Group
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Money Advisor Group, The
Morningside Baptist Church
Mulberry Properties, LLC
My Favorite Muffin
National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation
Net Planner Systems, Inc.
NOVO Fitness Studio
Old School Barber Shoppe
Omni Training Solutions, LLC
Optimum Nutrition Center
Outlaws Saloon
Overhead Door Company of Columbus
Pat-A-Cakes Bakery
Pine Mountain Club Chalets Resort
Plucked Up Chicken & Bisquits
Porter Paints
Powell, Lavoy
Pratt Recycling
Premier Chiropractic
Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.
Principle Restoration
Private Clinic Columbus
Publix Store 1390
Publix Store 474
Publix Store 650
R. Lucas Construction and Design
Rachel Adkins - The Hair Wellness Group
Re/Max Champions Realty
Richland Distilling Company
Rite Aid Pharmacy
River City Neurological Associates, PC
Rivertown Buick GMC
Rivertown Ford
Rivertown Mazda
Rivertown Subaru Volvo
Rivertown Toyota
Riverwood Associates
Robins & Morton
Roman Medical Group
Rooms To Go
Rusty’s Floor Covering, Inc.
S.E.E. SouthEast
SE Services, LLC
Shaffer Labs
Sign Headquarters, LLC
Silverton Mortgage Specialists - Columbus Team
SimplexGrinnell, LP
Simply Right
Simply Self Storage - Macon Rd.
Simply Self Storage - Whitesville Rd.
Sims Architectural Studio, Inc.
Sizemore Total Contract Services
SL Service & Repair, LLC
Sloss, Beth - Macaroni Kid Columbus
Smith Gray Electric Company
Smith, J. Nathan
Southeast Connections, LLC
Southern Exposure Photography
Southern Health Insurance
SovranSS
Stand and Stretch
Sugga’s - Harmony Place
Super Safe Self Storage Warehouse
Sweet Pea Grocery Delivery
Tandus Centiva
Telerent Leasing Corporation
The Gardens at Midtown
The Liberty Theatre & Cultural Center, Inc.
The Methodist Home/Our House
The Social
The Wounded Heart Program
Total Industrial Services, Inc.
Travis Greene - State Farm
Treadstone Climbing
Turner Construction
TWC Services
UPS
Urban League of Greater Columbus, Inc.
USAA
Vy’s Spa & Nails
W.T. Miller, LLC
Wilkinson Walls LLC
William C. Rumer, Judge of Superior Courts
Wing Boss
Winn-Dixie Store #433
Winn-Dixie Store #439
Winn-Dixie Store #443
Winn-Dixie Store #480
Winn-Dixie Store #482
Winn-Dixie Store 3438
Wolford Contracting Company, LLC
Woodill Construction
WorkPros Contracting Specialists
WRDV, Inc.
Wrightway Painting, LLC
YP
Zoe Pediatrics
Zuma Films
impacting our
community through
TOTAL RESOURCE
CAMPAIGN 2014
The Total Resource Campaign offers sponsorships of the Chamber’s
programs, events, publications and electronic media to all of its
members. This year the theme was Sponsorship Safari, which
helped make the campaign enjoyable for all 100+ volunteers and
Campaign leaders.
TRC
HIGHLIGHTS
• Raised $843,117
• Met 129% of goal
• Recruited 132 new members
•
Chaired by Billy Blanchard of
Columbus Bank and Trust along
with six Vice Chairs: Becky Rumer
of Synovus, Leah Braxton of W.C.
Bradley, Jason Williams of TSYS,
Travis Chambers of ERA, Terry
Smith of AT&T and Scott Wise of
Aflac
2014 Campaign Top Producers
Debbie Seeley
Malone Office Environments
$50,580
Charlotte Quirk
Columbus Bank and Trust
$47,880
Jeremy Hilton
Columbus Bank and Trust
$35,870
Mike WelchColony Bank$33,475
Linda Nguyen
Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker & Ford, P.C. $31,082
THANK YOU
Continuous Sponsors
Aflac
Columbus Bank and Trust Company
Columbus Regional Health
Georgia Power Company
iHeartMedia
Naartjie Multimedia
NCR Corporation
PMB Broadcasting, LLC
St. Francis Hospital Inc.
Synovus Financial Corp.
TSYS
W.C. Bradley Company
WRBL TV-3
Platinum Investors
BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia
George C. Woodruff Company
Gold Investors
Batson-Cook Company
Burger King
Carl Gregory Enterprises, Inc.
Columbus Water Works
Group 1 Automotive
KIA Motors Manufacturing Georgia Inc.
Liberty Utilities
Rivertown Buick GMC
Rivertown Ford
Rivertown Mazda
Rivertown Subaru Volvo
Rivertown Toyota
SunTrust Bank, West Georgia, N.A.
The Overby Company
Wells Fargo
Silver Investors
Alexander Electric Company
Branch Banking & Trust
Brasfield & Gorrie
Columbus State University
Flournoy Development Company
Fort Benning Family Communities, LLC
Genesis Real Estate Advisers
Kellogg’s Snacks
Kinetic Credit Union
KPMG LLP
MeadWestvaco Mahrt Operations
Mid-Georgia Ambulance
Pratt & Whitney
Precision Components International, Inc.
Safeguard Business Systems
Snyder’s-Lance Inc.
Southern Roots Lawn Care + Property Management
The Jordan Company
OU 2014 ENHANCED INVESTORS
Your investments help make our region a better place to live, work and do business.
Bronze Investors
2WR, Inc.
Albright, Fortenberry & Ninas, LLP
Alexander Contracting Co., Inc.
Automated Business Machines
Callaway Gardens
Coldwell Banker Kennon, Parker, Duncan & Davis
Cott Beverages, Inc.
Emerald Coast Dale Carnegie Training
Flint Energies
Hecht Burdeshaw Architects, Inc.
Industrial Metal Fabricators, Inc.
Kodak
Moon, Meeks, Mason & Vinson, Inc.
Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker, & Ford, P.C.
Regional Rehabilitation Hospital
Regions Bank
Robinson, Grimes & Company PC
Spectra Contract Flooring
Staff Zone
Stepan Company
Thayer Properties
The Concrete Company
The Hughston Clinic, P.C.
Total Industrial Services, Inc.
Verizon Wireless
Winn-Dixie Store #433
Winn-Dixie Store #439
Winn-Dixie Store #443
Winn-Dixie Store #480
Winn-Dixie Store #482
Copper Investors
1513 Anti-Aging & Weight Loss Clinic
A-1 Postage Meters & Shipping Systems
A-Com Enterprises, Inc.
Air Purification Specialists, Inc.
AJK, LLC
Alston & Bird LLP
AT&T GA
Atlantic Relocation Systems
B & B Beverage Company
Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc.
Batchelor & Kimball, Inc.
Boral Building Products
Buffalo Rock Pepsi
Burr & Forman LLP
Butler Wooten Cheeley & Peak LLP
Carmike Cinemas
CBS Outdoor Inc
Chick-Fil-A at Macon/Wynnton Rd.
Chick-Fil-A Bradley Park
Church’s Chicken
Coca Cola Company
Colony Bank
Columbus Airport Commission
Columbus Community Bank
Columbus Cottonmouths Hockey Team
Columbus Hospice, Inc.
Columbus Specialty Hospital, Inc.
Columbus Technical College
Communicorp, Inc.
Comprehensive Women’s Care of Columbus
Consolidated Electrical Distributors
Culpepper, Jim & Susan
CWC Carithers Wallace Courtenay
Davis Electric
Domino’s Pizza
Elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson, LLP
EMC Engineering Services, Inc.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Flowers Lewis & Associates
Fred’s Tire Center
Freeman & Associates, Inc.
Glenn’s After Hours Repair Service
Goldens’ Foundry & Machine Company
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc.
Granville Enterprises
Green Island Country Club, Inc.
Greystone Properties, LLC
Growing Room Child Development Center
Hardee’s
Hatcher, Stubbs, Land, Hollis, Rothschild
Headquarter Nissan
Heatcraft North America
Heritage Bank of the South
Hill-Watson-People’s Funeral Service, LLC.
Home Depot #136
Horizons Diagnostics, LLC
Hostess Brands, LLC
Hudson Financial Group-New York Life
Indoor Solutions, Inc.
Interface
International Paper Company
John Scully, Keller Williams Realty River Cities
Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd.
Kemira Chemicals, Inc.
King & Spalding
Knox Pest Control
Kudzu, L.L.C.
LaGrange Banking Company - Columbus
Legacy Chevrolet, Cadillac & Saab
Lisa Scully, Keller Williams Realty River Cities
Litho-Krome Company
Malone Office Environments
Masterbuilt Manufacturing, Inc.
Max Fitness, Inc.
McElroy Specialty Interiors
MDV
Mediacom
Melissa Thomas Enterprises, LLC
Mercer University
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Park Properties
Peek Pavement Marking, LLC.
PODS
Publix Store 1390
Publix Store 474
Publix Store 650
RightPath Resources
River City Construction
River City Neurological Associates, PC
Road America
Robins & Morton
Robinson Paving Company
Sam’s Club
SimplexGrinnell, LP
Sims Architectural Studio, Inc.
Smith Gray Electric Company
Starrett-Bytewise
Steritech Group
Striffler Hamby Mortuary
Sunshine Banners & Signs
Swift Spinning, Inc.
Taylor CPA & Associates, PC
The Country Club of Columbus
The Lisle Company
The Pastoral Institute
The Wade Companies
Turner Construction
Urology Center of Columbus
USAA
Verizon Wireless
Virginia College
W.T. Miller, LLC
Waddell Realty Co.
Walgreens #12754
Wal-Mart Supercenter Store # 1311
Wal-Mart Store #1338
Wal-Mart Store #4200
Wal-Mart Supercenter Store #4283
Wide Open West
William B. Turner
Winship Clinic, P.C.
WTVM TV-9
Yates, Woolfolk & Turner Insurance
impacting our
community through
LEADERSHIP
Talent is our region’s greatest asset. It is what drives economic growth and
makes our region an exciting place to work, do business and play. The
Leadership & Community Development Department strengthens our talent
base by cultivating leaders at all levels of their careers. Through programs
like Leadership Columbus, Youth Leadership Columbus, Young Professionals
and the Inter-City Leadership Conference, the Chamber brings together
diverse groups of individuals to examine complex issues facing our region,
exploring opportunities, needs and resources. Through this program, the
Chamber develops leaders who are equipped to effectively serve the region
and motivated to engage others in collaborative efforts.
leadership
HIGHLIGHTS
•
Leadership Columbus Thirty-eight existing and emerging leaders
graduated from the 2013-2014 Leadership Columbus program. For
the first time ever, the adult leadership class along with the Youth
Leadership Columbus class worked together on collaborative
projects that resulted in over 300 volunteer service hours given to
five different local non-profits.
•
Youth Leadership Columbus Fifty-three juniors from area high
schools participated for six months in sessions that included
Effective Communication, Working with Teams, Appreciating
Differences and even a joint session with the adult class on public
safety in our region, along with many other leadership development
opportunities.
•
Inter-City Leadership Conference More than 130 business and
community leaders representing two states and multiple cities
traveled to Austin, Texas for the 21st Annual Inter-City Leadership
Conference. Community activists and progressive thinkers explored
innovation in Austin, studying the city’s comprehensive plan,
economic development strategy, small business development,
riverfront development, parks and recreation and transportation.
The delegation returned energized and excited about potential
ideas and concepts to implement in our region.
impacting our
community through
YOUNG
PROFESSIONALS
In its sixth year, the Chamber’s Young Professionals
program (YP) continues to see rapid growth and
continued community support. Over 730 members
representing over 190 businesses in our region
continue to make their mark through leadership
enrichment, career and talent development,
servant leadership, governmental affairs and social
engagement opportunities. This program cultivates
an environment that not only attracts and retains
the best and the brightest 21 to 40 year olds,
but also gives them an outlet to become change
agents for our community. Creativity, innovation,
leadership, talent—all reflect YP membership.
YPs possess tremendous respect for the legacy of
leadership before them, and with much enthusiasm
and inspiration they continue that legacy through
the most progressive organization of its sort in the
region.
Executive Committee
Chair - Crystal Trawick - Carmike Cinemas
VC Membership - William Morgan - Aflac
VC Operations -Shelley Dean Media, Marketing … and More!
VC Sponsorships - Moisés Colón - Goodwill
Industries
Past Chair - Chris Woodruff - WC Bradley
Secretary - Daniel Stone - CB&T
VC Marketing - Wesley Ker-Fox - Naartjie
Multimedia
Advisory - Amy Giglio - Aflac
Program Director - Amy Bryan - Greater
Columbus GA Chamber of Commerce
Board-at-Large
Ed Adams - The Jordan Co.
Laura Brooker - Bright Salon
Alex Chan - WC Bradley
Dale Caldwell - St. Francis Hospital
Erica Chestnutt - Doughtery, McKinnon & Luby
Andrea Cruz - Aflac
Latesha Isbell - Georgia Power Co.
Kel Jackson - Pratt Whitney
Jacy Jenkins - The Loft
Miles Jordan - Auto South
Amy Massey - Columbus Regional Health
Erin Scott - TSYS
Committee Chairs
Career and Talent Development
Michael Porter - Aflac
Shaun Roberts - TSYS
Governmental Affairs
Walker Garrett - The Finley Firm
Joseph Brannan - PMB Broadcasting, Inc.
Leadership Enrichment
Kat Cannella - CSU
Norman Hardman - CB&T
Servant Leadership
Derek Granger - Rick Hill State Farm
Rogor Lotson - St. Francis Hospital
Social Engagement
Che Ziebarth - Batson Cook
Kristen Fraser - Aflac
young professionals
HIGHLIGHTS
• Grew to more than 730 members representing over 190 businesses
in our region, an increase of more than 15% increase from the
previous year
•Hosted over 50 events, committee meetings and meet-up
opportunities for members to develop, grow, learn and enrich
themselves both personally and professionally
• Provided professional development opportunities valued at more
than $2,000 through events such Cocktails & Company, Leadership
Edge, Learn on the Go and others at no cost to members
• Gave more than 4,000 community service hours to area non-profits
through programs such as Day of Action and Time for Art
YP receives business and community support through the generosity
of founding sponsors: Aflac and WC Bradley, as well as the support of
YP Partners: TSYS, Carmike Cinemas and Naartjie Multimedia.
impacting our
community through
PARTNERS IN
EDUCATION
Through the Partners in Education Program (PIE),
businesses and organizations partner with schools to
support education in our region. PIE is based on the
concept that human capital is the most important
resource a partner can provide. PIE strives for four
fundamental success goals:
1.Improving academic performance
2.Growing career opportunities
3.Enriching the life experience of the student
4.Faculty development and enrichment
More than 225 businesses, faith-based institutions,
military units and civic organizations are PIE partners
serving Chattahoochee, Fort Benning, Harris,
Muscogee and Talbot counties.
PIE
HIGHLIGHTS
• Generated more than 40,400 volunteer hours in the 2013-2014 school
year. Financial contributions to the schools from PIE partners exceeded
$247,000, and in-kind contributions totaled $148,645.
• Visited 30+ schools during PIE Week, February 3-7. PIE Board of Directors
and the PIE Program Manager delivered goody bags and thanked the
PIE Coordinators.
• Hosted the Partners in Education Banquet in May with nearly 400 in
attendance. The PIE achievements of 10 schools were highlighted to
provide ideas and inspiration for other partnerships.
• Hosted the PIE Kick-Off Conference in September with Mr. David
Lewis. The theme of the Kick-Off was Transforming Education One
Partnership at a Time. Approximately 350 attendees were offered a
variety of breakout sessions to support transformation. Several new
Partners-at-Large were introduced and gave insight to what they have
to offer schools.
• Partnered with Columbus Civic Center to support and increase
awareness of its LET’S GROW STEM+A project (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math + Arts), a competition open to all students Pre-K
to 12th grade in Georgia and Alabama.
impacting our
community through
WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
The
Workforce
Development
Department continues to serve as a
one-stop shop for new and existing
businesses’ recruiting, hiring and
training needs. The department
strives to grow and cultivate
partnerships throughout the region
to ensure that the programs and
services meet the needs of area
employers, including a relationship
with Ft Benning and the workforce
talent it has to offer.
workforce development
HIGHLIGHTS
• On behalf of the Valley Partnership, assisted Hyundai Dymos in coordinating a
recruitment event in West Point that resulted in over 1100 applicants.
• Hosted quarterly Manufacturers Roundtable Breakfasts.
• Celebrated Manufacturing Appreciation Week on May 8 honoring our regions’
manufacturers.
• Launched the GO Intern! program making online resources and a posting site
available to businesses looking for college interns.
• Held the Operation: Workforce Employer Summit on October 8, a joint
collaboration between the Valley Partnership’s Workforce Development Veterans
Taskforce and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, resulted in
over 140 attendees representing 50 different business and community groups.
impacting our
community through
$93,000,000
2013
2014
CAPITAL INVESTMENT
$181,326,000
2012
1,297
3,330
675
JOBS
$77,550,000
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
2012
2013
2014
includes
350
retained
includes
895
retained
The Economic Development Department is focused
on the region’s long-term growth opportunities.
The team of seasoned economic development
professionals has the knowledge, commitment
and expertise needed to assist companies that are
considering a location or expansion in the region.
The Valley Partnership, a joint development authority,
is staffed by the Chamber’s economic development
team and consists of the Georgia counties of
Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, and
Talbot and the City of West Point. By leveraging
regional assets through The Valley Partnership, the
team works to develop and market assets in order to
attract new jobs and capital investment.
In 2014, our assistance resulted in the announcement
of commitments for investments in excess of $93
million. Leading the way this year was Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Georgia, which announced a $62
million new state-of-the-art campus slated to open
by August 2015 in Muscogee Technology Park.
includes
225
retained
Photo by Jim Cawthorne, Camera 1
economic development
HIGHLIGHTS
• Announced 450 new jobs in 2014 with another 225 jobs retained.
Obtained commitments to invest more than $93 million in new
equipment and facilities in the region.
Kodak received the 2014 Project of the Year – Manufacturing
award for a project announced in April, which will result in a $15
million investment in a new high‐speed manufacturing line at its
Corporate Ridge Business Park facility. The new manufacturing line
will be dedicated to producing KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates
and serving its customers in the Americas.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) received the 2014
Project of the Year – Office award for its expansion project, which
was celebrated at a groundbreaking ceremony in August. The $62
million investment will result in a new 235,000-square-foot, threestory building in Muscogee Technology Park. The 2,000-seat facility
will house approximately 1,500 employees and will be BCBSGa’s
main hub for servicing its nearly three million members in Georgia.
• The State of Georgia received several awards in 2014 by some of
the best site selection and business media companies.
#1 - Site Selection’s Top 10 Competitive States 2014
#1 - Area Development’s Top States for Doing Business 2014
#1 - CNBC’s 2014 America’s Top States for Doing Business
The State of Georgia also received the 2014 Gold Shovel Award for
excellence in state job creation and economic development efforts
from Area Development magazine. This award included recognition
of two regional projects: Hostess Brands, LLC in Columbus and
Koch Foods in Harris County.
• During the past 12 years, new and existing companies have
invested $3.1 billion in the Greater Columbus, Georgia Region,
creating more than 22,000 jobs.
impacting our
community through
GOVERNMENTAL
AFFAIRS
The Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee
works diligently to make sure local, state and federal
elected officials hear the voice of business owners as
they make decisions that affect local businesses. The
Committee met with the State Legislative Delegation
during the Legislative Session on Columbus Regional
Day at the Capitol. The Committee also hosted Mayor
Teresa Tomlinson’s State of the City address and a
number of candidate forums during the election cycle.
The Committee met with elected officials at all levels
of government to further the Chamber’s pro-business
agenda.
governmental affairs
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hosted Columbus Day at the Capitol in Atlanta in March 2014
with 50 Chamber and Young Professional members to promote
Columbus and to thank the members of the Georgia General
Assembly for their service. Lunch speakers included Georgia
Attorney General Sam Olens and Representative Calvin Smyre.
• Hosted state legislators for a Legislative Agenda work session and
reception
• Briefed a number of state and federal officials and candidates
on the Chamber’s efforts to minimize the impact of defense cuts
and the efforts of the Chamber’s Economic Development team to
promote our region in retaining and recruiting businesses
• Partnered with WRBL, PMB Broadcasting and Columbus State
University to host a Columbus mayoral debate and Democrat and
Republican Senate primary debates
impacting our
community through
MILITARY
AFFAIRS
Fort Benning currently supports our regional economy
with some $5.5 billion annually, and as the largest
employer in the region, Fort Benning’s economic
impact is vitally important.
The Chamber’s Military Affairs effort is contracted by
the Fort Benning Partnership, Valley Partnership Joint
Development Authority and Development Authority
of Columbus to bring the Bi-State Region’s seven
counties together as one voice to support regional
community and economic development as well as
defense planning activities and mission expansion
activities associated with the sustainability of Fort
Benning.
military affairs
HIGHLIGHTS
• Linking governmental, community and business leadership,
facilitated the effort to retain the 3rd Brigade and thousands
of civilian, contractor and active duty positions. This effort not
only retained the positions being considered for elimination,
but Fort Benning grew by 60 positions. The effort retained
some 8,000 jobs, 17,800 residents and $745,000,000 in annual
sales and income.
• Currently coordinating a rebuttal to a Congressional budget
driven Army Study that intends to eliminate almost 14,000
military, civilian and contractor positions on Fort Benning
• Planning actions with federal, state, regional, county and
local entities and agencies as well as local and regional
businesses focused on challenging the upcoming threats of
the Congressional Sequestration and Department of Defense
drawdowns
impacting our
community through
SMALL
BUSINESS
Small businesses are building the American Dream in the
Columbus region, not only for themselves, but for their
employees, families, customers and our entire community.
The Chamber’s Small Business Department helps create and
support local small businesses, providing resources, education
and recognition, and connecting members with others to
help build the relationships that small businesses need to be
successful.
small business
HIGHLIGHTS
• Celebrated Small Business Week August 25-29
Annual Awards
- Small Business of the Year
Lane Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Jason McKenzie, Ride On Bikes
- Visionary Award
John Teeples & Reggie Luther,
Big Dog Running & Iron Bank Coffee
• Recognized outstanding local small businesses each month
2014 Small Business Giants
January – Delta Data
February – Barnes, Gibson, Patel Architects
March – PTAP
April – Image by Design
May – Tires 1st
June – Automated Door Ways
July – Coldwell Banker Commercial
August – Standard Concrete Products
September – Colormac2
October – The Overby Company
November – Center Pharmacy
• Celebrated Small Business Saturday on November 29,
kicking off the Go Local Program in 2014
• Helped more than 100 local business owners save 7.5% on
their workers compensation insurance through the Drugs
Don’t Work Program
• Assisted more than 50 entrepreneurs with startup
resources for opening a new small business
• Published the 1st Annual Small Business Development
Guide in partnership with the Ledger-Enquirer
Bridging the gap between today’s infrastructure needs and cost effective solutions
with high-quality precast, prestressed concrete components.
CORPORATE OFFICE
945 Broadway, Suite 300
PO BOX 1360
Columbus, GA 31902-1360
(706) 322-3274
MANUFACTURING LOCATIONS
Atlanta, GA
Savannah, GA
Tampa, FL
(404) 792-1600
(912) 233-8263
(813) 831-9520