Three CSRA chambers of commerce convened in Atlanta, Wednesday, Feb. 26, for the annual Greater Augusta Day.
The yearly initiative has the Augusta Metro, Columbia County and Burke County Chambers partnering to travel to the capitol with the Augusta legislative delegation, both house and senate members.
A cadre of local business leaders and dignitaries meet with state lawmakers in a program that includes briefings, talks and a closing reception, to express gratitude for their support of the Augusta area’s business interests and to discuss pertinent policy issues for the upcoming legislative session.
Some 50 attendees participated in Greater Augusta Day, including Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson, Augusta Commissioners Don Clark, Tony Lewis and Francine Scott, Columbia County Manager Scott Johnson and Commissioner Alison Couch, and Grovetown City Councilmembers Eric Blair and Richard Bowman.
The chambers and business leaders’ legislative priorities for 2025 include education and workforce development, policies benefiting military veterans and servicemembers, film tax credits and licensing and certification.
“Licensing is big, so we are focused on ensuring that it’s easy for folks moving in from other states or other communities to apply for and have reciprocal licensing in the state,” said Angie Cox, president and CEO of the Augusta Metro Chamber, noting that the Augusta area Hub Chamber Council was instrumental in the state passing HB 880, which allows military spouses with professional licenses from other states to acquire employment in Georgia.
Another salient topic during Augusta Day was tort reform, Cox noted, and its effects on businesses, particularly via two bills: SB 68, which would regulate third-party litigation financing practices, and SB 69, which would revise provisions regarding civil practice.
“Coming as a large group, we have a larger voice,” Cox said. “And of course [with] regionalism and collaboration and working together, that is apparent when we come as a group like this.”
Skyler Andrews is a reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
