The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Economic Development Authority of Columbia County, is gearing up for its inaugural Future Forward: A CSRA Development Summit, set for Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown.

This dynamic, half-day summit will serve as a platform for strategic dialogue and visionary exploration among development leaders and changemakers. Designed to spark conversation and inspire action, Future Forward spotlights the key forces shaping the future of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA)—from economic development and infrastructure to workforce needs and innovation.

“With sustained growth across the Greater Augusta region, this is the perfect time to reveal our newly-designed summit, said Russell Lahodny, President and CEO of the Columbia County Chamber. “It offers a concentrated focus on development opportunities and outlooks throughout the CSRA and offers a strategic progression toward a region that doesn’t just grow but thrives.”

The event will feature three engaging panel discussions. The first will focus on commercial development and include insights from Troy Jordan of Jordan Trotter and Jordan Collier of Meybohm. The second panel will highlight workforce and housing needs as the region’s population continues to grow, with speakers such as Matt Forshee of Georgia Power and Robbie Bennett of SRSCRO. The final panel will bring together regional economic development leaders, including Cheney Eldridge of the Development Authority of Columbia County, Cal Wray of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, and Will Williams of the Western SC Economic Development Partnership.

Doors to the event open at 9:00AM with the first panel starting at 9:30 AM. Lunch will be served. Tickets are available for members and non-members. Attendees must register in advance. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaCountyChamber.com/FutureForwardSummit.