In response to the economic hardship experienced by businesses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Augusta is launching the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Loan Program.  On Thursday, May 21, the Augusta Metro Chamber will host an informative webinar featuring James Heffner of First Community Bank and Daniel Evans with Augusta Housing & Community Development who will provide what the program is offering to small businesses and how to achieve the goal of businesses remaining open and providing employment.  As a member of the selection committee, James will provide insight into the selection process.

Daniel Evans, Community Development Manager for the City of Augusta’s Housing and Community Development Department, has served in a variety of roles with the Department since 2012.  His current role with HCD encompasses Federal Grant Management, Economic Development and serving as the Veteran Housing Committee Chair and as an ex-officio member of the Executive Board of the local Continuum of Care for the Homeless.  Prior to his time with the City of Augusta, Daniel worked for 4+ years in the local non-profit field to include time as an AmeriCorps VISTA, grant writer, Case Manager and finally Executive Director of a local human-service non-profit .

In 2017, James joined First Community Bank.  There he serves as Vice President – Commercial Banker for the downtown financial center office.  Through business development activities he is responsible for growing the deposit franchise, loan portfolio and revenue goals annually for the financial center.  James began his corporate career in New York City with The Chase Manhattan Bank.  He worked in the Investment Portfolio Group within the Treasury Department.  Previously, James worked for Altera Payment Solutions, a division of State Bank & Trust, where he served as the Vice President & Senior Relationship Manager responsible for business development and driving revenue goals throughout Augusta, Athens and Savannah markets.

These virtual events are part of the Augusta Metro Chamber’s Achieving More Virtually Web Series and are complimentary for Chamber members to attend.  The webinar series is held every Tuesday and Thursday at 3:00 p.m. and provides relevant content designed to keep members engaged, positive and energized.  Prospective members that would like to attend these webinars can do so for a $15 credit towards membership dues for every webinar they attend.  Visit augustametrochamber.com/events for further webinar details and registration information.