You don’t have to know Robbie Bennett long to learn one thing: He loves his job. And as executive director of the Development Authority of Columbia County, there’s plenty on his plate to love. 

“I love the variety of personalities, people, and companies I get to interact with and support. One day I might be working with a small business owner, and the next day talking with an executive at a Fortune 500 company,” he explains. “The term ‘routine’ in economic development is truly an oxymoron. Every day presents new opportunities and challenges—I may be in a meeting with local industries, on a visit with site selection consultants, developing a presentation, or doing research. Every day is a different experience”—and that’s just the way Robbie likes it.

The Development Authority team uses a variety of marketing, financial, and strategic planning tools to achieve their mission of recruiting quality businesses and a talented workforce, as well as helping to retain and expand existing firms in the county. “The Development Authority is governed by a Board of Directors who is appointed by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. Our purpose is to foster and promote economic development in Columbia County,” Robbie says. “Based on the needs of the county, the Development Authority practices holistic economic development—we work with our large existing employers to address their needs, we support manufacturing, we support small business and entrepreneurship, we work with IT and office companies, we support retail growth in the county, and we work with all companies no matter their size.”

It’s a tall order, but Robbie keeps a clear focus in mind: “We strive to foster a strong business climate in Columbia County. Each one of these companies impacts each other. A diverse corporate landscape is necessary for success. We serve the community by helping to foster jobs, increase the tax base, and make Columbia County the best place to live, work, and thrive.” 

And Robbie has been doing just that ever since joining the Development Authority of Columbia County. Beforehand, he spent three and a half years with the Augusta Economic Development Authority and four and a half years in South Carolina, working in local and state economic development. “Since entering the field of economic development I have realized that this is truly the best job,” he says, with trademark passion for what he does. “I love working to promote communities I believe have promise and opportunity.” 

Robbie grew up in the Greater Augusta Region and has family throughout the area—yet another thing to love. “When the executive director position came open in Columbia County it was a great opportunity to continue to support an area that I care about. Additionally, when I looked at the market and the opportunities available in Columbia County, I knew that this was going to be a great fit. Columbia County was ready for targeted growth of industry—existing and new—and the population was about to reach a point for rapid growth in retail.” 

The stars aligned and Robbie accepted the position—and the rest is history. 

“When you have the chance to promote a community like Columbia County, it’s fun,” he explains, then begins listing the area’s many perks: “great education, tremendous assets, a wonderful quality of life, and strong leadership. The best part of my job is listening to the community and hearing about the positive impact of a local expansion or new company we helped to support.” 

The companies Robbie has had the pleasure of supporting are many. Including GIW Industries, Janus Research Group, Urban Outfitters, Starbucks, Rural Sourcing Inc., Rockwood Pigments, and many others, the list goes on and on. “Each project has been special,” Robbie recalls. “Each individual job that has been created has impacted a person and a family. That is what’s important.” 

The clear sense of what matters continues to guide Robbie in his daily work. But the most interesting aspect of what he does, beneath it all, is people. “I am always fascinated by the determination and resiliency of people,” he says. “The ideas and innovation that people are able to generate is amazing. From a guy with a small business idea to corporate executives revamping their strategy, people make business interesting. You never know where a conversation or relationship might lead you next.” 

The expert’s advice for fostering economic growth? “Companies don’t look at political boundaries. They look at the availability of workforce, quality of life, a low cost of doing business, and opportunity for success.  When those needs are met, business has a chance to thrive,” Robbie says. “In order to meet these needs, especially as it relates to workforce, we must work with our neighbors to make this region great.” It’s a vision already well underway. 

Rightfully so, Robbie is proud of the strides his team has made at the Development Authority of Columbia County. “In regards to branding, relationships, and positioning ourselves for success—there are many great things ahead for us,” he says. 

But when it comes down to it, what matters most is the here and now. “I love promoting a community and region that I love,” Robbie says. “This area is home. I have the opportunity to tell the world about Columbia County and the Greater Augusta Region. It is an amazing story to tell.”