October 2021 Features

• Augusta Sees an All-Time Low Unemployment Rate

  October 29, 2021

  Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Augusta recorded an all-time low unemployment rate of 2.8 percent, down seven-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 5.2 percent.

• The Supply Chain is Broken. Here’s Why.

  October 29, 2021

  Whether it’s because of COVID cancellations, labor shortages or increased demand, America’s supply chain system is choking. As we approach the busiest shopping season of the year, containers are piling up at the nation’s ports, and many consumers worry their gift purchases will be backlogged or unavailable.

• Hire Me GA Advocates Inclusive Hiring as Good for Business and the Community

  October 28, 2021

  It’s time to reimagine the workforce. Walton Options for Independent Living and Georgia Rehabilitation Institute (GRI) have come together to raise awareness about disability employment in the CSRA. Hire Me GA was founded with a focus on educating employers looking to create a stronger workforce and empowering job seekers with disabilities in our community.

• 2022’s Best States to Live Off the Grid

  October 28, 2021

  Whether you feel overconnected or want to save the planet, moving off the grid can help you both unplug and live more sustainably.

• Georgia Council for the Arts Awards 67 Organizations $600,000 in Grant Funding

  October 27, 2021

  Georgia Council for the Arts, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, announced the recipients of the Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grant awards for fiscal year 2022.

• A Private View: An Evening of Cocktails, Beautiful Artwork and Chance to Celebrate the Season of Spooky

  October 26, 2021

  The Greater Augusta Arts Council is thrilled to announce the newest event in a Private View series. This spooky, fun event will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021 from 7pm to 9pm, at Christy Beckham’s residence in downtown Augusta. The event is a ticketed event open to the public.

• Georgia Public Policy Foundation: Supply Chain Snags and Silver Linings

  October 25, 2021

  Suddenly, “supply chain” and “logistics” have joined “Go Braves” and “Go Dawgs” as some of the most uttered phrases in the state. The first two are not because of a newfound love of drivers and warehouse workers, however, nor because of a winning streak.

• You Too Can “Put Your Name To It” at the 2021 Women In Business Signature Event with Teresa MacCartney, University System of Georgia

  October 22, 2021

  The Augusta Metro Chamber is honored to have Teresa MacCartney, Acting Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, as keynote speaker for the 2021 Women In Business Signature Event. Join us Tuesday, November 16th at Crowne Plaza North Augusta to learn how you too can “Put Your Name To It” as demonstrated by MacCartney’s astonishing career.

• Georgia Sets Record-low Unemployment Rate Achieving Highest Number of Employed Georgians Since Pandemic

  October 22, 2021

  The Georgia Department of Labor announced that Georgia's unemployment rate dropped three-tenths of a percentage point to 3.2 percent in September, an all-time low for Georgia dipping below the rate of 3.3 percent in January 2020.

• Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation To Open Entrepreneurship Training Program

  October 20, 2021

  The Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce (GABCC) and Foundation unveiled plans for their new Intensive Entrepreneurship Training Program, funded by Bank of America. This program will provide entrepreneurs and small business owners of color with the needed training and capital to be successful in an ever-changing business world.

• Augusta University, Local Businesses Launch Jaguar Nation Collaboration

  October 18, 2021

  Almost a year after the process began, Augusta University and local businesses are excited to introduce a collaboration project like no other. Augusta University is working to make a difference in the Augusta community by highlighting the talent and craftsmanship of local businesses and creatives.

• USG Foundation Raises More than $625,000 for Need-Based Scholarships

  October 15, 2021

  The 17th annual Regents’ Scholarship Gala on Wednesday evening raised more than $625,000 from generous sponsors and a live auction to support and provide need-based scholarships for University System of Georgia (USG) students across the state.

• Augusta Tech Receives $100,000 Gift from Bank of America in Support of Short Term Training Programs

  October 14, 2021

  The Augusta Technical College Foundation is pleased to announce that Bank of America has approved a $100,000 investment in a new workforce development initiative at Augusta Technical College: Focused, Accelerated Skills Training, or FAST.

• CEO Confidence Retreated in Q3, but CEOs Remain Optimistic

  October 14, 2021

  The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence in collaboration with The Business Council retreated in the third quarter of 2021, after hitting an all-time high in Q2. The measure now stands at 67, down from 82.

• Augusta Economic Development Authority Receives Excellence in Economic Development Award

  October 13, 2021

  Augusta Economic Development Authority won a Gold Rank for its 2021 AEDA Masters Tournament Partnership Boxes, a project in the category of Print Brochure of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The honor was presented at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference, which is currently underway.

• Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Presents 20 Statewide Preservation Awards at Ceremony

  October 13, 2021

  The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation presented 20 awards recognizing the best of preservation in Georgia during its 44th annual Preservation Awards ceremony in Macon.

• Meet the “Faces of Community Philanthropy” at Augusta Metro Chamber Women In Business

  October 12, 2021

  Everyday, businesses partner with non-profits in our community to ensure philanthropic needs and missions are met. On Tuesday, October 19th, join the Augusta Metro Chamber for a Women In Business panel discussion to explore how some of our largest corporations focus and manage their philanthropic decisions both in terms of financial support and volunteer participation.

• Small Businesses Hit By Supply Chain Woes Spending More To Overcome Issues

  October 12, 2021

  In the midst of having to navigate waves of COVID-19 and lockdowns, 87% of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have maintained, or spent more, on transportation, logistics, and expediting to overcome shortages -- this according to the "Logistics: Heads Up" study from Cargo.

• Destination Augusta Receives Regional Award for “Come See Augusta” Campaign

  October 11, 2021

  Destination Augusta was awarded the 2021 Shining Example Award by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) for Best Marketing Campaign in its budget category for its “Come See Augusta” campaign.

• Georgia Chamber CEO Chris Clark: Challenge Accepted: Solving Georgia's Labor Crisis

  October 11, 2021

  Across our state, workforce shortages persist, impacting every industry and size of business. And though we have witnessed an unprecedented global pandemic, this war for talent existed long before 2020 as employers began to experience mismatched skill sets in their job candidates. Notwithstanding, COVID-19 accelerated this trend.

• Georgia Power to Launch First Battery Energy Storage System on State’s Transmission Grid

  October 11, 2021

  Georgia Power has received approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to build, own, and operate a new battery energy storage system. Known as the Mossy Branch Battery Facility, the grid-charging battery system is located on 2.5-acres in Talbot County, near Columbus.

• Engineering Innovation in Tritium Facility Results in $18.8 Million Saved at SRS

  October 08, 2021

  Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) engineers saved $18.8 million on a project to replace outdated x-ray systems with digital radiography equipment in the H Area New Manufacturing (HANM) Tritium Facility at the Savannah River Site (SRS).

• October's Georgia National Fair & Sunbelt Ag Expo are Headline Events for Ag Community

  October 08, 2021

  With the harvest season in full swing, October brings the welcome return of two of the largest events of the year for the agricultural and environmental science communities: the Georgia National Fair and the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo.

• Resilient Georgia Makes Mental Wellness More Accessible in Georgia by Expanding to 12 Statewide Regions

  October 08, 2021

  Resilient Georgia, a statewide coalition of organizations building a more resilient, trauma-informed Georgia, now reaches more than half of all Georgia counties with 12 regional coalitions ensuring urban and rural communities statewide have access to behavioral health resources.

• GMA Annual Convention: Esteemed Leaders Inducted into the Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame

  October 07, 2021

  On Aug. 9th, five city leaders were inducted into the Municipal Government Hall of Fame, which was established in 1992 to recognize current and past municipal officials who exemplify the very best in public service and who, throughout their careers, have made extraordinary contributions to municipal government, and have been strong supporters of GMA.