The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce will convene some of the CSRA’s most influential leaders on Tuesday, July 28th for the inaugural Leading Forward: Growth, Investment & Regional Opportunity, the first forum in the Chamber’s new Leadership and Economic Outlook Series.

Unlike traditional community update events, Leading Forward is designed to provide a forward-looking discussion about the trends, investments, and partnerships shaping the future of the CSRA and its business community.

This year’s featured speakers include:

• Mayor Britton Williams, City of North Augusta
• Robbie Bennett, SRS Community Reuse Organization
• Matt Merrifield, Aiken Regional Medical Centers
• Dr. Tom Clark, Alliance for Fort Gordon

Each speaker will provide a leadership perspective on issues ranging from regional growth and infrastructure to health care investment, workforce development, STEM education, cybersecurity, federal investment, and the strategic partnerships driving economic opportunity throughout the CSRA.

Following the presentations, the speakers will participate in a moderated discussion exploring how business, education, healthcare, government, and national defense can work together to strengthen the region’s long-term competitiveness.

“This isn’t simply a discussion about where we’ve been,” said Terra Carroll, President and CEO of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a conversation about where we’re going. The decisions being made today will shape the future of the CSRA for years to come. Our goal is to bring those conversations together in one room for our business community.”

Among the topics expected to be discussed are:

• North Augusta’s continued growth and future investment priorities
• Regional healthcare expansion, including new emergency care facilities serving the North Augusta area
• The economic and workforce impact of Savannah River Site and federal investment
• STEM education and career pathways preparing tomorrow’s workforce
• Fort Gordon’s role in cyber security, innovation, and regional economic development
• Collaboration among public, private, education, and non-profit partners to support sustainable regional growth

The Chamber anticipates that Leading Forward will become its premier annual form examining the issues that matter most to business leaders and the future of the region.

Event Details

Leading Forward: Growth, Investment & Regional Opportunity

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Program begins at 12pm

North Augusta Community Center

495 Brookside Avenue

North Augusta, SC

Media planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP in advance by contacting:

Tom F. Allgood, III

Director of Programs & Member Engagement

803.279.2323

Membership@northaugustachamber.org

The Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce is an economic development engine. Our mission is to promote and meet the unique needs of local business and industry in order to strengthen the community in which we live, work, play and do business.