Anticipating a large amount of growth in the Augusta area over the next four years due to expanded missions at Fort Gordon, Plant Votgle, Augusta University and many other large employers, a team of local business people are producing a newcomer’s guide for Greater Augusta. Explore the South, an Augusta based company, responsible for the Downtown Augusta Map and tourist maps for Athens, GA and Columbia, SC is developing the publication which is scheduled to debut in January of 2016. It will be mailed to every new resident in 6 counties including Columbia, Richmond, Aiken, Edgefield, McDuffie, and Burke.  “The Move2 Greater Augustais a comprehensive guide for newcomers to our area designed to help them acclimate more effectively and avoid a large learning curve, saving them time and money,” says Stuart Rayburn, co-founder of Explore the South.

Sponsors who support the publication will have an opportunity to showcase their business and introduce themselves to the newcomers, a lucrative niche demographic with a high amount of disposable income. “Studies show that newcomers spend more in their first six months than a settled homeowner would spend in three years,” says Ed Peden, co-founder of Explore the South. “They are more likely to become loyal customers as well.”

The publication will include three sections to help newcomers with the challenges of moving to a new city; Home, Family and Community. Each section will include articles intended to help the newcomer to work through the process of settling in to their home and the community. “People new to our area have a large desire for information. They are looking for help in finding the right real estate agent, home remodeler, landscaper, furniture, flooring, doctor, dentist, vet, school, auto repair shop, and any recreational opportunities to relieve their stress from moving,” says Rayburn.