The Augusta Metro Chamber’s 109th Annual Meeting, presented by Queensborough National Bank & Trust on Thursday, February 23 at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, will focus on “The Business Agenda in a New Administration” with keynote speaker Rob Engstrom, Senior VP, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Rob Engstrom is senior vice president and the national political director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He is responsible for directing the Chamber’s national political, grassroots, and election-related activities. In 2014, Engstrom oversaw the most aggressive voter education campaign in U.S. Chamber history, which led to the largest pro-business majority in the House of Representatives since 1928 and the first pro-business majority in the Senate since 2006.

Before joining the Chamber, Engstrom was director of the Division of Political Education at the Republican National Committee from 1998 to 2002, including a five-week stint on the Florida recount team for then-President-elect George W. Bush. Prior to the RNC, he worked on former Speaker Newt Gingrich’s campaign in Roswell, Georgia. In 2013, Engstrom was recognized as one of the top 50 Influencers of the 2014 election cycle by Campaigns & Elections: The Magazine for People in Politics.

The dinner event will also include the traditional passing of the gavel and presentation of the Lester S. Moody Award of Excellence. This award memorializes the leadership and dedication of a man who is credited with much of the Augusta area’s economic foundation.

In recognition and celebration of his legacy, one individual is selected annually who has given of their time and expertise in making the Augusta Region a better community.  Doors open at 6:00 pm with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $60 for Chamber members and $75 for prospective members. Advanced registration is required at www.augustametrochamber.com or by calling 706.821.1300. Deadline to register is Friday, February 17.