The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, along with the Development Authority of Columbia County and the Columbia County Convention and Visitors Bureau, will host the seventh annual State of the Community Address on Thursday, September 21 at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown.
 
The event begins at 5:00 p.m., with a Business Expo and a barbecue dinner provided by Shane’s Rib Shack. Guests will have the opportunity to win an Apple Watch by visiting each booth in the Business Expo. The program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m., and community leaders will give an update on the future growth and goals of Columbia County and our region.
 
This year’s panel of speakers will include:  Ron Cross, Chairman, Columbia County Board of Commissioners, Matt Schlachter, Deputy Administrator, Board of Commissioners; David Dekle, Chairman, Columbia County Board of Education; Gary Jones, Mayor, City of Grovetown; Bobby Culpepper, Mayor, City of Harlem; Colonel Todd Turner, Garrison Commander, Fort Gordon; and Rick McLeod, President, SRS Community Reuse Organization.
 
The event is open to the public. Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are $30 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. For more information, or to register, contact the Columbia County Chamber at 706.651.0018 or columbiacountychamber.com.