The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce proudly announces ADP as its 2026 Patriot Award recipient. The Chamber presented ADP with the honor at its annual Military Appreciation Executive Luncheon presented by Piedmont Augusta on Wednesday, June 24. The Patriot Award, presented by Southeastern Residential, recognizes businesses and individuals that demonstrate exceptional support for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. ADP was recognized for its ongoing commitment to supporting military members, veterans, and their families through its workplace culture, community engagement, and dedication to those who have served.

"ADP exemplifies the spirit of the Patriot Award through its continued commitment to those who serve our nation," said Heath Taylor, President & CEO of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. "Their support of the military community reflects the values that make the Greater Augusta Region such a special place to live, work, and serve."

In addition to the Patriot Award presentation, luncheon attendees witnessed a major national announcement delivered by Dr./Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Tom Clark, President & CEO of the Alliance for Fort Gordon. During his keynote address, Clark announced that the Greater Augusta Region had been named a 2026 Great American Defense Community of Excellence by the Association of Defense Communities.

The prestigious designation recognizes communities across the nation that demonstrate exceptional support for military installations, service members, veterans, and military families through collaboration, innovation, and a sustained commitment to national defense. Military leaders and Association of Defense Communities representatives were in attendance in anticipation of the big reveal.

"This 'Great American Defense Community' designation is a testament to what we at Fort Gordon have long known: the relationship between our installation and the Greater Augusta Region is a powerful example of collaboration that magnifies mission outcomes," said Major General Ryan Janovic, Commanding General, U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon. "As Dr. Clark often says, this is a true defense community. We are proud to be part of this ecosystem, where Soldiers and families are well taken care of as they execute vital strategic missions."

The Columbia County Chamber's annual Military Appreciation Executive Luncheon brings together military leaders, elected officials, business executives, and community stakeholders to recognize the vital contributions of our armed forces while celebrating the strong partnerships between Fort Gordon and the Greater Augusta Region. This year’s event was hosted in collaboration with the Alliance for Fort Gordon and area chambers of commerce including the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, and Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to support from local organizations, local businesses showed their support through sponsorships. Those included Piedmont Augusta, Duckworth Development, Georgia Power ADP, SRP, Nordhavn-Rustik Restaurant, Southeastern Residential, Ballooneers, WRDW News Channel 12/26, Lamar Advertising, the City of Grovetown, Navy Federal Credit Union, Ivey Homes, Security Federal Bank, Tropical Café, Comcast, Veterans Pressure Washing, and Associated Credit Union. To learn more about the Columbia County Chamber and its advocacy efforts for military and veterans’ affairs, visit www.ColumbiaCountyChamber.com/Advocacy/.