2014 ANNUAL REPORT

impacting our community

An old song with powerful words came to mind when thinking about what to say in this Annual Report … “Thanks for the memories”.

Since April 18, 1988 when I was hired, there have been many memories. Together with the support of key leadership and staff, many ideas and dreams became reality. Being able to work with an organization that encouraged creativity was a blessing. But we also were working on current obstacles while searching for future opportunities, which was the most exciting aspect of the job.

We even had some “successful failures”. Failure from not having an immediate positive result but success by having seeds planted, providing the groundwork that would pay dividends later. Of course, history will be the best judge of the final outcomes.

So thanks for the memories. Thanks for the opportunity to serve. Thanks for caring and sharing on the journey to help the Columbus chamber reach its mission to be the regional leader in economic and community development.

Mike Gaymon President and CEO

It has been a privilege to serve as the Chamber Chair in 2014. I particularly want to thank our recently retired CEO Mike Gaymon for his 26 years of service to the Chamber and our community. Under Mike’s leadership, the Chamber has received much recognition as a leader in economic and community development. Through the work of a very dedicated Chamber staff, the Board of Directors particularly, the leadership of incoming Chair Troy Woods and the many volunteers, the Chamber has and will continue to promote vibrant and sustainable economic development within the region.

Sincerely,

Alan Rothschild Chair

Our Mission Our VisionOur mission is to promote business success by being the leader in economic and community development in the region.

2014 Executive CommitteeChair- Alan Rothschild- Hatcher, Stubbs, Land, Hollis, Rothschild

Past Chair- Jacki Lowe - Georgia PowerChair-Elect - Troy Woods - TSYS

Vice Chair - Cedric Hill - Hill-Watson-People’s Funeral ServiceVice Chair - Billy Blanchard - Columbus Bank and Trust Company

Vice Chair - Joel Ames - Liberty UtilitiesTreasurer - Jimbo Martin - PMB Broadcasting

Special Advisor - Carmen CavezzaSpecial Advisor - Phil Tomlinson - TSYS

Special Advisor (Economic Development Chair) - Russ Carreker - Starrett-BytewiseSpecial Advisor - Jay Alexander - Alexander Electric

To Serve 2014-2016 (3-year term)Mark Baker - Hughston ClinicTom Bode - Pratt & Whitney

Richie Grantham - Sunshine BannersMatt Loudermilk - Aflac

Rick Lowe - St. Francis HospitalKeith Paul - Recyc Systems, LLC

William Taylor - Taylor CPA & Associates

To Serve 2014-2015 (2nd year of 3-year term)John Anker - Ankerpak

Betty JacksonGene Perkins - Suntrust Bank

Terry Smith - AT&T GAScott Hill - Columbus Regional Health

Jennifer Wad - BCBS GA

To Serve 2014 (completion of 3-year term)Joe Appleton - Batson Cook

Will Burgin - Jackson-BurginD. Copeland - Synovus

Tony Hodge - TSYS Sean Knox - Knox Pest Control

Marc Olivie - W.C. BradleyDavid Passman - Carmike Cinemas

One Year Appointees 2014Scott Allen - 2WR

Mario Davis - Certus BankSelvin Hollingsworth - The Hollingsworth Group

Jennifer Newman - Clear Channel Media+ EntertainmentPhillip Thayer - Thayer Properties

Young Professionals Chair - Crystal Trawick - Carmike Cinemas Chris Woodruff - W.C. Bradley

ADMINISTRATIONRobert Nichols

Chief Operating Officer

Kim TharpExecutive Assistant to the President

Mark WoodhamsComputer & Information

Systems Manager

MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Hillary BlancMember Relations Specialist

Milly OwensReceptionist

Information Specialist

Ashley ChismCampaign Manager

Carey ScottMembership Sales Representative

SMALL BUSINESS AND

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTJaneen Tucker

Executive Vice President

Dana WhaleyProgram Manager

Partners in Education

Tabetha GetzVice President

Small Business Development

LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Amy BryanExecutive Vice President

Maggie ReeseCoordination Manager

Tom ScottConsultant

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTWilliam P. Murphy, EDFPExecutive Vice President

Brian SillittoSenior Vice President

David LyonsProject Manager

Katherine KellyCoordination Manager

Lindsey BraxtonAdministrative Research Analyst

REGIONAL GROWTHGary Jones

Executive Vice President Military Affairs

FINANCEJoe Sanders

Executive Vice President

Our VisionThe Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce is an energetic and visionary organization in our region. We are committed to building a more prosperous community while preserving the democratic process.

2014 Executive Committee and Board of Directors

Chamber Staff

1200 6th Avenue • Columbus, Georgia 31901 • 1.800.360.8552 • 706.327.1566 • columbusgachamber.com

The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary business membership organization. It unites businesses, community leaders and firms, thus creating a central agency that lends itself to improving business and building a better community. A membership with the Chamber gives businesses access to an extensive network of professionals, customized marketing opportunities and exclusive discounts, and supports local economic development.

MEMBERSHIP

impacting our community through

• Celebrated 42 grand openings and ribbon cuttings

• Hosted 25 networking events

• Welcomed more than 223 new members

• Hosted an annual Member Appreciation event with 250 members in attendance

HIGHLIGHTSmembership

The Ambassadors are known as one of the Chamber’s most active committees and are highly visible throughout the Chamber and the community. The Ambassadors committee is comprised of over 20 members representing more than 15 companies. Ambassadors are responsible for encouraging, nurturing, and expanding relationships on behalf of the Chamber with key influencers in the community. Ambassadors attend monthly meetings, ribbon cuttings and all other Chamber events, as well as provide support to new members.

11th and Bay501 Salon, Inc.A Cut Above LandscapeAbsolute Audio SystemsACE HardscapesAd Pro Advantage, LLCAdams Family and Cosmetic DentistryAir Purification Specialists, Inc.Alday Chiropractic, Inc.Alford, AshleyAllstate Insurance Co.Alston & Bird LLPAmbient HealthcareAmerican Solutions for BusinessAMPRO Pressure Washing and Steam CleaningAnimal Emergency CenterAsian MarketAspirion Health Resources, LLCAtlantic Relocation SystemsAVI-SPLBarber’s Driving SchoolBarge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc.Bealls OutletBelk Properties, LLCBfit StudioBi-City Body Works, Inc.Big Dreams, Inc.Bitter BrickBojangles Restaurant - Airport Trwy.Boren, GinaBoss Print DesignBrand Mortgage Group, LLCBravo WellnessBrushes & Beverages, LLCBurr & Forman LLPC. Schomburg & SonCaduceus Occupational MedicineCallaway GardensCerch Cleaning, LLCChattahoochee Brewing CompanyChattahoochee ScubaChef Lee’s Peking RestaurantChem-Aqua, Inc.Chik-fil-A at MidlandChill Yogurt CafeChurch’s ChickenColumbus Cabinet Company

Columbus Healthy VendingColumbus Mixed Martial ArtsColumbus Sports & Training Complex, LLCComer Alexander Construction Services, LLCComplete Facilities Management, Inc.Comprehensive Women’s Care of ColumbusConcentra Medical CenterConsolidated Electrical DistributorsCountry FinancialCourtyard By Marriott - RiverfrontCoverallCraftmaster Printers, Inc.Cruise PlannersDavis ElectricDavita Victory DialysisDay & Dodds, LLCDays InnDe la Pop Gourmet PopcornDell MilitaryDialysis Clinic, Inc.Direct Auto InsuranceDisability Service CenterDisaster ServicesDobbs, DianneDoor Specialties, Inc.Dramatic PawsDykes Body ShopEcocloud Insulation, LLCECOLABEiland PoolsElarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson, LLPEMS Care AmbulanceFaith on T’sFischer | Scott, LLCFort Benning Family, Morale, Welfare and RecreationFred’s Super DollarGemini ServicesGlenn’s After Hours Repair ServiceGolden CorralGriffin and Griffin Towing Inc.Group 1 AutomotiveGrow LandscapingGTC Business SolutionsGulf Atlantic Surgical LLCHarris-McBurney CompanyHart Steel, LLCHazel’s Flowers & Gifts

HD Supply Power SolutionsHemma Conrete, Inc.Heritage Bank of the SouthHolbrook Service Co., Inc.Home Depot #136Homewood Suites by HiltonHuckaby BrothersHunt, Duane- Intentional Leadership Partners, LLCInterfaceJay Harris OrthodonticsJCIRJordan-Blanchard Capital, LLCKC Computers & LeatherKodakLabor ReadyLaGrange Banking Company - ColumbusLaw Offices of Mark P. JonesLawn DoctorLiberty Beauty SupplyLisle Company, TheLive Healthy Columbus Coalition, Inc.Lower Chattahoochee Direct Service CorporationMagic Circle Trampolines, LLCMallory AgencyMcAlister’s DeliMelissa Thomas Enterprises, LLCMerchant e-SolutionsMercyMed at Mission ColumbusMetropolitan Baptist ChurchMike Irvin - Integrated Financial GroupMoe’s Southwest GrillMoney Advisor Group, TheMorningside Baptist ChurchMulberry Properties, LLCMy Favorite MuffinNational Armor and Cavalry Heritage FoundationNet Planner Systems, Inc.NOVO Fitness StudioOld School Barber ShoppeOmni Training Solutions, LLCOptimum Nutrition CenterOutlaws SaloonOverhead Door Company of ColumbusPat-A-Cakes BakeryPine Mountain Club Chalets ResortPlucked Up Chicken & BisquitsPorter Paints

223 NEW MEMBERSThe Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce Welcomes

as of October 2014

Powell, LavoyPratt RecyclingPremier ChiropracticPrimary Residential Mortgage, Inc.Principle RestorationPrivate Clinic ColumbusPublix Store 1390Publix Store 474Publix Store 650R. Lucas Construction and DesignRachel Adkins - The Hair Wellness GroupRe/Max Champions RealtyRichland Distilling CompanyRite Aid PharmacyRiver City Neurological Associates, PCRivertown Buick GMCRivertown FordRivertown MazdaRivertown Subaru VolvoRivertown ToyotaRiverwood AssociatesRobins & MortonRoman Medical GroupRooms To GoRusty’s Floor Covering, Inc.S.E.E. SouthEastSE Services, LLCShaffer LabsSign Headquarters, LLCSilverton Mortgage Specialists - Columbus TeamSimplexGrinnell, LPSimply RightSimply Self Storage - Macon Rd.Simply Self Storage - Whitesville Rd.Sims Architectural Studio, Inc.Sizemore Total Contract ServicesSL Service & Repair, LLCSloss, Beth - Macaroni Kid ColumbusSmith Gray Electric CompanySmith, J. NathanSoutheast Connections, LLCSouthern Exposure PhotographySouthern Health InsuranceSovranSSStand and StretchSugga’s - Harmony PlaceSuper Safe Self Storage WarehouseSweet Pea Grocery DeliveryTandus CentivaTelerent Leasing CorporationThe Gardens at MidtownThe Liberty Theatre & Cultural Center, Inc.

The Methodist Home/Our HouseThe SocialThe Wounded Heart ProgramTotal Industrial Services, Inc.Travis Greene - State FarmTreadstone ClimbingTurner ConstructionTWC ServicesUPSUrban League of Greater Columbus, Inc.USAAVy’s Spa & NailsW.T. Miller, LLCWilkinson Walls LLCWilliam C. Rumer, Judge of Superior Courts

Wing BossWinn-Dixie Store #433Winn-Dixie Store #439Winn-Dixie Store #443Winn-Dixie Store #480Winn-Dixie Store #482Winn-Dixie Store 3438Wolford Contracting Company, LLCWoodill ConstructionWorkPros Contracting SpecialistsWRDV, Inc.Wrightway Painting, LLCYPZoe PediatricsZuma Films

TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN 2014

impacting our community through

Continuous SponsorsAflacColumbus Bank and Trust CompanyColumbus Regional HealthGeorgia Power CompanyiHeartMediaNaartjie MultimediaNCR CorporationPMB Broadcasting, LLCSt. Francis Hospital Inc.Synovus Financial Corp.TSYSW.C. Bradley CompanyWRBL TV-3

Platinum InvestorsBlueCross BlueShield of GeorgiaGeorge C. Woodruff Company

Gold InvestorsBatson-Cook CompanyBurger KingCarl Gregory Enterprises, Inc.Columbus Water WorksGroup 1 AutomotiveKIA Motors Manufacturing Georgia Inc.Liberty UtilitiesRivertown Buick GMCRivertown FordRivertown MazdaRivertown Subaru VolvoRivertown ToyotaSunTrust Bank, West Georgia, N.A.The Overby CompanyWells Fargo

Silver InvestorsAlexander Electric CompanyBranch Banking & TrustBrasfield & GorrieColumbus State UniversityFlournoy Development CompanyFort Benning Family Communities, LLCGenesis Real Estate AdvisersKellogg’s SnacksKinetic Credit UnionKPMG LLPMeadWestvaco Mahrt OperationsMid-Georgia AmbulancePratt & WhitneyPrecision Components International, Inc.Safeguard Business SystemsSnyder’s-Lance Inc.Southern Roots Lawn Care + Property ManagementThe Jordan Company

The Total Resource Campaign offers sponsorships of the Chamber’s programs, events, publications and electronic media to all of its members. This year the theme was Sponsorship Safari, which helped make the campaign enjoyable for all 100+ volunteers and Campaign leaders.

• Raised $843,117

• Met 129% of goal

• Recruited 132 new members

• Chaired by Billy Blanchard of Columbus Bank and Trust along with six Vice Chairs: Becky Rumer of Synovus, Leah Braxton of W.C. Bradley, Jason Williams of TSYS, Travis Chambers of ERA, Terry Smith of AT&T and Scott Wise of Aflac

Debbie Seeley Malone Office Environments $50,580Charlotte Quirk Columbus Bank and Trust $47,880Jeremy Hilton Columbus Bank and Trust $35,870Mike Welch Colony Bank $33,475Linda Nguyen Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker & Ford, P.C. $31,082

THANK YOU 2014 ENHANCED INVESTORS

HIGHLIGHTSTRC

2014 Campaign Top Producers

Bronze Investors2WR, Inc.Albright, Fortenberry & Ninas, LLPAlexander Contracting Co., Inc.Automated Business MachinesCallaway GardensColdwell Banker Kennon, Parker, Duncan & DavisCott Beverages, Inc.Emerald Coast Dale Carnegie TrainingFlint EnergiesHecht Burdeshaw Architects, Inc.Industrial Metal Fabricators, Inc.KodakMoon, Meeks, Mason & Vinson, Inc.Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker, & Ford, P.C.Regional Rehabilitation HospitalRegions BankRobinson, Grimes & Company PCSpectra Contract FlooringStaff ZoneStepan CompanyThayer PropertiesThe Concrete CompanyThe Hughston Clinic, P.C.Total Industrial Services, Inc.Verizon WirelessWinn-Dixie Store #433Winn-Dixie Store #439Winn-Dixie Store #443Winn-Dixie Store #480Winn-Dixie Store #482

Copper Investors1513 Anti-Aging & Weight Loss ClinicA-1 Postage Meters & Shipping SystemsA-Com Enterprises, Inc.Air Purification Specialists, Inc.AJK, LLCAlston & Bird LLPAT&T GAAtlantic Relocation SystemsB & B Beverage CompanyBarge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc.Batchelor & Kimball, Inc.Boral Building ProductsBuffalo Rock PepsiBurr & Forman LLPButler Wooten Cheeley & Peak LLPCarmike CinemasCBS Outdoor IncChick-Fil-A at Macon/Wynnton Rd.Chick-Fil-A Bradley ParkChurch’s Chicken

Coca Cola CompanyColony BankColumbus Airport CommissionColumbus Community BankColumbus Cottonmouths Hockey TeamColumbus Hospice, Inc.Columbus Specialty Hospital, Inc.Columbus Technical CollegeCommunicorp, Inc.Comprehensive Women’s Care of ColumbusConsolidated Electrical DistributorsCulpepper, Jim & SusanCWC Carithers Wallace CourtenayDavis ElectricDomino’s PizzaElarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson, LLPEMC Engineering Services, Inc.Enterprise Rent-A-CarFlowers Lewis & AssociatesFred’s Tire CenterFreeman & Associates, Inc.Glenn’s After Hours Repair ServiceGoldens’ Foundry & Machine CompanyGoodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc.Granville EnterprisesGreen Island Country Club, Inc.Greystone Properties, LLCGrowing Room Child Development CenterHardee’sHatcher, Stubbs, Land, Hollis, RothschildHeadquarter NissanHeatcraft North AmericaHeritage Bank of the SouthHill-Watson-People’s Funeral Service, LLC.Home Depot #136Horizons Diagnostics, LLCHostess Brands, LLCHudson Financial Group-New York LifeIndoor Solutions, Inc.InterfaceInternational Paper CompanyJohn Scully, Keller Williams Realty River CitiesJordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd.Kemira Chemicals, Inc.King & SpaldingKnox Pest ControlKudzu, L.L.C.LaGrange Banking Company - ColumbusLegacy Chevrolet, Cadillac & SaabLisa Scully, Keller Williams Realty River CitiesLitho-Krome CompanyMalone Office Environments

Masterbuilt Manufacturing, Inc.Max Fitness, Inc.McElroy Specialty InteriorsMDVMediacomMelissa Thomas Enterprises, LLCMercer UniversityMorgan Stanley Smith BarneyPark PropertiesPeek Pavement Marking, LLC.PODSPublix Store 1390Publix Store 474Publix Store 650RightPath ResourcesRiver City ConstructionRiver City Neurological Associates, PCRoad AmericaRobins & MortonRobinson Paving CompanySam’s ClubSimplexGrinnell, LPSims Architectural Studio, Inc.Smith Gray Electric CompanyStarrett-BytewiseSteritech GroupStriffler Hamby MortuarySunshine Banners & SignsSwift Spinning, Inc.Taylor CPA & Associates, PCThe Country Club of ColumbusThe Lisle CompanyThe Pastoral InstituteThe Wade CompaniesTurner ConstructionUrology Center of ColumbusUSAAVerizon WirelessVirginia CollegeW.T. Miller, LLCWaddell Realty Co.Walgreens #12754Wal-Mart Supercenter Store # 1311Wal-Mart Store #1338Wal-Mart Store #4200Wal-Mart Supercenter Store #4283Wide Open WestWilliam B. TurnerWinship Clinic, P.C.WTVM TV-9Yates, Woolfolk & Turner Insurance

THANK YOU 2014 ENHANCED INVESTORSYour investments help make our region a better place to live, work and do business.

Talent is our region’s greatest asset. It is what drives economic growth and makes our region an exciting place to work, do business and play. The Leadership & Community Development Department strengthens our talent base by cultivating leaders at all levels of their careers. Through programs like Leadership Columbus, Youth Leadership Columbus, Young Professionals and the Inter-City Leadership Conference, the Chamber brings together diverse groups of individuals to examine complex issues facing our region, exploring opportunities, needs and resources. Through this program, the Chamber develops leaders who are equipped to effectively serve the region and motivated to engage others in collaborative efforts.

LEADERSHIPimpacting our community through

LEADERSHIP • Leadership Columbus Thirty-eight existing and emerging leaders

graduated from the 2013-2014 Leadership Columbus program. For the first time ever, the adult leadership class along with the Youth Leadership Columbus class worked together on collaborative projects that resulted in over 300 volunteer service hours given to five different local non-profits.

• Youth Leadership Columbus Fifty-three juniors from area high schools participated for six months in sessions that included Effective Communication, Working with Teams, Appreciating Differences and even a joint session with the adult class on public safety in our region, along with many other leadership development opportunities.

• Inter-City Leadership Conference More than 130 business and community leaders representing two states and multiple cities traveled to Austin, Texas for the 21st Annual Inter-City Leadership Conference. Community activists and progressive thinkers explored innovation in Austin, studying the city’s comprehensive plan, economic development strategy, small business development, riverfront development, parks and recreation and transportation. The delegation returned energized and excited about potential ideas and concepts to implement in our region.

HIGHLIGHTSleadership

In its sixth year, the Chamber’s Young Professionals program (YP) continues to see rapid growth and continued community support. Over 730 members representing over 190 businesses in our region continue to make their mark through leadership enrichment, career and talent development, servant leadership, governmental affairs and social engagement opportunities. This program cultivates an environment that not only attracts and retains the best and the brightest 21 to 40 year olds, but also gives them an outlet to become change agents for our community. Creativity, innovation, leadership, talent—all reflect YP membership. YPs possess tremendous respect for the legacy of leadership before them, and with much enthusiasm and inspiration they continue that legacy through the most progressive organization of its sort in the region.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

impacting our community through

Executive CommitteeChair - Crystal Trawick - Carmike Cinemas VC Membership - William Morgan - Aflac VC Operations -Shelley Dean - Media, Marketing … and More!VC Sponsorships - Moisés Colón - Goodwill IndustriesPast Chair - Chris Woodruff - WC Bradley Secretary - Daniel Stone - CB&T VC Marketing - Wesley Ker-Fox - Naartjie MultimediaAdvisory - Amy Giglio - AflacProgram Director - Amy Bryan - Greater Columbus GA Chamber of Commerce

Board-at-LargeEd Adams - The Jordan Co.Laura Brooker - Bright SalonAlex Chan - WC BradleyDale Caldwell - St. Francis HospitalErica Chestnutt - Doughtery, McKinnon & LubyAndrea Cruz - AflacLatesha Isbell - Georgia Power Co.

Kel Jackson - Pratt WhitneyJacy Jenkins - The LoftMiles Jordan - Auto South Amy Massey - Columbus Regional Health Erin Scott - TSYS

Committee ChairsCareer and Talent DevelopmentMichael Porter - AflacShaun Roberts - TSYS Governmental AffairsWalker Garrett - The Finley FirmJoseph Brannan - PMB Broadcasting, Inc.Leadership EnrichmentKat Cannella - CSUNorman Hardman - CB&TServant LeadershipDerek Granger - Rick Hill State FarmRogor Lotson - St. Francis HospitalSocial EngagementChe Ziebarth - Batson CookKristen Fraser - Aflac

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS • Grew to more than 730 members representing over 190 businesses

in our region, an increase of more than 15% increase from the previous year

• Hosted over 50 events, committee meetings and meet-up opportunities for members to develop, grow, learn and enrich themselves both personally and professionally

• Provided professional development opportunities valued at more than $2,000 through events such Cocktails & Company, Leadership Edge, Learn on the Go and others at no cost to members

• Gave more than 4,000 community service hours to area non-profits through programs such as Day of Action and Time for Art

HIGHLIGHTSyoung professionals

YP receives business and community support through the generosity of founding sponsors: Aflac and WC Bradley, as well as the support of YP Partners: TSYS, Carmike Cinemas and Naartjie Multimedia.

Through the Partners in Education Program (PIE), businesses and organizations partner with schools to support education in our region. PIE is based on the concept that human capital is the most important resource a partner can provide. PIE strives for four fundamental success goals:

1. Improving academic performance 2. Growing career opportunities 3. Enriching the life experience of the student 4. Faculty development and enrichment

More than 225 businesses, faith-based institutions, military units and civic organizations are PIE partners serving Chattahoochee, Fort Benning, Harris, Muscogee and Talbot counties.

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

impacting our community through

• Generated more than 40,400 volunteer hours in the 2013-2014 school year. Financial contributions to the schools from PIE partners exceeded $247,000, and in-kind contributions totaled $148,645.

• Visited 30+ schools during PIE Week, February 3-7. PIE Board of Directors and the PIE Program Manager delivered goody bags and thanked the PIE Coordinators.

• Hosted the Partners in Education Banquet in May with nearly 400 in attendance. The PIE achievements of 10 schools were highlighted to provide ideas and inspiration for other partnerships.

• Hosted the PIE Kick-Off Conference in September with Mr. David Lewis. The theme of the Kick-Off was Transforming Education One Partnership at a Time. Approximately 350 attendees were offered a variety of breakout sessions to support transformation. Several new Partners-at-Large were introduced and gave insight to what they have to offer schools.

• Partnered with Columbus Civic Center to support and increase awareness of its LET’S GROW STEM+A project (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math + Arts), a competition open to all students Pre-K to 12th grade in Georgia and Alabama.

HIGHLIGHTSPIE

The Workforce Development Department continues to serve as a one-stop shop for new and existing businesses’ recruiting, hiring and training needs. The department strives to grow and cultivate partnerships throughout the region to ensure that the programs and services meet the needs of area employers, including a relationship with Ft Benning and the workforce talent it has to offer.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

impacting our community through

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

HIGHLIGHTSworkforce development

• On behalf of the Valley Partnership, assisted Hyundai Dymos in coordinating a recruitment event in West Point that resulted in over 1100 applicants.

• Hosted quarterly Manufacturers Roundtable Breakfasts.

• Celebrated Manufacturing Appreciation Week on May 8 honoring our regions’ manufacturers.

• Launched the GO Intern! program making online resources and a posting site available to businesses looking for college interns.

• Held the Operation: Workforce Employer Summit on October 8, a joint collaboration between the Valley Partnership’s Workforce Development Veterans Taskforce and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, resulted in over 140 attendees representing 50 different business and community groups.

The Economic Development Department is focused on the region’s long-term growth opportunities. The team of seasoned economic development professionals has the knowledge, commitment and expertise needed to assist companies that are considering a location or expansion in the region.

The Valley Partnership, a joint development authority, is staffed by the Chamber’s economic development team and consists of the Georgia counties of Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, and Talbot and the City of West Point. By leveraging regional assets through The Valley Partnership, the team works to develop and market assets in order to attract new jobs and capital investment.

In 2014, our assistance resulted in the announcement of commitments for investments in excess of $93 million. Leading the way this year was Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, which announced a $62 million new state-of-the-art campus slated to open by August 2015 in Muscogee Technology Park.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

impacting our community through

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Announced 450 new jobs in 2014 with another 225 jobs retained. Obtained commitments to invest more than $93 million in new equipment and facilities in the region.

Kodak received the 2014 Project of the Year – Manufacturing award for a project announced in April, which will result in a $15 million investment in a new high‐speed manufacturing line at its Corporate Ridge Business Park facility. The new manufacturing line will be dedicated to producing KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates and serving its customers in the Americas.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) received the 2014 Project of the Year – Office award for its expansion project, which was celebrated at a groundbreaking ceremony in August. The $62 million investment will result in a new 235,000-square-foot, three-story building in Muscogee Technology Park. The 2,000-seat facility will house approximately 1,500 employees and will be BCBSGa’s main hub for servicing its nearly three million members in Georgia.

• The State of Georgia received several awards in 2014 by some of the best site selection and business media companies.

#1 - Site Selection’s Top 10 Competitive States 2014 #1 - Area Development’s Top States for Doing Business 2014 #1 - CNBC’s 2014 America’s Top States for Doing Business

The State of Georgia also received the 2014 Gold Shovel Award for excellence in state job creation and economic development efforts from Area Development magazine. This award included recognition of two regional projects: Hostess Brands, LLC in Columbus and Koch Foods in Harris County.

• During the past 12 years, new and existing companies have invested $3.1 billion in the Greater Columbus, Georgia Region, creating more than 22,000 jobs.

HIGHLIGHTSeconomic development

The Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee works diligently to make sure local, state and federal elected officials hear the voice of business owners as they make decisions that affect local businesses. The Committee met with the State Legislative Delegation during the Legislative Session on Columbus Regional Day at the Capitol. The Committee also hosted Mayor Teresa Tomlinson’s State of the City address and a number of candidate forums during the election cycle. The Committee met with elected officials at all levels of government to further the Chamber’s pro-business agenda.

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

impacting our community through

• Hosted Columbus Day at the Capitol in Atlanta in March 2014 with 50 Chamber and Young Professional members to promote Columbus and to thank the members of the Georgia General Assembly for their service. Lunch speakers included Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens and Representative Calvin Smyre.

• Hosted state legislators for a Legislative Agenda work session and reception

• Briefed a number of state and federal officials and candidates on the Chamber’s efforts to minimize the impact of defense cuts and the efforts of the Chamber’s Economic Development team to promote our region in retaining and recruiting businesses

• Partnered with WRBL, PMB Broadcasting and Columbus State University to host a Columbus mayoral debate and Democrat and Republican Senate primary debates

HIGHLIGHTSgovernmental affairs

MILITARY AFFAIRS

impacting our community through

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

Fort Benning currently supports our regional economy with some $5.5 billion annually, and as the largest employer in the region, Fort Benning’s economic impact is vitally important.

The Chamber’s Military Affairs effort is contracted by the Fort Benning Partnership, Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority and Development Authority of Columbus to bring the Bi-State Region’s seven counties together as one voice to support regional community and economic development as well as defense planning activities and mission expansion activities associated with the sustainability of Fort Benning.

• Linking governmental, community and business leadership, facilitated the effort to retain the 3rd Brigade and thousands of civilian, contractor and active duty positions. This effort not only retained the positions being considered for elimination, but Fort Benning grew by 60 positions. The effort retained some 8,000 jobs, 17,800 residents and $745,000,000 in annual sales and income.

• Currently coordinating a rebuttal to a Congressional budget driven Army Study that intends to eliminate almost 14,000 military, civilian and contractor positions on Fort Benning

• Planning actions with federal, state, regional, county and local entities and agencies as well as local and regional businesses focused on challenging the upcoming threats of the Congressional Sequestration and Department of Defense drawdowns

HIGHLIGHTSmilitary affairs

SMALL BUSINESS

Small businesses are building the American Dream in the Columbus region, not only for themselves, but for their employees, families, customers and our entire community. The Chamber’s Small Business Department helps create and support local small businesses, providing resources, education and recognition, and connecting members with others to help build the relationships that small businesses need to be successful.

impacting our community through

• Celebrated Small Business Week August 25-29 Annual Awards - Small Business of the Year Lane Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery - Young Entrepreneur of the Year Jason McKenzie, Ride On Bikes - Visionary Award John Teeples & Reggie Luther, Big Dog Running & Iron Bank Coffee

• Recognized outstanding local small businesses each month 2014 Small Business Giants January – Delta Data February – Barnes, Gibson, Patel Architects March – PTAP April – Image by Design May – Tires 1st June – Automated Door Ways July – Coldwell Banker Commercial August – Standard Concrete Products September – Colormac2 October – The Overby Company November – Center Pharmacy

• Celebrated Small Business Saturday on November 29, kicking off the Go Local Program in 2014

• Helped more than 100 local business owners save 7.5% on their workers compensation insurance through the Drugs Don’t Work Program

• Assisted more than 50 entrepreneurs with startup resources for opening a new small business

• Published the 1st Annual Small Business Development Guide in partnership with the Ledger-Enquirer

HIGHLIGHTSsmall business

Bridging the gap between today’s infrastructure needs and cost effective solutions with high-quality precast, prestressed concrete components.

CORPORATE OFFICE

945 Broadway, Suite 300 PO BOX 1360

Columbus, GA 31902-1360

(706) 322-3274

MANUFACTURING LOCATIONS

Atlanta, GA (404) 792-1600 Savannah, GA (912) 233-8263 Tampa, FL (813) 831-9520