Columbia Country, Georgia

Mission Statement (established in 2007)

To enrich the quality of life within Columbia County through efforts which encourage new and expanding economic growth.

Core Values 
  • Honesty
  • Creativity
  • Competency
  • Teamwork
  • Accountability
Principal Constituency
  • Public (citizenry)
  • Existing business community (all sectors)
  • County government
  • Local school system
Strategic Partners Identified
  • Columbia County CVB
  • Columbia County Chamber of Commerce
  • SRS Community Re-Use Organization
  • Alliance for Fort Gordon
  • CSRA Regional Development Center
  • Unified Development Council (joint development authority)
  • Board of Commissioners and county government divisions – Columbia County
  • Columbia County School System
  • Local governments of Harlem and Grovetown 
  • Utility companies
  • Small Business Development Consortium
  • Augusta Life Sciences Consortium (comprised of MCG, Richmond County Development Authority, Georgia Medical Center Authority, and DACC)
  • GDEcD
SWOT Observations

Strengths:
  • Good network of volunteers
  • Level of government services
  • Location in proximity to metro Augusta 
  • Proximity to regional attributes – medical community, SRS, Fort Gordon
  • Water resources (for business and recreation)
  • Quality of local education system (elementary/secondary)
  • Strong political alliances
  • Positive community image – progressive 
Weaknesses:
  • Access to certain financial incentive programs
  • Lack of discounted (cheap!) land
  • Lack of product (developed sites, available buildings)
  • Single-source funding for operations
  • Lack of “brand” (sense of place)
  • Limited infrastructure in some quarters
Opportunities:
  • Large number of retirees – more expected
  • Proximity to Clark’s Hill Lake
  • Land available for business sites
  • A master plan (and process) being followed by county
  • Increasing retail mix
  • Likely spin-off from regional development at SRS and Fort Gordon 
  • Pool of talent (SRS, Fort Gordon, medical-related institutions)
  • Water resources
  • Good rapport with other county agencies (CVB, Chamber) 
Threats:
  • Lack of capital for entrepreneurs, businesses
  • Competition from other counties, regions
  • Border community
  • BRAC “fears” – Fort Gordon
  • Water resources