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 Commission 
• 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 Georgia Health Sciences University, Richmond County Development Authority, Georgia Medical Center Authority, and the DACC)
• Georgia Department of Economic Development

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

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)