Community Leaders Gather at the State Capitol for Greater Augusta Day
On Wednesday, February 26, Greater Augusta Day 2025 brought over 50 public and private sector leaders to Georgia’s capital for a day of advocacy, relationship-building, and legislative engagement. The event, a collaborative effort between the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Burke County Chamber of Commerce, and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, provided an opportunity to engage directly with Georgia’s top decision-makers and advocate for policies vital to the Greater Augusta region.
Throughout the day, participants heard from a diverse group of experts, each addressing key issues impacting the region. Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber, and Kyle Stancil, Director of Public Policy, provided valuable insights on legislative priorities, particularly tort reform. Bob Kosek, Division Director of Global Commerce at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, shared strategies for fostering economic growth, while Kenneth Franks, State TIA Administrator at the Georgia Department of Transportation, discussed transportation infrastructure. Chancellor Sonny Perdue of the University System of Georgia and Dr. Russell Keen, President of Augusta University, highlighted the importance of higher education in the region's development. Gabriel Sterling, COO of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, emphasized state initiatives to streamline business processes, and Commissioner Greg Dozier of the Technical College System of Georgia spoke about workforce training and meeting regional employment needs. These briefings provided valuable context and expert insight into the issues shaping Georgia’s future.
Attendees also met with influential state lawmakers, including Speaker of the House Jon Burns, Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy, and Senator Jason Esteves. The event gave local leaders a chance to share the legislative priorities of the Augusta area, which include education and workforce development, policies supporting military veterans and service members, film tax credits, and licensing and certification reforms.
Another major topic was tort reform and its effects on businesses, especially two key bills: SB 69, which aims to regulate third-party litigation financing practices, and SB 68, which would revise provisions regarding civil practice. These measures are critical for ensuring a fair business environment and protecting local businesses from unnecessary legal challenges.
With attendees representing a broad spectrum of local leadership, the day underscored the importance of regional collaboration. Greater Augusta Day 2025 is an excellent example of how coming together as a unified group amplifies our voice and strengthens our impact on policy decisions that affect our community’s future.
View the full agenda and list of participants here.
View photos from the day here.
Images courtesy of Sanjeev Singhal, CSRA Photography