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We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all of our members for their support of the Chamber and, especially, to our Enhanced Investors, some of whom are included below:

Continuous Sponsors   

AFLAC Incorporated; BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia; Columbus Bank and Trust; Columbus Regional Healthcare Systems, Inc.; Georgia Power Company; Sprint; St. Francis Hospital; Synovus Financial Corp.; TSYS; W.C. Bradley Company

Silver Level:

Alexander Electric Company; Batson-Cook Company; BellSouth Telecommunications; Boral Bricks, Inc.; Callaway Gardens; Clark Realty Capital, LLC; Ben Carter Properties, LLC; Coldwell Banker, Kennon, Parker, Duncan & Key Realtors; Columbus Water Works; Flournoy Development Company; Honeywell; Jordan, Jones & Goulding; The Overby Co., Inc.; Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker & Ford; Palmer/Cay Insurance; REMITCO; Regions Bank of Georgia;  Schuster Enterprises, Inc.; Spectrum Stores, Inc.; TIC Federal Credit Union; Tom's Foods; Warr Grading Contractor; The Wexford Group International, Inc.

As a not-for-profit organization, the Chamber provides the ideal venue for public-private partnerships to maintain a pro-business region. While we appreciate all of our members, many business leaders recognize the value of investing more than their membership fees in the Chamber’s mission to benefit the region. The Chamber’s Enhanced Investor levels include Continuous, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsors. 

Our enhanced investors receive Chamber benefits in accordance with the different levels of investments. We would like to have the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the benefits of being an enhanced investor or increasing the sponsor level of your investment. Please contact Tom Scott, Ex. VP, Chamber/Community Development, at 706-327-1566, ext. 45 or tscott@columbusgachamber.com.

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The Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance's (CCAA) first board meeting was held June 28. The formation of the board is part of the reorganization plans of the committee that started a year and half ago to increase the activities and impact of the CCAA.

A subcommittee worked on developing a structure that would enhance the efforts of the arts and broaden the participation in the arts. Then March 11, the CCAA held a half-day strategic planning forum. The planning forum generated some new ideas and reaffirmed some of the concepts generated by the subcommittee. An executive committee was formed and met to create a board of directors develop a list of projects. Some of the projects include becoming a partner-at-large for Partners In Education, refocus the annual grant program to include a new tourism requirement from the state, marketing of the arts locally and regionally and defining membership in the CCAA.

The CCAA was formed under the leadership of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce because city leaders realized the need to further advance the arts to all citizens. Working together since 1993, the CCAA has brought together arts and cultural organizations to discuss issues related to the growth of the arts in the Columbus region. Its mission is to increase the visibility and viability of the Columbus region's non-profit cultural arts organizations through coordination, assistance, additional external funding, audience development and increased accessibility to all citizens. The CCAA maintains that a robust arts infrastructure is not only vital to the quality of life in our community but also to continued regional economic development.

For more information about the CCAA, please contact Michael Dunbar at mdunbar@columbusgachamber.com or 706-327-1566.

Another Chamber benefit for membership!

We are pleased to introduce the newest benefit for our members. When you renew your membership in 2005, you will receive an invitation to a complimentary quarterly luncheon at the Chamber with Chamber President and CEO Mike Gaymon.

The luncheon provides an opportunity to speak to Mike in an informal environment and ask any questions or express any concerns you may have.

Lunches are sponsored by Kimble's by Design. Dates for the next lunches are Sept. 20 and Dec. 20. A mass fax will be sent to you prior to those dates according to your renewal date. So be on the look out and get your reservation in early for this limited seated luncheon.

For more information about "Lunch with Mike," please contact Kimberly Gillum at kgillum@columbusgachamber.com or 706-327-1566.

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Have an event or product you want to advertise?  

The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce sends out one-page flyers via mass fax to members nearly every week for the low price of $250 for Chamber members and $500 for non-members. If you are marketing to the business community, what better way to hit more than 1,100 businesses?

Click here for more details. Contact the Public Relations-MIS Department for assistance: Michael Dunbar at mdunbar@columbusgachamber.com or Margaret LaPierre at mlapierre@columbusgachamber.com or call 706-327-1566.

We are here to help grow your business!

Black Business Outreach Reception July 26, 5:30-7:00 pm Location: Chamber, 1200 6th Avenue Sponsors: Econoclean and Millie's Corner Market & Deli Program: "What Should a Successful Small Business Loan look Like?" by Lori Canterbury, area director, UGA/BOS Small Business Development Center Cost: Free with RSVP Reservations: Marie Cordero at mcordero@columbusgachamber.com or 706-327-1566 Eye Opener Breakfast July 28, 7:00-8:30 am Location: Columbus Convention and Trade Center Sponsor: Logicalis Integration Solutions Program: Fort Benning Growth Update by John Mitchell, Columbus Bank and Trust Company Cost: $12 members with reservations by Friday, July 22 $15 members without reservations $30 non-members Reservations: Crystal Limbaugh at climbaugh@columbusgachamber.com or 706-327-1566 Business After Hours Aug. 4, 5:30-7:00 pm Sponsor: Columbus Catfish Location: Golden Park Stadium Media host: B101 Cost: $5 members with reservations by Friday, July 29 $7 members without reservations $10 non-members Reservations: Crystal Limbaugh at climbaugh@columbusgachamber.com or 706-327-1566 Chamber 2005 Sporting Clay Tournament Aug. 6, 7:30 am-2:00 pm Location: Callaway Gun Club, Hwy. 18, Pine Mountain, GA Description: Registration begins at 7:30 am, First team out at 8:00 am, Last team out at 10:00 am. Awards: Overall High Scorer, High Senior Scorer (55 years and older), High Youth Scorer (18 years and under), High Lady Scorer; Games (additional $5 each): Quick Draw-Grand Prize: H&K shotgun, Long Bird-Grand prize: H&K shotgun, Crazy Card Draw-various prizes awarded. Equipment: Participants are required to bring their own shotgun that is 12 gauge or smaller and use loads of 7.5 or smaller. It is suggested that participants bring a minimum of five boxes of shells for the course. Additional boxes will be needed for the games. Earplugs and safety glasses provided by Safety Sponsor Regent Security. Cost: $150 - 2-person team $80 - Individual $5 - Per game Payment must be received by Aug. 1 to be eligible to participate. Entry fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments and gift. Reservations: Becky Gordon at bgordon@columbusgachamber.com or 706-327-1566 Chamber Power Lunch August 11, 12:00-1:30 pm Sponsor: Verizon Wireless Location: Columbus State University Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center Program: "The Emotionally Intelligent Manager" by Mark Strunk Media host: Sunny 100 Cost: $7 members with reservations by Friday, August 5 $9 members without reservations $15 non-members Reservations: Crystal Limbaugh at climbaugh@columbusgachamber.com or 706-327-1566

For more listings of Chamber Events please check out the 2005 Chamber Events Calendar (PDF).

12th Annual Inter City Leadership Conference in St. Louis, MO

(L) Mike Gaymon, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, talked with Rollin B. Stanley, AICP director of Planning & Urban Design Agency for the city of St. Louis, MO, about Columbus' growth and development. During the first trip to St. Louis to develop the itinerary for the Inter City Leadership Conference, Stanley stood out as a strong and knowledgeable speaker. Following a planned trip to Atlanta, Stanley was invited to extend his visit to Columbus so he would have first-hand information of the community. The Inter City Leadership Conference is set for Sept. 28-30. There are only 20 spaces still available.

The annual ICLC provides a chance for community leaders to gather and brainstorm exciting ideas for the Columbus region. The conference offers access to items of interest that can inspire and shape the vision of what our community can become. At the same time, it provides both professional and personal growth for participants. There are opportunities to network with some of the area's top business leaders.

Some locations of past years' conferences include Austin, TX, Nashville, TN, Indianapolis, IN and Charlotte, NC. Some of the ideas generated from the past conferences that have been brought to life include the newly-opened Information Technology Innovation Center at Columbus State University's Cunningham Center, the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, the idea for creating the Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority, the city's purchase of downtown property which later became the uptown campus of TSYS and more.

In preparation for the ICLC, the committee chair and Chamber staff visited St. Louis July 11-14 on a planning trip. These included Sheree Mitchell, Inter City Leadership Conference Chair, Mike Gaymon, president and CEO, Tom Scott, executive vice president of Community and Volunteer Relations, and Becky Gordon, vice president of Community and Volunteer Relations.

There are only a few spots open; participants must register and pay in full by August 15! Costs are $1,600 for regular reservations, $1,400 for participants sharing a room, and $1,300 for additional participants from the same organization. The cost of the conference includes charter air transportation, hotel room, all meals, tips and transportation according to the conference itinerary.

Event sponsors are also needed. Being an event sponsor provides businesses with valuable marketing exposure for their company, while also contributing to the success of the annual leadership trips. If you would like to attend this conference or would like more information, please contact Becky Gordon at 706-327-1566 or bgordon@columbusgachamber.com.

2005 Business Expo

The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce has set their annual Business Expo for Oct. 6, at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is only $2 to the public (free for children age 5 and under). This year's Grand Sponsor is Sprint. Booth sponsor levels range from $2,500 to $100.

 Designed to bring a wide variety of businesses under one roof, the theme for this year's Business Expo is, appropriately, "It's in the Bag!" The participants range from small to large and include home improvement, advertising, telecommunications, not-for-profit organizations, restaurants, transportation, financial and much more. Participating businesses have the opportunity to offer specials to holiday shoppers as well as showcase their products and services. Visit www.columbusgachamber.com/expo05 to see a current list of participants.

This event will be valuable to both participants and attendees allowing everyone to see the resources this area has to offer. In addition, there will be numerous opportunities for networking, viewing displays, sampling free food and winning door prizes. Click here for a registration form and more information. Contact Michael Dunbar at mdunbar@columbusgachamber.com or Margaret LaPierre at mlapierre@columbusgachamber.com or call 706-327-1566 for more details.

Each year the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosts the Legislative Express, a gala event held to honor our federal, state and local elected officials. This year's event will be held Oct. 18, 5:30-9 p.m., at the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, 1200 6th Avenue.

Sponsorships are now available and the price of the sponsorships of the event has been reduced to allow more small business members to participate. This event gives us the opportunity to express appreciation to those elected officials who give their time and talent to make the Columbus region a better place to live, work and play!

Legislative highlights of 2005 include:

• Senate Bill 3, the comprehensive tort reform package was passed. This important legislation is designed to help control exposure to excessive judgments against businesses and healthcare providers.
• Senate Bill 19-Increases the chances of getting a fair decision regarding certification of a class. Having the class certification resolved on the front end of a class action case should save significant discovery related expenses for all parties involved.
• House Bill 282-Provides tax incentives to business to encourage continued growth.
• House Bill 389-Creates a designation for counties in less developed areas of the state to offer business tax credits to help attract and retain small business.
• Senate Bill 174-Offers employees choice between a fully mandated health insurance program and a less costly plan with fewer mandates. SB 174 allows more small business employees the opportunity to choose which type of healthcare coverage best suits their individual needs and affordability.

The business and healthcare communities owe a great deal of gratitude to all of our elected officials who supported these and several other business-friendly laws.

Don't miss this opportunity to support the Legislative Express and join us in making this night an event to remember! Click here for a sponsorship form or for more information contact Harold Bryant at 706-327-1566 ext. 35 or hbryant@columbusgachamber.com.

ViewPoint discusses a broad range of topics

“ViewPoint” is a weekly live talk show hosted by Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Gaymon on Tuesday mornings at 8:15 a.m. on WDAK 540 AM. The show deals with a wide variety of topics impacting the Columbus region. Guests talk about organizations and programs that are important to our community.

Turn to WDAK 540 AM for “ViewPoint” and start your Tuesdays off with insight into what is going on in the community! You can also hear past broadcasts by clicking the link found on the Chamber’s website at www.columbusgachamber.com.

"Chamber Vision" television shows

If you have a topic you would like to see covered in an upcoming episode, please contact Michael Dunbar at 706-321-1566 ext.27 or mdunbar@columbusgachamber.com.

Ever wonder how you got spyware on your computer when you have been careful to not open any suspicious emails or go to any known "bad" websites? I came across an article recently that provides one example of exactly how this can happen.

The article describes a technique used by bad guys called "typosquatting." This term is a combination of "typo" (short for typographical error) and "squatting" (or "inhabiting unused land without title" - thanks to wikipedia.org for this definition).

To use this technique, a "typosquatter" obtains an Internet domain name that is very close in spelling to the name of a popular legitimate website. Traffic to this site is generated by Internet users occasionally misspelling the name of the legitimate site in their browser's address line. With millions of Internet users worldwide, this happens more often than you might think.

The article describes a website built on a common misspelling of Google (inserting a "k" in front of the "l"). As the article instructs, DO NOT go to this site just to see what it looks like! YOU WILL have SPYWARE installed on your computer if you do so! Spyware is a broad category of malicious software intended to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the user's informed consent. (Again, thanks to wikipedia.org for the definition.)

The bad guys out there will exploit any method they can use to successfully achieve their objective. This is just one example of a technique that they sometimes use-there are other "typosquatting" websites to beware. I have known about this technique for quite a while, I just never knew that it had a name until now!

The EC/IT (Electronic Commerce / Information Technology) Committee members are submitting monthly technology articles as part of their mission to assist other chamber members with technology topics, particularly small businesses. If you are interested in being involved in this committee, please contact Michael Dunbar at mdunbar@columbusgachamber.com or 706-327-1566.