Columbus Day at the capitol a huge success

The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce delegation poses with Sen. Seth Harp and Sen. Ed Harbison at the state capital.

The annual Columbus Day at the Capitol event was held on March 12. The theme of this year's Capitol visit was the promotion of the expansion of Fort Benning and the need to partner with the state government to meet the transportation and education needs associated with this unprecedented growth. In keeping with this theme, each member of the Georgia General Assembly received a boonie hat with the Chamber logo on the bill and their name stitched on the front.

In a follow up e-mail Senator Seth Harp said "I wanted to let you know that Columbus Day at the Capitol was a total success. The hats were the crowning glory. I can truthfully say that in my years here, I have never heard as many legislators rave over anything like they did their hats"

The highlight of the day was a trip to the Governor's office. The Governor greeted the group warmly and was appreciative of his hat. The Governor also recognized your Chamber as the first 5-Star Chamber in Georgia and presented a resolution to Stella Shulman and Mike Gaymon.

The day began in the State Senate. Each senator was presented their hat as they entered the Chamber. Upon convening, the Chamber delegation was called to the well of the Senate and recognized by the Lt. Governor. Mayor Jim Wetherington delivered greetings from the City of Columbus and Chamber Chair Stella Shulman presented the Lt. Governor with his boonie hat. A Senate resolution was read commending your Chamber as the first 5-Star Chamber in Georgia. The same format was followed in the House of Representatives and Chamber volunteers distributed the hats to House members.

Sponsors for Columbus Day were Bill Heard Enterprises, Columbus Water Works, Columbus Technical College, Aflac, Rob Doll Nissan, Park Properties, TIC Federal Credit Union, Atmos Energy, Winship Clinic, and Rep. Richard Smith. We would like to thank these sponsors for making such a successful event possible.

The $100,000 grant is to develop a specially designed computer science curriculum to provide local defense contractors with employees skilled in computer modeling, simulation and gaming.

Mike Gaymon, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce talks about the public private partnership to obtain the Intellectual Capital Partnership Program for CSU.

The initiative, called "Project STEADI" (Simulation Technology Education Assisting the Defense Industry). This initiative started about a year ago with CSU, Fort Benning, the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Columbus Development Authority and several local defense contractors, some of which are located in the Technology incubator at CSU's Cunningham Center.

The grant comes from the University System of Georgia through the ICAPP (Intellectual Capital Partnership Program). ICAPP was first used for the TSYS expansion to provide computer-savvy employees.

"It's a win-win proposition for everyone that's involved in it," said John Fuller, a former chief of staff at Fort Benning who will lead the first phase of the project. His experience in the Army, as well as with local defense and homeland security contractors, has shown him the need in this area for employees with sophisticated computer skills.

Modeling, gaming and simulators are used extensively by all of the military services in training for combat. Using a computer-driven trainer instead of a real tank or plane allows for better training at reduced costs, without any wear and tear on the actual combat vehicles or systems, he said.

Fuller estimates there are several hundred employees currently in the Valley area with ties to this kind of technology and training. "Not only is the current demand for individuals with this talent growing, it will dramatically accelerate when the Armor School, not at Fort Knox, relocates to Fort Benning," he said.

At the OneGeorgia Authority March board meeting at the historic Hawkinsville Opera House, Governor Sonny Perdue announced over $14.5 million in grant awards administered or financially supported by the OneGeorgia Authority aimed at spurring economic development in rural Georgia.

Valley Partnership projects receiving grants include:

Development Authority of Harris County / Xpress Materials, LLC

EDGE grant funds of $150,000 will be used to assist with road improvements in support of the location of Xpress Materials, LLC, a concrete manufacturer, to West Point. The Company has chosen a 47.76-acre site in the new Northwest Harris County Business Park due to its close proximity to the new KIA plant which it intends to serve. Xpress Materials, a subsidiary of the Graham Family of Companies (GFC), is a privately-held company engaged in cement and concrete manufacturing. The company expects to create 72 new jobs within two years. Total project cost: $13.7 million.

Gov. Sonny Perdue presents the check to representatives of the Valley Partnership.

Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority

Equity grant funds of $1 million will be used to assist with the construction of public water and sewer improvements to the 376-acre Northwest Harris Business Park, located at the intersection of Davidson Road and GA Highway 103 in the northwest corner of Harris County. With the KIA auto assembly plant being constructed less than three miles north in West Point, other manufacturers and suppliers are interested in locating to the park. The park will significantly increase economic opportunity in Harris County and the Valley Partnership Region which consists of Harris, Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Talbot, Marion and Taylor Counties. The park is expected to provide strong regional impact. Total project cost: $6.3 million.

City of West Point

Equity grant funds of $500,000 will be used to assist with the construction of a one million gallon water storage tank to serve Hyundai-owned Mobis Georgia, LLC and Glovis Georgia, LLC. Both companies will serve as suppliers for Kia Motors America. The two facilities will be constructed adjacent to the new Kia plant on the 2,200-acre Webb Road mega-site on the west side of I-85. Mobis will construct a 310,000 square-foot facility that will fabricate chassis, front-ends, bumpers and cockpit modules for Kia. Glovis will construct and operate a consolidation and vehicle processing center where they will be responsible for pre-delivery inspection, cleaning, undercoating, wheel installation and shipping Kia vehicles. By the end of 2010, both expect to create 1,300 well-paying jobs that will positively impact a multi-county area and bring new residents to the region. Total project cost: $123 million.

Development Authority of the City of Manchester

Equity loan funds of $500,000 will be used to acquire 22 acres and a 350,000 square-foot building located on the 37-acre former Goody's plant location at 1000 West Main Street. The building was originally built in 1969 and expanded in 1979. The Development Authority of the City of Manchester already owns 15 acres of the site and seeks to own and control the entire plant site. The Development Authority has a prospect that is currently considering the site. If the company locates to Manchester, then it would mean 140 new jobs immediately and 300-400 after five years. Total project cost: $1.7 million.

DAEHAN Solution to locate manufacturing facility in Harris County
Components manufacturer to create 300 jobs and invest $35 million

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced March 29 that Kia supplier DAEHAN Solution will locate a manufacturing facility in Harris County. The automotive components manufacturer is expected to create 300 jobs and invest $35 million in its new site. Kia and its other suppliers have announced more than 5,000 jobs in Georgia.

The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce economic development team serves The Valley Partnership, which was created 14 years ago.

"DAEHAN Solution's decision to locate in Georgia means that top-tier Kia suppliers are creating more than 2,300 jobs," said Gov. Sonny Perdue. "I am proud that Kia's decision to choose Georgia continues to bring interest and investment to our state."

Headquartered in Korea, DAEHAN Solution plans to build a 160,000-square-foot facility on 30 acres at the Northwest Harris Business Park in Harris County. When operational, the facility will supply NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) system engineering and interior components for Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia plant in West Point.

"DAEHAN Solution is looking forward to continuing the partnership with the state of Georgia and Harris County for mutual prosperity," said DAEHAN Solution Chairman Hoe-Hyun Kwon. "We are very excited about this project in the Northwest Harris Business Park and plan to begin the construction process as soon as possible."

"We are proud to welcome DAEHAN Solution to Harris County," said Harry Lange, Harris County Commission Chairman. "Their new facility will be a terrific addition to our growing stable of Kia suppliers here in Harris County, and I look forward to them becoming a great corporate citizen."

DAEHAN Solution is a leading manufacturer of automotive components and a key supplier of NVH system engineering in Korea. The company has a long history as one of the top suppliers to Kia and Hyundai worldwide.

What does your company know about the state of Columbus & the Chattahoochee Valley's Air Quality? If we told you that we were borderline air non-attainment status would that alarm you? Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency just last week reduced the allowable ozone standards nation wide? Did you know that this EPA rule change automatically places Columbus & the Chattahoochee Valley, from a Federal point of view, in air non-attainment?

This issue is serious, and it requires being pro-active at all levels of business from the 5 person consulting shop to the corporate titans this community is blessed to have and here's why:

1. The Environmental Protection Agency & the Georgia Environmental Protection Division will make their decision as to whether our community is an air-non attainment Region in December of 2009.
2. Being designated as an air-non attainment region in our Community would have severe impacts to our Community particularly as we begin to experience significant growth as a result of Ft. Benning & Aflac's expansion coupled with KIA and Cessna's location to the Region.
   1. If designated, our region would take on a negative economic development stigma which would make us less competitive in attempting to recruit new jobs, capital investment and business to the region.
   2. We would lose flexibility in the utilization of our transportation dollars and be placed under a process called transportation conformity which essentially states, "a community must prove that by spending transportation dollars and increasing road capacity the air will be less polluted"- a difficult task!
   3. Finally, if designated non-attainment there is increased negative health impacts to include elevated cases of asthma, lung disease, & heart malfunction.

To find out how your company can have a positive impact on our region's Air Quality contact Tom Wyatt at 706.257.1191 or email twyatt@columbusgachamber.com

Area young professionals have a brand new program designed by them and for them. It is the Greater Columbus Georgia Young Professionals, a program of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

"Our community has come a long way, and this is definitely an exciting time for all of us," said Stella Shulman, Chair of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. "With the positive job growth and economic development that we are experiencing in our region, there are great career opportunities for young professionals. We used to talk about "Brain Drain," referring to the migration of young talent away from our community and region. But, more and more, we are seeing local graduates choose to stay here in Columbus and we are beginning to attract talent from other areas as well. Columbus is becoming a "cool" community for young professionals to live, and, as a region, it is our responsibility to continue to show young professionals why Columbus is a great place to get engaged and stay connected," said Shulman.

Young Professionals are looking for ways to become connected by investing their talent while networking with other young professionals.

Audrey Tillman, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services, Aflac, talked about how important a program like this is to attracting and keeping young professionals here.

"As a Founding Sponsor for the Greater Columbus Georgia Young Professionals, Aflac recognizes the critical importance of young professionals to business growth," said Audrey Tillman, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services, Aflac. "With advances in technology and other areas of business development, our ability to grow business here depends on how well we attract and retain talent to our region. To keep talent in our region, it is necessary to provide opportunities for young professionals to develop personally and professionally both within and beyond their work environments. The Young Professionals program has the potential to address this need by providing creative settings in which young professionals can network, build relationships, and develop as leaders within our community," said Tillman.

There are four main components of the Young Professional program-networking, community and cultural engagement, political engagement and awareness, and leadership development.

Through quarterly social gatherings, members can't help but make friends-and make plans. Set in professional, yet fun environments designed to enhance personal and professional growth, YP networking events are the perfect way to mix and mingle. Plus, members can enjoy food and entertainment in some of our region's most unique corporate and cultural venues!

Cultural and community engagement through concerts, stage shows, and art exhibitions are just a few of the many cultural opportunities Greater Columbus Georgia has to offer. Members can see what is offered and provide input on kinds of entertainment scheduled for our region. Young Professionals will also learn about community needs in our area, and lend a helping hand through specially organized YP volunteer projects!

Members will gain political awareness and then become engaged in the political process by learning what it takes to run for office and talking with elected officials. Young Professionals will learn what issues are important in our region.

"I would like to focus on why we, as a larger community, should care about the presence of young professionals in Greater Columbus Georgia," said Jack Turner, Board Member Greater Columbus Georgia Young Professionals. "We are fortunate, as a region, to have such an amazing roster of successful and influential leaders who have paved the way for progress. And, as with any golden age, we are beginning to see a changing of the guard. We are all responsible for building the servant leaders of tomorrow in order to ensure the future growth and prosperity of our region - and this new Young Professionals program is a powerful resource to do just that."

Who will be the future leaders of the Greater Columbus Georgia Region? The Young Professionals will be some of the next generations' leaders. The YP leadership development series will help them learn how other leaders have built successful careers and lives. They will also see how these skills and ideas apply to their future goals.

John Pezold, Chair, Greater Columbus Georgia Young Professionals, opens YP for memberships.

Young Professionals are between 21-40 years old. They share an interest in meeting other young professionals. They are willing to positively contribute to the community and learn from professional leaders, and they pay annual membership dues of $75.

As a YP Member, young professionals will have incredible opportunities to network with professional leaders, gain exposure to the corporate community, and become engaged in the progress and future of the Greater Columbus Georgia Region!

"I agreed to chair YP because I see this as a great opportunity to create positive change in our region and our world," John Pezold, Chair Greater Columbus Georgia Young Professionals. "The generations that make up this young professional audience want to be energized, engaged, and empowered to make a difference. If this sounds like a program for you (or someone you know), we are open for business! Today marks the official kick-off of YP Recruitment. Mark your calendars for our first networking event. The Greater Columbus Georgia Young Professionals Kick-Off Event will be held here at the Chamber on Friday, April 25, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Join us for fun, food, prizes, and more!" said Pezold.

For more information contact www.ypcolumbusga.com

Home Town Hero in March was presented to Gates Fences and More, Inc.

Gates Fences and More, Inc. opened in March 2006. After 23 years in sales, owner Steve Gates saw the need, and opened a fence company that would be centered on customer service. With dedicated and long term employees that can design and customize a fence for the customer's needs.

Gates Fences and More, Inc. specializes in all types of commercial and residential fencing. Whether it is chain link, vinyl, ornamental, wood privacy, custom wood, split rail, farm fencing, automatic gate openers, or just a pen for your dog. No job is too large or too small!

Gates has been involved in the community and the Chamber of Commerce for many years. He is the past chair of several committees for the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce including The President's Council, Business Against Drugs (now Drugs Don't Work) and the Small Business Giants (now Small Business Recognition Committee) as well as serving on many other committees like Small Business Development, Minority Business Development and the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament Committee. Steve is a lifetime member of the Chamber of Commerce. Steve is also a member of the Board for the Better Business Bureau, served as chairman for the Uptown Columbus Golf Tournament and has served on the "Thunder in the Valley" Air Show Committee for the Boy Scouts of America.

Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants, Inc. named March Small Business Giant

Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (GEC) is an engineering consulting firm with offices in Columbus, LaGrange, Atlanta and Macon, Georgia. GEC provides consulting services in three key areas: Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Construction Quality Control Testing.

The firm began life in 1991 as Geosciences, Inc. With corporate restructuring, in 1999, the current name resulted as well as the creation of the Columbus and Macon offices.

Mark Carroll, Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants, Inc., accepted the March Small Business Giant award March 27.

GEC has successfully completed thousands of projects for a variety of clients over the vast spectrum of development, "Our Partners in Progress" include; The W.C. Bradley Company, The Jordan Company, The National Infantry Foundation, Synovus, CB&T, TSYS, Aflac, Muscogee County School Board, Columbus Consolidated Government, The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Ben Carter Properties, Fort Benning, and Clark and The Fort Benning Family Communities. We cannot express how proud we are to have played our role on the teams for all the projects we have been a part of, and even more so to be a part of the fabric in Columbus, Georgia.

GEC's professional affiliations include: A Member of the American Council of Engineering Companies - Georgia (ACEC/GA), the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Fort Benning, National Association of Women in Construction, American Water Works Association (AWWA) and many more industry professional organizations.

Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants, Inc., staff professionals participate in the Cystic Fibrosis Sports Challenge, United Way, The American Cancer Relay for Life and Adopt A Soldier Army Community Service Program to name a few. GEC is also a Certified Drug Free Workplace.

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