Columbus retains 706 area code

There were two basic options. First, the customers in the existing 706 area code could change from a seven- to a ten-digit dialing system. Current telephone customers would retain the 706 code but new customers would be assigned a new area code. The second option was to keep seven digit dialing. The PSC would then have to decide which of the current cities in the 706 area would keep 706 and which ones would be assigned a new area code.

Your chamber surveyed its members and determined the expense of changing from 706 would be too great to take a chance on having a new area code. If a new area code replaced 706, large and small businesses would be required to make expensive changes in stationary, business cards and sales brochures in addition to the cost of informing customers of the change.

The PSC held a public hearing June 16 on the issue. The chamber organized testimony in favor of retaining 706 in Columbus. Harold Bryant, vice president Governmental Affairs at the chamber, spoke about how changing the area code would adversely affect the bottom line of small businesses. Beth Granberry of TSYS spoke about the expense and disruption of the millions of calls from around the world to area corporations. Paul Yates from Fort Benning outlined the difficulties of using multiple area codes on Fort Benning due to the military's global role as well as the enormous quantities of printed materials.

The PSC voted to change 706 to a 10-digit dialing system and apply an overlay (another area code) for new customers beginning June 23. Commissioner David Burgess expressed his appreciation to the chamber for their testimony. Burgess also mentioned that 10-digit dialing would be nationwide in the near future and adjusting to the requirement early was to our advantage.

The top four ranking members of the Georgia House of Representatives visited the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce June 22.

Their first stop was at the chamber. Mike Gaymon, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, gave the visitors an overview of Columbus and what has been accomplished with an aggressive approach to public/private partnerships. Harold Bryant then led the visitors on a tour of the Columbus Convention and Trade Center and the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.

Larry Campbell of the Trade Center expressed appreciation to the recent appropriation of funds to help retire the Trade Center debt and the expanding use of the facility. Otis Burnham, Frank Ethridge and Dr. Larry Kaptain hosted the tour of the RiverCenter. The representatives marveled at this beautiful facility.

The visit gave us a rare opportunity to showcase our city with some of the most powerful legislators in the state. They left with a new appreciation of what can be done with great leadership and a solid public/private partnership. One of the visitors was overheard to say, "Columbus is the most progressive city of its size in the United States." What a compliment!

Sponsorships are now available! 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.