Greater Augusta Day at the Capitol: Advocating for Our Region’s Future
On February 3, 2026, the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, alongside the Burke County Chamber of Commerce and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, participated in Greater Augusta Day — an important day of advocacy, learning, and legislative engagement at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta.
This annual event brings together community leaders, business stakeholders, and policymakers from across the region to highlight the priorities and challenges that matter most to the Greater Augusta region. By connecting directly with state leaders, chambers can ensure that local perspectives are part of the conversation when shaping policies that impact workforce development, infrastructure, economic growth, and quality of life.
While Greater Augusta Day reflects a broad set of legislative and policy priorities, including housing opportunity, energy and utilities, historic tax credits, workforce development, business climate, public safety communications, and transportation, conversations throughout the day focused more specifically on how state leaders are supporting economic development, education, infrastructure, and innovation across Georgia. Through keynote remarks and panel discussions, speakers shared practical insight into the strategies, programs, and partnerships currently shaping the state’s approach to growth and competitiveness, with particular relevance for communities across the CSRA.
Insights from State and Regional Leaders
Greater Augusta Day featured a strong lineup of state and regional leaders who shared insight into Georgia’s economic, education, and infrastructure landscape. Speakers included Bob Kosek, Division Director of Global Commerce with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, who emphasized the importance of supporting local economic development authority directors and strengthening partnerships that drive community-level growth. Dr. Costas Spirou, Chief Innovation and Entrepreneurial Strategies Officer for the University System of Georgia, discussed statewide innovation initiatives, entrepreneurship programming across Georgia’s 24 colleges and universities, and efforts to accelerate collaboration through fast-track initiatives.
Commissioner Greg Dozier of the Technical College System of Georgia outlined the system’s goal of ensuring no student is more than 30 miles from a technical college campus, supported by 88 campuses statewide. He also highlighted the system’s five core pillars, technical education, adult education, high school equivalency and diploma pathways, economic development, and Quick Start, along with a “one-stop shop” approach coordinated with the Georgia Department of Labor. Dr. Richard Woods, Georgia State School Superintendent, shared updates on new math and reading standards aimed at strengthening foundational education statewide.
Additional insight was provided by Cathie J. Vick, Strategic Negotiator for Market Development Advocacy with Google’s Global Infrastructure and Energy team; Brian Robinson, President of Robinson Republic; Jeremiah C. Haswell, Regulatory Affairs Director at Georgia Power; Shane Short, Executive Director of the Development Authority of Walton County; Kelsi Austin, Business Development and Strategy Manager at Georgia Power; Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones; Andrew Heath, P.E., Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation; and Governor Brian Kemp.
Hearing directly from these leaders provided the chambers and community advocates with valuable insight into state policies, funding priorities, and legislative strategies that will impact the Greater Augusta region in the coming years.
A Day Made Possible by Our Sponsors
Greater Augusta Day would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: the City of Augusta, Georgia; Burke County Board of Commissioners; Piedmont Augusta; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Georgia Power. Their partnership strengthens the region’s collective voice and supports meaningful engagement at the state level.
Looking Ahead
Events like Greater Augusta Day are essential for keeping the region connected, informed, and proactive in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities. By collaborating across county lines and sectors, the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and its regional partners are helping shape a future where economic development, workforce readiness, education, and infrastructure all work together to strengthen the CSRA.
To review all participants and 2026 priorities in detail, view the full program here:
Greater Augusta Day Program
Check our Facebook page soon as we share photos from the day, as well as the story by WJBF News Channel 6.