Interviews continue for chamber leader

The members of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce may have a new leader soon.

Interviews for the executive director position began Friday and continued Monday and Tuesday, said acting Director Andy Kingery.

Bryan Quinsey, executive director of the chamber and development authority for 2 1/2 years, resigned in January.

"The first batch (of applicants) we looked at were not what we were looking for, so they advertised a second time (with more detailed qualifications) and got some qualified applicants this time," Kingery said.

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The interview process may be complete by Wednesday, when the status of the chamber's membership drive will be discussed, Kingery said. The meeting is at noon at the chamber offices on Evans-to-Locks Road.

Chamber officials are hoping for 200 new members during the two-month drive, which began last week.

The chamber's normal $300 a year single membership rate was amended to gain more small businesses. The membership fee structure is now tiered: $175 for the first year, $225 for the second and $300 for the third.

Membership includes membership in the Augusta chamber, ribbon cuttings, members-only discounts in some cases and a possible mention in the chamber's quarterly chamber publication.