Chamber director is eager to begin
Gordon Renshaw is hoping to bring a little goodwill to the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.
"I think the best days are ahead for Columbia County," said Renshaw, who was introduced Wednesday as the chamber's new executive director. His first day on the job is June 16.
Renshaw has served as director of community relations for Goodwill Industries since January 1999. He said he's excited about his new position and plans to focus on two areas - continuing the chamber's current membership drive and improving the chamber's response to the needs of local businesses. To meet those needs, he plans to meet with local business owners.
"I don't want to just assume what their needs, desires and wants are," said Renshaw, who has lived in Columbia County for more than four years.
//
Chamber leaders started looking for a new director since late last year, and named Andy Kingery as interim director while the search continued. Wills said Kingery will remain on the job for a few weeks after Renshaw starts.
Gordon Renshaw (left), the new executive director of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, talks to Tim McGill of Georgia Power.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Hiring Renshaw as the chamber's first full-time director is another step toward autonomy for the group. Eventually, chamber leaders hope to become less dependent on the Augusta chamber. Until this year, Columbia County's chamber was part of the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce.
"The biggest quality is the energy level he brings," said chamber chairman Mark Wills. "I just see a lot of great things for Columbia County and the Columbia County chamber with his energy behind it."