Leaders will discuss county development

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce members and guests will talk about economic development and tourism with county leaders at Tuesday's Not Just Coffee discussion at Belair Conference Center.

Chamber Executive Director Gordon Renshaw said the event is a networking opportunity that also serves as a means for the public to hear their government and business leaders discuss key topics of interest.

Panel members include: Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross; Development Authority of Columbia County Executive Director Zack Daffin; Beda Johnson, executive director of the county's Convention & Visitors Bureau; Planning and Development Director Jeff Browning; and Tom Werner, the president of the Builders Association of Metro Augusta.

Renshaw said the talk will focus on where the panelists "see development happening in Columbia County and how it will impact the county now and in the years ahead."

Pat Goodwin, the moderator of the event and a member of the chamber's board of directors, said she intends to press the leaders on their respective vision for future economic development and what they intend to do to help continue Columbia County's strong growth.

She said it is important for businesses and the general public to realize the impact everyone has on economic development in Columbia County.

"Economic development is everyone's job, not just these five people on this (panel)," Goodwin said. "We all make decisions that affect this community with economic development."

Johnson, leader of the county's newest government body, said it is important that the public be informed how her bureau promotes tourism to Columbia County and its impact on the area economy.

The event begins at 7:30 a.m. The cost is free to chamber members and $10 to others.

If You Go

What: Not Just Coffee

Where: Belair Conference Center, 4081 S. Belair Road

When: 7:30 a.m. Tuesday

Cost: Free to chamber members, $10 for others

For more information: Visit the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.columbiacountychamber.com.