Fort Gordon to go on display

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce members will have a chance to learn what Fort Gordon has to offer at a Thursday event.

"This is everything you always wanted to know about Fort Gordon and didn't know who to ask," said Robert Thurman, the chairman of the business development committee, about the Morale Call at 4 p.m. at Fort Gordon's Gordon Club.

The event is a follow-up to the August Not Just Coffee meeting, in which Brig. Gen. Randolph P. Strong, Fort Gordon's commanding general, was part of a panel discussion, said James Hudgins, Fort Gordon's public affairs officer.

"It will be an opportunity for them to learn about the different activities for recreation and how to enjoy Fort Gordon as a neighbor," he said.

There will be a 10- to 15-minute video highlighting Fort Gordon and its mission, people and facilities.

"One of the things we want to stress is the public/private initiative," said Gordon Renshaw, the chamber executive director.

Recent public/private ventures have included a Huddle House, which opened two years ago, and a Powerhouse Gym, which is scheduled to open by the end of the year. Also, Army housing has been taken over by a private contractor.

New housing will be built on the installation over the next few years.

"A lot of contractor opportunities exist," Renshaw said.

Also taking part will be the Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation, which oversees entertainment and leisure services, and Army Community Service, which provides support from money management classes to domestic violence prevention and dozens of other programs.

The Fort Gordon Fire Department, recently named the best in the Department of Defense, will have a booth explaining its partnership with surrounding communities. Representatives from the Signal Corps Museum will have information on history.

Members of recently deployed units will be on hand, and there will be an opportunity to learn more on how to start a business at Fort Gordon.

"They will be able to talk to the people they want to talk to," Thurman said.

For more information, call the chamber office at (706) 651-0018.