Cagle to speak at event

When the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce holds its pre-legislative breakfast Wednesday, it also will feature Lt. Gov.-Elect Casey Cagle.

Gordon Renshaw, the executive director of the chamber, said the event will start with breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion. The program will follow at 7:30 a.m., he said.

Renshaw said Cagle will speak for about five minutes and will then answer questions and discuss the possibility of having impact fees benefit schools.

Impact fees are charged to developers based on costs that derive from new development.

Renshaw said the area's legislators will then have a chance to speak about their goals for the 2007 legislative session. After that, the delegation - Rep. Barry Fleming, R-Harlem; Rep. Ben Harbin, R-Evans; Rep. Barbara Sims, R-Augusta; and Sen. Jim Whitehead, R-Evans - will answer questions.

"It's the opportunity for our members to hear directly from our legislative delegation as well as communicate directly with them, both hearing from them and asking questions of them," Renshaw said. "We have one of the most influential and strong delegations in the state and we don't take that for granted."

Renshaw said this year's breakfast could attract more than 200 people because of Cagle's appearance.

He said the event is open to chamber members at no cost, but nonmembers also are welcome at a cost of $10.

To R.S.V.P., contact karen@columbiacountychamber.com or call (706) 651-0018.