Augusta Welcomes New Chamber of Commerce Leader
In the heart of bustling Augusta, there’s a fresh face at the helm of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. Meet Angie Cox, the newly appointed president and CEO who came to this role from her previous job as the head of the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce. If you think you haven’t heard much about chambers of commerce, you’re not alone! Cox herself admitted, “At the time, I thought it was a part of government.”
From Small Town to Big City
Angie’s journey from a smaller chamber in Milledgeville to a larger one in Augusta has been a phenomenal ride. After spending over six years in Milledgeville, she wasn’t simply looking for a job switch; rather, she was swept into this intriguing world.
“In the chamber world, there’s a saying: ‘Nobody grows up saying they want to be a chamber president, it just finds you,’” she shared, and it seems that this might just hold true for her. During her time in Milledgeville, Cox led the chamber to achieve a coveted status of being a Georgia Certified Chamber of Commerce. “I’m glad I got my feet wet with a smaller chamber,” she reflects, noting how essential that experience was before taking a leap into a larger community.
What’s the Chamber Up To?
Now, in her new role, Cox is tackling the job with gusto. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce serves as a key player in influencing not only local businesses but also the community as a whole. “If you see one chamber, then you’ve seen one chamber,” she states, highlighting the unique workings of chambers across the country. While the mission is similar – to voice the needs and issues of the business community – the scale in Augusta is larger and brings its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Angie is excited about her task of being the voice of business in Augusta while also serving as an agent for economic and workforce development. She emphasizes how crucial the chamber’s work is, stating, “The chamber is working for you behind the scenes in ways that you will experience but probably never know.” This is particularly true regarding policy advocacy and the establishment of partnerships with key community players.
Creating a Collaborative Environment
One of her primary focuses will be enhancing collaboration among local manufacturers and educational institutions. She commented on the current state of the manufacturing industry, saying, “The manufacturer’s exchange is flourishing, but there remains a need for workers.” This insight shows Cox’s intention to not just promote businesses, but to strengthen the ecosystem that supports them.
Supporting Small Businesses
Interestingly, small businesses make up about 78% of the chamber’s membership, and Cox is keen on ensuring these smaller entities are well cared for. “These businesses really are the heart of our chamber and I want to make sure we are taking care of them,” she emphasizes. Her commitment signals a bright outlook for small business growth and visibility in the Augusta area.
Looking Ahead
With over 1,100 members, Cox is not naive to the pressures that come with her new position. She understands the need for consistency and meaningful progress. “We truly are trying to be the catalyst, the convener, and the champion for businesses, non-profit organizations, academic institutions,” she states, hoping to create a conducive environment for success.
So, as Angie Cox settles into her new role in this vibrant community, she’s filled with anticipation. “It’s an exciting time for me personally, and for us as a chamber,” she says, signaling optimism not just for her future, but for the business landscape of Augusta itself.
