Target Industries
Success Across a Variety of Sectors
Columbia County is growing holistically, becoming more efficient, and attracting more businesses to its thriving band of existing industries. From Fort Gordon’s dominant presence in the cybersecurity and global intelligence world to John Deere’s recent expansion partnership with Bennett Distribution representing the manufacturing sector, Columbia County is poised for progress and success.
Defense & Cybersecurity
Columbia County is a prime business destination for defense and cybersecurity companies, due in large part to cyber operations giant Fort Gordon. Fort Gordon – home to the Army’s largest communication and information technology training center – is the epicenter of defense and cybersecurity in Greater Augusta Region. It is the area’s largest employer, with more than 4,000 jobs being added between 2013 and 2019 including the relocation of the U.S. Army Cyber Command Headquarters. Fort Gordon has an on-post workforce of nearly 27,000, and an off-post population of almost 78,000. The Fort Gordon community is dedicated, civic-minded, and highly skilled – attributes that private and government contractors and information technology companies seek. There are high value opportunities to relocate in Fort Gordon and to be a part of the nation’s top cybersecurity community. The program growth at Augusta University and Augusta University Healthcare System, coupled with cyber security and technology, positions our community to support the growth in health IT and private applications in cyber security.
Office/Headquarters
Because Columbia County offers the complete quality of life package with amenities for both work and play, it makes sense companies choose Columbia County for their office and headquarters location. TaxSlayer, Janus Research Group, and Augusta Sportswear are three companies who have roots in Columbia County and whose employees and families benefit from the region’s comforts and assets: a tradition of excellence in the school system (ranked in the top 10% in Georgia) with top-notch educators, national rankings as one of the best places to live, a plethora of parks and open spaces, a proactive local government that gets the job done, and broadband connectivity that can handle any company’s needs.
Innovative Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry is growing in Columbia County. Our local existing businesses are paving the way with expansions and growth from John Deere, GIW Minerals, Nutritional Resources, and more. Serta and Club Car are also established manufacturing businesses that thrive in Columbia County due to reasons like a quality workforce and the County’s strategic location.
Entrepreneurship/Small Business
Business Week, Forbes, and the Brookings Institute have all cited Columbia County for strong economic growth, which is why entrepreneurs and small businesses prosper in Columbia County. Small businesses, primarily retail and hospitality, comprise the area’s largest sector of business. Small business is the fabric of Columbia County given that 88% of the more than 5,000 business establishments employ between 2 and 99 employees. Some of Columbia County’s largest businesses started off as local startups (i.e. Janus Research Group, TaxSlayer, and Nutritional Resources) Columbia County’s proximity to Atlanta and Charlotte make it an attractive place for entrepreneurs who may occupy co-working space or shared offices and who need access to top-tier talent, universities or research centers, and capital.
Health Services
Breakthrough knowledge and better patient care are what drive the healthcare industry in Columbia County and beyond. This sector is strong within the Augusta MSA, employing more than 25,000 people and serving 18 counties throughout the Greater Augusta Region. Among its most well-known institutions, the Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta University’s founding school, is the state’s leading provider of physicians, has the 8th largest total enrollment in the nation, and in 2017, had a residency match of 98%, which is higher than the national average. MCG is but one of many institutions driving healthcare forward in the Augusta MSA. Augusta University Health, University Hospital and Doctor’s Hospital offer renowned medical care through leading research and application. These institutions boast expansive ambulatory care offerings in Columbia County to support the rapid population growth.
Retail Development
Retail trade in Columbia County employs over 11% of residents, and the industry is poised to see continued growth with new developments like The Plaza at Evans Towne Center, a $60 million investment. The mixed-use project will transform the heart of Columbia County into a sea of restaurants, retail, and office space in a “walkable lifestyle center” – a true downtown corridor that has been years in the making.
Film
From city scenes and nature to historic courthouses and schools, Columbia County offers a unique mix of locations ideal for filming. Columbia County makes it easy to obtain the right permits and has a large selection of industry professionals and local talent for any size project. Set your next film against the picturesque background of Columbia County, and find everything you need for a successful motion picture.
