Regional Assets
Four Distinct Advantages to Doing Business in Columbia County
Columbia County boasts a premier location in the South and can reach more than ¾ of U.S. consumers within a two-hour flight. Our labor market, fueled by Augusta University and Augusta Technical College, is a strong asset and is backed by Augusta MSA’s skilled labor shed of more than 400,000. But four institutions are the primary drivers of the region and are distinct advantages to doing business in Columbia County. A renowned healthcare system, a nationally-recognized cybersecurity center, a Department of Energy site specializing in nuclear materials management and clean up, and a power generating plant that will eventually supply power to 500,000 Georgia homes and businesses. These are Columbia County’s differentiators and job creators, as well as the entities that are making the biggest impact on the regional economy.
Healthcare
There are nine major hospitals in the Augusta MSA that serve the healthcare demands of 18 regional counties, including Columbia County. The industry employs more than 25,000, making it a fundamental component of the local and regional workforce. Healthcare in the Augusta MSA generates nearly $2 billion in economic impact for the region. Healthcare in the region will only improve as Augusta University Medical Center is slated to build the first hospital in Columbia County. The facility will implement the same world-class patient care and educational opportunities that gains ample recognition.
Savannah River Site
The Savannah River Site (SRS) is a national and global leader in nuclear materials management, clean up, and nuclear non-proliferation and is home to the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). The SRS is focused on three main objectives: transforming liabilities into assets to reduce the environmental impact of nuclear materials and radioactive waste, enhancing national security through customized solutions that aid in global nuclear non-proliferation and detection, and accelerating deployment of nuclear energy while supporting regional energy sustainability efforts.
Plant Vogtle
One of Georgia’s two nuclear facilities, Plant Vogtle is an electricity generating plant powered by pressurized water reactors. The plant employs approximately 900 people and has been a powerful generator for the Columbia County region for more than 85 years. Expansion plans for Plant Vogtle include two new units that will create energy to power 500,000 Georgia homes and businesses. Plant Vogtle is also a steward for wildlife protection and has been a Wildlife Habitat Council site since 1993.
Fort Eisenhower
A United States Army installation established in 1917, Fort Eisenhower is home to the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and the Army’s Signal Regiment. 12,000 military personnel receive cybersecurity training each year at Fort Fort Eisenhower and the establishment is poised to see significant growth from three major investments: Expansion of the National Security Agency’s Georgia Cryptologic Center, the relocation of the U.S. Cyber Command Center, and the opening of Gate 6, which will be connected to I-20 via a new four-lane arterial road. Fort Eisenhower’s impact is more than $2 billion.