News Summary
The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce is set to hold its first Member Economic Luncheon of 2025 on May 1. Featuring keynote speaker Cal Wray, the event will discuss future developments in Augusta, offering valuable insights into community projects and growth. Attendees are encouraged to secure their spots before the registration deadline on April 28.
Excitement Building for Augusta’s Economic Luncheon
Augusta is buzzing with anticipation as the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce prepares to kick off its first Member Economic Luncheon of 2025. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. because this is an event you won’t want to miss! Held at the lovely Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center on 2 10th Street in the heart of downtown Augusta, it promises to be an engaging gathering for business leaders, community members, and anyone interested in the future of development in the region.
Cal Wray Takes Center Stage
The highlight of the luncheon will be the featured keynote speaker, Cal Wray, who serves as the President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority. Wray has been at the helm since January 2018, and under his leadership, the Augusta Economic Development Authority has seen incredible growth—announcing over 55 new and expanding projects, along with retail undertakings, culminating in a whopping $4 billion in new capital investment. This growth has successfully generated 4,245 new and retained jobs in Richmond County, significantly boosting the local economy.
A Round-Up of Wray’s Accomplishments
Before making waves in Augusta, Wray gained valuable experience as the Executive Director of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council, where he played a vital role in facilitating over $960 million in investments and creating 1,000 jobs. He also had a tenure as Vice-President and later President of the Dublin‐Laurens County Development Authority, overseeing an impressive $291 million investment and creating 1,200 jobs.
Education and Professional Recognition
Wray is not just a doer; he’s also a scholar. He holds a BA with Honors in Russian, European Studies, and Economics from Vanderbilt University, along with a Master’s in International Affairs from Georgia Tech. He’s also a certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), showcasing his commitment to excellence in economic development.
His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed—Wray has been recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers multiple times between 2015 and 2022, and he completed the inaugural Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program in 2018. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Georgia Economic Developers Association and is actively involved in several economic development organizations.
Join the Conversation
This luncheon is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to learn about what’s next for our beloved Augusta. Wray’s presentation will be titled “Next Up Augusta – Projects, Wins, & What’s Next”, and attendees can expect valuable insights into both current projects and future aspirations for the area.
Chamber members and interested guests are encouraged to attend this engaging event. To secure your spot, be mindful that the registration deadline is fast approaching—mark Monday, April 28 on your calendar and don’t let this opportunity slip away. Tickets can easily be reserved through the Augusta Metro Chamber’s website, or for those preferring a more personal touch, contacting them directly is always an option.
In Conclusion
The upcoming economic luncheon is set to be a fantastic event that embodies the spirit of community and opportunity in Augusta. Whether you’re a business owner, a community advocate, or just someone curious about Augusta’s growth trajectory, join in and contribute to the conversations that shape the future! We can’t wait to see you there!
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Additional Resources
- AJC: Community Improvement Districts in Georgia
- World Atlas: Friendliest Little Towns in Georgia
- Reuters: Georgia’s Parliament Passes Law
- Georgia Recorder: Georgia Senate Passes Bill
- Grice Connect: United Way Raffle for Community Initiatives
- Wikipedia: Georgia (U.S. state)
- Google Search: Georgia communities
- Google Scholar: Georgia economy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia (US)
- Google News: Georgia news
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
