Ten to Watch

Four years ago, Sue Parr, president/CEO of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, approached us with the inventive idea of recognizing exceptional young professionals in the Augusta area.

We were enthusiastic at the prospect  and eager to bring it to the pages of Augusta Magazine. Thus was launched the successful program, Augusta’s Top 10 in 10: Ten Young Professionals to Watch, in which we honor 10 young people, with a variety of careers and backgrounds, who will be making a difference in the upcoming years. All are outstanding, as exemplified by the 10 trendsetters we recognize in this issue beginning on page 66.

 Professionals between the ages of 25 and 35 are expected to have more influence on the economy and our lifestyles than recent generations. As a group, the present generation is environmentally conscious, has had greater access to higher education and advanced degrees, and are radically changing the way we exchange information and work together.

The program has gained momentum and provides a way to identify some of those best young achievers in our community. Based solely on written nomination forms, candidates are evaluated and selected by a panel of judges. In addition to local recognition, all honorees are nominated by the chamber for possible inclusion in Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 Under 40 program. Two past honorees were recognized by the magazine—Rebekah Henry, director of the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, and Symphony Orchestra Augusta’ music director and conductor Shizuo Z Kuwahara.

The 2012 honorees will be presented at the chamber’s Economic Luncheon Thursday, June 14, at the Marriott Augusta at the Convention Center. Won’t you join us? Tickets are available through the chamber. It is a great way to show your support for attracting and retaining a young, talented workforce in our community. And in early 2013, watch for the call for nominations and consider completing one for a deserving individual.

This year’s winners are a diverse group with careers ranging from engineering to economic development to law and media. We salute their achievements and contributions to our community. They are key players in assuring a promising future for our city. I look forward to watching and helping them fulfill their goals.