2008 Red Carpet Tour Visits Augusta and Columbus

Participating Georgia communities will roll out the red carpet for 37 corporate decision makers from around the world April 9-12, 2008 on the 49th annual Red Carpet Tourâ of Georgia. This year, the Tour will visit the Augusta and Columbus regions.

The 2008 Red Carpet Tourâ will highlight the benefits of locating in Georgia to visiting business leaders. The Tour strives to strengthen relationships previously formed and build new relationships while showcasing Georgia as a great place to do business.

Guests will arrive in Atlanta Wednesday, April 9 and begin their visit with a reception at the host hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, followed by dinner with Governor Sonny Perdue and First Lady Mary Perdue at the Governor’s Mansion.

Thursday, April 10 and Saturday, April 12, guests will travel to Augusta to view the first and third rounds of The Mastersâ, golf’s most storied major championship. Guests will be able to relax both days at the Red Carpet Tourâ hospitality tent on the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club.

On Thursday evening, April 10, guests will travel to Columbus to learn of the many benefits of doing business in west Georgia. Local Columbus business leaders and officials will welcome guests at The Lodge & Spa at Callaway Gardens. Friday morning, guests will hear from Phil Tomlinson, Chairman & CEO of TSYS and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle in a live studio recording of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s “Georgia’s Business.” The program will be hosted by “Georgia’s Business’” own Richard Warner. This will be followed by lunch and recreational activities. An elegant reception and dinner will take place later in the evening at RiverMill in Columbus.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Tour, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Georgia Allies and the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. Members of the Georgia Allies and other hosts from businesses across Georgia travel with the contingent, serving as liaisons and teaching Tour participants about Georgia.

Robin Spratlin, General Manager of Economic Development for Georgia Power, is the 2008 Red Carpet Tour® State Host Chair. Jay Alexander, President of Alexander Electric Company, is the Chair of the Columbus Region. Richard Fairey, Senior Vice President, Marketing President Community Banking for Wachovia Bank in Augusta and Kline Perry, Sales Manager, East Region for Georgia Power are Co-Chairs of the Metro Augusta Region.

The Georgia Chamber is the grassroots voice of business, vigorously representing its diverse membership in the public policy arena. As it constantly works to protect Georgia’s enviable pro-business environment, the Georgia Chamber remains mindful of its mission to keep the state economically prosperous, educationally competitive and environmentally responsible.