(For Immediate Release – July 2020) The Augusta Economic Development Authority today announced the promotion of Cheney Thomasson to Manager of Existing Industry and Strategic Partnerships. She will have the primary responsibility of building relationships with corporate entities, industrial partners, educational organizations, and all other key partners on the local, regional, and national level to advance the mission and organizational goals of the Development Authority.
“Cheney has worked hard to facilitate growth of our existing industries here in Augusta”, says Cal Wray, President of the EDA. “We are thrilled to see her continue to work with our local industry partners while adding a focus on building strategic partnerships to further our influence and impact.”
A Georgia native, Ms. Thomasson received a B.A. in Public Policy Leadership from the University of Mississippi. She joined the Development Authority in 2018 as the Existing Industry Coordinator. Thomasson was responsible for developing relationships with key leaders of every industry sector in Augusta with the goal of facilitating expansion, retention of jobs, and increasing the tax base for the community. She was previously with the Lower Savannah Council of Governments in South Carolina as a Planner.
“The AEDA Board recognizes the importance of building a relationship network for existing industries and related partners in Richmond County”, says Thomasson. “I appreciate the opportunity to continue to grow this network in addition to developing an aggressive strategic partnership strategy for the organization.”
The Augusta EDA’s mission is to seek new investments and jobs for Augusta and to aide existing businesses undergoing capital expansions and job growth. The organization provides bond financing, tax abatement and other incentives for businesses based on certain guidelines. The EDA is Augusta’s key contact for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and statewide economic development partners like Georgia Power Company and Georgia EMC. The EDA also works with other stakeholders including industry leaders, developers, and site selection consultants.