By Shawna Francis
November 4, 2002

Augusta (GA) Mayor Bob Young hosted his third Partner America™ event within the last 18 months for the small business community of Augusta on October 15. Augusta is the only city in the country that has hosted three Partner America™ events. Mayor Young is committed to providing the small businessperson of Augusta with the resources and tools they need to sustain and ultimately grow their business. He has a clear understanding of the importance of small business to the economic stability of Augusta and providing jobs for Augusta citizens. The conference touched on a host of topics including "Small Business Marketing" and "Small Business Financing" which are key to the success of the small businessperson.

Although Augusta has held three Partner America™ small business events, this was the first time Partner America™ Chairman George Cloutier was able to participate. Mr. Cloutier provided the keynote for the conference luncheon. Chairman Cloutier spoke on his 30 years of experience in working with small business owners and running his own small business. He told the room of small business owners to make the tough decisions.

"don't continue to put off decisions you need to make today. It will affect your bottom line," Cloutier said. It is Cloutier's belief that the small business owner needs to be fully committed to running their business.

Mayor Young stated that the city of Augusta would keep its commitment to the small business community by hosting other Partner America™ events that provide information and resources to this very important constituency. If you are interested in hosting a Partner America™ event, please contact Shawna Francis, Managing Director, at 877-778-6726 or send e-mail to: sfrancis@usmayors.org.