Chronicle editors and reporters compiled a list of other movers and shakers who will help shape the next decade:
THE ONES TO WATCH
Politics/Government
STEVEN KENDRICK: Richmond County Tax Commissioner. Look for him to be a major player when some key political opportunities present themselves in the next decade, including Augusta mayor in 2014.
MATT AITKEN: District 1 Augusta Commissioner. His could be the swing vote on some important issues next decade, and Aitken hasn't ruled himself out of a possible run for mayor in 2014.
BUSINESS
BARRY STOREY: Co-owner of Hull Storey Gibson Companies LLC, a shopping center acquisition and development company and incoming president of the Augusta Exchange Club. Received, along with his father, Bert, the 2010 Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Greater Augusta Chapter Association of Fundraising Professionals for his charitable giving.
VERA STEWART: Founder of Vera & Co., a catering and gourmet-to-go business. Stewart was part of the 2010 CSRA Business Hall of Fame class, and getting her frozen gourmet casseroles distributed through warehouse retailer Costco in 2010 will continue to grow her now nationally-known business.
EDUCATION
DR. BETH EVERITT: Aiken County schools superintendent. Since joining the school district in 2008, Everitt has reorganized school administration for efficiency and worked to improve curricula. Her toughest task over the next decade, like that of other school system leaders, will be dealing with declining state financial resources for the second-largest school district in the Augusta metro area.
OTHERS
TONYA BONITATIBUS: Replaced Frank Carl as executive director of the Savannah Riverkeeper in 2009 and will continue the organization's mission of tackling environmental and pollution issues affecting the river.
THE REV. MAX GUZMAN: Pastor of Iglesia Bautista Cristo Vive (Christ Lives Baptist Church). In less than a year, six churches have partnered with Cristo Vive to reach unchurched Hispanics in the Augusta community. With the number of Hispanics growing faster in the South than anywhere else, the outreach of his ministry could be significant over the next 10 years.
DEVON HARRIS: Founder of Full Circle Refuge, a youth ministry that focuses on gangs. With gang activity on the rise, Harris' focus on reducing/preventing gang involvement among at-risk youths will become even more important during the decade.
BARRY WHITE: President and CEO of the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau. With the trade, exhibition and event center slated for opening in spring 2012, his job of helping to bring conventions to Augusta will gain added importance.
-- Compiled by Sylvia Cooper, Tom Corwin, Adam Folk, Chris Gay, Kelly Jasper, Susan McCord, Rob Pavey, Jason Wermers, Mike Wynn and Erin Zureick
Ah, Barry White will be the scapegoat when the $100 million TEE does almost no business and costs more and more to operate. But he already has his excuse ready to use. He will say it's just not big enough to attract the big trade shows and conventions.
I think every convicted felon that has paid their debt to society, is a productive citizen and received their pardon should thank Matt Aitken; he has opened up the possibilities for ALL. The good thing about it is that the media had only a small amount of discussion about it. I think that it is a good thing when we can move forward and not have to bring up things from the past; such as a person’s ability to pay their taxes on time, or their noise ordinance violation, or how many lives they may have affected (adversely) by manufacturing and selling drugs. So in closing, with more people like Matt leading ARC, I guess the possibilities are endless.
What the heck! The people who have compiled this list have forgot some folks that should definently be on this list to lead Augusta in the next decade. Why is Sean Frantom, B.B. Langham, and some other young leaders or people with the ability to be elected or be leaders in industry and education for our area and city. Or is this list of people just compiled by the people that these so called editors like. Such favortism!
I agree Sean Frantom and B.B. Langham should have definently been on this list. What a shame and such a mistake made by the editors.
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