In the below statement, Greater Columbus CEO & President Mike Gaymon announces his retirement:

After 26.5 years as the President and CEO of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, I have made the decision to retire effective November 1, 2014. It has been a tremendous professional opportunity for me to have served in this capacity.

Looking back, there are many things that I am proud to have been a part of during my tenure, thanks to the Chamber that afforded me the opportunity to serve.  Some of the highlights are:

• I have been able to work with some of the best leaders to be found anywhere.  I have said many times that I would put our Chamber staff alongside any other entity anywhere and expect to win in production and professionalism.

• The Need for Land project in the late 80’s that resulted in the Muscogee Technology  Park.
• The Chamber’s Riverfront Committee worked on a master plan for the riverfront which helped to set the stage for the first major development, the Riverwalk, and continued development.
• The Chamber was actively involved in the first SPLOST that successfully passed in 1993.  This opened the door for the building of the new Civic Center, enhanced Golden Park and, of course, the Olympic Women’s Fast Pitch Softball.
• The Chamber owns the Depot debt free, without utilizing membership dues; providing a great facility for our members’ use and an excellent first impression for new businesses who are considering our region.
• Became the FIRST 5 Star Chamber of Commerce in Georgia and top 20 in the US.
• Formed the Valley Partnership resulting in one of the largest and most successful regional economic development entities for 7 counties and cities in 2 states for nearly 20 years.
• Formed in 2008, The Young Professionals Program, has over 650 members, representing over 200 companies.
• The Inter-City Leadership visits, in its 21^st year, became the catalyst for many great things that have happened, thanks to great leadership and commitment of our corporations and citizens. The Valley Partnership, the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, the Library, Riverfront development, Environmental Court, the BOSS program, and many more major pieces of what has helped to shape our City and our Region.
• Our Chamber led the successful passage of the T-SPLOST for a 16 county region; one of only 3 in the whole State. 

The future is bright for the Columbus Region.  I am confident that the Chamber staff are prepared to continue to move forward with even more achievements and progress than we have ever seen.  With the enlightened support of the volunteers and Board of Directors the Columbus Region will continue to be destined for success.