News 12 @ 11, December 8, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga. --- Mayor Deke Copenhaver says there are some projects in Augusta that are affected by the economy, but there are many other projects moving forward like the Library, ADP, and the I-20 construction projects.

Kaye Baker is getting the store ready for more holiday shoppers this weekend. She works at the Swank Company in Surrey Center and says business has been busy since Thanksgiving.

"I feel like during this Christmas season I've seen more people shopping in Richmond County," Kaye Baker said.

She says the store has seen some effects of the slower economy.

"We can see a difference, but we feel very good with what we've done so far, and we're hoping the week before Christmas will be a big week for us," Baker said.

And on a larger scale, Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver says there are a lot of projects being slowed by the national economy. The Watermark condos on the river promised to bring hundreds of new residents downtown, but that land sits empty. Same with the Bass Pro Shop. Acres and acres along I-20 and the Riverwatch Parkway. Mayor Copenhaver says he's keeping an eye on both projects.

"You have to be a little bit concerned but in my mind it just makes me work that much harder. Businesses are still going on and our local economy is fairing well in the midst of a bad national economy," Mayor Deke Copenhaver said.

The mayor says he's always concerned about job losses, and Augusta is being impacted. But all in all, he says the local economy is healthy. Some good news for stores to hear especially right now.

"I have faith in our country and I'm hoping that everything will work out," Baker said.