FEATURE SPONSOR: AUGUSTA & CO.

An innovative experience center located in the heart of downtown, Augusta & Co. invites both the “company” of fellow Augustans, or that of visiting friends and family, to experience the authentic flavors of Augusta through its rotating art gallery, tasting bar, and curated local merchandise, while sharing can’t-miss information on regional attractions and events. More than just an elevated shopping experience, Augusta & Co. is a community hub fully staffed with local Augusta Experts, eager to introduce guests to the “new” Augusta, alive with a revitalized arts & cultural scene, chef-driven restaurants, and outdoor adventures; stock up on everything from Augusta merchandise, to event calendars, and customized dining recommendations before venturing out into the city yourself! Keep up with scheduled tastings, art installations, and local pop-ups through the Augusta & Co. social media channels.

On July 9, 2018, Bennish Brown started his new position as President/CEO of the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau. Known as the Augusta CVB, it is the official destination marketing and management organization enhancing the region’s economy by promoting the Augusta region as a preferred visitor destination. Bennish previously served for six years as the President/ CEO of the Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau in Tacoma, WA, and before that at the Rock Hill (SC) Convention & Visitors Bureau for 12 years.I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Besides his daily work, he is involved in tourism in a variety of ways. Last year, Bennish was elected to the Board of Directors of Destinations International, based in Washington, DC. It is the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, convention & visitor bureaus and tourism boards. Locally, he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Augusta Sports Council, and the Alliance for Fort Gordon. Before working in the tourism industry, Bennish spent nearly two decades in communications. He has worked in the radio industry, including time as an on-air radio personality. He has been a newspaper reporter, and worked in many aspects of public relations and public information. He holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and a master’s degree in public relations from the University of South Carolina. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

A native of Hampton, SC, where his mother still lives, he is married to Dr. Sandra Lindsay-Brown, and they have one adult son. Together, they are a family that literally loves to travel the world.