AUGUSTA, Ga. - The New Year will be ringing in more than just good cheer in 2009; many new business will be opening their doors.

ADP Security, Bass Pro Shops and CarMax are just a few companies expanding into Augusta and soon to be hiring.

New businesses like ADP, scheduled to be open in March, are set to bring in thousands of new jobs to the Augusta area.

Richmond County Development Authority Director, Walter Sprouse, says he and others are working hard to get new businesses to move to Augusta everyday. Sprouse also says when the bussinesses arrive, they hire more local people.

"Teleperformance, another company that said they were going to hire 250 people. They didn't hire 250 people, they hired 320 instead. So we're seeing some good news like that," said Sprouse.

Despite being in an environment with companies cutting back and closing stores, Sprouse says Augusta has stood firm for the most part.

"Ironically here in Augusta, we've seen our project levels stay pretty steady. As a matter of fact, we've seen it increase quite a bit."

The city is even looking to find a solution to Castleberry's closing and the 300 jobs lost with it.

"One of the toughest things we will continue to work very hard on this year is trying to get someone in the facility."

Although certain projects and businesses have delayed openings and stalled in the past, Sprouse is confident all of the new businesses scheduled for 2009, even Bass Pro Shops, will cast out their merchandise before the years end.

Walter Sprouse believes Augusta has a strong economic base and should continue to grow in 2009, but he also says companies will probably need to lay off employees if they plan to survive the recession.

“It’s gonna be tough cause times are tough, but I feel pretty confident that we’re gonna continue to see those projects coming in,” said Sprouse.