The Columbus area is rich in history and full of potential. Columbus is the central city of Muscogee County, which also consists of Bibb City and Midland. Just 90 miles southwest of Atlanta and 80 miles east of Montgomery, Alabama, Columbus has a “big city” temperment and “small town” feel. Columbus is one of the largest cities in Georgia, ranking number three in terms of population, behind Atlanta and Augusta. Columbus is also the retail center of a metropolitan statistical area that is comprised of Muscogee, Harris and Chattahoochee Counties in Georgia, and Russell County in Alabama. In addition, a 16-county retail trade area extends beyond the core four countries, which includes Marion, Meriwether, Pike, Schley, Stewart, Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson and Webster countries in Georgia, and Chambers and Lee counties in Alabama. Eight out of 10 households in the 16-county trade area are families, and slightly more than half of the population is married. Though its roots lie in manufacturing, the drivers of the economy have diversified to include insurance, entertainment, financial services, health care and the military; and Columbus is the headquarters of AFLAC Insurance. Importantly, the Fort Benning military base is only 10 miles to the south and employs more than 30,000 people. This unique blend of commerce and military coupled with a young family demographic make Columbus, Georgia a very attractive market for advertisers. Echo Media works with a variety of different print media vehicles, including the Columbus Ledger and Fort Benning Bayonnet, that reach this young, vibrant community.