January 27, 2025

B2B Stories

Simon Says: Most residential building permits in 25 years!

It has been a while since I updated the Augusta Leading Economic Index (LEI) and there have been some interesting developments. In September and October, there were 572 and 545 new residential building permits issued for the August Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The September number is the second highest, and the October number the fourth highest, since records began in January 2000. This represents good news for the construction industry and the supply of housing to help ensure affordable housing. Initial claims for unemployment insurance took a hit in October,

Dr. Simon Medcalfe January 27, 2025 No Comments

Consumer Stories

Will the 3rd Move be a Charm for BAM?

After several weeks of buzz regarding a potential new location for Aiken’s Books-A-Million (BAM), ABD has confirmed that space is being renovated for the bookstore at 243 Fabian Drive in Hitchcock Plaza. United Properties Corporation (UPC) based in East Meadow, New York owns shopping centers across Long Island and in 17 other states east of the Mississippi. The company is handling the leasing arrangements for Hitchcock Plaza which includes the new site for BAM. Four years ago, the bookstore was located in Aiken Mall. That store closed in July 2021.

Mitzi Oxford January 27, 2025 No Comments

B2B Stories

Kemp’s amended budget has good news for Augusta

Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp (R) pointed to the Peach State’s continued economic health in his 2025 State of the State address on Jan. 16. He said Georgia had withstood unforeseen challenges, including a pandemic and major weather disasters, while retaining its number one ranking as the best state to do business for the 11th year. Kemp’s speech highlighted the broad strokes of the state’s economic picture, past and future, and included a call to lower the personal income tax to 5.19% from the current 5.39%. However, in his amended FY2025

Dana Lynn McIntyre January 27, 2025 No Comments

Simon Says: Most residential building permits in 25 years!

Will the 3rd Move be a Charm for BAM?

Kemp’s amended budget has good news for Augusta

RECENT STORIES

CSRA students and others interning at SRMC

How hospitality touches every business

Make a case and win cash

Categories