Thu, April 30, 2026

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B2B Stories

The Financial Road Ahead: Politics and the Economy

Publisher’s Note: Despite Professor Franza’s friendly “jab” at my favorite baseball team, he’s done a great job in this column to crystallize how the Federal Reserve, the War in Iran, and Mid-Term Elections are affecting our economy.  Rick: Even though I am not an economist, my role as a college business professor at AU requires me to pay attention to the economy and how it is impacted by numerous factors. In addition, one of my favorite avocations is following domestic politics, motivated by time spent in Washington, D.C. in the

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Dr. Rick Franza, Professor, AU Hull College of Business April 30, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Business professionals help the helpers to make difference in the CSRA

A business summit to help the staff of nonprofit organizations is set for next month.  Local attorneys, CEO’s, CPA’s and coaches will teach good business practices. This marks the third consecutive year the Community Foundation for the CSRA (CFCSRA) will host the nonprofit business summit. It is a day-long series of workshops and panel discussions providing professional development education for anyone connected to area nonprofit organizations. Lasima Turmon, Director of Programs at CFCSRA, told ABD that the summit is designed to help local organizations send staff members and volunteers to

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 30, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

CSRA Company sprays goodwill to help sick children

A charitable event is “targeted” for this Sunday. You or your company can still participate. MEGAH SoftWash is one of the companies sponsoring the Georgialina. Outdoor Dream Foundation’s annual Clay for Kids fundraiser to welcome kids with chronic or terminal illnesses. It’s an event at a shooting range to give sick children a chance to trade hospital walls for the great outdoors. The event kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at the Palmetto Shooting Complex, located at 535 Gary Hill Road in Edgefield, South Carolina. Photos from the 2025 Clay for

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Neil Gordon April 30, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

A sweet investment connected to the CSRA

An international company is making a multi-million dollar investment in one South Carolina town, with a strong candy connection to Augusta. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the Ferrara Candy Company is opening its first facility in the Palmetto State. Over the next 10 years, the company’s $675 million investment is expected to create 1,000 manufacturing and corporate jobs. McMaster called the announcement a transformative moment for Orangeburg County and all of South Carolina. “Ferrara Candy Company’s $675 million investment in the Midlands is a powerful vote of confidence

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 29, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

AI becoming a big part of SRS

The Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Artificial Intelligence Implementation Team marked a transformative year in fiscal year 2025, advancing AI capabilities that are accelerating mission delivery, strengthening national security operations, and modernizing digital infrastructure at the Savannah River Site (SRS). These efforts directly support the national direction outlined in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Genesis Mission, an initiative focused on building the world’s most powerful scientific and computational ecosystem. By advancing AI innovation at SRS, SRNS is contributing to DOE and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) goals of bolstering scientific

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Staff Report April 29, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Award-winning businesses picked in CSRA

One of the largest employers in Aiken County took one of the top awards at the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Business Impact Summit. Large Business of the Year Bridgestone Aiken PSR The company plays a vital role in strengthening the regional economy. Its dedication to employee engagement and performance has earned national recognition, including being named one of Forbes’ Best Large Employers, further reflecting its leadership and impact. Small Business of the Year Orange Otter Toys Recently, ABD reported about the grand opening of their store further “up the hill” in

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Neil Gordon April 28, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Company on cutting edge of power generation opens in CSRA

A company working on what may be the next step in supplying electric power to public and private developments has opened an office in the CSRA. Local government and business leaders were on hand when Antares Industries, a California-based company, officially opened its local office at 106 Park Ave SW in Aiken, SC. Antares specializes in nuclear fission energy systems, including fission microreactors, also known as Small Modular Reactors (SMR). “For over 20 years, we’ve been talking about small modular reactors, micro reactors, the private sector getting involved in the

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 28, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Simon Says: Job Earnings Record in Augusta

The most recent labor numbers in Augusta show year-over-year gains and increases in weekly earnings, the labor force, and the Augusta Labor Market Index. (LMI) increased by 0.12 percent in January from December. It is 0.92 percent higher than a year ago. All components of the LMI increased or remained level in January from December. Employment rose to 254,000 as reported last week, an increase of 200 from December. The unemployment rate remained at 4.5%. The labor force increased by over 2,000 persons. Average weekly earnings increased by $47 to

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Hull College of Business Economics Professor April 28, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Popular Breakfast/Lunch spot replacing failed restaurant

Aiken’s O’Charley’s closed, and now we know which restaurant is opening there, as well as a key position it is hiring for. First Watch, known for its breakfast, brunch, and lunch, will be opening there this fall and is looking for a restaurant manager at $65,000 per year plus perks and possible bonuses. The restaurant will seat nearly 200 people, including its patio, which is significantly larger than the always crowded First Watch in West Augusta by Sprouts. Its location is 168 South Aiken Lane by Whiskey Road and across

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Neil Gordon April 27, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Deadline THURSDAY to apply for summer entrepreneurial program and investments

The next event in the Startup Summer, organized by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and Make Startups in theClubhou.se in the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, is approaching. The deadline to apply for a pitch competition is Thursday, April 30. This is connected to Venture Lab Aiken, part of the Aiken Innovation Corridor, which the chamber announced in August 2025.  Cash prizes are up for grabs, but this is also an opportunity to be part of the summer cohort for the virtual startup incubator. Participants selected for that program

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 27, 2026 No Comments
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