B2B Stories

Guest Column: Airpower of Iran—the secret sauce of success

There are many leadership lessons to be learned from examining the War with Iran—some good lessons, some bad.  The planning, execution, and success of this campaign will be studied for decades. Much of the credit goes to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and the commander of Centcom, Admiral Brad Cooper.  What leadership skills did they employ? Deep understanding of military history Open to new and creative ideas Willingness to empower subordinates Communication with their bosses Interaction with Israeli military leaders Incorporation of the newest technologies.

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B2B Stories

84 Scholarships, 200 Students, $260k

Businesses and individuals who give financial support to students at Aiken Technical College (ATC) were introduced to their beneficiaries. The Aiken Tech Foundation sponsored its annual breakfast, bringing together students receiving scholarships with the businesses or individuals whose financial contributions support their education. “Our students come away from this experience with a little bit of gratitude in their heart, and then our donors come away with this feeling fulfilled that they’ve done some good in the world today,” Kym Johnson, Foundation Director, told ABD. Will Williams, President and CEO of

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B2B Stories

Military Monday: Discharge Matters

Greetings, Military Community, One topic that is often overlooked but carries life-changing implications is the type of discharge a Service Member receives from the military. Many Veterans are unaware that their discharge characterization can directly affect their eligibility for benefits earned through service and sacrifice. The question we should all ask is: Should a single incident, mistake, or difficult moment permanently strip a Veteran of benefits intended to support their health, stability, and future? In many cases, the answer is no—and fortunately, there are established pathways to correct or challenge

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B2B Stories

Older Buildings in the CSRA require expert inspectors

Across the CSRA, there are many factors as to why there are moisture issues in some of our buildings: Some are historic and on shady lots with thicker tree cover. Across the river in Aiken, some are older farmhouses and horse properties—and then there is humidity much of the year! EnviroPro 360’s Joseph Galpin writes below, you might have mold and offers some suggestions. Who Do I Call To Check For Mold In Aiken SC? – EnviroPro 360

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B2B Stories

Inaugural event organizers calling on support from businesses

Earth Day will look a little different this year. Businesses have an opportunity to support an organization that is dedicated to preserving a unique park near the border of North Augusta and Augusta. The North Augusta Brick Pond Park Committee, in partnership with the North Augusta Beautification Foundation, has scheduled an event calling people to visit the park near the municipal building. “We’re so gifted in North Augusta. We have 36 city parks, and we have this beautiful water feature of the Brick Pond right here in downtown,” committee member

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B2B Stories

How to compete with quality

Publisher’s Note: Ever wonder what it’d be like to get your MBA? For the next four weeks, Dr. Rick Franza takes you inside his classroom at Augusta University. Here is lesson #1 for your mini-MBA! RICK: Inflation and unemployment data have been volatile along with equity markets, and our conflict with Iran has clearly added one more element of uncertainty that impacts our economy, supply chains, commodities, and national security. Given this backdrop, my goal this month is to distract you from the potential instability in the world. I will

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Consumer Stories

Facebook’s parent company gives grants to CSRA entrepreneurs and others

As the parent company to Facebook and Instagram, Meta targets its grants to projects that support technology-centric education and community programs in communities where they have a data center. The Aiken Data Center is under construction in the Sage Mill Industrial Park. Among the grant recipients is the Make Startups Institute, an extension of MakeStartups.org, based in theClubhou.se, in collaboration with the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and Western SC. “We’ve been helping to get the Aiken Innovation District really up and running,” explained Eric Parker, co-founder of Make Startups. “We’re

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B2B Stories

FREE business event in CSRA

Now more than ever, ethics is a critical character trait. A New York City executive from a major financial institution is in town next Thursday to inspire business students and area professionals. The event is free. The Hull College of Business is putting together the Russell A. Blanchard Lecture Series in Ethics featuring Veronique Ferguson, Executive Director, Compliance, J.P. Morgan Chase (NYC). With more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of law, finance, and ethics, Ms. Ferguson currently leads Investment Banking Compliance for North America at J.P. Morgan. A trained attorney and

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Consumer Stories

Countdown to Masters with a twist

In less than four weeks, golfers and fans from around the world will begin arriving in Augusta for the traditional spring events. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) has rolled out a virtual welcome mat, and management is trying to show financial appreciation to staff for the long hours ahead. First to step on the golf course will be the competitors for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA). Beginning April first, two practice rounds will be played at Champions Retreat, with the final round Saturday at Augusta National Golf Club (ANGC).  Young

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B2B Stories

CSRA Businesspeople to Make Cotton Exchange A Thriving Space for Work & Fun

In September 2004, this reporter attended a huge grand re-opening of the Cotton Exchange building when Georgia Bank & Trust opened a downtown Augusta branch. After South State bought GB&T in 2017, it remained a bank until closing within the last few years as Augusta’s Riverwalk lost its luster and some businesses. Soon, Dr. Troy Akers and his wife, Nancy, will restore the historic Cotton Exchange building, after recently purchasing it. It’s reopening as corporate office space and an upscale event venue. They’ll honor the building’s legacy, which was constructed

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