
Breathing new life into empty buildings
In a breath of fresh air for the Augusta cityscape, buildings that have been empty are taking on new meaning for nonprofits and for-profit businesses. Mike Petchenik has the lineup in today’s Biz Bits.

In a breath of fresh air for the Augusta cityscape, buildings that have been empty are taking on new meaning for nonprofits and for-profit businesses. Mike Petchenik has the lineup in today’s Biz Bits.

Publishers Note: It was in the early 1990’s that I first met Dr. Joseph Still and his daughter, Susan in Augusta. I was a reporter at News 12 and I especially remember Susan being honored at Augusta’s new Amphitheater at the Riverwalk and addressing school children on the importance of dreaming. She was dressed in her astronaut suit, after having flown on the Space Shuttle. She was humble, like her Daddy. Last Thursday night, Susan delivered another keynote address, this time, honoring the life and legacy of her iconic father.

The air show at Augusta Regional Airport can now officially be called an annual event. The second annual Air Show Augusta will be held on May 25 and 26, and the first of the performers has been announced. The U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor Demo Team will be the centerpiece for this year’s show. “They’re one of the more, shall we say, loud and boisterous jet demo teams that are out there,” Chris Dirato, Director of Public Relations for the event, told ABD, adding that is the first of many

Computer breaches are happening more in the CSRA. Cross Link Consulting Founder, Patrick Reynolds just learned of another one and shares advice on what we should do if it happens at our office.

Running a business is tough. Running a restaurant is tougher. Running one, while facing serious personal issues makes it almost impossible to succeed. Mike Petchenik has the story of a CSRA business owner who tried to beat the odds.

Two years ago, Eric Emedoh moved to North Augusta from the Bronx, where bodegas line every street corner. If everything goes as planned, there will be many of the small restaurants across the CSRA as well. Bodega means a storehouse for wine. In New York, bodegas are like small convenience stores selling products including milk, eggs, and meats. Le Bodega at 1696 Knox Avenue in North Augusta doesn’t have wine and the ingredients they offer are cooked up in some delicious handheld sandwiches. Perfect for a busy businessperson to stop

Props to Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Augusta Technical College, on his recognition as a business Titan in the state of Georgia. He is the only business leader in Augusta to receive the honor. Mike Petchenik has the “why” in today’s Biz Bits.

When addiction invades a marriage, it affects and infects every part of the family and its dynamics. There was a time that nothing mattered to Eric Kennedy, except for the next high or drug-induced escape, even as a young boy. Eventually, he only drank to get drunk and pass out. Perhaps, drugs would then be added to the mix. There were sporadic moments of clarity…. but only very brief moments. Eric’s life is in a very different place now. Almost ten years ago, Eric and his new bride (his second

The drive-thru coffee concept with two Augusta locations started their birthday celebration on Valentine’s Day, because who doesn’t love coffee? Yet another reason to celebrate, 7 Brew is quickly approaching its 200th location, doubling its presence nationwide since June 2023. “The explosive growth we’ve seen since our founding shows that cultivating kindness and offering a stellar product can bring a brand to the next level,” said CeCe LaBorde, president of 7 Brew corporate locations. “We wanted to take this birthday to celebrate our customers who have embraced 7 Brew wholeheartedly.” You can

A program created by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is coming to Augusta, one of just nine locations selected. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce will partner with Augusta Technical College to select a cohort of adult learners of color who are underemployed or unemployed. The program will train them in an industry credential or degree. Details of the program are being worked out, but Sue Parr, President of the Augusta Metro Chamber, told ABD the first cohort will run for 18 months. “You know, it’s scary