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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
Consumer Stories

CSRA Healthcare Watch: Empowering Your Staff

Before working in the employee benefits industry in Augusta, I was like many employees — I didn’t fully understand how health insurance actually worked. I remember seeing my monthly payroll deduction for health insurance and then hearing that our rates were going up again the following year. Like many people, I assumed insurance companies were simply raising prices because they could. (Which is not completely wrong.) At one point, after reaching my maximum out-of-pocket for the year, I remember thinking, “Well, if everything is free now, I might as well

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Jamie Gose, Employee Benefits Consultant April 27, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

$3.6 million Investment in Columbia County

Andy Jones, Dealer Principal/President of the Gerald Jones Automotive Group, bridged the past and present during the Wednesday afternoon celebration at the grand re-opening of Gerald Jones Lincoln at 4333 Washington Road in Evans. Jones introduced his partners, who included David Jones, now retired, and the children of Frank Lawrence. Both men were TV spokespeople in the 1990’s and early 2000’s for various automotive brands in the CSRA they managed. Many of Andy Jones’ family members were on hand, including the founders of the Gerald Jones Automotive Group. “My dad

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Neil Gordon April 24, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

$6.8 million Investment to boost service business

These renderings by the Augusta firm McMillan Pazdan Smith give hope to ATC students and those looking to join the lucrative car business. Augusta Technical College was awarded a $6,808,307 grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Monies will support completion of the Jim Hudson Automotive Institute, a workforce development project at 1122 Walton Way, in the former Johnson Cadillac Dealership. The federal investment represents a major milestone in Augusta Tech’s efforts to expand high-demand technical training and strengthen the region’s talent pipeline. The renovated facility will serve as a state-of-the-art automotive

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Staff Report April 24, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Housing remains a priority for workforce development

A panel discussion sponsored by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce highlighted the ongoing need for new housing units. Called the Real Estate Reality Check, it featured experts in real estate, insurance, and mortgages. Although designed to help homeowners understand what to expect in the coming year, the presentation began with a slide directly connecting housing to workforce development. “It’s a total partnership,” Andrea Bowles, Sales Manager and Relocation Director with Blanchard and Calhoun, told ABD. “In order to attract vibrant businesses, successful businesses, you’ve got to have housing. In

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 24, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Welcoming students to A.U.

Augusta University celebrated the opening of its new Welcome Center. It is attached to the Student Center on the Health Sciences campus. It will serve as a central point for visitors and students and will support recruitment efforts. Campus tours will now depart from the addition. Dr Susan Davies, Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs, told the standing room only crowd attending the ribbon cutting that the idea of the welcome center dates back to a consultant’s recommendation in 2019. “Our presentation room in the Benet House only

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 23, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Student (and Employee) Success: Nurtured, but Earned

Since graduating from high school nearly 50 years ago, I have spent about 40 of them on college campuses, with almost 30 of them as a business school faculty member and/or administrator. Much has changed in higher education in that time, and in my opinion, mostly for the better. However, in recent months, I have heard from many colleagues, particularly “Baby Boomers” (born 1945-1964) like me and Gen Xers (born 1965-1980), that the higher education value to students is eroding, and I think they have a point as well.   However,

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Dr. Rick Franza, Professor, AU Hull College of Business April 23, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Local chamber highlights $500,000 grant with Thursday’s meet and greet

One area Chamber of Commerce has separate upcoming events to bring the business community together. Up first is a Meet and Greet with Tyler Harper, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. It will be April 23rd at the Hub for Community Innovation on Chaffee Avenue.  Ronic West, president and co-founder of GABCC, told ABD the chamber’s agribusiness committee suggested the program. “I think people forget that agriculture is the number one industry in the state of Georgia,” she said. “One thing that we’re doing here at the chamber is

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 22, 2026 No Comments
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