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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Long-Term Economic Growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the delayed September jobs report last week. Employment growth was strong, with 119,000 new jobs created, but the unemployment rate edged up to 4.4%. There is no indication, yet, when metro-level data will be made available. For my economic forecast next week, I will therefore look at some more long-term drivers of economic growth as well as some current policies. Obviously, tariffs have been in the economic news this year, and an analysis of their impact in Georgia will be presented. The current administration

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Economics Professor November 25, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Workforce Development for Future Leaders’s Weakening Competitiveness

Augusta University (AU) invited high school students to learn about the importance of a teaching career. The AU College of Education and Human Development hosted its annual Future Georgia Educators Day. Students had the chance to spend the day on the AU campus to hear from current teachers, at all levels of their careers. “We’re here to grow teachers. We’re here to encourage the profession to show what teaching really is about,” Dr. Carey Anne Cushman, Coordinator of Teacher Development and Professional Learning for the Columbia County School District (CCSD),

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Dana Lynn McIntyre November 25, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Another multi-million-dollar expansion in Aiken County

One of Aiken County’s oldest companies is planning a more than $12 million investment in its facility. AGY manufactures specialty glass fiber. It is expanding the capacity of its low-dielectric (Low Dk) and low-dissipation factor (Low DF) glass fibers. “Their material is used in cell phones, in military applications, pretty much anything in our world. This expansion is related to the growth in AI (artificial intelligence), and so this yarn is used in the manufacturing of the chips used in AI,” Will Williams, President and CEO of Western SC Economic

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Dana Lynn McIntyre November 24, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Something else “Blooming” in Martinez

The popular Blooms and Boards and More store on Furys Ferry Road has moved to Martinez with a new focus and a new name— all created by the same entrepreneur. Angie Hood just opened Angie’s Kitchen in the same plaza as Dixie Lock N Safe and Martinez Gold on Washington Road and Davis Road across from McDonald’s. It’s in the former location as Canales Deli, so the build-out was minimal. Hood is serving grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, casseroles, and sides for lunch pick up or dinner reheating, and taking some of

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Neil Gordon November 24, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Local Golf Car Manufacturer brings news, music, and tech to 2026 Vehicles

Instead of driving to a concert, E-Z-GO® is bringing the concert to some golf cars and utility vehicles for the 2026 model year. It’s in the form of an onboard, connected technology package that offers riders instant access to music, entertainment, and information while on a ride. The following is available on E-Z-GO RXV, ® E-Z-GO Express, ™ and Liberty™ vehicles. One of the components is the above 28-inch ECOXGEAR Elite soundbar. There are eight marine-grade speakers, a protection rating against water and dust intrusion, and it is shockproof to withstand

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Neil Gordon November 21, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Kendrick Deal: What happens to staff?

Stephen Kendrick JR. got a nice 75th Anniversary present heading into the holiday week. Classic Collision, one of the fastest-growing auto body repair and collision companies in the U.S., acquired Kendrick Paint and Body. Kendrick, who purchased ownership in 2008 and ended his tenure as sole owner and CEO, communicated to staff on Thursday morning that the deal was done. The acquisition affects more than 190 employees who operate the nine locations on both sides of the Savannah River. There’s some confusion as to how many employees will be affected

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Neil Gordon November 21, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

FREE mixed martial arts time before new facility is ready

As a 43-year-old mixed martial arts company plans expansion to North Augusta, it is offering free workouts at an existing location for new members of the nearly completed center. Seigler’s Karate is offering free workouts at its Evans location while construction continues until opening in January in North Augusta. It is family-run, featuring different generations of the Seigler clan. Seigler’s offers classes in six different categories, from Lil’ Dragons to Jiu Jitsu. Seigler’s is moving into a busy shopping center on 404 E. Martintown Road, Suite 2. Jordan Trotter Commercial

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Neil Gordon November 21, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

The urgent need to protect healthcare in rural Georgia

Wellstar’s future Columbia County Hospital in Grovetown is likely to provide more medical care than for just people in the Metro Augusta area. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is looking for ways to protect existing healthcare facilities in rural Georgia, while also encouraging new options. One of those options will be the access to healthcare available at Wellstar Columbia County Hospital near Grovetown. The chamber event’s panel discussion that focused on healthcare was part of the Rural Prosperity Summit. The event brought together hundreds of Georgia business, political, and community

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Dana Lynn McIntyre November 20, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Former fast-food site up for sale again

The Freddie’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers franchisee in Augusta and North Augusta is not building a third unit in the CSRA—after all. The GVL hospitality group that owns Freddie’s, just off Washington Road in West Augusta and on Martintown Road in North Augusta, was going to build on the site of the former Zaxby’s on 1725 Whiskey Road in Aiken. The 3650 square foot building sits on about a half-acre and attracts about 22,000 cars that pass by the property each day. It’s been re-listed for $1.45 million. It’s near

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Neil Gordon November 20, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Thanksgiving Highlights Businesses’ Yearlong Need for Gratitude

Publisher’s Note: We are a week away from Turkey Day! It’s a good time to be thankful for those who help us succeed in the CSRA, like customers, co-workers, employees, vendors, and the community. Dr. Rick Franza breaks down each group and how to show gratitude to those folks who help you! While for many, giving thanks has a religious and spiritual component, there are personal benefits to being grateful for all individuals, whether their thanks are directed at God or not. Therefore, being thankful, while highlighted this time of

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Dr. Rick Franza, AU Hull College of Business Professor November 20, 2025 No Comments
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