B2B Stories

Mondays with Rick: What’s in store for the economy for the rest of the year?

Dr. Rick Franza, Professor of Management at the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, he theorizes what may happen with the economy during the second half of 2023. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: We’re at the halfway mark of 2023. Can you give us an idea of what might happen with the economy in the second half of the year? Rick: Sure, with the caveat of “Who really knows?” But we can read as

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Cyber Security

Breached? Burn it to the ground

In today’s business world, everyone knows that all computers on your network need to be covered by antivirus software. Microsoft is aware that this is an important layer of protection because they offer a free version installed with each Windows operating system. However, you may not be fully protected with just that software. Even Microsoft offers a paid version of the software for more advanced protection. Cross Link Consulting uses Sentinel One as their software of choice. Should a hacker break through your antivirus protection, the only thing left to

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B2B Stories

Upscale restaurant serves made-from-scratch magic

He came from the land of “Leaf Peepers” aka Barrington, New Hampshire, and settled in the “Winter Colony” aka Aiken. The path to opening a restaurant was at the end of a long and winding road for Samuel O’Lone. “My degree is in theology. I worked for eight years at a food service company which taught me a lot about food, but not cooking, and then I worked in student housing in Athens, GA. My sisters were into riding and showing horses and they would come to Aiken during the

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Shawna Woodward

Real Talk Real Estate: Neighborhood Spotlight: The River Club, North Augusta, South Carolina

Situated along the Savannah River, in the ever so quaint and growing town of North Augusta, is a community jewel that overlooks downtown Augusta, Georgia. The River Club is a one-of-a-kind community, elevated far above a normal suburban subdivision. The homes here are sandwiched in between the Savannah River and the River Club Golf Course, providing 360° views from everywhere in the community. Adjacent to SRP Park, home of the Augusta GreenJackets, The River Club has convenient access to amazing restaurants and experiences. Whether you are a sports and events

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Faith

Best of Faith Friday: Seeking wisdom

I am sure you have heard wise sayings like these: Actions speak louder than words. You are never too old to learn. A picture is worth a thousand words. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Many hands make light work (I wonder if a group of electricians first shared that one?) Wisdom. Often spoken of, but all too rarely seen. Where can you find it? Is it always available? Does it make any difference? Is it important? Who is the wisest person you know? How did they get

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B2B Podcasting

Davis Beman: What changes have businesses experienced since the pandemic?

As we know, the world has changed since the start of the decade. We take a look back at the economic panel discussion from ABD’s Conference and Expo in May as Davis Beman, principal of Beman Real Estate Company, responds to a question about how businesses should pivot and remain true to core values following the pandemic.

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B2B Stories

Entrepreneur creates a different kind of Amen Corner

Amen Corner at Augusta National sports one of the more challenging, but beautiful three holes in golf. With a stone bridge across Rae’s Creek, it provides iconic “beauty shots” during the Masters. Augusta National has trademarked the name, “Amen Corner.” That Amen Corner was born in 1958. Ethan Hammond wasn’t even a glimmer in his parents’ eyes back then. His business, Amen Corner Ponds, while a nod to his community, stems more from his church upbringing and honoring his faith, because to be successful in business and life, we all

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B2B Stories

Local sisters and business partners bounce into family entertainment company

You’ve probably witnessed children having the time of their lives on a bounce house, but it’s not every day you see their parents and grandparents bouncing with them. Molly Daley and Kelsye Butters want to change that. Local sisters, Daley and Butters, launched Elevate Evans | Luxury Bounce House Service in February. The mobile business provides bounce houses for not only birthday parties, but also more formal events, such as weddings. “We promote that we’re for all ages,” Daley said. “We would love to do retirement parties – we’re open

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Consumer Stories

CSRA lakefront home prices are not plunging

A new report published by Lake Homes Realty stated demand for lakefront property has surged this year, and at least one CSRA realtor told ABD she’s not surprised. The report is quoted as saying that lake lot listings have gone up by nearly $6 billion since February. “Lake home buyers know the market, trends and transactions, plus they detest inappropriately overpriced listings,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst at Lake Homes Realty. “I still expect the 2023 transaction count to exceed 2022 by 10% to 15%. Increasing

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