Consumer Stories

Local taekwondo instructor excited to bring academy back to the CSRA

Growing up in the Augusta area, Gary Nistler trained in taekwondo at a martial arts academy that, at the time, was located in Anderson Plaza on Bobby Jones Expressway. Nistler is excited to bring that academy back to the CSRA. On Saturday, Nistler, an eighth-degree grandmaster, will open a Tiger-Rock Martial Arts franchise, near Kroger in the Evans Crossing Shopping Center at 4351 Washington Road, Suite H. The 4,300-square-foot academy that was formerly occupied by Dollar Tree many years ago, will offer classes for children as young as four and

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Shawna Woodward

Real Talk Real Estate: How the New Mortgage Fee Adjustments Could Impact You

Starting May 1, 2023, the Federal Housing Finance Agency will enforce new fee adjustments for federally backed home mortgage companies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Loan-Level Price Adjustments (LLPAs) will affect all private banks and mortgage companies across the U.S. The new rule aims to subsidize high-risk borrowers by imposing intentional disruption to traditional risk-based pricing. This policy, however, comes with added costs for homebuyers with credit scores of 680 or higher. These homebuyers may pay approximately $40 more per month on a $400,000 loan. Those who make down

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Consumer Stories

Last chance for advance air show tickets

Look! Up in the air! It’s an air show that hasn’t happened in 20 years! The two-day event returns to the Augusta Regional Airport on May 13 and 14, but advance ticket sales end on Monday, April 24. General Admission for adults is $31.50 and children for $23.25 and it includes a parking pass. There are also preferred seating tickets and lawn boxes. The top tickets are to the Flight Line Club for $179 and include VIP parking and entrance. Among the performers will be the U.S. Air Force F-16

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Expo Preview

Expo Preview: Hull College of Business (Augusta University)

Company: Hull College of Business (Augusta University) Contact: Genesis Lee, MBA Program Coordinator Phone: 706-729-2056 Website: https://www.augusta.edu/hull/ Address: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA The Hull College of Business (HCoB) at Augusta University (AU) is a high-quality, yet affordable provider of undergraduate and graduate business education right here in the CSRA.  HCoB is accredited by AACSB International, which represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Less than 6% of the world’s schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB accreditation. In addition, HCoB has been recognized as a top

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Faith

Faith Friday: Signs of Faith

One thing I noticed very quickly after moving to the CSRA in 2006, was the large number of churches in our area. Some of them have grabbed my attention with clever messages on their outdoor signs as I’ve driven by. Perhaps, they have gotten your attention as well. I did a quick internet search and grabbed some samples of the kind of messages I’m talking about: Seven Days without prayer makes one weak Don’t make me come down there- God Jesus loves you and your tattoos Wanted: Singers inchoir within

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B2B Stories

Update on CSRA Racquet Club purchase

Columbia County will take ownership of the Petersburg Racquet Club effective May 1, after commissioners approved the $1.5 million purchase during their April 18 regular meeting. PRC’s owners, Craig and Gail Jones announced the sale on the club’s Facebook page. There was also a news release from Columbia County on April 19. Cassidy Harris, Public Relations Manager for the county, said the purchase was paid for through the county’s Ad Valorem Capital Project Fund. The purchase was not listed on the agenda for the meeting, which was available on April

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Restaurants/Food

Business Lunch Review: Hello Poke

Editor’s Note: Wes Hennings never met a meal he walked away from and is an opinionated eater! Each Thursday, he shares the results of a business lunch he’s had with a colleague as a way to advise our business community on the good, bad, and the tasty across the CSRA. He doesn’t let ABD or the restaurant know where he is going and his opinions are his own. He grades the restaurants he visits on a 1-5 scale with “5” being outstanding. We call this our “Real Business Lunch Review”.

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Business Negotiations

Expo Preview: Salamis, LLC Consulting

Company: Salamis, LLC Consulting Contact: Steven Clayborn Phone: 706-830-2943 Website: Salamis Address: P.O. Box 128, Grovetown, GA 30813 In 480 BC, the Greeks won a pivotal skirmish battle against the Persians in the so-called “Battle of Salamis.” Their victory became a turning point during the second Persian invasion of Greece and ultimately led to a Persian retreat. Augusta businessman, Steven Clayborn sees parallels between that battle and a turning point in how U.S. companies must do business going forward. That’s why he named his firm after the historic event. “We’ve

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B2B Stories

Ownership of CSRA Racquet Club is changing hands

The Petersburg Racquet Club, located at The Pass, will be under new ownership, effective May 1. Owners, Craig and Gail Jones announced on the club’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/prctennis) that PRC will become part of the Columbia County Parks and Recreation system at the beginning of the month. A separate news release from the county said commissioners voted to purchase the facility during their April 18 regular meeting. “Petersburg Racquet Club has a long, rich history of tennis in Columbia County, and the county is excited about the future of this

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Darin Myers

Coach Darin: How leaders can boost employee and productivity

These days, business leaders are more focused than ever on finding ways to promote employee engagement and productivity. Although circumstances differ from one business to another, certain key principles apply in most cases. An effective starting point is looking closely at exactly how things get done within your organization. There’s far more complexity than ever before (with respect to innovations in technology, processes, and produces), so it’s increasingly critical that you do all you can to help employees do their jobs. Find time to step back and evaluate how things get done

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