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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Augusta LEI falls for sixth month in a row

The Augusta Leading Economic Index (LEI) recorded its sixth consecutive month of decline in December 2022. It finished the year 2.3 percent lower than December 2021. Although the overall index was down, there was some good news in some of the indicator variables. For example, seasonally adjusted initial claims for unemployment insurance declined 10 percent in December from November. Job openings in South Carolina increased. There were 169,000 job openings in October, 182,000 in November, and 187,000 in December. Unfortunately, in Georgia, job openings fell sharply from 392,000 in November

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Economics Professor February 28, 2023 No Comments
Lessons Learned

Free Access: Workplace Wednesday: The Future of Work: How Hybrid Working Supports People, Profits, and the Planet

The last two-and-a-half years have created a significant opportunity for companies to reassess outdated working habits and bring in new long-term flexible strategies that are better for them, their employees, and the planet. What’s more, thanks to global flexplace provided by IWG brands including Regus and Spaces, and HQ, professionals have access to an unrivaled choice of locations to work, from both in Aiken and across the world. Hybrid work enables workers to divide their time between a company HQ, home, and a local flexible workspace and is now the

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Regus February 28, 2023 No Comments
Consumer Stories

HobbyTown owner to relocate to larger retail space

Prior to becoming a business owner, Dusty Germo worked as an engineer at John Deere for 12 years and pursued various hobbies in his spare time, but he now helps his customers enjoy their hobbies. Since July 2022, Germo has owned the Augusta franchise location of HobbyTown, which is located near Furniture Outlet at 266 Bobby Jones Expressway, Suite 110 in Augusta. The 3,000-square-foot store has been open since 1993. He’s moving the business to a 9,000-square-foot building, which is currently under construction at 4107 Riverwatch Parkway, Suite 4 at

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Josh Heath February 28, 2023 1 Comment
B2B Stories

First air show in 20 years brings Thunderbirds and economic boost to Augusta

Look! Up in the sky! An air show will return to the skies over Augusta Regional Airport, pumping money into the economy, costing the airport nothing, and creating opportunities for vendors and sponsorships. The two-day event will be on May 13 and 14. It will feature attack helicopter demonstrations by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, stunt pilots, and the United States Special Operations Parachute Team. The centerpiece will be the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, flying F-16 Fighting Falcons and performing solo maneuvers and in formation. Members of the Aviation Commission

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Dana Lynn McIntyre February 28, 2023 No Comments
Digital Marketing

Free Access: AI and Digital Marketing here to stay

Digital marketing has become increasingly complex over the years, with businesses relying on technology to reach their target audience effectively. One such technology that has gained immense popularity in recent times is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Among the various AI models used in digital marketing, GPT, which stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer, has become a buzzword. In this article, we will delve deeper into what GPT is, its impact on digital marketing, and its applications. What is GPT in Digital Marketing? The GPT is an artificial intelligence model that is used

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Richard Brashear February 27, 2023 No Comments
Consumer Stories

New businesses coming to North Augusta

A well-known convenience store chain has opened a new location in North Augusta, while a Kansas-based fast-food restaurant is preparing to open its first-ever location in Aiken County. QuikTrip has opened at 930 Edgefield Road, the latest business to join the growth continuing in the area around exit five off Interstate 20. This is QT’s second location in Aiken County. It had an existing store off Bettis Academy Road in Graniteville. “We bring our signature commitment to quality and friendly customer service, and over 20 new, good-paying jobs to the

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Dana Lynn McIntyre February 27, 2023 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Owners of Martinez Asian market launch bubble tea business

The grand opening of a new Martinez tea shop drew a standing-room-only crowd Sunday, as local residents lined up to sample its menu of Taiwanese drinks. Ding Tea, which has hundreds of locations throughout the world, now has a new shop next door to El Rey at 3830 Washington Road, Suite 27 in the West Town Shopping Center. The family-owned shop celebrated its soft opening on Friday, Feb. 17, according to its manager, Paul Phan. The owners, John Phan, Hung Nguyen, and Tim Nguyen, also own the Cho Ba Mien

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Josh Heath February 27, 2023 No Comments
B2B Stories

USC Aiken to offer on-the-job training program for students with intellectual disabilities

Students from three area high schools are about to begin an opportunity that could change their life. USC Aiken will launch Pacer LIFE this fall. It’s the first postsecondary program in the region for people with intellectual disabilities. Pacer LIFE offers not just coursework but also job training, on-the-job training, and independent living skills like banking, cooking, and laundry. Pacer LIFE students are also full-on Pacers, enjoying student life and living on campus in USC Aiken dorms. Nationally, only 18% of adults with intellectual disabilities are employed, and of these,

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Staff Report February 27, 2023 No Comments
Consumer Stories

CSRA businesses scramble for employee healthcare coverage as Humana exits Group Medical Plans

Major insurer Humana is leaving group commercial healthcare and major medical plans to focus on government-funded programs, and ancillary benefits such as ambulance transportation, blood, drugs, and medical supplies. This impacts employers and their employees under plans which are fully insured, self-funded, and those with Federal Employees Health Benefits medical plans. “Employers need to prepare for changing their insurance provider, for some disruption, and potential rate changes,” advised Tom Mastny, CEO of The Pennant Group. For Michael Harrison, owner of Flow Pro Plumbing in Augusta, Humana’s announcement last week was

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Mitzi Oxford February 27, 2023 1 Comment
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