Employment

Workforce shortage continues to plague CSRA small businesses

To alleviate the workforce shortage, many fast-food restaurants have offered new employees sign-on bonuses and higher wages, but these strategies have been largely ineffective. But fast-food chains, like McDonald’s and Wendy’s, aren’t the only companies that have struggled to find employees. Robert Kelly, Vice President of Augusta Staffing Associates, said the workforce shortage won’t be resolved overnight. The company, which hires employees for a variety of jobs, including those in the clerical, medical, and industrial fields, was one of nearly 20 local small businesses that participated in an expo as

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B2B Podcasting

Free Access: Cyber Tips: Safe passwords can prevent being hacked

YOUR ACCOUNT HAS BEEN HACKED! A phrase no one wants to get told. Especially if you use the same password for each account that you have. In today’s Tech Alert, I want to provide you with 3 rules of thumb when it comes to creating safe and effective passwords for your accounts. The first rule I would say you need to consider when creating your passwords is to use a common prefix or suffix for all your passwords and combine that with a unique phrase or factor that is connected

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B2B Stories

Business leaders honored at Columbia County Chamber annual banquet

Alison Couch’s Harlem accounting firm just won a major award, but she doesn’t take all the credit. Couch, a new Columbia County commissioner, owns Ignite Accounting & Business Advisors (formerly Couch Consulting, LLC). Her firm was named the 2022 Small Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at its annual banquet, Thursday evening. “Winning the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award is one of the greatest honors of my life,” she said. “I hope it highlights the hard work of my team members; their dedication

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B2B Stories

North Augusta Chamber to host networking master class

Any business owner would agree that organization, keeping detailed records, consistency, and providing great service are keys to building a business. So is networking. LinkedIn, a social media network for professionals, describes networking as the best way to produce opportunities. Their advice is to think of networking as a way to find client leads, partnerships, and more. The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce is scheduling a series of Master Classes to help grow area businesses. The first is Networking scheduled for Wednesday, February 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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B2B Stories

Mondays with Rick: J-Tank helps young entrepreneurs get started in the business world

  Dr. Rick Franza, Dean of the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, he talks about a local version of Shark Tank. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: This year you plan to again be part of the Jessye Norman School of the Arts’ J-Tank program. First of all, what is the Jessye Norman School of the Arts? Rick: The Jessye Norman School is a gem of the CSRA. Jessye Norman was a world-renowned opera

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B2B Stories

Tracking Aurubis’ progress

As ABD has reported, the addition of Aurubis, one of the world’s largest state-of-the-art multi-metal recycling facilities to Augusta is a boon for the local economy. At a recent panel discussion hosted by ABD, Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, addressed the company’s investment, the largest single investment by a German company in the state, and the creation of up to 1,000 jobs with a 1 Billion dollar impact. Aurubis’ promise of sustainable development and raw material security will also play a role in expanding Georgia’s electromobility

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Consumer Stories

Evans doctor to open medical spa

Dr. Neeraja Chandrasekaran wants to help her clients improve their self-confidence by making them look and feel younger. Early next month, Chandrasekaran, a local family medicine physician, plans to launch Luna Medical Spa, which will be located inside Le’ Salon Day Spa at 807-B Oakhurst Drive in Evans. She will begin accepting clients next week. The business will offer a variety of noninvasive cosmetic services, including Botox injections, laser hair removal, and HydraFacial treatments, as well as IV hydration therapies with vitamins. “It’s where medicine meets the cosmetic world,” she

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Shawna Woodward

Free Access: Real Talk Real Estate: Are you ready to buy a home? 5 Indicators the time is right for you

Are you pondering thoughts of buying a home? Home ownership is truly the quintessential American dream. Regardless of who you are, I believe there are a few signs that signify you should start seriously considering the option of buying something to call home. #1. YOU HAVE A STABLE INCOME: If you have job security, you should be considering your home ownership options. I am fully convinced that owning a home is the smartest financial investment you will ever make. If you pay rent, you are spending the money on housing

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Consumer Stories

Local business to celebrate Valentine’s Day with shopping event

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Hannah Barrs has developed an event that incorporates shopping, mimosas, flowers, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Barrs, Marketing Director of Timms Harley-Davidson of Augusta, has planned Kickstart Your Heart, which will be held next Saturday, Feb. 11, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the dealership located at 4200 Belair Frontage Road in Augusta. The event will feature deals, such as buy two, get one free on men’s and women’s apparel, and 20 percent off all full-priced jewelry. They will also have a game that will involve guessing

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Faith

Free Access: 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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