Awards

Local economic development leaders soak in Top-Ten list

A national publication recently studied economic growth and site development along the more than 1,500-mile stretch of Interstate 20. Augusta made a big impression. Site Selection Magazine, a publication that caters to business executives and site selection consultants, found the highest concentration in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington with 772 sites. Atlanta and New Orleans rounded out the top three. However, Augusta made the list, sitting at number 10. The study looked at all new corporate and end-user, facility investment projects over the past two years in the counties the interstate passes through.

Read More »
Consumer Stories

More jobs in the Augusta area this summer

The Georgia Department of Labor announced late last week that the seven-county Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an unemployment rate of 4.4% in June. A year ago, the rate was 4.8%. “June’s unemployment trends tell a familiar story — Georgia’s students are stepping into our workforce as schools let out for summer, creating the temporary unemployment and hiring fluctuations typical for this time of year,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner, Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “With Georgia’s recent historic announcement of 5 million jobs, these students are stepping into a local workforce that

Read More »
B2B Stories

Augusta makes the top 10

A report done by a national publication lists Augusta in the Top 10 locations for site development. Site Selection Magazine is the official publication of the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC). Founded in 1954, it is currently based in Norcross, Ga. “We are a controlled circulation, B2B publication that goes to corporate leaders with decision-making responsibility when it comes to facility, locations, and expansions,” Adam Bruns, Editor-in-Chief, head of Publications, explained for ABD. “We’ve gone to what would typically be a job title like the director of global real estate

Read More »
Consumer Stories

Site visit spurred selection of “The Forge” on the Riverwalk

A year ago, City of Augusta leaders wanted to see what the Riverwalk’s future would look like. It was decided a small investment of time and money was good business when taxpayer funds were on the line. So, they traveled to the Midwest and eyeballed an Outdoor Adventure Center. It’s one managed by the same group that is contracted to design, build, and operate Augusta’s version at the Freedom Center Bridge. Based on recommendations after the site visit, City of Augusta commissioners voted on July 22, 2025, to greenlight an

Read More »
B2B Stories

CSRA businesses catch the bells and buzz of team building

Successful businesses are built on strategy, sometimes on physical skills, many times through teamwork, or a combination of all of the above. When it comes to developing a strong team, there is nothing like a good team-building experience. This one brings together a unique combination of skills and nostalgic charm. Radioactive Pinball Arcade opened two years ago and has written a story for business development. The gaming company, located in the Holley Building at 113 Laurens Street in Aiken, was started by Eric and Erin Edwards and will soon celebrate

Read More »
Awards

SRNS earns top award for mentoring small businesses

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) was recently named the Mentor of the Year by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). This accolade, part of the Annual Small Business Awards Program, recognizes SRNS’ mentorship and support to small businesses, exceeding the expectations outlined in the DOE Mentor-Protégé agreements. Through a combination of innovative approaches and dedicated mentorship, SRNS teams have empowered their protégés to successfully compete for federal contracts. By strategically aligning the skills of small businesses with current Site demands, particularly in

Read More »
B2B Stories

Strong outlook for back-to-school shopping

As students begin returning to classrooms, parents are hitting stores for clothing and school supplies. The National Retail Federation (NRF) examined consumer data and the impact of tariffs and inflation on back-to-school spending. ABD joined a webinar held by NRF to outline the findings. Mark Mathews, Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research for NRF, said what he refers to as “consumer sentiment” is very low, but he has seen a recent bounce. “When you look at the consumer’s finances, household net worth remains near record highs. We have discretionary

Read More »
Awards/Celebrations

CSRA bankers celebrate milestones with trip to New York

Ding ding ding! Ring the bell. Three area bankers, along with Colony Bank’s executive team, board of directors, and division leaders, just got back from Wall Street. The July 15th bell ringing on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange was a joint celebration of Colony’s move onto the NYSE and its 50th Anniversary. “We have been publicly traded for many years on the NASDAQ but made the decision to move to the NYSE last fall,” said ABD member Hugh Hollar, who attended the ceremony with colleagues Chris McLaughlin and Jennifer

Read More »
B2B Stories

CSRA college leading the way for cyber training

The University of South Carolina Aiken’s Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC) is leading the charge to improve cybersecurity infrastructure across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). By partnering with small-to-midsize governments, municipalities, school districts, and critical infrastructure facilities, the RSOC will provide essential cybersecurity services tailored to local needs. Launched in March 2024, the RSOC is among the first of its kind in South Carolina. It offers cybersecurity students hands-on experience as Tier 1 Security Operations Center Analysts, giving them a competitive edge by preparing them for Tier 2 roles

Read More »
Consumer Stories

Taking flight with air taxis in Augusta

The Japanese company that is developing an air taxi that could begin serving Augusta next year is providing demonstration flights. SkyDrive has its model SD-05 at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, where it will hold a demonstration beginning July 31 and running the rest of the summer. This is the model Bravo Air, the private charter jet service based at Augusta Regional Airport, will get next year. Bravo Air and SkyDrive signed a letter of intent at the Fifth Annual Innovation XChange Forum last year for Bravo Air to buy

Read More »