Blog Band - Augusta Business Daily

B2B Stories

Simon Says: Big growth from 2 Counties in the CSRA

The Census Bureau released population data for 2024-2025 recently. In the metro area, Aiken County in South Carolina and Columbia County in Georgia grew by more than 5,000 residents. McDuffie County in Georgia lost 103 persons. The Census Bureau could also break down how much of these changes were due to natural changes (births and deaths) and how much was due to migration, both domestic and international. For Aiken County, most of the population change was due to migration (+2,752), of which only 81 persons were international migrants. Similarly, in

Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Hull College of Business Economics Professor April 14, 2026 No Comments

B2B Stories

Tourism leaders hope lodging revenue surpasses $34.2 million in April

There was very little room at the Inn at hotels like the Augusta Marriott last week. Some of the Hotel/Motel taxes trickle down to Destination Augusta to reinvest funds to bring in more conventions. The tourism arm of the City of Augusta says the Smith Travel Research group will release financial estimates in the summer, which will highlight occupancy and revenue rates—including Masters week. Destination Augusta provided ABD with revenue data for the last four years: April 2025 — $34.2 million in hotel/motel revenue April 2024 — $30.2 million April

Neil Gordon April 13, 2026 No Comments

B2B Stories

Selling Metro Augusta on a national stage

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson (pictured to the left of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp)called the just-concluded Red Carpet Tour the” icing on top“ for the hard-working economic leaders charged with bringing new companies to Augusta. He points to past success. “That is the hook, he told ABD from Thursday’s event near the Masters tournament. If you look around the city at some of our notable employers, whether it be Aurubis Richmond, which was one of our newest investments, or GF Castings (under construction in the Augusta Corporate Park), they came here

Dana Lynn McIntyre April 13, 2026 No Comments

B2B Stories

Military Monday: I Only Need 10% or 20% More — Understanding How VA Ratings Really Work

One of the most common statements I hear from Veterans is: “I only need 10% or 20% more to get to 100%.” At first glance, that sounds logical. In everyday math, if you have 90% and add 10%, you reach 100%. Simple, right? Unfortunately, VA compensation does not work like regular math, and this misunderstanding often leads to frustration, unrealistic expectations, and, at times, missed opportunities to build a strong claim properly. When Veterans tell me they only need “10% more,” I take time to explain how the VA disability

Africa Thomas, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CME, CCM, Augusta, Ga April 13, 2026 No Comments

B2B Stories

Learning to track the dollars and cents

One of the most important skills for small business owners is developing a comprehensive bookkeeping method.SCORE, the organization of volunteers that helps small businesses, teamed up with Block Advisors by H&R Block for an online webinar explaining why quality bookkeeping is vital. Led by Sonia Chanani and Sandra Martin of H&R Block, the workshop taught how to turn bookkeeping into a simple, manageable task. Chanani agreed that bookkeeping can be daunting for a small business owner already juggling multiple responsibilities. The goal is to find a way to make it

Dana Lynn McIntyre April 10, 2026 No Comments

B2B Stories

Companies use golf and laptops to interest CSRA kids

The timing of the Masters golf tournament certainly helped a pair of technology companies to influence future leaders. Students were part of an interactive, STEM – based Putt-Putt activity to inspire learning. AT&T partnered with Compu adopt, and the nonprofit learned fresh to help the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta. 100 refurbished laptops were donated, along with a $25,000 community investment to support the AT&T Connected Learning Center at the club. “Access to technology and digital tools is essential to how our students learn in today’s world. We appreciate

Neil Gordon April 10, 2026 No Comments

Consumer Stories

Bus donation pays dividends down the road

Recently, the Gerald Jones Auto Group and the Garden City Gospel Mission held a pretty unique event. Though it’s not unique for a successful business to write a check for $5000 to help, it is unique when free transportation is involved. The auto group donated a bus to provide reliable transportation for men in the mission’s residential recovery program. The uses include helping connect them with employment, services, and daily support. Thanks to Virginia Atkins of Gerald Jones Auto Group for providing THIS video on board with the leaders of

Neil Gordon April 10, 2026 No Comments

Consumer Stories

Putt-Ing on an event for a good cause

Lovers of miniature golf this week will find a course awaiting them at Putt Putt in Martinez. Putt Putt owners will give back in about a month to make a difference for those who want to be seen. For 65 years, Easterseals of East Georgia has empowered individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment to build confidence, gain skills, and achieve independence. Easter Seals is partnering with Putt Putt and area companies to be part of that mission. at our upcoming fundraiser: May 19, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM Putt-Putt Fun

Dana Lynn McIntyre April 9, 2026 No Comments

Consumer Stories

Topgolf brings in top names after 1st round of Masters

Country music star Rodney Atkins will be “watching you” if you come to Topgolf tonight for his concert. You can also yuk it up with a golfing legend tonight and Friday night. Band members from Sister Hazel were scheduled to perform last night, and Black Dog tomorrow night. While much attention is focused on Washington Road, golf patrons visiting Augusta have a chance to test their own skills just down the road. Topgolf is a straight, one-mile shot down Alexander Drive from Washington Road. Tucked at the end of the

Dana Lynn McIntyre and Neil Gordon April 9, 2026 No Comments

Consumer Stories

Masters of the “House”: Learning from the Front and the Back at Augusta National

The 90th edition of the Masters officially begins this morning when honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson hit their ceremonial tee shots, immediately followed by the start of tournament play. As I discussed in last week’s column, the best companies and sports teams focus on continuous improvement, and no organization epitomizes that more than the Masters and Augusta National. This time of the year, I typically write at least one column on the Masters/Augusta National because there is so much that businesses can learn from the Masters

Dr. Rick Franza, Professor, AU Hull College of Business April 9, 2026 No Comments

Simon Says: Big growth from 2 Counties in the CSRA

Tourism leaders hope lodging revenue surpasses $34.2 million in April

Selling Metro Augusta on a national stage

Military Monday: I Only Need 10% or 20% More — Understanding How VA Ratings Really Work

Learning to track the dollars and cents

Companies use golf and laptops to interest CSRA kids

Bus donation pays dividends down the road

Putt-Ing on an event for a good cause

Topgolf brings in top names after 1st round of Masters

Masters of the “House”: Learning from the Front and the Back at Augusta National

RECENT STORIES

Doing business with local government

Local wellness center moves to Evans

Simon Says: February fall-off in the local labor market

Categories