B2B Stories

Augusta MSA #s a Christmas gift

Economics has always been interested in what creates wealth ever since Adam Smith wrote An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Many of my columns for Augusta Business Daily have examined the nature and causes of the wealth of the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Recent research on economic freedom across all MSAs in the US sheds some light on which MSAs are growing the fastest and creating the most wealth. Dean Stansel of the Birdwell Institute, has been compiling an index of economic freedom

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Consumer Stories

Holidays are here and so is Helene Fatigue

Christmas is tomorrow. While many will have the day off from work to celebrate with family, others are still reeling from Hurricane Helene. It’s been close to three months since the storm ravaged much of the CSRA with 100 mph wind gusts and torrential rain. The signs of long-term recovery are prevalent. While much progress has been made on debris removal, there are still piles of limbs in many directions. Homeowners are still waiting for electrical repairs, fence replacements, stump removal, and other home repairs. Recently, two out of the

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B2B Stories

History Meets the Present at New Shop

The CSRA is somewhat of an antique picker’s paradise and Edgefield, South Carolina has a new option for finding old treasures. The Magnolia Barn opened earlier this month in the original Hartley Barn built in 1920. For owner Sheree Tuttle, finding the location at 817 Buncombe Street, and opening the shop fulfilled a dream. It’s more than just about selling antiques. “The Magnolia Barn brings to life my three favorite things. I love antiques but I had a 20-year medical career, so I’m also offering a line of health supplements

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Consumer Stories

Local Supermarket Chain helps those recovering from Hurricane Helene

Those suffering from food shortages in their home can take advantage of a $300,000 grant given to the Golden Harvest Food Bank by a large supermarket chain. Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation presented a $300,000 disaster relief grant to the Food Bank. “Food Lion has always stood alongside us, supporting our mission to feed our neighbors in need,” said Amy Breitmann, President and CEO, Golden Harvest Food Bank. “This $300,000 grant is yet another example of their unwavering commitment, bringing hope and vital relief to families recovering from the storm.”

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B2B Stories

Growing the workforce in Georgia and South Carolina

Governors in Georgia in the two-state area are both taking steps to develop the workforce to fill critical jobs for the future. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) recently announced a commission he created through the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). Kemp is chairman of the commission which includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. In a news release announcing the commission, Kemp said the goal is to work with leaders across the South to improve educational opportunities

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Residential Real Estate

Real Talk Real Estate: Navigating Home Appraisals: Insights for Buyers in a Changing Market

Home appraisals are a critical step in the home-buying process, ensuring that you pay a fair price for the property and that your lender feels confident about the investment. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding how appraisals work and what to expect can empower you during your home purchase. This guide will explain the appraisal process and inevitably what may happen when the real estate market surges again following an anticipated increase in sales activity. What Is a Home Appraisal? A home appraisal is an unbiased

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Awards/Celebrations

Highest Honor for Local Symphony Conductor

Dr. Scott Weiss, Music Director and Conductor of the Aiken Symphony, was recently awarded the “Order of the Palmetto,” South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Awarded by Governor McMaster and presented by State Representative Paula Calhoon, the award recognizes Dr. Weiss’ contributions to music, education, and the arts, including his leadership with the Aiken Symphony, the Palmetto Concert Band, and the University of South Carolina School of Music. A celebrated conductor and educator, Dr. Weiss has led performances worldwide and shaped future conductors through masterclasses and programs. The Aiken Symphony, currently

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B2B Stories

Augusta native to lead downtown incubator

She was raised in Augusta and has returned home to serve as the Executive Director of Accelerate Augusta. Augusta Technical College’s President, Dr. Jermaine Whirl, announced on December 3 that Sheffie Robinson had been selected for the position, effective December 16. Soon after, she met with ABD to talk about her role. “It isn’t often that you’re charged to lead such a major project in a city you grew up in,” she said. “I have phone calls from people like, ‘Hey, I remember when you were just an itty-bitty thing,

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B2B Stories

New Company on the Horizon Invests in Business Community

More than a year before it is expected to be operational, a new tenant in the Augusta Corporate Park is joining the business community. PureCycle Technologies, Inc., a Florida-based company that converts #5 plastic waste to a renewable resource, broke ground in March 2022 on a $250 million facility in the park off Mike Padgett Highway. “They are grading the site. They started two weeks ago,” Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA), updated ABD. “They started the week before Thanksgiving, so they were finally grading the

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Awards/Celebrations

Aurubis Richmond Wins Governor’s Award

The 2024 Business Partner of the Year Award honoring outstanding achievements in workforce development, partnerships, and student success across Georgia was presented to Augusta Technical College’s partner, Aurubis Richmond. “Aurubis Richmond exemplifies the power of industry partnerships in transforming communities and empowering students with life-changing opportunities,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “Through their commitment to education, workforce development, and community engagement, Aurubis Richmond has set a benchmark for what it means to be an exceptional partner. Their investment in Augusta Technical College and our students not only strengthens the local

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