B2B Stories

B2B Stories

Searching for the ultimate work-life balance

A new so-called generation is emerging, joining baby boomers, GenX, millennials, and GenZ, and it is primarily a female demographic. Many women are juggling multiple roles, including careers, raising children, managing their households, and increasingly, caring for aging parents. They are becoming known as the Sandwich Generation.  The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce sponsored “Caught in the Middle: Women of the Sandwich Generation.”  Leading the discussion was a panel of women with diverse backgrounds: Yvette Harris, Co-owner, Horizon Motor Coach Amy Hane, Owner, Long Term Liaisons Jennifer Turman, HR Manager,

Read More »
B2B Stories

March Mini-MBA: Good Service vs. Bad Service

Publisher’s Note: There are so many reasons to love what Chick-fil-A does. The Gordons go to the Mullins Crossing location weekly. I found this photo from 2 years ago! From the time I get “in line” until I have the food, it’s maybe 10 minutes! Great food. Great service. Every time. RICK: As consumers visiting an establishment for a service, we often find ourselves waiting in line. Whether it is at a drive-thru for a fast food restaurant, placing an order at a fast casual restaurant, checking out at the

Read More »
B2B Stories

Developing the next generation of cyber employees

Companies based in the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (GCITC) welcomed 100 middle school students to the campus for Cyber Georgia STEMFest 2026. STEMFest, in partnership with the Cyber Fusion Innovation Center (CFIC), brings students from across Georgia for a day of science, technology, engineering, math, and cyber activities. It is to help students explore career pathways available in their future. “We’re thrilled to welcome students back to the Georgia Cyber Center for another unforgettable day of discovery, problem-solving, and creativity. STEMFest plays an important role in introducing young

Read More »
B2B Stories

Simon Says: Best and worst unemployment story for Augusta

The last bit of economic data for 2025 was just released for the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The unemployment rate has risen from 4.1% in September to 4.5% in December. This is the highest unemployment rate across the fourteen Georgia MSAs.  There may be a good reason why Augusta “finished last.” As I previously reported, the Augusta MSA had the largest increase in employment, and the rising unemployment rate may just reflect people entering the workforce to find jobs in a relatively strong economy.  This is borne out by

Read More »
B2B Stories

Business support needed to train students for a great career

The North Augusta Chamber Foundation is tying one of its programs to the chamber’s 75th anniversary to help Aiken County students. The foundation is raising funds for the program that targets high school students to prepare them for a career after they graduate. The foundation’s Dell Tech program is a partnership with the Aiken County Public School District (ACPSD). It provides high school students with IT certification and hands-on experience. Isaac Kelly of Aiken Staffing Associates and chair of the foundation told ABD the program began in 2020 with North

Read More »
Awards

Hometown financial institution receives 2nd prestigious honor from national magazine

First, Forbes Magazine picked SRP Federal Credit Union as the Best in State Credit Union in Georgia. Most recently, another national magazine bestowed a different honor in South Carolina. Newsweek named SRP as one of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions in 2026.  In partnership with Plant-A Insights Group, Newsweek recognizes financial institutions that help power local economies by supporting small businesses, financing community projects, and providing reliable access to everyday banking services. “More than financial service providers, credit unions are community partners, showing up in neighborhoods, participating in

Read More »
B2B Stories

Examining the state of education in Georgia

Individuals at the forefront of post-secondary education participated in a State of Higher Education summit. It was organized by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. Featured speakers included Chancellor Sonny Perdue, University System of Georgia; Commissioner Greg Dozier, Technical College System of Georgia; and Jenna Colvin, President of the Georgia Independent College Association. (Photo Caption) From left to right: Daniela Perry, Executive Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation; Commissioner Greg Dozier, Technical College System of Georgia; Jenna Colvin, President of the

Read More »
B2B Stories

10 Best AI Tools for Business 2026

ABD member Corsica Technologies just updated their Top 10 Best AI tools for 2026. It features the best chatbot for business/personal use, AI search, customer service AI, and more. This feature first appeared at www.corsicatech.com. Click read more for the specific article.

Read More »
B2B Stories

Chambers of Commerce are looking for a new wave of leaders

The two largest chambers of commerce in the CSRA are looking for individuals who want to learn the inner workings of their communities. The Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chambers are accepting applications for their 2027 leadership classes. Leadership Columbia County (LCC) is a ten‑month program with monthly full‑day sessions. “We are looking for folks that are interested in leadership roles in Columbia County,” Heath Taylor, President and CEO of the Columbia County Chamber, explained for ABD. “We will share education topics, political, government, arts, economic development, criminal justice, health

Read More »
B2B Stories

March Mini-MBA: Essentials of Supply Chains

Class is now in session for the third week of Augusta Business Daily’s Mini-MBA for the month of March. Hopefully, you found our first two lessons, “Competing on Quality” and “Effectively Managing Inventory,” beneficial as you run your business.    For those of us who teach Supply Chain Management (SCM), events of the recent weeks (Iran), recent months (tariffs), and recent years (pandemic, bridge collapses, hurricanes) have given us plenty to discuss in our classes.  I will also discuss their importance in today’s column. However, before looking into those events, it

Read More »