Chamber News

B2B Stories

Award-winning businesses picked in CSRA

One of the largest employers in Aiken County took one of the top awards at the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Business Impact Summit. Large Business of the Year Bridgestone Aiken PSR The company plays a vital role in strengthening the regional economy. Its dedication to employee engagement and performance has earned national recognition, including being named one of Forbes’ Best Large Employers, further reflecting its leadership and impact. Small Business of the Year Orange Otter Toys Recently, ABD reported about the grand opening of their store further “up the hill” in

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B2B Stories

Local chamber highlights $500,000 grant with Thursday’s meet and greet

One area Chamber of Commerce has separate upcoming events to bring the business community together. Up first is a Meet and Greet with Tyler Harper, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. It will be April 23rd at the Hub for Community Innovation on Chaffee Avenue.  Ronic West, president and co-founder of GABCC, told ABD the chamber’s agribusiness committee suggested the program. “I think people forget that agriculture is the number one industry in the state of Georgia,” she said. “One thing that we’re doing here at the chamber is

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B2B Stories

Supporting families and children is good for business

Business leaders learned that community involvement and awareness of struggling families and children are important to their bottom line. Good Morning North Augusta, the monthly breakfast presented by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, turned the light on “Strong Families, Strong Community: Prevention Starts with Us.” The panel discussion recognized Child Abuse Prevention Month. Andrea Bowles, Sales Manager at Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate and chair of the Board of Directors, told ABD that for businesses and the community to thrive, it is essential that families thrive. “As simple as

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B2B Stories

Business Summit promotes jobs, services, and knowledge

Your company can be a sponsor or vendor for a business summit after the tournament,  put on by one of the Chambers of Commerce in the CSRA. Sponsored by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, the goal is to showcase products and services and provide workshops on entrepreneurship and job interview skills. “Our focus this year is a lot on workforce development, so we’re trying to make sure that we’re meeting the needs of our Chamber members and providing opportunities for them to showcase their wares, which is part of

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Awards

Top businesswoman announced in Columbia County

The CEO of a local hospital has a special appreciation for this year’s Businesswoman of the Year, picked at the annual Women of Influence Executive luncheon. It is organized by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and recognizes women in business who demonstrate the highest level of leadership, professionalism, and community involvement.  The 2026 Businesswoman of the Year in Columbia County is Dr. Quynh Spicer, founder of Thomson Family Dental, Harlem Family Dental, and Home Instead Augusta.  “I actually have no idea what to say. I truly am humbled to

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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,

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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

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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

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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

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B2B Stories

Your company is like your body. It needs regular check-ups.

Business owners learned the importance of performing a health check on their companies during a recent workshop sponsored by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. “The Health of Your Business: What’s Working. What’s Stuck, and Why?” was presented by Danielle Folsom, founder of The Productive.  That is a local consulting firm helping businesses be more efficient through clarity, alignment, and strong people systems. Folsom believes, like humans, businesses also have a DNA specific to its operation and business sector.  “My theory is that every business has a face, a heart and bones,

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