Thu, April 25, 2024

Economics

B2B Stories

Simon Says: Earnings take a hit!

I have already reported the decline in employment in the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area of just 200 jobs in February. Other labor market economic data is now available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate remained unchanged in February at 3.7%, while there was a small increase in the labor force of 277 people. The average weekly earnings declined to $932.59, the lowest since June last year. This represents a decrease of 3.5 percent over the last year at a time when inflation is still running at 3.2%.

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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Can you afford to live in Augusta?

I ask my students at the beginning of an introduction to an economics course, “What are the most pressing problems economists should be addressing today?” The top answer recently has always been inflation, but this year, housing made the top three problems (the other was healthcare costs). The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta produces a Home Ownership Affordability Monitor (HOAM – get it?) for all Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the US. The monitor measures the ability of a median-income household to afford a median-priced home. Affordability is defined as

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B2B Stories

Legislation to boost military spouse employment in the CSRA

“Georgia is home to 11 military installations that contribute more than $19 billion in economic impact annually to our state,” said Georgia Chamber President and CEO, Chris Clark in a news release. “The spouses of our active-duty service members deserve the opportunity to live, work, and raise their families here in Georgia without the burden of excessive wait times for their occupational licenses.” A bill that will have a far-reaching impact on the families of soldiers stationed at Fort Eisenhower is awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp’s (R) signature. The Georgia House

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B2B Stories

Sponsored Article: Several ABD Members trust the Hyatt Agency, LLC with their insurance needs. Here is why!

Kevin Hyatt is a walking (and stationary) billboard for his Hyatt Agency, LLC firm. You may have noticed his outdoor billboard while shopping at Costco or noticed him networking at area Chambers of Commerce, on “Thirsty Thursdays” at GreenJackets games, and twice a year at Augusta Business Daily conferences and Expos. That’s where he met the mother and son real estate duo, Shawna and Braydon Woodward of ReMax Reinvented. They each had a booth and Kevin approached the Woodwards and started the process at the ballpark. My service philosophy is

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B2B Stories

Showing off Augusta to business leaders from around the world

While much of Augusta is awash in Masters green, a swath of red was rolled out at a hospitality tent on Washington Road. A red carpet pointed the way for business leaders arriving for the 62nd annual Red Carpet Tour. The event is coordinated by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. “It is a great way to showcase the state, but also our region for all new employers looking to come to town, but also as a thank you

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B2B Stories

Red carpet rolls out for business prospects

Amidst the green jackets this week at Augusta National, business leaders will welcome other business leaders from across the country and around the world via the annual Red Carpet Tour today. It’s an opportunity to see what Georgia and Augusta have to offer in the way of industry and economic development. The invitation-only event is in its 62nd year, hosted by the Georgia Chamber and Georgia Department of Economic Development, and provides an opportunity for guests to be paired with a Georgia business industry leader who will provide insight into

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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Little change in the job market

Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) payroll employment slipped by 200 in February from January. The good news was that the Bureau of Labor Statistics revised their jobs numbers for January. Instead of a fall of 200, there was an increase of 200. But changes of 200 represent only a 0.08 percent change in employment. The local MSA has not seen job growth or decline of any significant magnitude over the first two months of the year. By contrast, the state of Georgia has seen a net gain of 3,700 jobs

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B2B Stories

Berry good season for ca$h crops

Manufacturing and construction may come to mind for big business, but in Georgia and South Carolina, agriculture is top dog, bringing in more than $126 billion according to the two states Departments of Agriculture. What is the number one fruit in America? In Georgia and South Carolina, you might think of a peach. However, it’s a plump, juicy, sweet strawberry. Right now is prime time for buying baskets of berries or visiting farms where you pick’em. McCurley Farms in North, S.C. is one of the largest family farms in the

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B2B Stories

An extra month of income in a week

Destination Augusta said the Masters Tournament and related activities, including the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) Tournament, can be like a 13th month of revenue for some businesses. ABD requested a breakdown from Destination Augusta comparing money spent in 2022 to 2023, as well as the economic impact of ANWA since it began in 2019. One source Destination Augusta uses to track numbers is STR for hotel/motel data. Its website is quoted as saying: “STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics, and marketplace insights for the global hospitality industry.” According to

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B2B Stories

Masters Week in the making: Here’s what’s happening in the CSRA

Days spent on the golf course watching some of the premier golfers in the world can turn into enjoying fine music at some of Augusta’s largest social events. Festivities kick off Saturday, April 6 with the Mayor’s Masters Reception at the Augusta Common at 836 Broad St. from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will feature live music, food, games for children and end with a fireworks display. The event is free to attend. Started in 1999 by then-Mayor Bob Young, it had originally always been held on Sundays. “Moving

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