Economics

B2B Stories

Georgia Chamber Praises Pro-Business Legislation

The 2025 Georgia Legislation Session is in the history books, and the state’s business community is touting the legislation that will help businesses. A news release from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce detailed a series of pro-business legislation that made it through the General Assembly. The measures await Gov. Brian Kemp’s (R) signature. “The Georgia Chamber and our tens of thousands of members across the state applaud the Georgia General Assembly and our legislative leaders, in particular Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Speaker of the House Jon Burns, for their

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B2B Stories

Red Carpet Rolls Out and Business Prospects Roll In

Today, some key Augustans will probably have tired hands and feet from shaking hands and walking Augusta National. Augusta Richmond County Economic Director Cal Wray, his staff, and dozens of ambassadors organized by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce will be welcoming business leaders from all over the world. It’s time for the annual Red Carpet Tour. Wray says his office will be speaking to several people associated with dozens of ongoing projects—many of them are site selection consultants hired to scout communities like Augusta on behalf of companies. “We

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B2B Stories

Big Impact Coming to CSRA via Tiger Woods, Augusta National, and Augusta Tech

In a landmark initiative that promises to expand educational and recreational access for youth in the Augusta area, Augusta National Golf Club and five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods have announced a long-term partnership to deliver high-quality STEAM programming and affordable golf opportunities to the local community. Through a collaboration with Woods’ nonprofit, the TGR Foundation, and his course architecture firm, TGR Design, the partnership will bring two major developments to Augusta: A TGR Learning Lab, to be built at the former site of Lamar Elementary School, offering free year-round STEAM (Science,

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Mapping the Future of South Carolina’s Roads

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is soliciting public input on the Palmetto State’s future transportation needs. The department has created Momentum 2050: the Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan. It assesses the existing statewide transportation system and anticipates impacts over the next 25 years. Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell, in a statement on the plan website, said it is a road map for economic prosperity. “The road and bridge network in South Carolina supports the movement of freight and people across our state. We have to keep these critical arteries

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CSRA Caterers Master Crunch Time

Thousands of visitors from across the country and around the world are in town for the 89th Masters tournament. They are shopping with local retailers, staying in hotels and in homes that are rented out for the week. Those golf enthusiasts all have to eat somewhere, which is why restaurants are packed, and caterers are jumping to meet the demand. Fat Man’s Mill Café and Catering is swamped with catering jobs for small groups and corporate events. “We are closed for the week to focus on the Masters. For us,

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Simon Says: 2024 Augusta job earnings heavily outpace inflation

Now that all the labor market data is finalized, I can reveal that the fastest-growing labor market in 2024 in Georgia was Brunswick at 2.7%.  Warner Robins also recorded growth of over 2 percent. Augusta clocked in at 0.6%, just below the state average of 0.8%. Gainesville, which has seen tremendous growth over the last 15 years, recorded negative growth for 2024. Brunswick employment increased by 1,200 (2.5%) over the year, and average weekly earnings increased by $123 or 16.8 percent. Average weekly hours worked increased by over 2 hours,

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The Masters Welcome Mat is Out

Augusta is gearing up for the 2025 Masters Week that kicked off earlier this week with the first round for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans. The final round will be played April 5th at Augusta National Golf Club (ANGC), followed by the Drive, Chip Putt competition on April 6th. The tournament practice rounds begin on April 7th. Destination Augusta says it is ready to welcome longtime visitors and newcomers to the Spring tradition. Bennish Brown, President and CEO, said Augusta was born

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Pacer $mart Program Unveiled

SRP Federal Credit Union and the University of South Carolina Aiken gathered recently to showcase the newly designed classroom and hallway dedicated to financial education at the university. The new learning space will host Pacer $mart, a financial education program created in partnership between SRP and USCA’s School of Business Administration. Designed to equip college and high school students with financial knowledge, the program covers key personal finance topics, including budgeting, saving, credit, investing, insurance, taxes, and economics. “The Pacer $mart program is a testament to the power of partnership

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South Carolina ready to welcome golf fans

Just across the Savannah River, communities are ready to give Masters Week visitors a taste of Southern hospitality. “The businesses will be welcoming both guests and locals all week long,” Avery Spears-Mahoney, Director of North Augusta Forward, told ABD. The businesses dotting along Georgia Avenue offer an eclectic assortment of products. Starting with gourmet foods and olive oils at the Grove Gourmet Market, visitors can stroll to the Pink Dipper for hand-dipped ice cream treats, enjoy handmade baked goods at Shelia’s Baking Company, shop for new and vintage toys at

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Branching out from Augusta

While Augusta may be the focal point for golf fans traveling to the C.S.R.A., surrounding areas also have events and attractions for visitors. A prime example is Columbia County, where the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) kicks off Masters Week events. The first practice round is today, April 2, at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans. It moves to the Augusta National Golf Club (ANGC) for the final round on April fifth. “The foot traffic is a little bit smaller than obviously it is at the Augusta National with there

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