Economics

The Columbia County Exhibition Center was filled on Thursday with business owners and community leadership eager to get insights into the 2026 Georgia Legislative session. The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Breakfast brought together state Senator Lee Anderson (R-District 24) and Representatives Dr. Mark Newton (R-District 127) and Gary Richardson (R-District 125) for a panel discussion. “I think it’s important for the business community to know what’s coming, to know what’s going to be discussed in Atlanta, to be able to talk to members and to be able

I am rapidly approaching my “Full Retirement Age” (FRA) according to Social Security. While I plan on working a few more years at Augusta University, assuming my students, my bosses, and I all think I am still doing a good job, my retirement is not too far away, and Social Security is a key element of my retirement financial planning. Therefore, I have a vested interest in the long-term solvency and viability of Social Security benefits for “old age”/retirees. However, there is real concern about the future of such Social

If you are concerned about higher prices impacting your quality of life, may I suggest an evening in sewing: sewing machines, fabric, and supplies are 6.4% cheaper than a year ago. Treat yourself to a bottle of wine (1.2% cheaper) and a pint of ice cream (0.7% cheaper). I have given a couple of community presentations recently and been asked the same question twice: Why does the inflation data not include prices of food and energy? In fact, the headline inflation figure does include food and energy, although the government

Two recently announced economic development projects will mean a combined $333.7 million investment and create 225 new jobs for two counties. In Bamberg County, Circular Composite Solutions (CCS) has committed $53.7 million to a facility that will create recycled wood and plastic pallet components, creating 70 jobs. In neighboring Orangeburg County, a $280 million project by Carolina Renewable Products (CRP) will add 155 new jobs. It will be a next-generation biomass-to-renewable diesel facility. Will Williams, President and CEO of Western SC, said the developments will impact more than just Bamberg