Financial/Investing

B2B Stories

Finding money to start a business

“Show me the Money,” a phrase made famous in the movie Jerry Maguire, could easily describe an upcoming class for small business owners. Registration is open for “Unlocking Capital: An Owner’s Guide to Funding a Small Business,” sponsored by the UGA Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) in Augusta. Program coordinator Shelby Carl told ABD that this class is specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs who are trying to understand different funding options. “Especially for anyone who’s considering approaching the bank, but they don’t know exactly what type of

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B2B Stories

Learning to track the dollars and cents

One of the most important skills for small business owners is developing a comprehensive bookkeeping method.SCORE, the organization of volunteers that helps small businesses, teamed up with Block Advisors by H&R Block for an online webinar explaining why quality bookkeeping is vital.  Led by Sonia Chanani and Sandra Martin of H&R Block, the workshop taught how to turn bookkeeping into a simple, manageable task.  Chanani agreed that bookkeeping can be daunting for a small business owner already juggling multiple responsibilities. The goal is to find a way to make it

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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

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B2B Stories

Company chases lofty goals in the CSRA

A bank added its third local location as part of a 160-branch expansion with emphasis on the Southeast.   The Aiken Chamber welcomed local and regional executives from Chase Bank to open its newest location at 481 Fabian Drive in the Hitchcock Plaza in Aiken near Old Navy, TJ Maxx, and other retailers. The branch is a newly constructed, standalone building, staffed by employees from Aiken and nearby communities and featuring both a drive-up ATM and a vestibule ATM for added convenience.  Aiken Branch Manager Brandee Gonzalez shared insight with guests during the morning get-together with

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B2B Stories

Health Insurance Is Not Health Care — What Augusta/Aiken Employers Should Be Thinking as Renewal Season Never Ends

As CSRA health insurance consultants, our historically heaviest renewal period has always been January 1. While that date is still the most common, we are increasingly seeing renewals spread more evenly throughout the year. Today, the most popular renewal dates are January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 — what many in the industry now refer to as the “quarter system.” So, how can these opportunities make a difference? We’ve just come out of a busy renewal cycle and are already heading toward the next one. That reality

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Awards/Celebrations

Kicking off the next 50 years protecting consumers

The South Carolina office tasked with protecting businesses and individuals from fraud and scams is reflecting on its golden anniversary. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) was created on Jan. 1, 1975. The South Carolina Consumer Protection Code established it. Its mandate is to create a healthy marketplace through education, complaint mediation services, regulatory filings, and guidance for identity theft victims. As part of the agency’s outreach programs, it has kicked off a new series of “Wednesday Webinars.” “Education is a core component of our mission,” explained Carri

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B2B Stories

Major manufacturer in CSRA pledges to help future biz leaders

Aurubis Richmond is the newest company to open a storefront at Junior Achievement’s Discovery Center in Evans. Aurubis is one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. The company processes complex metal concentrates, scrap metals, and metal-bearing recycling materials into metals from the Augusta Corporate Park in South Augusta. This marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to education and community engagement. “This initiative reflects Aurubis Richmond’s belief that business and community must work together to prepare the next generation for success,” said David Schultheis, President of Aurubis Richmond. Aurubis

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Awards

Local Credit Union Earns impressive Georgia recognition

The awards keep coming for a local credit union. If you are one of the 200,000-plus SRP members in the CSRA, you are part of the best of the best according to Forbes magazine. The Forbes List of America’s Best–In–State Credit Unions 2025 recognizes institutions that are most valued by residents in each state and have excelled in meeting the unique needs and expectations of their local communities. Accepting the award given prior to Thanksgiving were the following SRP executives: Back row, left to right – Kevin Toole, Chief Lending

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B2B Stories

$how them the money!

Financial education has been linked to lower debt levels, higher savings, and higher credit scores as children mature into adulthood. That’s why Security Federal Bank (SFB) is helping young children learn the importance of saving. The bank is rolling out the next generation of its longtime program, formerly called the Looney Tunes Kids account. $uper $avings is the new branding and features the $uper $avings Bunny. “Our youth savings program has helped generations of local kids start strong with smart saving habits,” said Phil Wahl, President at SFB, in announcing

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B2B Stories

$2 billion financial firm opens office in the CSRA

1280 Financial Partners has opened a location in North Augusta as part of a group overseeing around $2 billion in client assets. What began in Ft. Myers, Florida, and Sandusky, Ohio, under the umbrella of United Bank of Switzerland (UBS), the firm also has offices in Miami and in North Augusta at the West Martintown Business Complex at 1315 W. Martintown Road. In May, 1280 Financial Partners left UBS to join independent broker-dealer and advisory firm Sanctuary Wealth Management, which includes more than 120 partner firms overseeing approximately $50 billion

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