Financial/Investing

B2B Stories

Augusta businesses poised for continued long-term growth

Augusta remains one of Georgia’s economic success stories, having steady population growth, strong employment numbers, and a sturdy real estate market. Alongside this, a robust private sector and a prominent government presence in Fort Eisenhower contribute to the area’s success. The local business scene continues to thrive post-pandemic thanks to growth in private industry, government, and healthcare. While there is much to be optimistic about in and around Augusta, business owners are keeping an eye on a few trends that might impact their businesses in the coming months. Based on

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B2B Stories

Credit Card issues: Hull College professor weighs in

A James M. Hull College of Business professor at Augusta University says to be careful in ways you are reducing your credit card debt. She responded recently to a Lendingtree survey indicating Americans have more than $1 trillion in credit card debt and the average American has around a $6,500 balance. Many cards offer 0% APR on balance transfers for certain lengths of time. But is it worth it if you don’t plan to pay off the entire balance during the promotional period? Wendy Habegger, PhD, senior lecturer in the James

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B2B Stories

Banking group and College partner to help $tudents

SRP Federal Credit Union will fund a new program named the SRP Pacer $mart Program to cultivate financial success for students at the University of South Carolina Aiken. The purpose of the SRP Pacer $mart Program is to enhance training and financial progression. “The goal is to take students from their current financial knowledge to the next level,” said Dr. Nancy Albers, Dean of the School of Business Administration at USCA. “This partnership allows us to develop a co-branded interactive classroom learning environment. The classroom should be complete by the start of the fall semester and support teaching with technology

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B2B Stories

Banking Bootcamp to Develop Future Finance Workers

Augusta Technical College is kicking off a new program to train people interested in jobs in the world of banking and finance. The Greater Augusta Banking and Finance Institute is not a college course in the traditional sense. It is under the umbrella of continuing education, a way for people to develop skills in demand at financial institutions. Julie Langham, Vice President of Economic Development, told ABD the institute is the brainchild of the college’s banking and finance partners who said they wanted to develop a pipeline of workers. “We

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B2B Stories

Potential $285 million to fund school upgrades and property tax relief

Aiken County voters will be asked to decide the fate of the current one-cent sales tax that is funding projects in the school district. School district leadership outlined the value of continuing the tax during the April 18 Good Morning North Augusta Breakfast sponsored by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. Superintendent King Laurence told ABD it is important for the district to provide top-quality education in state-of-the-art facilities. He said it is important for students, teachers, and the community. “When businesses and families come to an area, one of

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B2B Stories

Love and $: Financial tips for success

Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s a day of flowers, chocolates, romantic dinners, and proposals. Nearly six million couples will become engaged today. Beyond romance, there are some practical tips to make the future as sweet as the present. That includes aligning your thoughts on financial habits and goals. According to a new Bank of America survey which examined the investing mindsets, motivations, and habits of affluent young adults, Millennials and Gen Z are making smart choices with their money. However, men and women in this cohort differ in views on money

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B2B Stories

CSRA partnership adds housing education to JA Discovery Center

A partnership between REALTORS® of Greater Augusta, the Home Builders Association, and Habitat for Humanity will open another learning opportunity at the new Junior Achievement Discovery Center of the CSRA. As ABD reported earlier this month, the JA Discovery Center Junior Achievement will offer programs that focus on financial literacy, career readiness, and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit. The partnership between RGA, HBA, and Habitat for Humanity will provide middle school students with valuable insights into the housing industry. Through interactive sessions and engaging activities, students will gain practical knowledge about

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B2B Stories

“Achieving” success for students in the CSRA

A center that brings together nearly 30 businesses, governments, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations to give middle school students a leg up in life has opened. The Junior Achievement (JA) Discovery Center of the CSRA held its grand opening on January 11. The center is a partnership with JA, the Columbia County School District (CCSD), and the Richmond County School System (RCSS). This is JA’s 6th center in Georgia and one of 30 nationwide. John Hancock, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Georgia, said it started with a phone

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B2B Stories

‘We’re in a great place in Georgia,’ says chamber president, Clark

With record economic growth and development taking off in Georgia, the Peach State will need to keep up with the pace to stay ahead of the game. Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, brought this idea to the table at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Luncheon series on Nov.15. Clark used the state chamber’s quarterly economic report for the third quarter to update them on the progress the state is making. He also took the time to walk business leaders through the challenges

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B2B Stories

Making sense of Georgia’s dollars and cents

Figures from the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) show tax collections declined during September, but are there reasons for concern? The net tax collections totaled nearly $3.3 billion in September 2023. Although that is an increase of just over $199 million, or 6.4 percent over September 2022, the increase is due in large part to the reinstatement Motor Fuel Excise Tax. When the motor fuel tax revenues are excluded, along with related local sales tax distribution adjustment, the September 2023 net tax collections dropped by just under $98 million, or

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