Financial/Investing

B2B Stories

20th Anniversary Celebration

20 years ago, Betty Kendra (in the center) and her husband Bob started the Kendra Financial Group while living in Florida. The year after, they continued their company in the CSRA. Years later, they hired an agent, James Clayton.  There are now six New York Life agents serving the CSRA, a 50% increase in a short period of time.  If you’re a networker, you’ve probably bumped into one of them at a local Chamber of Commerce meeting or community event. Recently, they celebrated with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting at

Read More »
B2B Stories

Four area banks sold to regional credit union

A credit union headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, is moving deeper into the Peach State—and the CSRA. Southern Financial Corporation announced that their branches in Sardis, Waynesboro, Hephzibah, and Gibson have met regulatory approvals to be sold to Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union. The transaction, which is anticipated to close on July 31, 2026, is subject to the fulfillment of customary closing conditions. This strategic sale includes four of the Company’s branches, along with the associated loans, deposits, and fixed assets.

Read More »
B2B Stories

Local banking legend part of big changes

Phil Wahl’s had just about every job in the financial space in his storied 40-year career at local and national banks in the CSRA. Next month, he’ll add a new title at Security Federal Bank. There are 19 full-service Security Federal locations on both sides of the Savannah River. Wahl’s been President for nearly seven years. Soon, he’ll also be Chief Executive Officer, joining the Board of Directors. Current CEO J. Chris Verenes will be retiring, but remains as Chairman and as a board member. Security Federal announced a few

Read More »
B2B Stories

Huge 4 story building going up on Washington Road

Early stages of the construction process are underway on what will be a 24,000 square foot location in the financial space. This project was about five years in the making. ABD was on the site of a future Queensborough National Bank & Trust at 4317 Washington Road near the intersection of North Belair Road by Slim Chickens restaurant. Crews are working on erosion, fencing, utility set-up, and soon clearing of dirt. “Q” is using local teams such as: Allen Batchelor Construction is the project contractor. Johnson, Laschober & Associates (JLA)

Read More »
B2B Stories

Former First Bank of Augusta gets sold again

The big reveal is coming sometime in June. Cadence Bank (formerly First Bank of Georgia) is becoming part of a larger financial institution. (Spoiler alert below) 160 year-old Huntington Bank will operate all of the Cadence Banks, including this one on Washington Road in front of West Town Shopping Center, one on Wheeler Road, and another on Wrightsboro Road, and one on Washington Road in Evans next to the Kroger Shopping Center. State Bank & Trust Co. acquired First Bank of Georgia in 2015. Cadence acquired State Bank & Trust

Read More »
B2B Stories

CSRA Credit Union reaches major milestone

The SRP Affinity Debit Card Program reached $3 million. Early next week, the credit union is going to celebrate. The card allows SRP members to support local schools simply by using their school-branded debit card for everyday purchases. Each swipe helps generate contributions to these 46 local schools. The program provides critical funding to support educational initiatives, student programs, and school resources. The celebration will be huge as representatives from the 46 schools are invited to include school leaders, school superintendents, and Board of Education members. It will be held

Read More »
B2B Stories

Are you a Boomerpreneur?

Having an idea, arranging funding, and the best ways to market are among the list of questions all budding CSRA business owners must consider. However, there is one question that is more important than any of those. Are you ready? The Nashville office of SCORE, the nationwide organization that provides mentorships for startups and small businesses, posted a video primer on how to answer that question. The first step is to determine your strengths and weaknesses, beginning with a solid work ethic. However, it is important to determine the impact

Read More »
B2B Stories

Final public hearing set for tomorrow on SPLOST 9

Economic development CSRA leaders think they can recruit one company for a new 1,150-acre area. It’s called the McCombs Mega-site. They need more infrastructure to make it happen—and need a positive vote in about one month. That’s when Richmond County voters will be asked to decide on the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) 9 project list in May. SPLOST 9 is a proposed one-cent sales tax, money targeted for specific capital improvement projects. If approved, it will replace SPLOST 8 when it expires. SPLOST 9 will raise an

Read More »
B2B Stories

Changes for South Carolina individual income taxes

New legislation designed to simplify the Palmetto State’s personal income tax structure while lowering the tax rate is official. Surrounded by members of the general assembly and other leaders, Gov. Henry McMaster (R) signed H.4216 into law on Wednesday. Beginning in this tax year, the measure changes the individual income tax system to a two-rate structure. Currently, there are three brackets. “Cutting the personal income tax in South Carolina has long been a top priority, and today we are continuing to deliver,” said McMaster during the ceremony. “This is another

Read More »
B2B Stories

Keeping your numbers up… to date

Profit and Loss Statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Projections. Understanding those documents can make or break a small business. However, some owners can find the amount of documents and numbers daunting. SCORE’s Piedmont office sponsored Small Business Financials 101, a webinar breaking down the types of financial documents and why each matters. Led by Earl Gregorich, the Marketing & Outreach Specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in Duncan, SC, who said keeping good financial records is vital for many reasons. “You got to file taxes, you got

Read More »