Financial/Investing

What is the most pressing problem economists today should be addressing? Over the last five years the CORE (Curriculum Open-access Resources in Economics) Project has been asking this question to new economics students at universities throughout the world. Students can only respond in one word or term and the answers are represented in the word cloud below (and located on the CORE Project website https://www.core-econ.org/economic-impact-of-virus-puts-covid-19-near-top-of-students-concerns) Larger words represent more students identifying that problem as the major concern. The biggest problem as identified by new economics students is inequality. But it

Editor’s Note: I remember in the late 1980’s when I managed telephone sales offices for USA TODAY and the Studio Arena Theater in Western New York, I always had “carrots” ready for the troops, first sale wins $20 etc. It was a “smile and dial”. The term “culture” wasn’t a thing then! Fast forward to 2010 or so when I hired salespeople for “Buzz on Biz”, commissions were appreciated, but the culture was really the most important thing. Did my folks believe in our mission? Did they like coming to

Many small business owners are experts on their products and services, but they often need additional help actually running their businesses. A local business consulting and grant company wants to provide the help these businesses need to succeed. Gateway Business Services, located in Augusta, offers business consulting and coaching for small businesses. They will be presenting a five-day webinar series covering fundamental business topics, which will be held Monday, Sept. 13 through Friday, Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day. The topics will be strategic planning, budgeting

Confession: One of my biggest pet peeves is being late. I recently participated in an icebreaker with a leadership group, and my fun fact was my disdain for tardiness. When explaining my reason, I told my group, “Every second you live, you are closer to dying, and you never know when that moment will come. So, just don’t waste time.” Extreme, I know. We laughed collectively about my rigidness, and now my leadership group jokes to not be late or “you know who” will get mad. Although I know it

Editor’s Note: I was in a business networking meeting recently in Augusta when the subject of time management came up. An owner of a service company mentioned that his technicians and his clients ALL ask for him when they have an issue! It was suggested that he consider blocking out a few hours with the door shut to plan, think and work “on the business” instead of “in the business”. Is that you? It’s too bad there are only 24 hours in a day. Think what you could get accomplished

Editor’s Note: The CSRA is littered with driven people who have turned a “hobby” or “passion” into a business, especially when there is a need. This week, Arissa Kirk of Healthy Hangout and Amber Connor of Sinless Sweets are opening their own storefronts in Evans after seeing the health effects of their products on friends, family, customers and themselves. They have inspiration in Bethany Roley of Fierce Fitness and Vibe Yoga and Fitness—who turned her passion into a successful pair of businesses. At age 45, she is still going strong

A Georgia bank with many ties to Richmond and Columbia County, recently received the best possible rating in a federal government report. Queensborough National Bank, which has more than 25 branches throughout the state, was rated “Outstanding” by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in its Community Reinvestment Act report for the period of Jan. 1, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2020. This rating was based on the bank’s practice of “meeting the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound

I think Darin is talking to me with his latest article. I am in the camp of those who were going to stop procrastinating, but I put it off! If I don’t multi-task with a phone in one hand, a person in front of me and my computer up—it’s a slow day. Yes, I need to better take care of myself too. I haven’t played tennis with the guys at Petersburg Racquet Club in many months! Uggh. I better start reading. Enjoy—this maybe aimed at you, too! Even the most