Sometimes, perhaps through no fault of your own, your business hits rock bottom. What’s next? You have nowhere to go but up. That’s when you are on a roll. In Stephanie Stuckey’s case, it’s a pecan log roll.
After taking a three-week hiatus, I thought I would “come out swinging” with a column on a controversial, yet critically important topic: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or DEI. While the term DEI is a relatively new one, it has its roots in the civil rights movement in the 1960’s. While its origins are primarily race-related, over time, DEI addressed a number of identities, such as gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity, along with race. Early on, DEI was primarily informed by affirmative action and other equal employment legislation, but DEI programming
Every business, whether a startup or a few months in, has it. It’s that moment when you know what is going to stick and take you to the next level. Stephanie Stuckey shared hers with the crowd at the ABD Inspire 2024 Conference recently. We hope this inspires you to pecan log “roll” with the punches.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have reported that Augusta employment has surpassed pre-COVID levels, but the overall labor market is still suffering from long COVID. What about other areas of the state of Georgia? Employment in Georgia stands over a quarter of a million jobs higher in March 2024 than it did in February 2020. Three metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) generated over three-quarters of the job growth, Atlanta, Savannah, and Gainesville. Atlanta itself accounted for two-thirds of the job growth indicating the role the capital city pays in
Aiken is now home to an establishment that offers Latin jazz, flamenco performances, tasty dishes, cocktails, and premium cigars. Rhumba Rum and Cigar Lounge opened at 321 Richland West in Aiken, the former location of Antique Emporium which closed last year. Rhumba held a soft opening in April and a grand opening on May 9. Born in Cuba, Rhumba owner, Elier Alberto lived in Miami for 22 years working in nightclubs that served up Latin cuisine, Latin jazz, and fine cigars. Miami is known for its thriving nightlife and sandy
Elected and business leaders from across metro Augusta recently celebrated the completion of the terminal building expansion at Augusta Regional Airport. The project includes reconfiguring Gates 3 and 4 which adds about 2,000 square feet of usable space to the east end of the terminal. Herbert Judon, Jr., Executive Director of the airport, said, although the amount of additional space is relatively small, it is very valuable and marks an important jump forward for the airport. “When the building was built back in 2008, the airline fleets were a little
When someone wants to start their own business, the first step is the idea. The next step is often “Now what?” The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Third Thursday session set out to answer that question. Called “From Concept to Conquest,” it brought together three experts. Michael Newton with Make Start Ups at theClubhou.se, Andrew Garnett from the Greater Aiken Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), and Shelby Carl, representing the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) each shared their expertise. As his organization’s name
Great news on the manufacturing front in both Augusta and Aiken. Mike Petchenik has more in this week’s Biz Bits.
Stephanie Stuckey’s turnaround in the family brand is nothing short of remarkable. Recently, she told our ABD’s Inspire 24 audience how it almost didn’t happen after reaching her lowest moment.
Sometimes, business dreams are worth waiting for. When Andrew Phifer, an engineer, and his wife, Rachel, an accountant, found themselves more apart than together because of their jobs, they started thinking of what they could do together that both would enjoy. With inspiration from their own “good girl” Kate the rescue dog, the idea for Good Girl Brewing Company was born. In 2021, they found the perfect spot at 880 Banks Mill Road in Aiken, next door to Citizens Park and the former location of Found Treasures, an antique and
