B2B Stories

B2B Stories

Addressing Augusta’s quality of life and economic health

Augusta is one of five cities chosen for a program focused on neighborhood housing conditions. The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH), offered through the state’s Department of Community Affairs, will provide training and technical assistance. Hawthorne Welcher, Jr., Director of Augusta-Richmond County Housing and Development told ABD his department will work with the Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia (UGA) to create a housing plan. “One of the things that I would like to see as we go through this process is that the technical assistance is

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B2B Stories

Veteran wins big at Fort Eisenhower PX

Retired Staff Sgt. James Mabry uses his MILITARY STAR® card whenever he shops at the Fort Eisenhower Exchange because he likes earning rewards points on his purchases. A swipe of the card late last year led to an entirely different reward: having his entire card balance paid off. Mabry was randomly selected as one of five grand prize winners in the 10th Annual MILITARY STAR Your Holiday Bill Is on Us sweepstakes. He was presented with a mock check representing his $8,122.50 balance—now paid in full—during a celebration at the Fort Eisenhower

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B2B Stories

Multi-million dollar hiring plan

One of the Augusta area’s largest employers is hanging out the “Help Wanted” sign. Augusta University’s targeted student enrollment growth means the university itself needs to grow. Just over $6 million will be allocated for the immediate addition of 43 new faculty, 24 new full-time staff, two temporary positions, and 42 new student-worker positions. A portion will be used to add infrastructure supporting the new hires. The university needs additional faculty and staff after notching a student enrollment of 10,546 for fall 2023. That is a 7.5% increase over fall

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B2B Podcasting

Double-digit losses during pandemic

Covid didn’t play fair with any business, but some were hurt more than others. African American-owned and Hispanic-owned businesses suffered the most. Mike Petchenik has more in today’s Biz Bits.

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B2B Stories

Major retailer coming to North Augusta

A former grocery store in North Augusta will become a third location in the Aiken-Augusta area for a major national retail business. Hobby Lobby has signed a lease to move into the former BI-LO on Edgefield Road. It is in the Edgewood Square Shopping Center at 101 Edgewood Drive. BI-LO closed the store in 2019. The space briefly was home to the OTB Bargain Outlet. The location is halfway between at least five grocery stores on Edgefield Road from Walnut Lane to E. Martintown Road, making finding a new tenant

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B2B Stories

Asking the key questions to make your organization better

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a retreat for the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) Foundation, which I am honored to serve on its Board. While there were many highlights to the retreat, one that really stood out to me was a presentation and discussion led by Dr. Mike Comer, President of The Hayes Group. The Hayes Group is a consulting firm that specializes in organizational and individual development, including working with boards and providing executive coaching. Dr. Comer’s time with us included a discussion about what

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B2B Podcasting

Same services, different name

Alison South is carving a new path for their agency under the Osla brand. The rebranding expands their marketing footprint and promises a fresh collaboration with clients. Mike Petchenik has more in today’s Biz Bits.

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B2B Podcasting

Video tour of new downtown business incubator

The former home of the Augusta Metro Chamber is being repurposed for the future. The project, a partnership between Augusta Tech and Augusta’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA), will be called Accelerate Augusta and will serve as a shared space location for entrepreneurs and small business start-ups.

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B2B Stories

Acquisition moves local real estate firm into Top 10 in U.S.

Auben Realty, a full-service real estate investment brokerage based in Augusta, has acquired Voepel Property Management and Canopy Road Real Estate, renowned local experts in investment brokerage and comprehensive property management services based in Kansas City, MO. This strategic combination represents a significant step forward for both companies, combining their strengths to create an even more formidable presence in the real estate market nationwide. Auben Realty and Voepel Property Management share a common vision for providing property management solutions and fostering positive growth within the industry. The combination will leverage

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B2B Stories

Familiar face in the CSRA becomes first dean of UGA medical school

The current Dean of Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, Dr. Shelley Nuss, will be the first dean to lead the University of Georgia School of Medicine. “There is no one better equipped to lead this important initiative than Dr. Shelley Nuss, with her exemplary, widely recognized leadership in medical education,” UGA President, Jere Morehead is quoted in the news release. “I look forward to working with her as we seek LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education) accreditation and build an outstanding medical school in the coming years.” This fulfills

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