A Virginia company is expanding its footprint in the CSRA with $889 million to help an important mission in the CSRA. Mike Petchenik has the rest of the story in today’s Biz Bits.
The first step in adopting legislation to review Georgia’s catalog of tax credit incentive programs has passed the state senate. Senate Bill 366 is the outgrowth of a series of public hearings held across the state to determine the efficacy of the tax breaks currently offered. Titled “Tax Expenditures Transparency Act of 2024,” the measure passed the Georgia Senate unanimously. In presenting the measure, Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R-District 52), co-chairman of the Joint Tax Credit Review Panel, said it outlines a process to review the programs more regularly. Among the
Employment in the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area ended in 2023 pretty much where it started. In December, employment was 244,000, down just 100 jobs from December 2022 (see below). Mining, logging, and construction were the industry sectors that saw the largest increase in employment over the last calendar year, increasing by 5.8 percent, or about 1,000 jobs. Construction activity bodes well for 2024, as firms invest in new or expanded facilities and residential construction reflects consumer confidence. Leisure and hospitality also ended the year 3.5 percent higher, almost 1,000 jobs.
Augusta Technical College is accepting applications for summer camps to help develop skills in the science, technology engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. The 2024 Immersion Virtual & Augmented Reality (VARiETy) Summer Camps for middle and high school students will be held in June. The camp for middle school students can engage younger children in developing skills that show career paths they may want to pursue when preparing to enter the workforce. High school students have long been the focus of programs, like dual enrollment opportunities with universities and technical colleges,
Nothing happens overnight, not a music career, even when it’s the Godfather of Soul. Now that the money has been approved, the process to build the new JBA won’t magically happen overnight either. Mike Petchenik has the 411 in today’s Biz Bits.
Less than a month ago, Red Door Sake Bar & Kitchen opened with the tagline, “Little Restaurant, Big Asian flavor.” The partners behind the business are familiar restaurateurs in the CSRA, including Alexandrea Kneece, Dumpster Depot founder, Norman Dunagan, and Chef Chad Jajczyk. Their other establishments include Whiskey Alley and The Tap Room in Aiken, and the Draft Society in Augusta. The partners talked about growing together, thus, the new Asian restaurant opened on January 12. “Our Executive Chef, Chad is the reason we settled on the Asian flavored food.
The Realtors of Greater Augusta now includes North Augusta in its physical location. The group opened a satellite location at 510 W. Martintown Road. The NA Chamber cut the ribbon at the office last Thursday. “We are delighted to open our doors in North Augusta, furthering our mission to empower and support realtors in South Carolina,” said Regina Wadsworth, RGA President. “This expansion represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing unparalleled resources and services to our real estate professionals. “ The new North Augusta office will provide
Is another hockey team lacing up the skates in Augusta? A man who dreamed about sports as a young boy will share his opinion and the importance of entrepreneurship to Columbia County later this week. Andy Kaufmann, CEO of Zawyer Sports, is the guest speaker at the Feb. 8 Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s 19th Annual Banquet. Among his holdings are East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) teams, the Jacksonville Icemen, and the Savannah Ghost Pirates. Kaufmann spoke with ABD about his path that started with a childhood dream and now
Last week in North Georgia, Destination Augusta took home two awards at the annual tourism convention. Many members were on hand to take home The Bill Hardman Sr. Tourism Champion Award for Product Development, for the concept, funding support, launch, and delivery of the Authentic Augusta Experience collection. “During the development of the Authentic Augusta Experience Collection, Destination Augusta worked with 10 partners through a year-long development process. Partners were equipped with tools for ideation, creation, scripting, and delivery of these novel experiences. Each experience engages all five senses—taste, touch,
Out with the old furniture and in with the new. ABD’s Mike Petchenik shows us how a new concept store is moving into an existing furniture building in the CSRA.
