B2B Stories

B2B Stories

Simon Says: Cultural differences may impact the economy

There is a perception that cultural differences between different groups in society are growing larger. Rich and poor, black and white, male and female, conservative and liberal, and more or less educated have different attitudes, consumer behavior, media diet, time use, and give their newborns different names. However, a new paper by Marianne Bertrand and Emir Kamenica finds little support for this perception. Across the five groups and five cultural components, they find little change over time in 21 categories. That is not to say that people of different income

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Child Enrichment to receive grant support and leadership training from Bank of America

Bank of America has announced Child Enrichment as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion awardee for their work advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods in Augusta. Through this multi-year grant funding and leadership training for the nonprofit’s leadership, programs, and services addressing child abuse and neglect will be able to help more children and families. The program will provide leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability, and storytelling and a $50,000 grant over two years. Child Enrichment provides a

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Apprenticeship training program at Augusta Tech gets financial boost

Augusta Technical College is receiving a $264,000 grant from the state of Georgia’s Office of Workforce Development. The funds are through the office’s “Apprenticeships for Economic Recovery Grant,” also called the “Apprenticeship Grant.” It provides funding for eligible Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) across the state. The goal is to support post-pandemic economic recovery. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) has accepted the role of apprenticeship sponsor. “The SRS apprenticeship School is excited to expand our existing technical school partnerships to include Augusta Technical College,” stated Dr. Dorian G. Newton, Deputy Director

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B2B Podcasting

CSRA ripple effects of economic development

When international companies or corporate expansions come to Augusta, it benefits the entire CSRA. Cal Wray explains the ripple effect during the recent ABD Business EXPO panel discussion.

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Banner month predicted for economic impact in Augusta’s River Region

More than 6 million dollars are expected to flow into the Augusta area in November. Destination Augusta and the Augusta Sports Council say visitors attending meetings, reunions, events, and sporting events in Augusta’s River Region will generate at least $6,259,939 in total estimated economic impact (EEI) in November 2023. Both organizations agree that recruiting and hosting these various activities play a critical role in sustaining the nearly 27,000 jobs that are part of the Leisure and Hospitality Industry, the fourth largest employment sector in the metro area. Total EEI is

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Final push is on for the new JBA funding vote

Representatives from big businesses, small business owners, and economic development experts filled Augusta & Co. on Broad Street with a common goal: Support the Nov. 7 vote to pay for a new James Brown arena. A Nov. 3 news conference coordinated by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce brought together leaders of The Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA, Augusta Sports Council, Augusta Tomorrow, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and Destination Augusta. Dennis Trotter of Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate and current chairman of the Augusta Chamber, said approving the referendum

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Mondays with Rick: Not making payments on time sends a negative message to employees and vendors

Dr. Rick Franza, Professor of Management at the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, he talks about the importance of timely payment to vendors and employees. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: A struggle that small businesses sometimes face is paying their bills on time. Why is it important to make those payments in a timely manner, especially when it involves employees, contractors, and vendors? Rick: If you don’t pay on time, it sends a

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B2B Podcasting

Getting ahead in Columbia County

Workforce development, tort reform, and salary increases are on the table for legislators working on behalf of Columbia County. Mike Petchenik has the latest in today’s Biz Bits.

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Repurposing of shopping center to include hardware and pickleball

Demolition and clearing continue this week inside the 50,000-square-foot former home of Bi-Lo and Final Cut in the shopping center at 500 Furys Ferry Road in Martinez. Once the remodeling is complete, the right side of the vacant building will feature Furys Ferry Hardware, a deal we reported a few months back. Co-owners of the tool and gardening center will be a local alternative to Lowe’s and Home Depot. The plan is for them to open their nearly 20,000-square-foot facility in early spring, in advance of the 2024 Masters Golf

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Columbia County Chamber gears up for the 2024 Georgia legislative session

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce lists workforce training and tort reform among its legislative priorities for the upcoming session. The chamber held its annual pre-legislative session breakfast on Nov. 2, hosting members of the local delegation and business leaders. “It’s an opportunity for us to educate our delegates on what our priorities are,” said chamber president and CEO, Russell Lahodny. “And it’s also an opportunity to hear from them and what are the things that they’re seeing? What are the things that they’re going to be focusing on in 2024?

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