
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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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?

There are three key points to keep in mind. Let’s look at ABD’s October Conference and Expo where Cal Wray, president of Augusta’s Economic Development Authority, speaks about influencing factors on local business development.

A Texas-based company is searching for talent at our newly named Fort Eisenhower. Mike Petchenik tells us more in today’s BizBits.

The Foodees Food & Cultural Festival kicks off this afternoon at 1 p.m., making it the first event to take place at the Freedom Bridge in downtown Augusta. The bridge and part of Reynolds Street will be filled with more than 50 food trucks and tents showcasing the best of local and international cuisine including foods from Germany, Honduras, Japan, and Africa. “November is a good time of the year to generate new business like the addition of the Foodees Food & Cultural Festival,” said VP of Destination Development &