B2B Stories

B2B Stories

Simon Says: Mixed news for Augusta labor market

Over the first six months of the year, ten Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) in Georgia saw improving labor market conditions and four declining conditions as measured by the Labor Market Index (LMI). By contrast, the best-performing labor markets were Dalton, Columbus, and Rome. The worst-performing metro area was Warner Robins. The Augusta MSA grew by 0.2 percent, slightly below the state average of 0.5 percent. In Augusta, employment fell slightly, and unemployment increased between December 2022 and June 2023. However, the labor force and average weekly earnings increased. Hours worked

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B2B Podcasting

Make StartUps group has Washington’s ear

One of the biggest challenges for any entrepreneur is funding. Congressman Rick Allen is in a position to help as he serves on the House Committee for Education and the Workforce. Mike Petchenik has the scoop in today’s Biz Bits.

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B2B Stories

CSRA roadside café set to close

On the edge of Aiken County, almost close enough to throw a rock to the Barnwell County line, Almost There Café opened for business last fall. Owner, Dawn Redmon and her cooks served up good ole Southern fare fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread, and a variety of other dishes that soon became favorites. The building at 245 White Pond Road in Williston had been a donut shop, a chicken joint, and a mercantile over the years. It wasn’t a big place, but locals seemed to love the food.

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B2B Stories

Mondays with Rick: Beyond being the boss, what makes a good leader?

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 examines the characteristics of a good leader. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: What is the difference between being a boss, or manager, and being a leader? Rick: A leader earns authority whereas a boss is ordained authority – but that doesn’t make someone a good leader. The difference between a manager and a leader is that you manage things

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B2B Stories

The impact of lifelong learning

Editor’s note: I’ve interviewed several of the CSRA’s brightest business leaders over the past couple of years, including Darin Myers and Kurt Mueller. Both have stated the importance of learning and further, learning something new every day. At a time when we are facing the largest segment of an aging population, their advice is relevant. Ida Crawford Stewart, a South Carolina native who grew up in Clinton, SC., served as the Vice President for Estee Lauder Cosmetic Company, died in March, she was 100 years old. She was more than

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B2B Podcasting

How do you spell economic impact?

AU. The university is a major player in the health of the economy in Augusta and across the state. Mike Petchenik explains in today’s Biz Bits.

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B2B Stories

Local toy store celebrates first anniversary

When her daughter was two years old, Aubrey Hinkson came up with the idea to open a toy store that offers personalized service, and last summer, she made a major career change and opened that type of store to serve the CSRA. On Thursday, Hinkson, owner of Orange Otter Toy Store located at 336 Georgia Ave., Suite 105 in North Augusta, celebrated the business’s first anniversary with a ribbon cutting by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. “We made it a year, and it’s been so much fun,” she said.

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B2B Podcasting

It’s a match!

North Augusta’s Chamber of Commerce recently shared a few habits employers might want to embrace when it comes to younger employees. Mike Petchenik explains in today’s edition of Biz Bits.

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B2B Stories

Sponsored Content: Hyatt Insurance has big week planned!

Publisher’s Note: If you see a millennial man running around the concourse at SRP Park Thursday, Aug. 24, or Friday, Aug. 25—it could be a beer vendor…but most likely it’s Kevin Hyatt of Hyatt Agency, LLC. If you can—try and catch him—and a quote. This GreenJackets strategic partner can save you money. Here’s a business profile on what makes “Kevin go”! The Hyatt Agency www.thehyattagencyllc.com 706-343-8033 Call for a FREE quote today! Kevin Hyatt’s goal is simple: treat customers the way he’d want to be treated. The “Golden Rule” is

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B2B Stories

Local business owner brings a simple touch to house cleaning

Many people dread cleaning their own homes, let alone doing it for others, but that’s not the case for Dejah Brown. Brown just launched Simple Touch Cleaning Services, LLC, a CSRA company that specializes in cleaning homes and Airbnb rentals. “For the past couple of years, I worked for different cleaning companies, and I found it’s something I actually enjoy doing,” she said. “I like seeing the transformation and knowing I’ve helped someone.” Brown said there’s no shortage of residential cleaning businesses in the Augusta area, so it’s important for

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