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B2B Stories
B2B Stories

Streamlining homeownership and property management

Publisher’s Note: Venture Labs Aiken is a collaboration among the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Make Startups, based in theClubhou.se at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, and the South Carolina Research Authority. This is part of the Aiken Innovation Corridor, which the chamber announced in August 2025. $500,000 in seed money is being divided amongst several entrepreneurs. This is Part One of a Seven-Part Series. Home ownership can often feel overwhelming, trying to keep up with maintenance to do, what has been done, and inspections of vital systems. One

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Dana Lynn McIntyre/Part One of Seven July 20, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Big updates with local financial institutions

For years, CSRA  cable customers came to the first floor of the Comcast building off of Riverwatch Parkway, while key employees occupied upstairs suites. Soon, Queensborough National Bank & Trust will be repurposing the building for its use. “Q” and its contractors will be busy building out this facility and another in Evans. This purchased building at 405 Topgolf Way in Augusta is nearly 40,000 square feet and considered a Class A office property. Once complete, the facility will serve as an operations center to provide more workspace to support

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Neil Gordon July 20, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Endowment started by Aiken firm

It was time to give back and honor the Crane roots by using a practice taught to their clients. Jason and Martha Crane are part owners of Crane & Owen Financial Solutions, a financial advisory practice at Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. The Cranes established a $10,000 scholarship for business students at Truett McConnell, with plans to increase the endowment in the future. Jason’s grandfather, mother, and other family members graduated from the faith-based college in North Georgia, and he wanted to honor their legacy. “We are proud to do our

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Neil Gordon July 16, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Part Two: 2026 Predictions: Mid-Year Assessment and Prognosis

Publisher’s Note: Last week, Dr. Franza reviewed part of his 2026 economic predictions HERE.  Part One focused on the U.S. Economy, Financial Markets, and the Federal Reserve. Below is Part Two, focused on our Business Environment in the CSRA, including workforce enhancements and skillsets. Dr. Franza also delved into state government and politics and the impact on our finances. Business Environment Prediction #7: Workplaces will see an accelerated AI integration.   Assessment: Clearly happening. 78% of businesses use or explore AI, with about 58% of employees using it regularly. 50-60% of

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Dr. Rick Franza, Professor, AU Hull College of Business July 16, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Washington Road retailer moves up the road

A Washington Road business wants to be the top dog in the pawn and gun space in the CSRA by moving into a larger location. Top Dog Pawn and Top Dog Tactical just moved from its location on the 3100 block of Washington Road near Shartom Drive to the former home of Watanut on the 3300 block of Washington Road. ABD first told you in late 2025 that Watanut moved its headquarters to Florida and continues to sell through retailers in Augusta and online. A manager from Top Dog Pawn

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Neil Gordon July 15, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

416 apartment homes change hands in the CSRA

A company owned by billionaire Warren Buffett brokered a deal to transfer two garden-style properties in Augusta to a new buyer. Berkadia, a joint venture involving Berkshire Hathaway and Jefferies Financial Group, put together the deal. “The seller maintained both properties to a very high standard, which will allow the buyer to execute their business plan efficiently,” said Riley. “This portfolio was very well located and had fantastic curb appeal. It was a pleasure working with both parties.”  Stevens Creek Commons, located at 100 Bon Air Drive, comprises 256 units

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Neil Gordon July 14, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Simon Says: Mixed Economy

Inflation went up nearly 4% in the latest Economic Index report. There are some positive highlights as well. The Augusta Leading Economic Index (LEI) increased 0.3 percent in May and is 0.1 percent higher than in May 2025. It has been a while since I updated the Augusta LEI because the Bureau of Labor Statistics has stopped publishing monthly job openings for states. Instead, the only monthly data on job openings is for the South census region, a geographic area stretching from Maryland and Delaware to Texas and Oklahoma. This

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Hull College of Business Economics Professor July 14, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Military Monday: Understanding Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Marriage Alone Does Not Guarantee Benefits One of the most common misunderstandings among surviving spouses in the CSRA is the belief that simply being married to a Veteran or Servicemember automatically entitles them to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Unfortunately, that is not always the case. What is DIC? Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monthly benefit paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible surviving spouses, children, and sometimes parents of Servicemembers or Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected condition or who met certain

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Africa Thomas, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CME, CCM, T.A.G. IT Healthcare Solutions™ July 13, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Why are RAM and SSD prices so high?

The buzz is that AI data centers are pulling memory and storage production issues. The effect is supply of parts and systems is jacking up hardware prices.   Today, Corsica Technologies suggests what CSRA companies can do to source hardware while protecting their budgets.  Why Are RAM and SSD Prices So High? Takeaways for Hardware Budgets. 

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Garrett Wiesenberg July 10, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

New arena begins to tower over 7th Street

The size of the new arena is taking shape off Telfair Street between 7th Street and 8th Street and completely changes the skyline. The new arena will be ten stories high, twice the height of the original James Brown Arena. It will be the length of three football fields and seat 10,500, substantially more than the old 7,000-seat capacity. “It’s going up fast. They’re doing a great job,” Brad Usry, chairman of the arena construction subcommittee of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority, told ABD. “We got 150 people working every

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Dana Lynn McIntyre July 9, 2026 No Comments
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