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B2B Stories

“Bad Asses” host National Summit in CSRA for the first time

On Tuesday, some of the leading experts on business start-ups and entrepreneurship will convene in downtown Augusta. The Startup Champions Network fall summit will get underway with an opening reception on November 4th and presentations beginning on November 5th. Between 150 and 200 are expected to attend the summit. Destination Augusta estimates an economic impact of nearly $167,000. This marks the first time Augusta has been selected to host the twice annual event. “If I’m allowed to say so, because we’re kind of badasses,” quipped Eric Parker, co-founder of Make

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Dana Lynn McIntyre October 31, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

BizBitz: Comings and Goings

Concept HR Its client base was acquired by Paychex. They’ve had hundreds of mostly payroll clients from all over the United States. Concept HR closed its modest Warrenville, SC, offices several weeks ago. ABD understands that most all of its employees have transitioned to other CSRA companies. Concept HR provided helpful HR information for its clients and ABD readers. Their info stands the test of time and can be found HERE. Happy 20th Anniversary! Happy #20 to the husband-and-wife team of Eddie and Carole Kennedy at Great Deals on Furniture

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Neil Gordon October 30, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Who can save my Social Security and yours!

I am rapidly approaching my “Full Retirement Age” (FRA) according to Social Security. While I plan on working a few more years at Augusta University, assuming my students, my bosses, and I all think I am still doing a good job, my retirement is not too far away, and Social Security is a key element of my retirement financial planning. Therefore, I have a vested interest in the long-term solvency and viability of Social Security benefits for “old age”/retirees. However, there is real concern about the future of such Social

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Dr. Rick Franza, AU Hull College of Business October 30, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Annual networking event wows attendees

Most every seat was filled for a business summit conference on Tuesday in Augusta. With the theme “The Power of You,” the conference brought together speakers presenting topics useful across all industries and career levels. “I’ve been very blessed to be able to travel around the country and do conferences and participate in conferences, and we just don’t really have anything like that here,” said Amy Richardson, President and CEO of Richardson Professional Solutions, who spearheaded the event. “Talking to other business owners, they may not have the means or

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Story by Dana Lynn McIntyre and Photos by Dana and Neil Gordon October 30, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Using AI to sell your product or service

Patrick Reynolds sat in the front row at an AI sales workshop for a few reasons. He was trained as an engineer, isn’t a natural salesperson, and is the CEO of Cross Link Consulting. He tries to educate his IT and Cyber clients on the latest trends. “Using AI for some sales functions is helpful for non-salespeople. It takes away the pain of coming up with messaging, and it’s helpful to have prompts,” he said at yesterday afternoon’s AI workshop at the Augusta Area Business Summit in the First Baptist

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Neil Gordon October 29, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Improvement projects underway at the airport

Motorists heading for Augusta Regional Airport notice the start of new development inside the airport property along the Doug Barnard Parkway fence line. Heavy equipment is being used to prepare for the construction of additional apron space and a new ramp. “You’re seeing a lot of dirt, that’s for sure,” Elizabeth Giles, Senior Construction Project Manager, told ABD. “We are doing the initial excavating and undercutting of dirt, because we do have to drop the elevation to build the new ramp and apron space. And the new ramp and apron

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Dana Lynn McIntyre October 29, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Giving back to a new class of young leaders

Applications are being accepted for two programs designed to help young professionals in the early days of their careers. The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce offers the programs. They are Young Women on the Way (YWOW) and Young Men on the Move (YMOM). “So, we’re talking about 22-year-olds to 30-year-olds, and this is an important part of starting their career,” David Jameson, interim President and CEO of the chamber, told ABD. “They will benefit from this mentorship-based program. It’s career-focused, and it’s built to help them be stronger earlier in

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Dana Lynn McIntyre October 28, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Simon Says: New Inflation Data

If you are concerned about higher prices impacting your quality of life, may I suggest an evening in sewing: sewing machines, fabric, and supplies are 6.4% cheaper than a year ago. Treat yourself to a bottle of wine (1.2% cheaper) and a pint of ice cream (0.7% cheaper). I have given a couple of community presentations recently and been asked the same question twice: Why does the inflation data not include prices of food and energy? In fact, the headline inflation figure does include food and energy, although the government

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe October 28, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Deadline nearing for Meta’s community grants

Aiken County is one of more than 20 U.S. locations eligible to apply for a community action grant from Meta. That is because the county will be home to one of the technology giant’s data centers. The grants provide funding for public schools, as well as nonprofit and community organizations. Laura Warren, Meta’s Community Development Regional Manager, told ABD the grants are just for schools and organizations in Aiken County that meet the criteria. “We’re a global company, but we operate hyper locally. We really like to support those communities

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Dana Lynn McIntyre October 27, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Dr. Thompson transcript: MBA Tours

In today’s edition of Dr. Thompson’s transcripts, he discussed a number of ways MBA tours are conducted on and off-campus. “If they’re interested in the MBA, we host a series of MBA information sessions that are done online. It’s an opportunity to connect with our MBA program director. Usually, we also have an MBA student that is part of that meeting. And so, you know, if you’re a prospective student and you’re thinking about the MBA, that’s a great first step. We always welcome you if you want a tour

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Dr. Mark Thompson, Dean of Hull College of Business October 27, 2025 No Comments
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