Fri, April 03, 2026

Facebook-f Youtube Instagram
Newsletter Sign up
Show Support
Menu

B2B Stories
B2B Stories

Make it 12 in a row for business success

On the heels of the $800 million impact of Aurubis and other recent CSRA business expansions comes word of yet another recognition. Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), has announced that the state has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business by Area Development magazine for the 12th year in a row, marking an unmatched record of success and consistency in economic development. “For 12 straight years, site selectors who decide where companies invest have voted Georgia as the ‘Top State for Business’

Read More »
Staff Report September 25, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Up and running at Aurubis

An $800 million plant in the Augusta Corporate Park that employs more than 200 people is now fully operational. Aurubis Richmond, LLC held a ceremony to mark its “first melt,” the process of refining scrap metals for new uses. “We’re talking about a broad variety of recycling materials that are typically end-of-life or production scrap. We’re talking about electronic scrap, printed circuit boards, metal shredders,” David Schultheis, President and Managing Director of the plant, told ABD. “Our main products here are blister copper and then a lot of other metals,

Read More »
Dana Lynn McIntyre September 25, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

FREE training to meet demand in telecom industry

Skilled, certified tower technicians are critical in supporting the telecommunications industry. As 5G, broadband, and fiber projects expand and increase, so does the need for this workforce. “These projects allow employment for skilled tower technicians to build, upgrade, and maintain cell towers, antennas, and related equipment,” said Aiken Technical College Director of Continuing Education Athena Freeman. “The current pool of trained tower technicians is small and does not meet the demand.” To help address this workforce need, Aiken Tech is offering a certified tower technician course from October 13-25. The

Read More »
Staff Report September 24, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Young men’s problem? National service programs might solve it

As you found out in this space three weeks ago, I am a fan of radio and television commentator, Michael Smerconish. While my wife and I are not regular viewers of CNN, Smerconish’s Saturday morning show at 9 am on CNN has become appointment viewing for us. As I noted in my previous column, in addition to his centrist perspective, we are attracted to his “Daily Poll” because it typically addresses a timely and relevant topic in a very interesting manner. On this past Saturday’s show, Smerconish’s poll question was:

Read More »
Dr. Rick Franza September 24, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Progress but work remains one year later

Damaged buildings, thousands of trees lost, and a $6 million cleanup faced Augusta University one year ago. Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the CSRA as a full-strength hurricane, something the region had never experienced. The one-year anniversary is this Saturday. There are still areas of destruction and scars marking where trees and buildings once stood, but there are also signs of recovery. At the Summerville campus of Augusta University (AU), damaged roofs and facades have been repaired, but the decorative ironwork at the main entrance off of Walton Way is

Read More »
Dana Lynn McIntyre September 24, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Simon Says: Signs Augusta’s Economy is Weakening

4 of the 5 key indicators of the CSRA’s economy are not where they should be. Hence, the Augusta Leading Economic Index (LEI) fell 0.6 percent in July from June. It remains 0.3 percent higher than July 2024. Of the five components in the LEI, only the Dow Jones Industrial Average improved. The two indicators of future labor market vitality declined. Initial claims for unemployment insurance increased by 20 percent, and job openings fell by 4.3 percent. We have already seen a weakening of the local labor market in recent

Read More »
Dr. Simon Medcalfe September 23, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Getting a peek inside Accelerate Augusta

Hurry over to Accelerate Augusta if you want to get an early look at how it can help your business. Accelerate Augusta Powered by SRPFCU (SRP Federal Credit Union) is having a series of workshops through September as a “soft opening” leading up to the official opening on October 10th. The downtown business incubator is a partnership between Augusta Technical College and the Downtown Development Authority. “We’re doing this to give an overall view of who we are and to actually get some traction for our grand opening, Executive Director

Read More »
Dana Lynn McIntyre September 23, 2025 No Comments
B2B Podcasting

From Layoffs to Leadership: Erik Smith’s Faith Journey with Chick-fil-A

From time to time, ABD spots something we think is “must-see.” CSRA business owners, Robert Kelly from Augusta Staffing and Job Shop and Phillip Stanley from Brightworx Productions regularly host “Glory Stories” podcasts. Please be inspired by the humble beginnings of an owner/operator of a local Chick-fil-A restaurant, whose faith led the way to new heights.

Read More »
Glory Stories: Erik Smith, Chick-fil-A September 23, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Business Education: New opportunities available

The Hull College of Business is trying to make sure that students have a chance to take coursework and start to learn how to run a business. Its Dean, Mark Thompson explains more: “One of the things that Hull College has done and continues to look to do is to create dual degree options. We do this with our professional students, where we have medical school students, we have dental school students that are pursuing their MD and DMD while also pursuing an MBA. So that’s one of our sets

Read More »
Neil Gordon September 22, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Up close with Augusta’s First Ladies

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s September Women in Business event turned the spotlight on three of the women whose husbands lead the community. Toni Seals-Johnson, wife of Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson, and Karen Keen, wife of Augusta University President Dr. Russell Keen, joined Charlene McCorn, married to Paine College President Dr. Lester McCorn, for a panel discussion on balancing their responsibilities with their personal lives. The women came from different fields in their own careers. Seals-Johnson was in tourism, then she started Augusta Office Solutions with her husband. Keen

Read More »
Dana Lynn McIntyre September 19, 2025 No Comments
Load More