B2B Stories

B2B Stories

Mondays with Rick: Mentorship has benefits for everyone

  Dr. Rick Franza, Dean of the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, he talks about the benefits of mentors. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: In some of our past conversations, you’ve mentioned the idea of mentoring. How do you define that? Rick: Someone who mentors provides advice to navigate careers, to not make the same mistakes, to provide some to the experiences they’ve had. It’s kind of an advisory role. People try to

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B2B Stories

Corporation buys longtime Augusta-based HVAC business

When the temperature is 105 degrees and your house feels like the Sahara Desert, you need your air conditioning fixed right away. A local company that’s been repairing and replacing heating and air conditioning systems for 96 years is now under new ownership. Sig Cox Heating and Air Conditioning, which was founded in 1926 by Sigman Cox, has been sold to JSM Family Holdings Corp. for an undisclosed amount. The company’s president, Jeff Miller, will serve as CEO of Sig Cox. “As new owners, my wife, Suzi, and I see

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B2B Stories

Healthcare expansion in North Augusta is a boon for business

When companies are deciding where to locate, the main considerations focus on workforce development opportunities including affordable housing, cost of living, quality of schools – and healthcare. The recent addition of a new primary care facility and a soon-to-open freestanding emergency room to the North Augusta area should help check those boxes for prospective employers. The Aiken Physician Alliance opened its fourth location in Aiken County last month, at 336 Georgia Avenue in North Augusta, where a variety of basic services will be offered. “We recognized the need for primary

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B2B Stories

South Carolina MBA program to hold a networking event in Augusta

According to Libby Conkey, earning a Professional MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina has created many opportunities for networking and future career advancement. Conkey, a risk analyst for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, graduated from the program in 2021 after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2017. “I know having earned my MBA in the early stages of my career will only benefit me in the future as I strive to advance in

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B2B Stories

Thoughts from the General: Managing in the electronic world

In the 4th edition of the book Rules and Tools for Leaders, there is a chapter that describes the opportunities and challenges of the electronic workspace. Here are a few examples that may be helpful. Batching Batch your activities. Reserve one hour each morning and two hours each afternoon to focus totally on electronic and telephone interactions. Let your colleagues, clients, and friends know that you will be available electronically from 10 to 11 and from 3 to 5. Also, let them know that you will not be available electronically for the rest

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B2B Stories

Family-operated yard business is the hottest ticket in town

This time of year, with temperatures hovering near the 100-degree mark, The Yard Barber Land and Development Company may indeed be one of the hottest jobs in the CSRA. “Yes it’s very hot, but we try and stay hydrated and start our workday as early as possible,” said co-owner, Harvey Holloway. Holloway handles the fence building and installation part of the business, a skill he picked up after serving 20 years in the Air Force. His cousin, Carlos takes care of lawn maintenance, hedging, mulching, and tree removal. All those

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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Leisure and hospitality jobs sluggish, but hotels thrive

Boosted by the Masters Tournament, employment in the leisure and hospitality sector increased by 500 in April to stand at 27,000 in the Augusta Metropolitan Area. However, this was the lowest April total since 2014. Between 2014 and 2019, employment increased on average by 3,700 jobs between March and April. The bump the local labor market receives from the Masters Tournament in the pandemic era has clearly declined. Data from Smith Travel Research shows that hotel occupancy in Richmond County has held up well in the pandemic era. In April

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B2B Stories

Engineering firm with local office joins professional services network

A Southeastern engineering firm has formed a partnership with a major professional services company. Cranston Engineering Group, P.C., which has offices in Augusta, Charleston, and Hilton Head, provides many services, including civil and structural engineering and planning. Based in St. Louis, The HFW Companies invest in engineering firms like Cranston. “This partnership with HFW will give Cranston a new platform on which to strengthen our presence in the communities we serve across both Georgia and South Carolina while allowing us to forge ahead in growing the Cranston brand,” said company

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B2B Stories

Local program manager discusses supporting future female entrepreneurs

Female business professionals can’t always provide college scholarships, but they can provide support and mentor for the next generation of businesswomen, according to Revellee McNeil. “Women can provide their time and their presence,” McNeil said. “Make a phone call or meet for lunch.” McNeil, program manager for IntelliGenesis, LLC’s Augusta office, spoke about the importance of women helping women at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Program on Tuesday, June 21. Company President and CEO, Angie Lienert was originally scheduled to speak, but she was unable to

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