B2B Stories

B2B Stories

Local financial expert says history shows rewards await the patient investor

It looks like some Baby Boomers might be hanging out in the job market a bit longer. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College estimates that retirement accounts collectively have lost more than $3 trillion since January – $1.4 trillion in 401(k)s and $2 trillion in IRAs. That has a lot of people near retirement age nervous about their future. “That is something that concerns retirees,” John Travis, a financial advisor with Richard Young Associates in Augusta, said. “That is a real fear.” So far this year, the index

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B2B Stories

New York investment firm provides major funding for Paine College

A local college can now stay afloat and has the potential to grow, thanks to a multimillion-dollar investment from a New York-based impact investment firm that supports small businesses in rural and underserved communities throughout the United States, including Georgia. Paine College, a historically black college located in downtown Augusta, received financing from Enhanced Capital Group’s impact fund in December 2021. For many years, Paine has struggled with financial problems. The college has used this funding to restructure its current debts and free up cash, according to the company’s Georgia

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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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