B2B Stories

B2B Stories

Fall in Augusta means art, music, and money

For more than 40 years, Arts in the Heart of Augusta (AITH) has had a growing impact on the local economy. This year, it is closing in on $2 million. Destination Augusta estimates AITH draws approximately 100,000 to Augusta, and the impact has grown exponentially. The 2023 AITH brought in $1,739,000. That grew to $1,849,000 in 2024. The tourism experts are predicting that this year could be bigger, with an estimated $1,872,000 impact. “Our hotels are full; our rental car agencies are full. We employ for the festival, a lot

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B2B Stories

The Fed again: The players, the game, and you

It was only two weeks ago in this space that I commented on the Federal Reserve’s symposium in Jackson Hole and what it might mean for interest rates and the U.S. economy. So, you might be surprised that I am addressing the Fed again so soon, especially since I am not an economist, finance expert, or banker. However, since there is so much happening with the Fed that will likely impact us as business people, consumers, and investors, I thought it might be helpful to summarize what is going on

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B2B Stories

$500,000+ cybersecurity conference returns next month

Hurricane Helene wiped it out last year, but BSides Augusta is back on track for October and should secure a strong punch to the CSRA economy. Figures provided by Destination Augusta show the impact BSides has on the local economy. In 2023, the conference pumped more than $500,000 into the local economy. The cancellation in 2024 meant a loss of just over $555,000. Early predictions for this year say the event will mean more than $522,000, with final figures tallied after the conference. BSides is a cybersecurity conference for practitioners

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B2B Stories

$how them the money!

Financial education has been linked to lower debt levels, higher savings, and higher credit scores as children mature into adulthood. That’s why Security Federal Bank (SFB) is helping young children learn the importance of saving. The bank is rolling out the next generation of its longtime program, formerly called the Looney Tunes Kids account. $uper $avings is the new branding and features the $uper $avings Bunny. “Our youth savings program has helped generations of local kids start strong with smart saving habits,” said Phil Wahl, President at SFB, in announcing

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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Augusta Labor Market is improving

The Augusta Labor Market Index remained unchanged in July from June. It is 1.0 percent higher than a year ago. As previously reported in this column, employment fell in July, but other measures of labor market activity remained strong. Average weekly earnings rose by 2.6 percent ($30.70) over the month, and average weekly hours worked increased by 36 minutes. The unemployment rate remained at 4.2% and the labor force fell by just 0.1 percent. Since the beginning of the year, the Augusta LMI has increased by 0.5 percent, faster than

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B2B Stories

Hull College of Business: The importance of soft skills

Training comes in different forms— very hands-on in the manufacturing world—high tech in the Cyber world, etc. What about the presentation part of getting the job? Today, Dr. Mark Thompson, Dean of AU’s School of Business, explains new developments in helping prepare students for the real world. ABD: Mark, how are you retooling your academic center to get the students ready for their careers? MARK: So, the Business School has a Career and Academic Planning Center, and historically, it has served our students by providing one-on-one advising, one-on-one in terms

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B2B Stories

Rebranding for an Augusta charter company

A local company that offers private charter jet service has unveiled a new look. Bravo Air, based at Augusta Regional Airport (AGS), revealed the rebranding in mid-August. Co-owner and CEO Pamela Davison said the change was the outcome of a period of restructuring and a new management team. “As we did that, we realized we were developing a brand new identity, and we were creating something amazing, and it was very different than what we originally had,” she said. “We decided we didn’t want to change the name, but we

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B2B Stories

EXCLUSIVE: Airport leader reacts to “deep negotiations” with prospective airline

A curious removal on the Tuesday, September 2nd agenda at the Augusta Richmond County Commission meeting is shedding light on efforts to bring a 3rd airline to the Augusta Regional Airport. ABD received a copy of the agenda, which read in part: “Currently, AGS staff are in advanced negotiations with a prospective airline,” read the agenda item. “If this comes to fruition, the prospective airline will provide direct service to/from Augusta to two new markets with the possibility of additional future routes. Following a Wednesday, September 3rd meeting of an

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B2B Stories

Meeting the need for career development

The Hull College of Business has created a successful strategy for meeting the needs of a growing workforce. The school has focused on the development of one-on-one advice through internships with area employers. The major benefit is honing professional development skills. Please click to watch this short clip ahead.

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B2B Stories

EXCLUSIVE: Upgrades underway on security checkpoints at the airport

Construction is underway on improvements at Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) that will help passengers get through security more quickly. The work is the terminal checkpoint modernization project. It will change the existing two-lane Transportation Security Administration checkpoint initially to three lanes with the ability to add a fourth lane. “We are reorienting the lines in a different direction, and with that, we’re able to add two extra lines, so we will start out at the end of this project with three full security lines with the potential to expand to

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