B2B Stories

B2B Stories

Simon Says: Inflation slightly higher in South, more to come

The rate of increase in the Consumer Price Index fell in April to leave the headline national inflation rate at 8.3 percent, but the inflation rate for the South was higher than the national rate at 8.8 percent. The main reason why the rate of inflation fell was a decline in gasoline prices of 6.1 percent in April. However, gas prices have been rising again in May and so the inflation rate is likely to increase again. Of growing concern for inflation is food prices, especially wheat. The war in

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B2B Stories

Chamber and Augusta Magazine select annual Top 10 list

Growing up in Augusta, Charles Jimenez thought there were few opportunities to succeed in this city. Jimenez, now Senior Mortgage Advisor and branch manager of New American Funding, is one of 10 young professionals selected by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Augusta Magazine for their 2022 list of the Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. “I just wasn’t exposed to professional success,” he said. “Being selected to receive this recognition validates the journey I have taken to get to this point.” Since 2009, the Chamber and

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B2B Stories

Local marketing executives discuss branding at Chamber event

David Ray serves as co-owner and General Manager of Cyber City Circuits, Augusta’s largest electronics manufacturer. But Ray admits he still has more to learn about branding. That’s why he attended the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Third Thursday Business Builder event on Thursday, May 19. Kate Sanders and Cynthia South with the Alison South Marketing Group presented strategies for building a strong brand and effectively conveying it to potential customers. “Your brand is your identity and how people interact with your company,” Ray said. Sanders, Alison South’s Chief Operating

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B2B Stories

Learning to give to get from fast-food giant

Chick-fil-A is a prime example of fine marketing practices. Building off a three-year stint marketing their catering program I can tell you, they really have a great operation. When I was hired, I studied everything that I could to learn about their culture. In my studies, I learned of their history and how they got to become such a household name just by selling the simplest of menus and featuring their signature chicken sandwich. As my career journey continued, so did my opportunities to translate their marketing techniques into my

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B2B Stories

More pain coming at the gas pumps

In the coming months, you may be able to increase the value of your car simply by filling the gas tank. The average national per gallon price of gas is now at a record $4.589, but experts predict it will go higher – may be significantly higher. Georgians have enjoyed some of the lowest per-gallon prices in the country, thanks to a suspension of the state’s gas tax. But that suspension is supposed to end on May 31 and if it’s not extended, on June 1 gas will increase by

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B2B Podcasting

Free Access: What to look for in a computer upgrade

When it’s time to upgrade your computer, there are a few things to consider – including one that’s a year or two old. Patrick Reynolds of Crosslink Consulting gives tips on the most important things to look for in a new computer.

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B2B Stories

Mondays with Rick: The key to the back of the store is efficiency

  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 one of the important aspects of running a business, the second of a two-part series. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: Last week we talked about how to operate the front of your business, which involves customer interaction. You left us with a teaser that this week we’d explore the back of the store, which requires more expertise. Explain

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B2B Stories

Business leaders advised how to navigate social media landmines

According to Debbie Reeves, people don’t always use common sense, courtesy, and kindness when posting on their social media accounts. Reeves, Account Executive with Lamar Advertising Company, said it’s especially important for sales professionals to avoid posting derogatory content about people or businesses because clients read that content. “Even if your remarks are personal opinions and protected by the law, our words have consequences,” she said. “Just because you can say something, doesn’t mean you should.” Reeves was one of more than 100 local business professionals who attended the May

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B2B Stories

Economy bouncing back from pandemic swoon but not all businesses affected equally

Despite inflation and supply chain issues, the economy is showing signs of bouncing back to normal from the two-year malaise of the pandemic. According to the most recent Advance Estimates of U.S. Retail and Food Services issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce, retail and food services sales increased by 0.9 percent in April from March, but were up 8.2 percent over April 2021. The biggest gains came in the areas most affected by lockdowns and the general wariness caused by covid. The generic retail stores’ category grew 4 percent

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