B2B Stories

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FREE ACCESS: Not so pretty part of running a business!

You’ve heard in life, the only things guaranteed are death and taxes. In business, it’s taxes, insurance, licensing—and in the event of the “death” of your business—how to be prepared for the end. ABD business attorney, J. Brian King has more in his thought leader report.

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B2B Stories

Local mentoring program extends application deadline

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce has extended the application deadline for its Young Men on the Move program to Monday, Feb. 7. Young Men on the Move (see photo above story) is a mentoring program for local male professionals between the ages of 23 and 30. Each year, 20 professionals are selected to participate in the program. Participants attend a monthly luncheon at the Chamber from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to learn about various personal and professional development topics, and attendance is mandatory. The cost of the program

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B2B Stories

New Chamber program takes companies to the next level

11 business owners are ready to take their businesses to the next level, thanks to a generous bank sponsorship and the guidance from The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. Level Up Business Academy launched its six-month course for small business owners on January 26th. To qualify, owners had to operate a healthy business for at least three years and show desire to take their business to the next level. The program is designed to accelerate growth opportunities through education, counseling and resources. Multiple guest experts will provide entrepreneurial strategy and

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B2B Stories

Renamed professional group hosts kickoff event

A local organization that connects professionals between the ages of 22 and 40 just held its inaugural event under its new name. ABD previously brought you a story about Connect Aiken, which used to be referred to as Aiken Young Professionals. It’s similar to Young Professionals of Augusta. Supported by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the organization kicked off the new year by hosting a drop in to Connect Aiken (see photo above taken from Facebook) at Sheffield’s at Rose Hill on Tuesday, Jan. 25. The event was designed to

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B2B Stories

Local events spur major economic impact

Destination Augusta, along with the Augusta Sports Council, are responsible for bringing many events to the CSRA each year. Augusta has become a popular destination for large events, such as meetings, conferences, and athletic competitions. These events are expected to add about $4 million to the local economy in just the first three months of 2022, according to a news release from Destination Augusta and the Augusta Sports Council. The events, which bring thousands to the city each year, help to generate revenue for local businesses, such as restaurants and

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B2B Stories

FREE ACCESS: Starting a Business 101

The entrepreneurial itch starts with an idea. There are many steps to take after that including a business plan, selecting and protecting your name, choosing professional companies to advise you on forming the business and so much more. Business Attorney, J. Brian King takes us through “Starting a Business 101.”

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B2B Stories

“Oh No, Not Again!”

Is it just me, or… “Oh No, Not Again!” “If I see that Kohl’s commercial one more time, I’m going to scream,” she said from a far-away city last November. I had no idea what she was talking about. Clearly the Kohl’s marketing algorithm had found her and her favorite platforms, while the same software knew there wasn’t much gold to be found from me and my channels. The question is, what’s the sweet spot of an effective video/commercial performance life before it loses its power to persuade? Remember when

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B2B Stories

How Chick-Fil-A inspired a “nice” CSRA company

Today’s business minute is about being in the right place at the right time to launch some internal and external marketing to define your company. David Beckum had a “nice” experience in line grabbing a meal!

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B2B Stories

TUESDAY EVENT: A Re-charge and Re-connect for Aiken YP’s

You are fresh out of college and pursuing your career path. What was your first job? Was it in your hometown or did you move to a new city? Either way, the Young Professional programs hosted by area Chambers of Commerce are important for several reasons. First, it’s a prime way to network. Second, opportunities often present themselves. Third, the program can play a role in developing a personal and professional balance for the 22- to 40-year-old young professionals making their way in the business world. Along the way, COVID

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B2B Stories

Mondays with Rick: SBDC workshop

Editor’s Note: Dr. Rick Franza, Dean of AU’s Hull College of Business, chats with ABD each week on something topical in the Augusta business community. This week’s topic focuses on an event with the SBDC, an organization Rick admires from his days at Kennesaw State University—witnessing their impact there. Our conversations are edited for brevity and impact.   ABD: Rick, you attended a recent panel discussion at the UGA Small Business Development Center. What were your overall impressions? Rick: The biggest general takeaway is that a small business owner cannot

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