B2B Stories

B2B Stories

CSRA Auto expert to lead workforce initiative and report to Georgia lawmakers

The planned Jim Hudson Automotive Institute for Augusta Technical College is celebrating two awards, one monetary and one for an instructor. Christopher Davis, an Automotive Technology instructor and department chair, was selected as the statewide winner of the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction. It is the highest honor a technical college instructor can receive in Georgia. The recognition comes with a $2,500 prize, and Davis will be a representative for technical education for the next year, including appearances before the General Assembly. Davis told ABD he is

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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Job challenges in the hotel and restaurant space

Prior to Masters, the leisure and hospitality space lost 1500 jobs over a few months. In general, employment in the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area continued to fall in March, shedding 200 jobs.  Private education and health services continued to add jobs, with another 200 added in March. Over the last year, this sector has added over 2,200 jobs, while the overall employment level has only increased by 200, confirming this sector as the major driver of employment growth nationally and locally. Locally, employment in private education and health services has

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B2B Stories

Are Data Centers a good idea in the CSRA?

Circle next Thursday on your calendar to learn more about a controversial economic opportunity for the CSRA: Data Centers. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce will host its upcoming Member Economic Luncheon, “Data Centers: Regional Opportunity & Growth,” on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center. The luncheon will feature a panel discussion with industry and policy leaders focused on the growing role of data centers in Georgia and the opportunities they create for Augusta and the surrounding region. Attendees will gain insight into the

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B2B Stories

It’s not just for Masters anymore

A local agency created to help Masters tournament visitors is also available for major events year-round. The Masters Housing Bureau (MHB) was created more than half a century ago, sanctioned by the Augusta National Golf Club. “The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Augusta National came together and formed the Masters Housing Bureau,” Director LaShandrea Redd explained for ABD. “We are very happy that we get the privilege of working with numerous homeowners throughout the CSRA to help them find renters for their lovely properties for Masters, Peach Jam,

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B2B Stories

FOLLOW UP: Old (and Young) Men (and Women) Should Plant Trees

After the positive feedback I received from readers on last week’s column on Ben Sasse, I further contemplated two of the themes that Mr. Sasse has been espousing: delayed gratification and humility (i.e., others above self). As I reflected on these themes, I realized they could be captured by the ancient Greek proverb, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in,” that was popularized in the 1950’s by American author and theologian, D. Elton Trueblood.   The quote captures the willingness

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B2B Stories

Rallying support for EAMC

Local elected officials support keeping Eisenhower Army Medical Center functioning as a full-service facility. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) announced plans to transition EAMC into an ambulatory care center, ending inpatient care with the emergency room as an urgent care facility. The reaction is eye-opening. State Rep. Mark Howard (R-District 127) views the announcement through three lenses. As an elected official, a doctor, and a military retiree who served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He told ABD he was both surprised and disappointed at the announcement.  “Very disappointed, and

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Cybersecurity for smaller CSRA businesses and organizations

A center nestled within the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (GCITC) offers support to organizations that are vital to Georgia’s economy, health and public safety, but are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The Cyber Resiliency Center (CRC) works with small- to medium-sized manufacturing companies, local governments, municipalities, public school districts, and rural and community hospitals. Those segments have seen an increase in cyber-attacks ranging from ransomware to data breaches and operational disruptions. Not all are adequately equipped to guard against intrusions. John McLain, Project Four Lead with Georgia-AIM (Artificial Intelligence in

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B2B Stories

Georgia’s Governor signs his final budget with HUGE cuts

Gov. Brian Kemp (R) put his signature on a budget plan for FY 2027, marking the eighth and final time he will do so. Kemp is wrapping up his second term in office. Prior to signing the budget bill, Kemp cut $300 million in new spending to keep it in balance at $36.6 billion. Kemp said the cuts were necessary to address changes in anticipated revenue following his approval of the personal income tax cuts and property tax cap. Kemp said the cuts he made were to what he called

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B2B Stories

Military Monday Free vs. Paid Help for Your VA Disability Claim

For many Veterans, filing a VA disability claim can feel overwhelming, confusing, and frustrating. The paperwork is extensive, the medical evidence requirements are complex, and the process often leaves Veterans wondering if they need to pay someone thousands of dollars just to get the benefits they earned through service and sacrifice. The truth is this: YOU do not have to pay someone to file your VA disability claim. Across the country, accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) dedicate their time to helping Veterans navigate the claims process at absolutely no cost. Organizations

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B2B Stories

Alliance for Fort Gordon Recognized as a 2026 Great American Defense Community

Greater Augusta – Alliance for Fort Gordon has been recognized as one of the 2026 Great American Defense Communities by the Association of Defense Communities (ADC), joining communities in Shreveport-Bossier and Jacksonville in this year’s distinguished class. Launched in 2016, the Great American Defense Community program honors communities that demonstrate exceptional and sustained support for service members, veterans, military families, and the broader defense community. Since the program’s inception, ADC has recognized more than 50 communities across the nation for their commitment to military partnership and community resilience. Greater Augusta – Alliance for Fort Gordon

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