B2B Stories

B2B Stories

Tort reform legislation moves forward

Two bills that are Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp’s (R) call for reforms to the state’s tort laws are advancing during the current legislative session. The state Senate has approved SB 68 and SB 69. Among the provisions in SB 68 is one limiting owners’ liability for injuries on their property and placing restrictions on damages awarded for medical bills to what was paid by the plaintiff. SB 69 places regulations on third-party litigation financing. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce immediately supported both pieces of legislation, SB 69 in particular. “Georgia’s

Read More »
B2B Stories

Stop! Do Not Enter the Impostor Portal

Almost half of all cyberattacks target small businesses. Here is what you need to know to save your business time and money. The bad guys keep getting smarter at creating portals that do more than send you down a rabbit hole. Here is the 411 on spotting suspicious links, safeguarding passwords, and protecting your business. Click here.

Read More »
B2B Stories

Businesses and Others Invest in Students

Aiken Technical College held its annual scholarship breakfast, bringing together donors who contribute to the program and the students who benefit. The scholarships are one of the assistance programs coordinated by the Aiken Technical College Foundation. Director Kym Johnson said the funding provided by the donors lessens the financial burden for students who receive scholarships. That support can mean the difference in a student’s ability to complete their education. “The most important message that you’ll hear, is that, yes, we are so appreciative of our students and their hard work.

Read More »
B2B Stories

March Blows in with Close to $2 Million Impact

Basketball, rowing, trade shows, and conferences are expected to pack a big economic punch in the CSRA this month. In the lineup, this year is a new event. The Augusta Sports Council confirmed that Riverview will play host to the first EYBL Scholastic Conference Championship and Nike Invitational Post-Season Tournament. “These are new tournaments that will be hosted at Riverview Park in North Augusta and kicked off yesterday. Both events run from March 5-8, with the Postseason Tournament starting today,” said Hayley Fox, Communications Manager with the Augusta Sports Council.

Read More »
B2B Stories

Benchmarking: More Travels on the Road of Continuous Improvement

In last week’s column, I discussed how companies, particularly those in service industries, require customer feedback to continuously improve their ability to compete in their markets. Such feedback allows us to determine what we are doing well, what we could be doing better, and what our customers really want. So, we have identified one critical element of continuous improvement coming specifically from the perspective of the customer. However, reflecting on a trip I am about to take allowed me to consider the additional perspective necessary to further travel down the

Read More »
B2B Stories

SRP Breaks Ground on New Location

SRP Federal Credit Union is opening a new location in Allendale, SC. The new location, expected to be completed by winter 2025, will expand SRP’s presence in Allendale County for providing financial services. “Today, we are not just breaking ground on a new building,” said Eric Jenkins, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union, during the ceremony. “We’re laying the foundation for stronger financial futures and enhanced opportunities for all members of this community.” Designed by Heavener & Associates Construction Company, the Allendale branch will feature four teller stations and four

Read More »
Awards/Celebrations

Looking for the best and brightest

Applications are being accepted for an annual program that shines a light on the best the Augusta region has to offer for future leaders. Top 10 in 10 was started by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce in 2009. It is for young professionals, aged 25-35, who are leaders in their respective fields. Angie Cox, President and CEO of the Chamber, said the goal is twofold. First, to show the depth of talent, from artists to medicine to business to education in Metro Augusta. Second, the winners are submitted to

Read More »
B2B Stories

Simon Says: Poor economic news to close out 2024 in Augusta

All the variables in the Augusta Leading Economic Index (LEI) were adversely affected according to December data. This is the first time all five components have been negatively affected since April 2022. Residential building permits fell 23 percent from November and initial claims for unemployment insurance increased by 40 percent. Job openings fell 2.3 percent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished December 0.04 percent lower than the end of November. Inflation in the south increased by 0.1 percentage points to 2.8 percent. Overall, the Augusta LEI fell 1.2 percent

Read More »
B2B Stories

“Shark Tank Feel” part of March competition

The Sixth Annual Innovate Pitch Competition is set for March 27 at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (GCITC). The competition is in partnership with Augusta University. Teams are given five minutes to pitch their solution for a real-world problem to a panel of judges. “For the first year, I’m really excited to announce that this Pitch Competition has grown and now we have a track that is open to the public,” Lynsey Steinberg, Director of Innovation at the GCITC, told ABD. “Students and entrepreneurs look to solve problems

Read More »
B2B Stories

Goodwill Takes Global Center Stage for Workforce Development Conference

Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA will host the 2025 Annual Meeting of Conference of Executives (AMCOE), bringing together Goodwill leaders from around the globe to exchange best practices in workforce development, innovation, and sustainability. The conference will take place March 2 to 5, 2025, at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center. Recognized by Forbes as one of the most inspiring companies, Goodwill continues to create opportunities for people facing employment and career advancement barriers. AMCOE is the premier gathering for Goodwill leaders to share strategies that improve job

Read More »