B2B Stories

B2B Stories

Major Healthcare Investment to Benefit CSRA

A new facility planned by Augusta University got a boost from Atlanta and is expected to benefit the school and the region. Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp’s (R) amended FY 2025 budget includes nearly $100 million to fund the construction of a new research building for Augusta University’s Health Sciences campus. Dr. Russell Keen, President of Augusta University, told ABD this is an exciting time for the university as it expands its reputation for research. “This building is the beginning of an aggressive strategy to grow not only our researchers and

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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Most residential building permits in 25 years!

It has been a while since I updated the Augusta Leading Economic Index (LEI) and there have been some interesting developments. In September and October, there were 572 and 545 new residential building permits issued for the August Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The September number is the second highest, and the October number the fourth highest, since records began in January 2000. This represents good news for the construction industry and the supply of housing to help ensure affordable housing. Initial claims for unemployment insurance took a hit in October,

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B2B Stories

Kemp’s amended budget has good news for Augusta

Ga. Gov. Brian Kemp (R) pointed to the Peach State’s continued economic health in his 2025 State of the State address on Jan. 16. He said Georgia had withstood unforeseen challenges, including a pandemic and major weather disasters, while retaining its number one ranking as the best state to do business for the 11th year. Kemp’s speech highlighted the broad strokes of the state’s economic picture, past and future, and included a call to lower the personal income tax to 5.19% from the current 5.39%. However, in his amended FY2025

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B2B Stories

U.S. Chamber outlook for American business

The President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce traveled to Texas to present her 2025 State of American Business address. Suzanne Clark stepped away from the Chamber headquarters in Washington, D. C. to emphasize the fact that, in her words, all business is local. “Because the economic growth that powers people’s lives comes from cities and regions and states where private enterprise, supported by smart public policy, drives progress and creates opportunity,” said Clark. “And that kind of public-private partnership not only helps propel thriving communities but helps

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B2B Stories

AI and the Future of Your Business

An old truism advises it is all in how you word it. Small businesses are finding that it is especially accurate as they venture into using artificial intelligence (AI). The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce kicked off its Power Lunch series for 2025 with “AI: The Future of Business Starts Here.” Matthew Jay, Chief Operating Officer with PC Techware, explained the importance of being accurate and precise when giving instructions to AI. He said successfully using AI is no different from a basic principle for any business. He said it

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Awards/Celebrations

CSRA Chamber Celebrates 20th Year

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce will host its 20th Anniversary Celebration Banquet & Awards Ceremony on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown, Georgia. The evening will begin with a silent auction, followed by a catered dinner, live music, and a special presentation. During the ceremony, the Chamber will recognize outstanding local businesses and individuals through the presentation of its prestigious Annual Awards. Categories include the Leadership Columbia County Award, Ambassador of the Year, Volunteer of the Year,

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B2B Stories

Different Way to Access Health Care

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2025 Third Thursday series with a look at a different option for receiving health care. Dr. Rob Lamberts of Welcome Health presented Cut Costs, Not Care, a way individuals can access healthcare, and business owners can provide benefits to employees. Lamberts leads an Augusta area medical practice that provides what is called Direct Primary Care (DPC). It is a membership-based alternative payment model that uses a flat, monthly, or annual fee to access unlimited primary care and preventive services. “There are

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B2B Stories

Tech Tips: You Won’t Believe the #s for Data Theft in the CSRA!

It’s a proven fact that technology can reduce business costs. BitLocker, MDM, and Intune are programs that can help protect your business. Sharon Martin explains in today’s Tech Tips. But wait, there’s more! Here is a guide to theft protection that could save your business some big bucks. Click here.

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B2B Stories

Assessing Your Value Proposition

I kicked off each of my three new semester courses this past week. As I indicated in a recent column, these courses focus on the topic of Operations and Supply Chain Management (OCSM).   OCSM is the part of a company that is responsible for the production and delivery of the goods and services sold to customers. Those goods and services clearly determine how a firm competes in its markets. Therefore, I spend the beginning of my courses discussing the competitiveness and strategies of companies and the intersection of OCMS with

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B2B Stories

CSRA Businesses Impacted by Snow and Sub-Freezing Temps

Twice since the aftermath of Helene, winter weather has hit the CSRA – it impacts businesses, employees, and the consumers who support them. “Several businesses across the CSRA opted to close early on Tuesday and today’s schedule is yet to be determined. What matters most to these small businesses is the safety of their employees and their customers,” said John Porter, Director of Downtown Soul City. Ironically one of the events that was supposed to happen on Tuesday was a book release party for the Onyx Storm at the Book

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