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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Helene’s Health Effects

Last week, I documented the initial impact of Hurricane Helene on the labor market. This week, I provide some thoughts on the long-term impacts on our health based on my reading of the academic literature. Rachel Young and Solomon Hsiang provide the first evidence of the long-term effect of tropical storms in an article in Nature. They find that mortality increases by 3.2% to 5.1% over 15 years following a hurricane. In Augusta, using all-cause mortality rates for Georgia, this would mean an extra 194 to 309 deaths per year,

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe December 16, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

How North Augusta fared and looking ahead

The economic news is mixed in Aiken County for 2025. The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce wrapped up its 2024 Power Lunch series with the annual economic report. Dr. Nancy Albers, Dean of the School of Business Administration, was the keynote speaker. Albers spoke specifically about where Aiken County stands and where it may be headed. While versed in reviewing economic analysis, Albers said she is not an economic analyst. So, she turned to Dr. Fadi Fawaz, an Associate Professor of Economics and Finance at Tennessee State University. “For his

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Dana Lynn McIntyre December 16, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

Advice from Georgia’s insurance commissioner

Keith Perret (dressed in State Farm red) and others affected by Hurricane Helene got an interesting status update over breakfast from Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce held its annual legislative breakfast, an opportunity to talk with the members of the local delegation prior to the 2025 Legislative Session. The man leading the state agency on the front line of helping storm victims receiving fair compensation was guest speaker for the event. John King told ABD he realized metro Augusta is facing a long road to recovery.

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Dana Lynn McIntyre December 15, 2024 No Comments
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Sponsored Article: Mark Boyd Expands House Doctors Handyman into Nesto of Augusta, Offering Six Brands Under One Roof

Augusta, GA – Since acquiring a House Doctors Handyman franchise in 2011, Mark Boyd has been committed to providing Augusta residents with high-quality home repair services. Over the years, Boyd’s vision has grown significantly, and in 2024, it has culminated in the formation of Nesto of Augusta—a one-stop home services provider that unites six specialized brands to meet virtually any home maintenance or improvement need. Adding to its multifaceted offerings, Nesto of Augusta is also deeply invested in supporting the Augusta community and has partnered with the Ronald McDonald House

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Provided by Nesto December 15, 2024 No Comments
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Another step forward in meeting healthcare demands

Aiken Technical College’s radiologic technology program has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). “Achieving JRCERT accreditation is a significant milestone for our radiologic technology program because it validates the quality of the education provided and enhances the reputation of the program among students, employers, and the broader healthcare community,” said Program Director Crystal Burke. “The workforce demand for radiologic technologists is strong, and by offering a rigorous, comprehensive, and technology-forward education, our program can effectively prepare students to meet the needs of the

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Staff Report December 12, 2024 No Comments
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The Walls are Tumbling Down at JBA

The Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority is settling into a new location for its meetings, the Grand Lobby at the newly renovated Bell Auditorium. The location gives authority members and staff a front-row seat to watch the demolition of the James Brown Arena. Well, you can see a building torn down right now. The insides don’t look like what I thought they were going to look like,” quipped Mike Harvey of Nations Group, the owner’s representative for the construction of the new JBA and concourse connecting it to the Bell. He

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Dana Lynn McIntyre December 12, 2024 No Comments
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2024 Predictions: How Did My Crystal Ball Do?

Last Thursday, my esteemed colleague, Dr. Simon Medcalfe, provided another of his informative and amusing talks at the annual Hull College of Business’ Economic Forecast Breakfast. His presentation at this time last year inspired me to consult my “crystal ball” and make my predictions for 2024 in this space. Since regular readers know that I stress accountability, it would be hypocritical not to look back and see how I did. Since I am a college professor currently determining my students’ semester grades, I will assign myself a grade for each

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Dr. Rick Franza December 10, 2024 No Comments
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A shot in the arm for local healthcare staffing

Nearly 70 students have completed their studies at the Aiken Technical College School of Nursing. A pinning ceremony was held for the graduates who received an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a diploma in nursing, or a Patient Care Technician (PCT) Certificate. A January 2024 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (www.uschamber.com/workforce/nursing-workforce-data-center-a-national-nursing-crisis) pointed to the ongoing need to train people to join the nursing field. Looking specifically at registered nurses (RN), the report projects at least 193,000 open positions will need to be filled between 2022 and 2032. However,

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Dana Lynn McIntyre December 10, 2024 No Comments
B2B Podcasting

Helping the Homeless

This time of year, homelessness becomes more of an issue because of the weather. Ann Marie McManus is ending her 40th year as a local realtor and discusses the importance of making sure all Augustans are warm at night.

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Ann Marie McManus December 9, 2024 No Comments
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Simon Says: Helene provides employment spike

Last week I gave my annual economic forecast, and for those unable to attend, here are the highlights. In the first part, I analyzed the impact of Hurricane Helene on the labor market. Augusta recorded a record level of employment in October, the month after Helene hit. Employment rose by 100 to 248,000. Four Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) were hit by Helene (Augusta, Hinesville, Savannah, and Valdosta), and employment in those MSAs rose by 175 on average. Employment in MSAs totally unaffected by Helene fell to 88. Additionally, earnings in

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe December 9, 2024 No Comments
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