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B2B Stories
B2B Stories

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
B2B Stories

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
B2B Stories

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
B2B Stories

Looking back and forward with Columbia County Chamber

The Vice President and Managing Director of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce helped the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce wrap up the 2024 Executive Luncheon series. Tim Monahan offered a glimpse into what he anticipates the first 100 days of the 119th Congress will look like on Capitol Hill as 2025 begins. Up first will be the change in leadership, with Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) stepping in as the new Senate Majority leader. The first chore facing the Senate will be confirmation hearings for income President Trump’s

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Dana Lynn McIntyre December 9, 2024 No Comments
B2B Podcasting

Home (Sale) For the Holidays

Ann Marie McManus has been through 40 holiday seasons as one of the most successful real estate agents in the CSRA. Today, she explains why the holidays are one of the best times to buy or sell a home.

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Ann Marie McManus December 8, 2024 No Comments
Awards

Honoring large and small businesses in Augusta

From one of the smallest to one of the largest, the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce announced its Best in Business 2024 honorees. The annual tradition, held during the Chamber’s final Member Economic Luncheon, pays tribute to Augusta’s Entrepreneur and the Corporation of the Year. Laziza Mediterranean Grill was named Augusta’s Entrepreneur for 2024, and Georgia Power as the 2024 Corporation of the Year. In announcing Laziza owners, Nader (photo right) & Lisa Khatib as the entrepreneur winner, Jay Forrester, Division President of SouthState Bank, said the couple embodies the

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Dana Lynn McIntyre December 8, 2024 No Comments
B2B Podcasting

After pre-mediation – do your homework!

There are some key takeaways after a pre-meditation session. At the top are two questions: What do you need? What are your goals? Neil and HR Consultant and Professional Mediator, TeKay Brown Taylor discuss the homework that can make your session successful. You can hear more on the topic this Saturday at 7:30 am on Classy 1230 AM radio.

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TeKay Brown-Taylor December 5, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

Augusta’s overall economy in good shape, despite Hurricane Helene

The state of Metro Augusta’s economy is good. That was the overarching message at the annual economic briefing sponsored by Augusta University. Led by Dr. Mark Thompson, Dean of the Hull College of Business, and Dr. Simon Medcalfe, Professor with the Hull College of Business and an ABD contributor, the report is a year-end tradition. “It’s an opportunity to really bring the business community together with the academic community to provide insights on what’s going on in the local economy,” Thompson explained for ABD. “It’s networking but it’s also an

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Dana Lynn McIntyre December 5, 2024 No Comments
Awards/Celebrations

Best in Business Winners

At the Augusta Metro Chamber’s annual Best in Business award celebration, Innovation and Growth Through Collaboration was the overarching theme, and both recipients have displayed not only the endurance it takes to succeed in business but also a strong commitment to our community and a positive impact on our local economy. Augusta’s Entrepreneur and Corporation of the Year awards were presented by South State Bank. Yesterday, at their final Member Economic Luncheon of the year, the Chamber honored Nader & Lisa Khatib of Laziza Mediterranean Grill as Augusta’s Entrepreneur for

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Staff Report December 5, 2024 No Comments
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