B2B Stories

Awards

Augusta picked as #1 rising city in America

LinkedIn, a platform dedicated to connecting business leaders together, just released its annual survey. Some of what the CSRA takes for granted caught the attention of LinkedIn and NBC News. Those ranking cities were impressed by our top employers such as SRS, AU, and the US Army. (Photo above by Michael Holahan, Augusta University) Top industries hiring are the many CSRA hospitals and healthcare businesses, along with higher education and Electric Power Generation, such as Plant Vogtle. The median household income is $55,485, and the average home listing price is

Read More »
B2B Stories

“Mobile Banking” launches at SRPFCU

When customers think of mobile banking, it’s usually associated with making deposits or transactions remotely with our phone or other device.  SRP Federal Credit Union is trying to change the way credit unions operate. The credit union invested heavily in a multi-functional vehicle to hit the road almost every weekday to visit various community events, schools, businesses, and more. For instance, in the future, the mobile branch will visit new orientation day at Augusta Tech, National Night Out in North Augusta, Waynesboro Tractor Supply, and in underserved communities or small

Read More »
B2B Stories

Play Ball with technology

Publisher’s Note: Today is part four of our ongoing Startup Summer series. It’s part of Venture Lab Aiken (VLA), organized by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Make Startups in theClubhou.se in the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (GCITC) and South Carolina Research Authority. $500,000 in seed money will be distributed. The ABS system started this year in Major League Baseball.  In the future, baseball fans and coaches can use a different device being developed to work in the strike zone. It is called PlateLogic, and Paul Musick came up

Read More »
B2B Stories

Incorporating health and fitness on the job

Publisher’s Note: VLA is a collaboration among the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Make Startups, based in theClubhou.se at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, and the South Carolina Research Authority. This is part of the Aiken Innovation Corridor, which the chamber announced in August 2025. This is part 3 of a 7-part series on the entrepreneurs vying for a share of $500,000 in venture capital. Augusta, Ga is probably the ideal location for a company whose founder is connected to the golf community. Mikro Move, LLC is the latest

Read More »
B2B Stories

Working to reach Augusta’s military community

Publisher’s Note: Venture Labs of Aiken is a collaboration among the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Make Startups, based in theClubhou.se at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, and the South Carolina Research Authority. This is part of the Aiken Innovation Corridor, which the Chamber announced in August 2025. Here is Part 2 of our series on entrepreneurs competing. Health and productivity are at the core of what Anthony Carlie wants to provide. His product is called Dominion Wellness Solutions. He describes it as a human performance organization. It is

Read More »
B2B Stories

Streamlining homeownership and property management

Publisher’s Note: Venture Labs Aiken is a collaboration among the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Make Startups, based in theClubhou.se at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, and the South Carolina Research Authority. This is part of the Aiken Innovation Corridor, which the chamber announced in August 2025. $500,000 in seed money is being divided amongst several entrepreneurs. This is Part One of a Seven-Part Series. Home ownership can often feel overwhelming, trying to keep up with maintenance to do, what has been done, and inspections of vital systems. One

Read More »
B2B Stories

Big updates with local financial institutions

For years, CSRA  cable customers came to the first floor of the Comcast building off of Riverwatch Parkway, while key employees occupied upstairs suites. Soon, Queensborough National Bank & Trust will be repurposing the building for its use. “Q” and its contractors will be busy building out this facility and another in Evans. This purchased building at 405 Topgolf Way in Augusta is nearly 40,000 square feet and considered a Class A office property. Once complete, the facility will serve as an operations center to provide more workspace to support

Read More »
B2B Stories

Endowment started by Aiken firm

It was time to give back and honor the Crane roots by using a practice taught to their clients. Jason and Martha Crane are part owners of Crane & Owen Financial Solutions, a financial advisory practice at Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. The Cranes established a $10,000 scholarship for business students at Truett McConnell, with plans to increase the endowment in the future. Jason’s grandfather, mother, and other family members graduated from the faith-based college in North Georgia, and he wanted to honor their legacy. “We are proud to do our

Read More »
B2B Stories

Part Two: 2026 Predictions: Mid-Year Assessment and Prognosis

Publisher’s Note: Last week, Dr. Franza reviewed part of his 2026 economic predictions HERE.  Part One focused on the U.S. Economy, Financial Markets, and the Federal Reserve. Below is Part Two, focused on our Business Environment in the CSRA, including workforce enhancements and skillsets. Dr. Franza also delved into state government and politics and the impact on our finances. Business Environment Prediction #7: Workplaces will see an accelerated AI integration.   Assessment: Clearly happening. 78% of businesses use or explore AI, with about 58% of employees using it regularly. 50-60% of

Read More »
B2B Stories

Washington Road retailer moves up the road

A Washington Road business wants to be the top dog in the pawn and gun space in the CSRA by moving into a larger location. Top Dog Pawn and Top Dog Tactical just moved from its location on the 3100 block of Washington Road near Shartom Drive to the former home of Watanut on the 3300 block of Washington Road. ABD first told you in late 2025 that Watanut moved its headquarters to Florida and continues to sell through retailers in Augusta and online. A manager from Top Dog Pawn

Read More »