B2B Stories

B2B Stories

$50,000+ raised for CSRA student resources

The Augusta Technical College Foundation has announced $57,225 in gifts and pledges for the annual Family First campaign. The 2024 Family First campaign, which ran from September 4-18, focused on directly impacting students’ lives. Family First events were held at all Augusta Tech campus sites, where Faculty and staff were encouraged to contribute to bridging the financial gaps many students experience. Suggested donation amounts included $1,200 to help cover tuition shortfalls, $511 to cover student fees, $250 for textbooks, $200 for laptops, and $50 for emergency funds. “This year saw

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B2B Stories

CSRA takes a $6.5 million hit from event cancellations: Chamber events also canceled

A weeklong schedule of activities that was set to kick off today has been canceled. BSidesAugusta organizer, and COO of Security Onion Solutions, LLC, Phil Plantamura shared the update with ABD on Sunday. “Completely canceled. We’ve canceled all events for BSidesAugusta, the Security Onion Conference, and the training. We had a speaker dinner. It’s been canceled, volunteer orientation, and all that has been canceled. We’ve issued refunds to all ticket purchasers, including for the training,” he said. Destination Augusta had estimated the full week of activities, originally set for Sept.

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B2B Podcasting

Grace under real estate pressure

Buying or selling in real estate is a two-way street. Ann Marie McManus understands that better than most. She’s been in the business for 40 years. She credits part of her success to her team philosophy of G.R.A.C.E.

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B2B Stories

CSRA businesses gear up for major hurricane impact

Georgia and South Carolina are bracing for the impact of a major hurricane. Power companies have made final preparations for anticipated damages, including the potential for widespread power outages. With a forecast of flooding and high winds from Hurricane Helene, the storm could still be a Category 1 when it reaches the CSRA, according to WDRW Chief Meteorologist, Riley Hale. “Our area is on the east side of the storm, it’s the bad side. High winds could reach 60 mph or more. We’ve already had 4” at Daniel Field and

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B2B Stories

CSRA Western Outfitter Expands to Meet Demand

Like the tumbleweed that spreads seeds of growth, the store that bears the name recently expanded. Owner, Jessica Reeves only had to move a few doors down to 224 Park Avenue SE in Aiken to gain more space. When ABD reported on TumbleWeed’s opening two years ago, Reeves was already dreaming big and looking to grow the business by offering other products and services. When the store moved four doors down into the former location of Needlepoint Cottage, it almost tripled its space. “My husband Joel got involved in the

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B2B Stories

Networking and learning highlighted the Career Connections event

The Career Connections event, sponsored by Augusta Business Daily, brought together large and small business representatives to share information and develop new relationships. Vendors ranged from small businesses like Nothing Bundt Cakes to Aurubis Richmond, LLC, one of Richmond County’s newest, large employers. Among the vendors were Elite Events and Tickets, which can arrange hospitality, travel, lodging, and tickets for clients. Ali Quinn, Director of Housing, said it was a good opportunity to get out into the community and tell people their story. “Small businesses are so important to our

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B2B Stories

Continued economic development in Georgia and metro Augusta

The Sept. 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the start of operations at the Aurubis Richmond, LLC plant in south Augusta highlights the growth of new business and job opportunities. Gov. Brian Kemp (R) attended the Friday event. It was held just over a week after Area Development Magazine named Georgia the top state to do business for the 11th year in a row. Kemp met with reporters prior to the event. ABD used the opportunity to ask the Governor if Aurubis is an example of why Georgia continues to lead the

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B2B Stories

Short and Long-Term Predictions

The opinions expressed are those of Retired Major General Perry Smith, an author of several leadership books. They do not necessarily reflect those of Augusta Business Daily. The Harris/Walz momentum will fade a bit between now and election day. However, on 20 January 2025, Kamala Harris will become the 47th President of the United States. This event will lead to great joy as well as disappointment and anger. A “wild card” will help propel Harris to victory—swifties4kamala. The Taylor Swift factor will be huge. Millions from age 18 to age 35

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B2B Stories

High school students compete in annual cyber event

Once a year, the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Centers host Cyber Georgia STEMfest, giving 100 high school students hands-on experience with cyber challenges. Students from seven districts, as far away as Kershaw, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties, traveled to the center. “That was always our goal,” Eric Toler, Executive Director of the Center, told ABD. “From our very beginning, our mandate was to be a statewide entity with a statewide mission, both in K through 12, through university and college education, through professional training, research and development, and even providing

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B2B Stories

The Power of Planning and Prediction

Publisher’s Note: Retired Major General Perry Smith’s views are his own and do not necessarily match those of Augusta Business Daily. This is the first of a two-part article that may be of interest to those of you who love to look into the future. Having been a planner most of my adult life, I have found that serious planning leads to predictions, as well as both wild card and probability analysis. I love to make predictions. However, they only count if I communicate them to others in one of

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