Consumer Stories

B2B Stories

Simon Says: New Housing BOOM in the CSRA!

The Augusta Leading Economic Index (LEI) increased 1.9 percent in March from April. This is the highest monthly increase since August 2020, when we were coming out of the covid lockdown. The LEI is 1.4 percent higher than a year ago. The big driver of this month’s data was residential building permits, which were 631 in March, the highest on record going back to 2000. 298 permits were for 1-unit structures, and 329 were for 5 units or more. Although there has been news of a cooling of the national

Dr. Simon Medcalfe June 2, 2025 No Comments

B2B Stories

How Much is That Doggie in the Window?

After a long day at work, you come home. Who else is going to wag their tail upon your arrival? Not your wife or husband, but when your dog hears the door of your car close, he or she is anxiously awaiting you with a tail going nonstop and kisses to boot. Now, there is another way to reward that loyalty. The Woofing Bakery is a mobile pet bakery based in Aiken, offering cookies, cakes, and doggie donuts. They are all made with fresh, pet-friendly ingredients. Owner, Bela Steele, lost

Mitzi Oxford June 1, 2025 No Comments

Consumer Stories

$25,000 Donations Boost CSRA STEM programs

Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) has made two significant donations to schools this month. The first was a $10,000 gift to Paine College, a Historically Black College in Augusta, Ga. The donation is to enhance and support Paine College science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs by providing scholarships for talented students pursuing degrees in those disciplines. SRMC President and Program Manager, Dr. Dave Olson, values a strong education with an emphasis on STEM-related curricula. “We believe that education is a cornerstone of progress, and investing in STEM initiatives is

Staff Report May 29, 2025 No Comments

B2B Stories

Regional Manufacturing Ripple Effect

The recent announcement that a primary metals manufacturing facility is coming to South Carolina shows how growth in one place can promote growth in another. Mega Metal, a Turkey-based company, is investing $34 million to build a copper wire manufacturing plant in Fairfield County, just north of Columbia. It will create 135 jobs and is expected to be operational by September 2025. “Fairfield County celebrates the arrival of Mega Metal, bringing 135 new jobs and a $34 million investment to the central region of South Carolina. With a strong foundation

Dana Lynn McIntyre May 29, 2025 No Comments

Awards/Celebrations

Top 10 Young Professionals to Watch

They are described as leading the way, raising the bar, and setting the standard of service in our community. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Augusta Magazine have announced the 2025 Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. The Chamber is proud of the promising young talent in our region and hopeful for the future of these leaders, including: Harshita Aildasani, Cherry Bekaert Advisory, LLC Anitra Bosley, Augusta Technical College Isaac Brinberg, Augusta University Taylor Hanks, Augusta Entertainment Complex Jeffrey Harden, Doctors Hospital of Augusta Rickey Jones Jr.,

Staff Report May 28, 2025 No Comments

B2B Stories

Aiken Projects Have Regional Impact

Tuesday’s groundbreaking for two projects at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) will be felt across South Carolina and Georgia. The South Carolina National Guard (SCNG) is building a 26,000 square foot Cyber Integration Center (CIC) next to the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative. The CIC will include a student-run Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC). Regional was a word heard often during the groundbreaking ceremony. Speakers told attendees the work done at CIC will benefit both South Carolina and Georgia. “In leveraging the power and proximity with a centralized location, bridging

Dana Lynn McIntyre May 28, 2025 No Comments

B2B Stories

European Company to Establish First North American Operation in South Carolina

Mikro-Technik, a natural fiber manufacturer, has announced a $3.2 million investment that will create 27 new jobs in nearby McCormick County. Founded in Germany in 1954, Mikro-Technik specializes in the processing of cellulose fiber into additives for the food and pet food industries. The company’s fibers are a renewable raw material used as a functional ingredient in food applications. Mikro-Technik is leasing and upfitting the facility located at 8463 Highway 28/221 in Plum Branch. The new operation will expand the company’s production capacity for customers in the U.S. and Canada. “Mikro-Technik’s

Staff Report May 27, 2025 No Comments

B2B Stories

Multimillion $ project underway at USCA

Leaders from education, local, state, and federal government, along with the military, gathered at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) to kick off the largest investment by the South Carolina National Guard (SCNG) since World War II. The SCNG Cyber Integration Center will be a 26,000 square foot building for cyber defense activities. It will also host training, education, and applied research to support national security. There will also be a Student Readiness Center to provide USCA students mentorships and real-world experience while supporting training for two SCNG units.

Dana Lynn McIntyre May 27, 2025 No Comments

Consumer Stories

Business + Talent Planning: The Overlooked Power Couple

One of the most overlooked (and powerful) partnerships in any business? Strategy and HR. Back in my corporate days, leaders would often ask, “What’s HR’s strategy?” My answer? “It’s the business strategy.” HR should not only align with, but help shape the future of your organization, especially when it comes to recruiting and people development. This month, we’re digging into how to connect your long-term vision with real-world talent decisions. Step One: Zoom Out Before you post another job ad or schedule your next interview, take 30 minutes to reflect

Gia Hunter May 26, 2025 No Comments

B2B Stories

Simon Says: Small bump in workforce

Employment in the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) increased by 900 workers in April from March. There are 248,200 employees in the Augusta MSA, a record high. Obviously, April plays host to the Masters Tournament, and there were some golf-related boosts to some sectors of the economy. Employment in the “leisure and hospitality” sector increased by 400. “Other services” services are defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to include “equipment and machinery repairing, promoting or administering religious activities, grantmaking, advocacy, and providing drycleaning and laundry services, personal care services,

Dr. Simon Medcalfe May 26, 2025 No Comments

Simon Says: New Housing BOOM in the CSRA!

How Much is That Doggie in the Window?

$25,000 Donations Boost CSRA STEM programs

Regional Manufacturing Ripple Effect

Top 10 Young Professionals to Watch

Aiken Projects Have Regional Impact

European Company to Establish First North American Operation in South Carolina

Multimillion $ project underway at USCA

Business + Talent Planning: The Overlooked Power Couple

Simon Says: Small bump in workforce

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