Consumer Stories

B2B Stories

July brings sizzling economic impact

More than 9,000 visitors, generating almost $1.5 million, are expected in the River Region for meetings, reunions, events, and sporting events this month. One of the largest events kicks off July 7 with the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, which results in the largest chunk of attendance and economic impact. Destination Augusta and the Augusta Sports Council work together on recruiting and hosting these various activities, which play a critical role in sustaining the nearly 30,000 jobs that are part of the Leisure and Hospitality Industry, the fourth largest employment sector

Staff Report July 1, 2025 No Comments

B2B Stories

Antique treasures await in Aiken

What’s old is new again, especially for discriminating antique lovers who have shopped at a new place in Aiken. The Briar Patch Antiques opened a few weeks ago, and it’s already creating a vibe as warm and inviting as Beatrix Potter’s Peter Cottontail stories. The shop had a soft opening in early June and celebrated their grand opening on June 21. Business has been brisk, and nine vendors have already booked the venue, which filled the downstairs area with unique designs in each room. “The grand opening was great, and

Mitzi Oxford June 30, 2025 No Comments

Consumer Stories

Home furnishing consolidation

A pair of New York area entrepreneurs have found a unique way to serve their furniture and bedding customers. They are teaming up. Chris Tsilimidos (left, from New Jersey) started CSCM Furniture on South Belair, and Greg Nye (right, from Western New York) started a local branch of Mattress by Appointment on Roberts Road. They both discovered there is truth in numbers. In early 2025, they joined forces at 211 Bobby Jones Expressway to take advantage of tens of thousands of cars passing by their store each day. Together, they

Neil Gordon June 29, 2025 No Comments

Consumer Stories

Realtors offer helping hand for community needs tomorrow

The REALTORS® of Greater Augusta (RGA), in partnership with Harlem Housing Authority, invite residents to a free Community Care Day. This event demonstrates the RGA’s commitment to being good neighbors and supporting the well-being of the CSRA. All community members are welcome to attend on Saturday, June 28th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Harlem Housing Authority, located at 129 Blanchard Avenue in Harlem. Attendees will have the opportunity to pick up a variety of free household supplies, including: General Household Goods Non-Perishable Food Clothing Self-Care Items This

Staff Report June 26, 2025 No Comments

Awards/Celebrations

AU one of only three universities to win prestigious cybersecurity award

Augusta University was recently honored with the 2025 CSO50 Award, which recognizes organizations for outstanding innovation and leadership in cybersecurity. Presented by Computer Security Online, a division of Foundry, an IDG Inc. company, the award celebrates 50 projects annually that deliver exceptional business value through creative, effective security strategies. Augusta University, one of only three universities to earn the distinction, also earned the distinction in 2023. This year, AU appears alongside companies including Aflac, Intel Corporation, Mastercard, Principal Financial Group, and TIAA. “Augusta University is one of only three universities

Staff Report June 25, 2025 No Comments

Consumer Stories

New leadership at the Augusta Entertainment Complex

There were several key developments on the status of the new arena being constructed—including an update on the use of James Brown in the final naming rights. The new General Manager for the Augusta Entertainment Complex (AEC) was introduced at this month’s regular meeting of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority. Oak View Group (OVG), which has been managing the venue since 2008, brought Todd Mastry to replace Chris Martin, who had held the position since 2022. Mastry comes from Southaven, Miss., where he was Executive Director of the DeSoto County

Dana Lynn McIntyre June 25, 2025 No Comments

Consumer Stories

The heat is on and so is the need for relief

With just over a week left in June, The Salvation Army of Augusta is making a final push to collect boxed fans and bottled water through its partnership with local restaurant Tacocat. These donations provide relief to those most vulnerable to the summer heat, especially seniors and individuals struggling with the high cost of air conditioning. “Summers in Augusta aren’t just uncomfortable—they can be life-threatening, especially for seniors and individuals unable to afford the high cost of running their air conditioners,” said Major Jonathan Raymer of The Salvation Army of

Staff Report June 24, 2025 No Comments

B2B Stories

Quality healthcare = healthy economic development

The importance of a vibrant healthcare system and its impact on economic development was highlighted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 1Q report. The Foundation examined the first of five pillars that the Chamber has identified in its Georgia 2050 initiative: Regional Prosperity and Healthy Communities. “Georgians need access to quality healthcare to sustain vibrant communities with a quality of life that attracts and retains the next generation of talent,” the report began. It is a message that resonates with Russell Lahodny, President and CEO of the Columbia County

Dana Lynn McIntyre June 24, 2025 No Comments

Consumer Stories

Technology and the business of medicine

Nearly 20 hospitals scattered across rural Georgia will benefit from a digital network from some Augusta area technology. The Medical College of Georgia’s Center for Digital Health is working through the Wellstar Digital Care Network to reach patients where they are and provide the right healthcare in the right place at the right time. In the early days of digital medicine, only 30% of patients were able to remain at their local hospital. Now, 70% of patients receive care close to home. “We’ve used telemedicine and digital technologies in the

Dana Lynn McIntyre June 23, 2025 No Comments

Consumer Stories

CSRA business develops future workforce

A new company is training the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math professionals to capitalize on the demand for STEM positions in the CSRA. iCode is now open in Furys Ferry Station at the Riverwatch Parkway at 229 Furys Ferry Road. Some of the other tenants in the strip centers include Mass Media Marketing, Fleet Feet, Marco’s Pizza, and La Bonbonniere Chocolates. Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate represented both the landlord and iCode in the transaction.

Neil Gordon June 23, 2025 No Comments

July brings sizzling economic impact

Antique treasures await in Aiken

Home furnishing consolidation

Realtors offer helping hand for community needs tomorrow

AU one of only three universities to win prestigious cybersecurity award

New leadership at the Augusta Entertainment Complex

The heat is on and so is the need for relief

Quality healthcare = healthy economic development

Technology and the business of medicine

CSRA business develops future workforce

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