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Consumer Stories

Mental health support at CSRA workplaces

A local expert is hoping professionals see the signs of unwellness in the workplace. “The cost of missing it is not just productivity, but what we’re missing is opportunities to be able to help people,” she said. “We see burnout, absenteeism, presenteeism, conflict, disengagement, turnover, safety issues, mistakes, and accidents, and most importantly, suffering in silence, ” said Dr. Cheryl Cummings. Dr. Cheryl Cummings is the Employee Wellness Service and Disability Manager for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS).  She brought her mental health expertise to the May Women in Business

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Dana Lynn McIntyre May 26, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Simon Says: Job challenges in the hotel and restaurant space

Prior to Masters, the leisure and hospitality space lost 1500 jobs over a few months. In general, employment in the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area continued to fall in March, shedding 200 jobs.  Private education and health services continued to add jobs, with another 200 added in March. Over the last year, this sector has added over 2,200 jobs, while the overall employment level has only increased by 200, confirming this sector as the major driver of employment growth nationally and locally. Locally, employment in private education and health services has

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Hull College of Business Economics Professor May 26, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Kemp signs off on major bill to create more jobs in the CSRA/Peach State

The importance of workforce development is in the spotlight for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R). For one of his final bill-signing ceremonies, Kemp put his signature on a series of bills to reinforce that Georgia is a top state for talent. He tied it to the state’s ability to continue as one of the best in the nation for business and economic growth. “Our skilled and highly qualified workforce is a major reason why job creators keep coming to and expanding in our state,” said Kemp. “I’m proud to sign

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Dana Lynn McIntyre May 21, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

FOLLOW UP: Old (and Young) Men (and Women) Should Plant Trees

After the positive feedback I received from readers on last week’s column on Ben Sasse, I further contemplated two of the themes that Mr. Sasse has been espousing: delayed gratification and humility (i.e., others above self). As I reflected on these themes, I realized they could be captured by the ancient Greek proverb, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in,” that was popularized in the 1950’s by American author and theologian, D. Elton Trueblood.   The quote captures the willingness

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Dr. Rick Franza, Professor, AU Hull College of Business May 21, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Rallying support for EAMC

Local elected officials support keeping Eisenhower Army Medical Center functioning as a full-service facility. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) announced plans to transition EAMC into an ambulatory care center, ending inpatient care with the emergency room as an urgent care facility. The reaction is eye-opening. State Rep. Mark Howard (R-District 127) views the announcement through three lenses. As an elected official, a doctor, and a military retiree who served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He told ABD he was both surprised and disappointed at the announcement.  “Very disappointed, and

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Dana Lynn McIntyre May 20, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Successful Grand Opening

The Patels know how to throw a party… complete with donuts, coffee, and chances to win a lot of swag. Lines started well before 8 A.M., Friday. Sam, Peter, and A.J Patel opened their 16th local location in a fast-growing area of Harlem. The address is 755 Point Bluff Parkway, next to Piedmont Prompt Care and near a strip center featuring Jersey Mike’s. The first 100 guests closest to the front door received 100 days of free coffee.  A D.J kept the morning vibe going, while children played cornhole, got

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Neil Gordon May 19, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Simon Says: Better Job News

Two weeks ago, I reported a decline in employment for the metro area. Fortunately, this week I can report that other components of the local labor market improved or stayed the same in February.  The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.5% for the third consecutive month. The labor force, those in work and those looking for work, increased by 2,400 in February, and by almost 8,000 over the last year. Average weekly hours worked increased to 34.3. In January, I reported average weekly earnings increased to a record high,

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Hull College of Business Economics Professor May 19, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Hospital construction in the home stretch

Wellstar and AU Health leadership provided a tour and media briefing at the new hospital under construction in Columbia County.   The six-floor, 254,000 square foot hospital is being built off Interstate 20 exit 190, just below the Columbia County Exhibition Center. It remains on track to open from late August to early September. In addition to providing healthcare, the hospital and surrounding complex can act as a magnet to draw new businesses to Columbia County. The hospital itself will add about 1,200 jobs. “We have 300-plus staff already hired. We

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Dana Lynn McIntyre May 15, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Summer Preparations in Aiken

There are a lot of historic buildings that businesses in Aiken occupy. How are they protected from environmental contaminants? How about the equestrian community? Joseph Galpin from Enviropro360 says a number of different environmental challenges can also impact Aiken neighborhoods that balance Southern Tradition and modern living. https://enviropro360.com/blog/mold/who-do-i-call-to-check-for-mold-in-aiken-sc/

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Joseph Galpin, EnviroPro 360 May 15, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

CSRA Credit Union reaches major milestone

The SRP Affinity Debit Card Program reached $3 million. Early next week, the credit union is going to celebrate. The card allows SRP members to support local schools simply by using their school-branded debit card for everyday purchases. Each swipe helps generate contributions to these 46 local schools. The program provides critical funding to support educational initiatives, student programs, and school resources. The celebration will be huge as representatives from the 46 schools are invited to include school leaders, school superintendents, and Board of Education members. It will be held

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Neil Gordon May 13, 2026 No Comments
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