Employment

B2B Stories

Can TSA agents handle influx of golf fans?

The first wave of golf fans will begin arriving in Augusta on Tuesday to attend the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA). That kicks off the arrival of thousands of air travelers coming to Augusta for the Masters Tournament, ANWA and Drive, Chip and Putt. Funding for TSA agents is entering its second month of uncertainty. Leadership at Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is helping agents as the airport braces for its busiest time of year.  “We are concerned about the current shutdown and how it affects the TSA employees at Augusta

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B2B Stories

Developing the next generation of cyber employees

Companies based in the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (GCITC) welcomed 100 middle school students to the campus for Cyber Georgia STEMFest 2026. STEMFest, in partnership with the Cyber Fusion Innovation Center (CFIC), brings students from across Georgia for a day of science, technology, engineering, math, and cyber activities. It is to help students explore career pathways available in their future. “We’re thrilled to welcome students back to the Georgia Cyber Center for another unforgettable day of discovery, problem-solving, and creativity. STEMFest plays an important role in introducing young

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Consumer Stories

Employment summit for students with challenges

Nearly two dozen businesses teamed up with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SC DEW) for an employment summit for a unique group of students at USCA. The event was for students in the university’s LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) program. It is a college program for young adults with intellectual disabilities. It is in its third year of helping the students. “They spend two to four years with us in the program, learning skills in academics, independent living, like cooking and cleaning safely, as well as social

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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Best and worst unemployment story for Augusta

The last bit of economic data for 2025 was just released for the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The unemployment rate has risen from 4.1% in September to 4.5% in December. This is the highest unemployment rate across the fourteen Georgia MSAs.  There may be a good reason why Augusta “finished last.” As I previously reported, the Augusta MSA had the largest increase in employment, and the rising unemployment rate may just reflect people entering the workforce to find jobs in a relatively strong economy.  This is borne out by

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B2B Stories

Business support needed to train students for a great career

The North Augusta Chamber Foundation is tying one of its programs to the chamber’s 75th anniversary to help Aiken County students. The foundation is raising funds for the program that targets high school students to prepare them for a career after they graduate. The foundation’s Dell Tech program is a partnership with the Aiken County Public School District (ACPSD). It provides high school students with IT certification and hands-on experience. Isaac Kelly of Aiken Staffing Associates and chair of the foundation told ABD the program began in 2020 with North

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B2B Stories

Internships and apprenticeships help drive local economic growth

An Aiken County manufacturer, undergoing a multi-million dollar expansion, uses its unique relationships to find trained employees. Representatives from Rolls-Royce Solutions America, formerly known as mtu, participated in a panel discussion sponsored by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. Karson King, Mechanical Engineer, and A.J. Campbell, CNC Machine Operator, said working with schools like Aiken Technical College and USCA is vital during this period of growth. “Really getting to expand on our young workforce coming in. It’s going to help with skilled workers joining our workforce,” King told ABD. “We

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Consumer Stories

Countdown to Masters with a twist

In less than four weeks, golfers and fans from around the world will begin arriving in Augusta for the traditional spring events. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) has rolled out a virtual welcome mat, and management is trying to show financial appreciation to staff for the long hours ahead. First to step on the golf course will be the competitors for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA). Beginning April first, two practice rounds will be played at Champions Retreat, with the final round Saturday at Augusta National Golf Club (ANGC).  Young

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B2B Stories

Simon Says: What County Had the Highest Per Capital Personal Income?

Did residents in Aiken, Columbia, and Edgefield County make the most money? In 2024, Columbia County had the highest per capita personal income in the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), and McDuffie County had the largest increase over 2023. Personal income is defined by the Bureau of Economic Analysis as “the income received by, or on behalf of, all persons from all sources: from participation as laborers in production, from owning a home or business, from the ownership of financial assets, and from government and business in the form of

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B2B Stories

All I know about the Trader Joe’s Deal in Evans

The worst-kept secret in the CSRA is that Trader Joe’s is expected to build a standalone store directly behind the Columbia County Performing Arts Center, with the building facing North Belair Road. Cal Wray, the leader of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, says Trader Joe’s even looked in Richmond County a while back and decided against it. He says that Columbia County officials not being specific on active projects is not unusual. He doesn’t comment until there is a signed agreement. A Columbia County spokesperson said, not only is the

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B2B Stories

Next wave of workforce in CSRA gets BIG boost

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has signed an agreement designed to streamline transfer pathways at all 22 regional campuses, including Augusta Technical College. The articulation agreement with the American College of Education (ACE) also creates tuition reductions and expanded access to undergraduate and graduate programs. The partnership is available for eligible TCSG students, graduates, and full-time employees. The news release announcing the agreement quoted TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to expanding access, affordability, and opportunity for Georgia’s workforce,” said Dozier. “By reducing barriers

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