Employment

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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,

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B2B Stories

$34 million manufacturing project in South Carolina

South Carolina’s governor announced on May 13 that a primary metals manufacturer was heading to Fairfield County. That same day, a site selection company released a report on the economic impact of such businesses. Mega Metal, headquartered in Turkey, selected the site just north of Columbia for its first location in the Palmetto State. The copper wire manufacturer’s facility is a $34 million investment, creating 135 jobs. “Congratulations to Mega Metal on establishing its first South Carolina location,” said Gov. Henry McMaster (R) in the news release. “Manufacturing is thriving

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B2B Stories

The Job Market of the Future

As we enter “graduation season” for our local public high schools this week (Columbia County) and next (Richmond and Aiken Counties), I know that many of you, both as parents and business leaders, are wondering what the job market of the future will look like. Rapid technological development and recent tariff and immigration policies may likely accelerate some of the changes that have been occurring in the workplace, but some of the other recent changes will continue to move forward. Here are some of the more important trends that are

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B2B Stories

Two Questions with the Dean: Study Abroad

In the next month or so, business students at AU’s Hull College of Business and other students will leave and study abroad from a week-long trip up to a full term. In today’s “Two Questions with the Dean,” Dean Mark Thompson explains the details. ABD: What trip is set up for this semester? HULL: The study abroad trip this coming summer is going to England and Scotland as part of our international business course. So, it gives students a great opportunity to experience what it’s like to be somewhere else,

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B2B Stories

Defining Georgia’s workforce development

A series of policies and recommendations on how to train the workforce for the future are now laws in Georgia. Flanked by elected officials and education leaders, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed into law bills passed by the general assembly defining what the state will do to remain a top state in which to do business. A key piece of legislation was HB 192 (www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69701), entitled the Top State for Talent Act. It codifies the Georgia MATCH program, launched in 2023 to facilitate a student’s enrollment in Georgia post-secondary institutions.

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B2B Stories

Mega Metal selects Fairfield County for first South Carolina operation

Mega Metal, a copper wire manufacturer, announced it has selected Fairfield County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The $34 million investment will create 135 new jobs. Headquartered in Turkey, Mega Metal manufactures copper wire to serve critical industries including automotive, medical, aerospace, defense, and more. The company has over 700 employees and distributes products to more than 30 countries. Located at 364 Blue Granite Parkway in Ridgeway, Mega Metal’s 91,000-square-foot facility will manufacture superfine electrolytic oxygen-free (EOF) copper wire. Once fully operational, the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is expected

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