Consumer Stories

Consumer Stories

Medical Business just outside of Augusta/Aiken

The Medical College of Georgia (MCG) is continuing its more than 200-year mission to train doctors, now targeting the need for physicians in rural Georgia. Some of Georgia’s 159 counties in rural areas have no physicians or lack specialties such as pediatricians and OB/GYNs. Of that, 143 counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Dr. David Hess, Dean of MCG, said those areas are known as health deserts or physician deserts. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates 20 percent of Americans, that’s more than 50 million people,

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Consumer Stories

Fat Man’s Wins Awards & Prepares for Expansion

Monday night in Atlanta, the Usry’s came home to Augusta with the Hero Award as they plan for another restaurant and event space in the CSRA. Brad Usry and his son Hav won the prestigious Hero Restaurant community service award at the Georgia Restaurant Association annual event at the Aquarium in Atlanta. The Fat Man’s Hospitality Group is made up of (2) current restaurants and an event center connected to Fat Man’s. The Usry’s competed against much larger food service operations in Georgia, like Parker’s Kitchen. Construction is underway at

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B2B Stories

Employers needed to grow tomorrow’s workforce

Businesses in Metro Augusta are invited to participate in a program designed to show high school students career possibilities right at home. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce is calling on businesses to sign up for a job shadowing opportunity. The annual event, set for Groundhog Day on Feb. 2, is coordinated by the Richmond County School System (RCSS). “There are so many jobs and job opportunities right here in the CSRA where we can keep our talent right here with us,” Dr. Stacey Mabray, Director of High School Programming

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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Tariffs and Effects on Jobs

Manufacturing employment in the United States has fallen by 58,000 since April, when President Trump announced his tariffs on “liberation day” to stand at 12.7 million in September. Five straight months of losses in an industry that tariffs were supposed to protect. A week ago, at the economic forecast breakfast, we analyzed the impact of tariffs on manufacturing, as well as the agriculture and service sectors. Using data from 2012-2023 on all metro areas of Georgia, we find that tariffs do have a positive impact on manufacturing employment, but it

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B2B Stories

8th and 9th location opens in Columbia County

Benchmark Physical Therapy is opening locations in two new Columbia County shopping centers. They are opening in The Commons at West Lake on Furys Ferry Road, and Greenpoint Commercial Retail in Appling. Here are the following services Benchmark offers: Physical Therapy Telehealth Physical Therapy Work & Industry Headaches Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Manual Therapy Orthopedics Geriatric Therapy Arthritis Management Pre/Post Surgical Back Pain Neck Pain Shoulder Pain Elbow Pain Hand & Wrist Pain Ankle Pain Knee Pain Chronic Pain Generalized Weakness   Benchmark accepts insurance and typically suggests 3x’s

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Consumer Stories

On track for record-breaking holiday shopping

If you felt crowded over the five days of the holiday shopping this year, there is a good reason for that. A new report says a record 202.9 million consumers were out in force from Thanksgiving Day to Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, through Sunday, and on into Cyber Monday. That number is based on a consumer survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. That broke the previous record of 200.4 million, set in 2023. NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay, during a virtual

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Consumer Stories

Learning from National Signing Day (Recruiting) and the Transfer Portal (Retention)

Publisher’s Note: Yes, Georgia is squaring off against Alabama this Saturday. It’s a busy week for College Football, including what is happening tomorrow. It’s “National Signing Day,” when this year’s star high school football seniors officially sign a commitment to the college of their choice. It’s tied in to the job market in Augusta as well! While there is another such signing day on February 4, 2026, a large majority will sign tomorrow to get an early start, including potentially enrolling at their college for the Spring Semester.  This National

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Consumer Stories

CSRA businesses hope to raise $200k plus this holiday season

You may have noticed the iconic red kettles out over Black Friday weekend. Recently, the Salvation Army of Augusta kicked off its annual campaign at an area business event. Volunteers are set up outside area stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Hobby Lobby, Bass Pro Shop, Food Lion, and others. Last year’s campaign collected more than $200,000. “All that money stays here local, and that helps support the Center of Hope, where, over the last three years, we’ve been able to move 400 people from homelessness into housing,” Major Jonathan Raymer,

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Consumer Stories

Cyber Monday Special Offer

Cyber Monday Special Offer Kickstart December with their exclusive Cyber Monday offer! Today only, get three discounted 50-minute stretch sessions to use during a 30-day trial. Whether you want to boost mobility, ease muscle tension, or stay consistent with your wellness routine through the holidays, this limited-time pack is the perfect way to move and feel better. Feel refreshed, restored, and ready to take on the season. Have Questions or Need Help? Call StretchLab Evans: 762-895-9522

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Consumer Stories

Small CSRA businesses ready to take center stage for holiday shopping

The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicted holiday sales could top $1 trillion this year. This Saturday is when small CSRA businesses step into the spotlight, hoping to grab some of those sales. Small Business Saturday, also known as Shop Small Saturday, was the brainchild of American Express in 2010. Business leaders everywhere promote the day, urging shoppers to support local small businesses. Angie Cox, President and CEO of the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce, told ABD 90% of chamber members have 50 employees or fewer. “They literally are what make

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