Consumer Stories

B2B Stories

Young entrepreneur opens hair salon in the CSRA

How do you beat the summer heat? Let us count the ways, a dip in the pool, a relationship with A/C, or another way is opting for a shorter haircut. Summer cuts are cooler and fit the relaxed, carefree lifestyle of the season. At Summer Cuts in Aiken, Summer Engelberg is standing by with scissors in hand to give you a “new do.” “The seasons seem to run in my family. My sisters are named Autumn and Winter, but a customer gave me a sign that reads, ‘Summer cuts all

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B2B Stories

Hair today, gone tomorrow? A new wig boutique can help

Editor’s note: I’m a breast cancer survivor. The surgeries and chemotherapy were bad enough but, honestly, one of the worst parts of the experience was losing most of my hair. After all, a woman’s hair is her crowning glory. And yes, I sought out a wig. A full head of hair gives us confidence and makes us shine. Having a good hair day can boost our confidence, as well as our mood. But if you suffer hair loss, it can affect you physically and emotionally. “Your hair doesn’t define you,

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B2B Stories

The truth about burnout

Whether you work in healthcare, in sales, or own a small business, chances are you’ve experienced hitting that wall on the job. You’re tired, irritable, and just not motivated.  There’s a name for this phenomenon. Burnout. According to a 2020 Gallup study, 76% of employees experience burnout at least sometimes, with 28% reporting feeling it very often or always. The study estimated that burnout costs the U.S. economy up to $190 billion in healthcare spending each year. Nate Lauger, Operations Director at Manpower Augusta, said burnout was an issue years

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B2B Podcasting

Derek May: How do businesses cope with inflation?

Pivot. Price. Patience. Just a few words to have in your toolbox in the world of rising interest rates. We take a look back at the economic panel discussion from ABD’s Conference and Expo in May. Derek May, President of Azalea Investments, speaks about what businesses can do to remain financially stable.

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Consumer Stories

Best of Business Lunch Review: Groucho’s Deli

Editor’s Note: Wes Hennings never met a meal he walked away from and is an opinionated eater! Each Thursday he shares the results of a business lunch he’s had with a colleague as a way to advise our business community on the good, bad, and tasty across the CSRA. He doesn’t let ABD or the restaurant know where he is going and his opinions are his own. He grades the restaurants he visits on a 1-5 scale with “5” being outstanding. We call this our “Real Business Lunch Review”. Food

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B2B Stories

Passport backlog jeopardizing travel plans for business and leisure

Summertime is traveling time and if you are venturing abroad, be aware there could be a big hitch in your plans. Whether traveling for business, pleasure, for students involved in international studies, or for church groups visiting other countries for ministry work, the new rules will apply. The standard passport renewal process, which typically takes a few weeks, can now take up to 13 weeks, not counting mail time which could add two or three more weeks. Even expedited service could take up to nine weeks. For a couple of

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Consumer Stories

Local cookie dough franchisee, coffee shop open dual business

For nearly two years, Jen Harpley has wanted to open a dessert business across the street from Evans Towne Center Park, but as of last week, her wish has finally come true. Harpley, who serves as a COO for a CSRA business, owns the local Alumni Cookie Dough franchise at 7025 Evans Towne Center Blvd., Suite 213 in The Plaza at Evans Towne Center, which is owned by Meybohm. The space was previously occupied by Roll On In and Buzzed Bull Creamery. Alumni share its space with Rooted Coffeehouse’s second

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B2B Stories

Military rallies around restaurant grand opening

For 25-year veteran, Kelly O’Neal (pictured above) and his retired Naval vet wife, Tiffany, a new mission begins this morning with a ribbon cutting and this afternoon with a radio remote. Their new “mission” is to rally thousands of military men and women from the CSRA and “regular folks” who enjoy good food and drinks at their Rally Point Grille restaurant. “I retired with top secret clearance at Fort Gordon,” said Kelly O’Neal. Now, he must re-earn the trust of people following a decorated military career. They are “accidental restaurateurs,”

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Consumer Stories

CSRA native launches casual restaurant, bar in familiar location

Maguire Welsh grew up in Augusta, graduated from the Academy of Richmond County, and worked as a server at local restaurants before moving away seven years ago. When Welsh moved back to town last year, he decided to open his own casual dining restaurant and bar. In late May, Welsh opened Midtown Tavern located at 1855 Central Ave. near Buona Caffe, which was most recently occupied by Soul City Pizza. The restaurant serves a variety of meals, including smash burgers, grilled salmon, and chicken tenders, as well as beer, wine,

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B2B Stories

Hitting the road with Georgia’s film industry

Georgia Entertainment News has scheduled the Georgia Unscripted Roadshow to crisscross the state and highlight the impact the entertainment industry has on the Peach State. The organization advocates for Georgia’s entertainment industry and kicked off the road trip on June 22 in Athens. It will continue on its nine-city journey through the state, which includes a planned stop in Augusta on August 23. “We’re advocacy media, we’re a publication that covers the industry,” said Randy Davidson, President of Georgia Entertainment News. “Our editorial pages are pro the state investing further

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