Consumer Stories

B2B Stories

$225 million investment for the CSRA outskirts

A leading producer of sustainable building materials is establishing its first sawmill in the southeast. Hampton Lumber will invest $225 million in its latest operation in nearby Allendale County, SC, and is expected to create 125 jobs. Headquartered in Oregon, Hampton Lumber is a fourth-generation, family-owned producer of high-quality wood products sourced from sustainably managed forest resources. Operating nine sawmills in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada, the company markets and sells building materials worldwide. Hampton Lumber will construct a state-of-the-art, 375,000-square-foot lumber mill located at Highway 321 and Barker

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Consumer Stories

Former Coke Exec returns to CSRA to open a healthcare business

You’re invited to an event with refreshments this Thursday morning. It’s led by Jeanine Lewis Canales, a former Coca-Cola and Bumblebee Foods Executive, and her husband, Juan, a business exec. They are opening a branch of Seniors Helping Seniors serving CSRA residents in Burke, Columbia, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties. Jeanine returned to Augusta to care for her aging mother and was inspired to open a business that hires active seniors to provide care and companionship to their less-active peers. Seniors Helping Seniors® provides a compassionate community of caregivers who can

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Awards/Celebrations

Two CSRA restaurants capture national awards

Raise a glass to two of our own that emerged as Award of Excellence winners by Wine Spectator magazine, billed as a leading authority on wine. It’s quite an honor based on the level of competition across Georgia and South Carolina. The Willcox Inn has aged like fine wine, literally. The hotel was built in 1898 in Aiken, considered the Queen of the Winter Colony. Fine dining and drinks by the fireplace have always been a part of the ambiance. This marks The Willcox restaurant’s 11th year receiving the Wine Spectator

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B2B Stories

July brings sizzling economic impact

More than 9,000 visitors, generating almost $1.5 million, are expected in the River Region for meetings, reunions, events, and sporting events this month. One of the largest events kicks off July 7 with the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, which results in the largest chunk of attendance and economic impact. Destination Augusta and the Augusta Sports Council work together on recruiting and hosting these various activities, which play a critical role in sustaining the nearly 30,000 jobs that are part of the Leisure and Hospitality Industry, the fourth largest employment sector

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B2B Stories

Antique treasures await in Aiken

What’s old is new again, especially for discriminating antique lovers who have shopped at a new place in Aiken. The Briar Patch Antiques opened a few weeks ago, and it’s already creating a vibe as warm and inviting as Beatrix Potter’s Peter Cottontail stories. The shop had a soft opening in early June and celebrated their grand opening on June 21. Business has been brisk, and nine vendors have already booked the venue, which filled the downstairs area with unique designs in each room. “The grand opening was great, and

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Consumer Stories

Home furnishing consolidation

A pair of New York area entrepreneurs have found a unique way to serve their furniture and bedding customers. They are teaming up. Chris Tsilimidos (left, from New Jersey) started CSCM Furniture on South Belair, and Greg Nye (right, from Western New York) started a local branch of Mattress by Appointment on Roberts Road. They both discovered there is truth in numbers. In early 2025, they joined forces at 211 Bobby Jones Expressway to take advantage of tens of thousands of cars passing by their store each day. Together, they

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Consumer Stories

Realtors offer helping hand for community needs tomorrow

The REALTORS® of Greater Augusta (RGA), in partnership with Harlem Housing Authority, invite residents to a free Community Care Day. This event demonstrates the RGA’s commitment to being good neighbors and supporting the well-being of the CSRA. All community members are welcome to attend on Saturday, June 28th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Harlem Housing Authority, located at 129 Blanchard Avenue in Harlem. Attendees will have the opportunity to pick up a variety of free household supplies, including: General Household Goods Non-Perishable Food Clothing Self-Care Items   This

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Awards/Celebrations

AU one of only three universities to win prestigious cybersecurity award

Augusta University was recently honored with the 2025 CSO50 Award, which recognizes organizations for outstanding innovation and leadership in cybersecurity. Presented by Computer Security Online, a division of Foundry, an IDG Inc. company, the award celebrates 50 projects annually that deliver exceptional business value through creative, effective security strategies. Augusta University, one of only three universities to earn the distinction, also earned the distinction in 2023. This year, AU appears alongside companies including Aflac, Intel Corporation, Mastercard, Principal Financial Group, and TIAA. “Augusta University is one of only three universities

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Consumer Stories

New leadership at the Augusta Entertainment Complex

There were several key developments on the status of the new arena being constructed—including an update on the use of James Brown in the final naming rights. The new General Manager for the Augusta Entertainment Complex (AEC) was introduced at this month’s regular meeting of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority. Oak View Group (OVG), which has been managing the venue since 2008, brought Todd Mastry to replace Chris Martin, who had held the position since 2022. Mastry comes from Southaven, Miss., where he was Executive Director of the DeSoto County

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Consumer Stories

The heat is on and so is the need for relief

With just over a week left in June, The Salvation Army of Augusta is making a final push to collect boxed fans and bottled water through its partnership with local restaurant Tacocat. These donations provide relief to those most vulnerable to the summer heat, especially seniors and individuals struggling with the high cost of air conditioning. “Summers in Augusta aren’t just uncomfortable—they can be life-threatening, especially for seniors and individuals unable to afford the high cost of running their air conditioners,” said Major Jonathan Raymer of The Salvation Army of

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