Consumer Stories

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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Consumer Stories

Progress on the new Augusta Arena

The old James Brown Arena is no more, and crews continue the step-by-step process to prepare the site for the construction of the new arena. News crews were given a walk-through at the now-empty tract where the new arena will be built. John Rawlins, project manager with Nations Group, said the current step is using engineered backfill materials in what used to be the old arena’s basement. The material has a better compaction rating. Rollers are then used to help complete the process. “We’ve got a special inspection sub (contractor)

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Consumer Stories

SRNS Gives Back to Aid Local Children

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) recently presented a $20,000 donation to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Aiken County at the non-profit’s 20th annual fundraising gala. Over the years, SRNS has given over $240,000 to CAC in support of their mission to provide intervention, treatment, and prevention services that promote healing for Aiken County children who have experienced abuse. The annual gala raises funds to cover the organization’s operational costs. Kent Williams, Director of the Radiological Protection Department at SRNS, recently completed a six-year tenure as CAC treasurer. “I’m proud to be

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B2B Stories

How to grow Augusta’s airport

Members of an Augusta Aviation Commission committee heard about ways to maximize the use of Augusta Regional Airport and potential obstacles. The Opportunity Ad Hoc Committee talked about existing, available land, options on how to use it, and public development versus private development. Committee members first heard a presentation from Pamela Davison, CEO of Bravo Air. The company provides private jet charter services from the airport. She said the company began in 2021 with one aircraft, a King Air F90 turboprop plane. They soon upgraded to a larger King Air

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B2B Stories

Large Southeastern Engineering Firm Expands in CSRA

Multidisciplined architecture and engineering firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) has announced the opening of its new geotechnical engineering laboratory in Aiken, South Carolina. This laboratory is designed to expand the firm’s capabilities in geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing services in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) market. GMC offers both geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing for large multidisciplinary designs and as a single service.  From preliminary design and analysis through testing and observation during construction, the firm’s geotechnical engineers and construction specialists can provide expertise for long-term, cost-effective

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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

Groundbreaking for the future of nursing education at Aiken Tech

Overcast skies and a light rain did not dampen the enthusiasm for a ceremony marking the start of a new nursing education building at Aiken Technical College. Doctor Forest Mahan, president of Aiken Tech, said the groundbreaking marks the beginning of the next chapter in the school’s commitment to educating healthcare professionals. He said it was the result of partnerships the school has formed in its dedication to providing skilled, compassionate, and dedicated professionals. “And it’s important to note that if you look around this campus, in addition to this

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