Consumer Stories

Awards/Celebrations

Top 10 Young Professionals to Watch

They are described as leading the way, raising the bar, and setting the standard of service in our community. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Augusta Magazine have announced the 2025 Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch.  The Chamber is proud of the promising young talent in our region and hopeful for the future of these leaders, including: Harshita Aildasani, Cherry Bekaert Advisory, LLC Anitra Bosley, Augusta Technical College Isaac Brinberg, Augusta University Taylor Hanks, Augusta Entertainment Complex Jeffrey Harden, Doctors Hospital of Augusta Rickey Jones Jr.,

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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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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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