Consumer Stories

Consumer Stories

CSRA Christmas campaigns see greater needs this year

The Salvation Army of Augusta has kicked off two familiar campaigns as Christmas shopping goes into high gear. After Helene, the requests for help are substantially higher. The Angel Tree campaign provides toys and clothing to children who might otherwise receive little or nothing on Christmas Day. Janelys Villalta, Marketing and PR Manager, told ABD they started taking applications for Angel Tree during the time of Hurricane Helene. She said last year, they served about 1,000 children. They’ve seen a big spike in requests this year. “We’re at about 1,400

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Consumer Stories

How to SCORE More Holiday Shoppers

As the holiday shopping season approaches, small businesses are gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year, from Black Friday to Small Business Saturday and beyond. SCORE, America’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, offers entrepreneurs practical advice to make the most of the season. Plan for the Holiday Rush Reflect on last year’s performance. Did you meet your sales goals? Use your previous data to forecast sales, set promotional strategies, and manage staffing needs to provide outstanding customer care. “It’s about more than just sales; it’s

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B2B Stories

One-stop Shop Opens in CSRA

Just in time for the year’s busiest shopping season, a new retail store has opened in North Augusta. After a few months of operating a mobile boutique, Autumn Grace Boutique opened on November 16 at 401 W. Martintown Road in the North Hills Shopping Center. “The reception for our Grand Opening was wonderful. Customers loved the many brands of clothing we stock for men, women, and children,” said owner, Alicia Byars. Those brands include Fieldstone, Roost Waterfowl, Southern Strut, Zenana, Risen, and Southern Down Outfitters. Autumn Grace Boutique also carries

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B2B Stories

SRS Building the Future with Apprentice Program

The Savannah River Site (SRS) Apprenticeship School at Aiken Technical College celebrated the Nov. 18 start of National Apprenticeship Week. Joining the celebration were Augusta Technical College and Denmark Technical College, both of which are partners in the school. There are approximately 100 students enrolled in the apprenticeship school. It provides training in several fields, including Facility/Production Operator and Maintenance Mechanic. “I’m here mostly for professional growth and providing for my family and just making a difference in the community,” Auston Prather, 33, told ABD. “I grew up in this

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Residential Real Estate

Real Talk Real Estate: Will Homes Finally Become Affordable in 2025?

The question on everyone’s mind is whether 2025 will bring relief to homebuyers struggling with affordability. While recent fluctuations in mortgage rates have added uncertainty, many industry experts predict a gradual decline in rates next year. However, don’t expect rates to plummet too quickly. The powers that be, believe a sudden drop could trigger a wave of buyer demand that might erase inventory gains, potentially driving prices back up. I am awaiting, hopefully, a drop to the 5.5% range so I can refinance my own mortgage. In 2023, I got

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B2B Stories

Club Car teams up for STEM Program

They may not be behind the wheel just yet, but 5th-grade students at Martinez Elementary School are learning the nuts and bolts of innovation and design of Club Car golf cars and low-speed utility vehicles. The program is part of a year-long partnership between the company and the school to show students how the math, science, and language skills they learn today actually apply in real-world settings. “There’s nothing like watching a child light up when what they learn in class comes to life,” said Carrie Harrison, Director of Custom

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B2B Podcasting

Helping Solve Homelessness

According to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the number of homelessness in Augusta grows each year. As a realtor, Ann Marie McManus travels the CSRA and sees the problem firsthand. She also volunteers to be part of the solution.

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B2B Stories

More than $13 Million to SRP Members for Helene Relief

Almost two months after Hurricane Helene slammed the CSRA with 100 mph winds, signs of the storm to homes and businesses are still a reminder of the initial devastation. All ten counties served by SRP Federal Credit Union were significantly impacted. Recovery is a slow process, but SRP has stepped up to support both its member-owners and team members during the aftermath. The company has provided Emergency Relief Loans, Skip-a-Pay options on consumer loans, and waived or refunded various operational fees in the amount of $13.6 million in total relief.

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B2B Podcasting

Advice for Fellow Realtors from a Pro

As an award-winning realtor, Ann Marie McManus learned one of the most important lessons for a career in real estate is to write down what works. Once your plan is in place, the years ahead will reward you and your clients.

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B2B Stories

Third location of popular eatery announced

It’s billed as the best place in the CSRA for breakfast and lunch, a place where everybody knows your name. If you are a regular at the Sunrise Grill, you can say “cheers” to their newest location at Daniel Village on Wrightsboro Road. According to Southeastern Development Associates, the new location will be within walking distance of some of the highest-income areas of Richmond County and with plenty of built-in customers to the Daniel Village area including Medical College of Georgia, Downtown Augusta, and the Augusta National Golf Club. Their

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