
GRACE under pressure Pt 2
After 40 successful years in real estate, Ann Marie McManus has learned what makes for successful transactions between the buyer and lender. It’s all about G.R.A.C.E.

After 40 successful years in real estate, Ann Marie McManus has learned what makes for successful transactions between the buyer and lender. It’s all about G.R.A.C.E.

The Augusta Technical College Foundation has announced $57,225 in gifts and pledges for the annual Family First campaign. The 2024 Family First campaign, which ran from September 4-18, focused on directly impacting students’ lives. Family First events were held at all Augusta Tech campus sites, where Faculty and staff were encouraged to contribute to bridging the financial gaps many students experience. Suggested donation amounts included $1,200 to help cover tuition shortfalls, $511 to cover student fees, $250 for textbooks, $200 for laptops, and $50 for emergency funds. “This year saw

Buying or selling in real estate is a two-way street. Ann Marie McManus understands that better than most. She’s been in the business for 40 years. She credits part of her success to her team philosophy of G.R.A.C.E.

Like the tumbleweed that spreads seeds of growth, the store that bears the name recently expanded. Owner, Jessica Reeves only had to move a few doors down to 224 Park Avenue SE in Aiken to gain more space. When ABD reported on TumbleWeed’s opening two years ago, Reeves was already dreaming big and looking to grow the business by offering other products and services. When the store moved four doors down into the former location of Needlepoint Cottage, it almost tripled its space. “My husband Joel got involved in the

The Career Connections event, sponsored by Augusta Business Daily, brought together large and small business representatives to share information and develop new relationships. Vendors ranged from small businesses like Nothing Bundt Cakes to Aurubis Richmond, LLC, one of Richmond County’s newest, large employers. Among the vendors were Elite Events and Tickets, which can arrange hospitality, travel, lodging, and tickets for clients. Ali Quinn, Director of Housing, said it was a good opportunity to get out into the community and tell people their story. “Small businesses are so important to our

The goal of every business is to grow and maintain a strong bottom line. However, managing time efficiently can make or break that goal. For small to medium-sized businesses, tasks like payroll taxes often become a burden, especially without the proper staff or expertise. Left unmanaged, payroll tax issues can quickly escalate, leading to significant financial penalties and credit problems. Here’s why payroll taxes deserve your attention: Payroll taxes are cumulative, and delays in filing or payment can snowball into larger issues. Penalties for late submissions can accumulate quickly, impacting

Robyn Kelley (right) and Lisa Merritt (left) are both in the hair business. Both want to make women look and feel beautiful. Robyn owns Trendz Salon and her team takes hair off. Lisa runs a wig boutique there and puts hair on. Wigs are for women like Faith Owens (center), who typically lose their locks due to a serious illness. Through the generosity of Trendz and first responders from Burke County organizing a fundraiser, the Owens’ out of pocket costs were $750 for a $5,000 special order wig made with

The Augusta Leading Economic Index fell 0.5 percent in July from June. It remains 0.1 percent higher than July 2023. After a bumper June, residential housing permits returned to normal levels, but represented a 66 percent monthly decline. Initial claims for unemployment insurance increased by 40 percent, as they often do in the summer with new high school and college graduates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished July strongly and inflation declined to 2.3 percent in the south. The price level actually fell from June to July, but was 2.3
Crows are large, intelligent, all-black birds and common sights in treetops, fields, and roadsides. Now, you can see them in Augusta as the Three Crow Fibers will be cawing your name. The new business opened September 3 at 223 James Brown Boulevard and folks who love to knit or crochet couldn’t be happier. “Word spread quickly about our opening. In our first week of business, we had customers from around the CSRA and from as far as Athens and Statesboro,” explained Jeff Pullium, one of the owners. You could say

Gerald Jones Honda turned 50 last week. Representatives from the American Honda Motor Company, three generations of the Jones family, Gerald Jones GM Robbie Newman, and employees were part of the celebration. “We are truly honored to receive this award,” said Andy Jones, Dealer Principal of Gerald Jones Honda. “For the past 50 years, our success has been built on the relationships we’ve cultivated with our customers and the trust they’ve placed in us. This award is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and the values that