Sat, April 25, 2026

Facebook-f Youtube Instagram
Newsletter Sign up
Show Support
Menu

Consumer Stories
B2B Stories

Balancing the Short-Term and the Long-Term

At this time last year, I wrote a column that discussed Major League Baseball’s “trade deadline” and how it provides some good lessons that we can apply to business decision-making. In today’s column, I will revisit one of those lessons in more detail than I provided last time.  However, before we delve into that lesson, please allow me to quickly review the trade deadline and its implications. This year’s trade deadline was last Tuesday, July 30, at 6 pm EDT, meaning that teams cannot make trades for players from other

Read More »
Dr. Rick Franza August 6, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

Busby’s brings an Olympic buzz to CSRA

A unique video campaign showcasing a company mascot is creating quite a buzz on social media. Busby’s Heating and Air Conditioning has put Buzz front and center at Olympic-style competitions including basketball, pole vaulting, and skateboarding. Of course, Buzz isn’t really in Paris, but the campaign highlights many local venues as a backdrop for his athletic prowess. Some of the highlights from their 10-video campaign include: Swimming: In this video, Buzz visits the Wilson Family Y and takes viewers on a tour of their pool and gives them a glimpse

Read More »
Staff Report August 6, 2024 No Comments
Closings

Big Lots planning to close many CSRA locations

The anchor store in Aiken’s Silver Bluff Commons Shopping Center is the latest location on the Big Lots “hit list” along with two other CSRA spots. Big Lots just moved into this 58,000-square-foot shopping center on 1016 Pine Log Road less than three years ago. “Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate handles property management and leasing for the Silver Bluff Commons Shopping Center in Aiken. We are aware of Big Lots’ future closing and are currently working on the marketing for that space. The current tenant lineup is as follows: Habanero Mexican

Read More »
Neil Gordon August 5, 2024 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Family opens CSRA fitness business this Friday

It’s not a stretch. A husband and wife team with strong medical backgrounds, plan to open six locations of StretchLab in Georgia, with the first opening this weekend in Evans. Located at 620 Mullins Colony in the same shopping center as Belks, the new studio will introduce people of all ages and fitness levels to the various health and wellness benefits of working with highly trained Flexologists™ in an open, modern, environment. StretchLab Evans is owned by husband-and-wife duo, Pat and Shirley Wulf, franchisees with first-hand experience in the life-changing

Read More »
Neil Gordon August 5, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

Simon Says: 3-year high—CSRA jobs update

The national unemployment rate in June hit 4.1%. While still historically low, it represents the first time in 30 months that the unemployment rate exceeded 4.0%, going back to November 2021. In the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has also risen recently. It hit 4.0% in June, up 0.4 percentage points since March. The last time the unemployment rate was 4.0% was three years ago in June 2021 (see graph below). Across the counties of the MSA, unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) have increased quite dramatically

Read More »
Dr. Simon Medcalfe August 5, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

CSRA business owner going for gold in Paris

The eyes of the world are on Paris as athletes from around the globe are competing in the 2024 Olympics. Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky have already won an unprecedented number of gold medals, but an Aikenite will soon be giving her all to represent the CSRA and the USA. When the lights dim on August 11 after the Olympics closing ceremony, the spotlight will turn to the Paralympics which begins August 28 through September 8. That is when you can cheer for Ellen Geddes. She grew up in Aiken’s

Read More »
Mitzi Oxford August 4, 2024 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Business Lunch Review: Augsburg Haus

Food Quality: 5 Service: 4 Business Meeting: 4 Value: 4 Overall Rating: 4.25 out of 5 I tried German food for the first time in 2021, when my wife, Rebecca, and I ate at Hofbrauhaus in Helen. I’ve always been a picky eater, so sampling new foods isn’t something I do all the time, but Rebecca assured me I would like it. As usual, she was right. We had been wanting to eat at Augsburg Haus at 4460 Washington Road next door to Smallcakes Cupcakery in Liberty Square in Evans

Read More »
Josh Heath August 1, 2024 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Jones Creek Golf Course to Re-Open

Publisher’s Note: ABD received the Thursday morning edition of Jones Creek News and is publishing it in its entirety. It was provided by Tripp Nanney of the Jones Creek HOA. The golf course has been closed since September 2018 due to an unresolved lawsuit against Columbia County, concerning stormwater runoff that flooded parts of the course. Bond Global of Aiken developed a relationship with Jones Creek and opened a driving range in April 2023. This relationship is continuing in a big way. Tripp’s Tidbits – Jones Creek Golf Course Update

Read More »
Staff Report August 1, 2024 No Comments
Closings

Longtime CSRA retailer closing

The sporadic going out of business sale continues Friday for a 50-year-old company in Martinez. Furniture Rentals was open for their sale on Tuesday and will re-open on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at its Washington Road location. A Furniture Rentals employee would not allow photos of the showroom of used furniture and accessories, but did provide information. He told ABD the owner has been in the building since 1985 and will continue their liquidation until a new tenant for the large storefronts is leased. The employee said

Read More »
Neil Gordon July 31, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

Speedy Networking + Pop Up Shops

The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce has a unique event coming up on August 15. It kicks off at 4:30 pm with Speed Networking. What is that? It’s like speed dating, but without the dating. Attendees will be able to meet a lot of people in a short amount of time. How it works: Attendees will have the chance to connect with 20 professionals in an hour! Every two minutes, you will be introduced to a fellow Chamber member and share your name, business, elevator pitch, target audience, and preferred

Read More »
Staff Report July 31, 2024 No Comments
Load More