Mon, August 03, 2026

Facebook-f Youtube Instagram
Newsletter Sign up
Show Support
Menu

Consumer Stories
Consumer Stories

CSRA coffee company takes command of helping local military families

A locally owned small business is partnering with an agency at the United Way of the CSRA (UWCSRA) to support veterans one cup of coffee at a time. Commander Coffee has created a bag of a custom blend coffee, with 20% of sales going to Mission United for the next several months. “I actually invited the staff from the United Way to come down here and do a tasting,” Commander Coffee owner Randy Bradum explained for ABD. “I curated a couple of blends that I thought would be good fits

Read More »
Dana Lynn McIntyre May 8, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Business/Government collaboration provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

A two-day hunt at the Savannah River Site (SRS) created a lifetime of memories for 15 disabled hunters and their escorts during the SRS Ultimate Turkey Hunt. Made possible through the collaboration of the U.S Forest Service, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Outdoor Dream Foundation (ODF), this annual event provides a unique turkey hunting experience for disabled hunters from across the country. Participants and their escorts are given access to the Site’s pristine woodlands spanning 90,000 acres and brings people together

Read More »
Staff Report May 8, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Restaurant owners change concept

What was once a hybrid Chinese restaurant is now a Mexican spot in Evans. Pancho Villa Mexican Kitchen & Bar is now open at 301 North Belair Road in the former  Tasty Wings & Seafood and Eggroll Express West, and is across from Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar at Owens/Cox Road. Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican dishes—from sizzling fajitas and street-style tacos to house-made salsas and refreshing margaritas. Pancho Villa says it promises a lively, welcoming atmosphere perfect for family dinners or casual nights out.

Read More »
Neil Gordon May 7, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Transitioning “Brave-ly”: How to Recover from a Bad Stretch

Publisher’s Note: Yours truly is a bit of a **** yankee, though I am a diehard NY Mets fan in baseball. Our esteemed columnist, Dr. Rick Franza, is a huge Atlanta Braves fan. Our teams are going in different directions this year, with the Braves setting records—a far cry from the 2025 disappointing season. The Braves are mentally strong, and Dr. Franza gleaned some lessons learned for our businesses. Dr. Franza: Many fans and members of the media called for a major shakeup of the team before the start of

Read More »
Dr. Rick Franza, Professor, AU Hull College of Business May 7, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Major shopping center with anchor grocery store coming to CSRA

Thousands of parents and kids spend time each week at Patriots Park, and soon they can go food shopping and have lunch or dinner while there. An executive from a popular grocery store tells ABD about the latest on its possibilities to build in the center. Approximately 20 acres are being developed next to Patriots Park at the corner of William Few Parkway and Columbia Road. Columbia County officials say the developer is Mason Harrison Ratliff from Oklahoma. These are the plans drawn up by the sign company for Patriot’s

Read More »
Neil Gordon May 6, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Simon Says: February fall-off in the local labor market

After my last few columns touted the strength of the local labor market, there was bound to be a correction. In February, employment fell. Employment fell by 400 jobs in February, though several sectors saw gains. The education and health services sector continued to add jobs. There have been over 40,000 people employed in this sector since August last year. Most of these jobs are in the health services sector because most education jobs are in local government (K-12 teachers and staff) or state employment (university employees).  The government sector

Read More »
Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Hull College of Business Economics Professor May 5, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Local wellness center moves to Evans

A health-oriented business is joining two others in the same center in Evans. Tomorrow afternoon is their grand opening. Blue Alchemy IV Hydration and Wellness is moving to 4246 Washington Rd, joining Retreat Spa & Salon and Flack Family Chiropractor, and across from Mullins Colony shopping center. Blue Alchemy provides IV Hydration that heals, energizes, and restores balance. They also offer Pre and Post Op Bariatric Infusions, Oxygen  Bar, and Brain Tap therapy. There will be a reception and a joint ribbon cutting by the Chambers of Commerce from Columbia

Read More »
Neil Gordon May 5, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Updates on 2 popular, closed venues

In 2027, metro Augusta could see the return of two very different, but equally popular, venues. Both have been closed since 2024, one by design, the other following Hurricane Helene. JBA subheader In December 2024, demolition began on the James Brown Arena, clearing the way for a new, three-story, 10,500-seat venue. Last week, members of the Coliseum Authority learned that the construction work remains on schedule and on budget.  “Everything is moving on schedule with the steel erection,” Jon Rawlins, Senior Project Manager with Legends Global, updated authority members. “The

Read More »
Dana Lynn McIntyre May 4, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Real World Perspective: Why Employee Education on Benefits Saves Companies Money

Early in my career, before I understood the employee benefits industry, I had a situation that completely changed how I think about healthcare decisions. I remember having a minor issue that could have easily been handled through a primary care visit or urgent care. Instead, I went straight to the emergency room because it felt like the safest and fastest option at the time. A few weeks later, I received the bill. What I thought would be a simple visit turned into a significantly higher cost than expected. It wasn’t

Read More »
Jamie Gose, Employee Benefits Consultant May 4, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

$1.2 million Grant to support future life

A new program to improve maternal health in nine rural counties is expected to have a ripple effect on healthcare systems in Augusta. The Rural Healthcare Access Partnership (RHAP), funded by a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration is part of Wellstar MCG’s Rural Community Consortium. It is available in Jefferson, Burke, Emanuel, Washington, Glascock, Warren, McDuffie, Jenkins, and Johnson counties. Those have been defined as Maternity Care Deserts. “By that we mean that they may not have access to a OB or GYN provider

Read More »
Dana Lynn McIntyre May 1, 2026 No Comments
Load More