Consumer Stories

B2B Stories

CSRA registers ringing with back-to-school sales

The back-to-school and college season is an important time for retailers and families buying a list of needed school supplies. In Aiken, most of that shopping was done earlier this summer, as classes began July 22. Richmond County elementary students report on August 5 followed by middle, high school, and magnet programs beginning the following day. Columbia County schools start August 5. So, there are still a few days left to get those last-minute supplies. According to a survey from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics, families

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B2B Stories

CSRA impacts from global Microsoft outage

Six days later and some CSRA travelers are still reeling from a global computer outage that began Friday morning, July 19. On that day, Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) announced delays from American Airlines and cancellations for Delta flights. At issue was the fact that Atlanta is the Delta hub. With the exception of AGS direct flights to Charlotte, Dallas, and Washington, DC, the bulk of Augusta flights, with Delta as the carrier, land in Atlanta and depart to cities across the country and around the world. Tabitha Butler, owner of

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B2B Stories

$20,000 grant to support student veterans

The Fluor Foundation’s Military Support Coalition has awarded the Aiken Technical College Foundation a grant to continue support for student veterans with the cost of attendance and living expenses. “We are thankful for the Fluor Foundation’s ongoing support of our student veterans. The funding helps address financial barriers often not covered by other financial aid resources, but can impact a student veteran’s ability to start or continue their education,” said Aiken Technical College Foundation President, Dr. Forest Mahan. Since 2013, the Fluor Foundation Military Support Coalition has granted $165,000 to

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B2B Podcasting

40th Anniversary: Unexpected Rewards

Most realtors work hard, and Ann Marie McManus is no exception. The work pays off with sales and happy customers and sometimes, recognition from your peers.

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B2B Podcasting

40th Anniversary: Helping families adjust

In today’s 40th Anniversary look back at Ann Marie McManus’ ongoing real estate career, she looks at a recent home sale and how the older couple is adjusting to a new life!

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B2B Stories

Former Pro Football player to open new CSRA restaurant

After growing up in Huger, SC near Mt. Pleasant, Fernando Washington played professional football for the Frankfurt Galaxy, the World League of America in Germany for two years. It was one of two original NFL Europe teams. He was a defensive end who moved to Aiken two years ago and has transitioned to a business owner and chef. It might seem like an unusual fit, but preparation and cooking come as naturally to Washington as sacking the quarterback. “I grew up in a large family of good cooks starting with

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Consumer Stories

CSRA professionals needed for high-paying jobs in Aiken and elsewhere

ABD readers looking to advance in their administrative careers are encouraged to apply this Thursday at a career fair organized by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the managing and operating contractor at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, and Fluor. Those with the following professional experience are encouraged to attend: Engineers, Estimators, Procurement, Information Technology, Human Resources, Operations, Business Services, Project Control, Construction, Quality Control/Quality Assurance, Safety and Security Professionals, and Program Managers. Positions located in Greenville and Aiken. Recruiters will be on hand to handle the hiring needs

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Consumer Stories

Tapping into underutilized workforces

Someone formerly incarcerated who successfully transitions back into society as a productive employee is something Goodwill has seen up close in Augusta. In 2013, Sean Walker was hired at Edgar’s Grill as a server assistant. Twenty years earlier, he was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the murder of his fiancée. Ultimately, Walker was promoted to banquet server at the Snelling Center. “This gave me the opportunity to meet Goodwill’s President and CEO, Jim Stiff, who continually encouraged me to strive for excellence. So, I

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Consumer Stories

Fresh produce and more rolls into the CSRA today

The initiative may be new, but as ABD has reported recently the love for homegrown fruits and veggies is almost an addiction for Southerners. We’ve seen farms expand into the CSRA in the past couple of weeks and local restaurants are taking advantage of their produce to offer farm-to-table meals. Today, there is another way to take advantage of that fresh goodness as the S.T.O.P. Mobile Farmers Market pulls into the South Augusta Farmers Market at 4104 Windsor Springs Road. They will be there from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm

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