Consumer Stories

B2B Stories

Georgia’s stature in cyber-based employment continues to grow

A recent report ranks the Peach State on the short list of states leading the way for people looking for a career in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Augusta is ready. Agility Writer (www.agilitywriter.ai) is a web-based company that specializes in helping clients produce long-form articles through the use of AI. Adam Yong, Founder and CEO of the company, and a longtime Search Engine Optimization (SEO) consultant, recently examined the volume of monthly online searches. The outcome found California, home of Silicon Valley and headquarters for internet heavyweights, including Google and

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B2B Stories

Simon Says: 3.5-year job record

The Augusta Labor Market Index rose 0.2 percent in April from March. It is 0.1 percent higher than April 2023. Small monthly changes were seen in employment (down 100) and the unemployment rate (up 0.1 percentage points to 3.7%). Larger, positive changes were seen in the labor force and hours worked. The labor force increased 0.4 percent to 266,032, the highest level since December 2020. The labor force has increased by over 2,000 since January, a very positive sign. Average hours worked also increased from 33.8 in March to 34.7

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Awards/Celebrations

Aiken Arts Community earns state distinction

Aiken is known for horses, trains, and lush gardens featuring rare camellias. Now, the SC Arts Commission has recognized Aiken’s downtown area as an official South Carolina Cultural District, the first cultural district in the CSRA. This recognition highlights the city’s numerous indoor and outdoor performance venues, studios, public art pieces, and landscaped parkways. The SCAC also acknowledged Aiken businesses, arts organizations, and residents for fostering a thriving cultural environment. According to the SCAC, the arts account for more than 123,000 jobs and have a total economic impact of more

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B2B Stories

Arts community holding showcase event at new venue

The Greater Augusta Arts Council (GAAC) announced details for the 2024 Arts in the Heart (AITH) Festival and to longtime cultural supporters, the venue may look familiar. It will be held September 20 through 22. Centered on Telfair Street, it will also encompass part of Greene Street, the Old Medical College, old Richmond Academy, and the Municipal Building parking lot. This location marks the festival’s return to its earliest roots from the 1980’s. Rhian Swain of RedWolf Advertising oversees the promotion of the event. She told ABD the larger “footprint”

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Consumer Stories

Successful Grand Opening of New Family Store

Last weekend’s grand opening of Salvation Army of Augusta’s family store paved the way for 860 nights of shelter at their Center of Hope, including food, clothing, supplies, and casework. The store is located on the far-left endcap unit at 4099 Riverwatch Parkway in the same shopping center as a large Hobby store. There have been several furniture and bedding stores in that space over the years. “We are deeply grateful for the incredible support from our community during the grand opening,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander. “The overwhelming

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Consumer Stories

Business Lunch Review: Chicken Salad Chick

Food Quality: 4 Service: 5 Business Meeting: 4 Value: 5 Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 I’ve always been a picky eater, but the list of foods I won’t eat is now much shorter than it used to be. I still don’t like mayonnaise or most dishes that are made with it. My wife always tells me that mayo is little more than eggs and oil, which are both foods I eat, but so far, that hasn’t changed my mind. My wife, Rebecca, and I recently visited Chicken Salad Chick

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B2B Stories

Luncheon thanks military personnel, honors local business

Savannah Rapids Pavilion was decked out in red, white, and blue as 375 attended an annual luncheon to honor local active duty and retired military personnel. A highlight of the program was announcing the recipient of The Patriot Award. It was presented by Ehrin Fairey of Southeastern Residential and a Major in the Air Force Reserve, who said the recipient shows unwavering dedication and support to the military community. She explained the company helps more than 1,000 families each year with relocation services, while also supporting the annual Fort Eisenhower

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B2B Stories

CSRA restaurant offers a Biblical meal

It’s not the Last Supper, but The Wildemount is offering a full-fledged Biblical meal on Monday, June 17 at 6:00 pm. Wildemount owner, Samuel O’Lone worked for eight years in the food service business, but his degree is in theology, which brings us to his latest offering. “I get random ideas about unique offerings for our restaurant. The Bible is about people and people have to eat, so we explored a menu which honors a biblical theme,” explained O’Lone. In the restaurant business or any business for that matter, it’s

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Consumer Stories

Amping up business in the CSRA

If you are looking for something to do after work this evening, venture to The Alley in Aiken. The Market in The Alley has returned on Thursdays in June from 6 to 8 pm. The event features live music from Amp the Alley. You can also grab a bite to eat at some of the local restaurants, and check some items off of your shopping lists by perusing farm-fresh produce, a selection of artisan goods, baked goods, and jewelry. Market the Alley is sponsored by the Aiken Downtown Development Association

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B2B Stories

Art shop move makes way for intimate apparel boutique

When Art on Broad moved a few doors down, Ashley Gardner opened shop in their former location at 1028 Broad Street in Augusta on May 25th. Her new venture, Serpent & Sage features lingerie, underwear, and other items. In the 18th century, women’s undergarments were referred to as “unmentionables.” A partially clothed woman was seen as more erotic than a nude woman. Between the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and Victoria’s Secret fashion show, not to mention successful movie franchises like Fifty Shades of Grey, the description now seems de

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