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Consumer Stories
Consumer Stories

Simon Says: Employment Record in CSRA

Employment in the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) set another record in May. Employment now stands at 254,600, the highest ever, and an increase of 400 from the previous record set in January and April. Employment is 1,100 higher than in May 2025. The largest employment gains were seen in professional and business services, up 160, and transportation and utilities, up 110. Local government also increased by about 90 workers and stands at over 22,000 employees for the first time since September 2017. Whether this is good or bad for

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Hull College of Business Economics Professor July 7, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

New brick-and-mortar boutique opens

Forgive the ode to the 70’s era. Hey, hey, hey, they’re the monkees and they have a big kick-off sale in celebration of our 250th Birthday.  Monkees is an independent shopping brand across the country, and now Augusta has a store. HERE is a video from a bit of a model shoot showing the store in West Augusta. The store is located in the shopping center at 3626 Walton Way Extension at Wheeler, which includes stores like a café, an indoor golf simulator, non-profits, and more. They offer summer dresses

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Neil Gordon July 1, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Medical Facility more than doubles in size

A sports physician group in Evans is celebrating its move from one office to another in the same building. Last Thursday, Piedmont Physicians Sports Medicine Augusta celebrated the relocation of its offices within 465 North Belair Road. “The move allows us to continue to grow and see more patients comfortably,” said Robert Gambrell, M.D., board-certified and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist at Piedmont Physicians Sports Medicine Augusta. Company leaders tell ABD Piedmont went from three to seven exam rooms, with an in-house x-ray set up. There is also a dedicated nurses’ station

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Neil Gordon June 30, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

The economics of FIFA and the World Cup

The World Cup is well underway, and as expected, India, the West Indies, England, and Australia are topping their groups as I write.  Oh sorry. That’s actually the women’s cricket World Cup happening right now in England. Most US-based sports fans are probably more aware of the soccer World Cup happening across the US, Canada, and Mexico. As the tournament heads into the knockout stages, the big guns of Germany, Argentina, Brazil, and (er, hum) the United States Men’s National Team (abbreviated USMNT for no reason, we don’t have GMNT

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Hull College of Business Economics Professor June 30, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Good Deeds: Feel The Love in Augusta

Since taking the reins of Sig Cox four years ago, President Jeff C. Miller and his team have made a profound difference in the comfort level of eight CSRA families, who otherwise couldn’t afford an HVAC system. Sig Cox is a Lennox dealer. Feel The Love™ is a Lennox community program that provides free heating and cooling systems to homeowners who need a helping hand.  Each year, deserving individuals such as educators, first responders, healthcare workers, and families facing financial hardship are nominated by their communities for their selfless contributions.

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Neil Gordon June 29, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Creating a local workforce for the aviation industry

Huge companies like StandardAero and a few others in Augusta have a need in common. Good employees. So, Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is expanding its effort to get high school students interested in a career in aviation. The airport just wrapped up a two-week camp for high school juniors and seniors to learn about drone technology and its use by first responders. The camp was co-sponsored by Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech), Georgia State Patrol (GSP), and AGS Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) Department. The camp was an

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Dana Lynn McIntyre June 29, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

3 CSRA Restaurants win National Awards

One restaurant on the Georgia side of the Savannah River and two on the SC side took home prestigious awards at a New York ceremony. Cork and Flame in Evans and The Restaurant at the Willcox in Aiken were honored with Wine Spectator’s 2026 Award of Excellence. Christine’s Farm to Fork Restaurant on Main Street in Edgefield was also recognized for the restaurant’s commitment to offering an exceptional wine program that complements its farm-to-table culinary experience. “This recognition is a tremendous honor for our entire team,” said Christine Smith, owner of

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Neil Gordon June 26, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

It could be 2028 for Trader Joe’s in Evans

The rumors about a prime spot for Trader Joe’s supermarket development in Evans— are apparently false. Back in February, sources told ABD and radio host Austin Rhodes that Trader Joe’s would build upon a large tract of land directly behind the Columbia County Performing Arts Center.  Based on ABD’s conversation with Trader Joe’s marketing director and the fact that the land is being marketed now— it won’t happen there. “We have plans to open a Trader Joe’s store in Evans in the next couple of years. We do not yet

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Neil Gordon June 25, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Building a future one brick at a time

The community and area businesses have an opportunity to support a project designed to help young CSRA men and women in their late teens to take their next step. Bridge Builder Communities (BBC) has launched an engraved brick campaign as part of its overall capital campaign. “Each brick is $200, three lines of 20 characters each, and we submit a certificate with it,” Dr. Jackson Drumgoole, BBC’s founder and executive director, told ABD. “You will be able to come by the community during our ribbon-cutting ceremony, or whenever you want

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Dana Lynn McIntyre June 25, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

New Steakhouse opening outside prestigious neighborhood

A husband and wife team with significant food service operations experience is close to opening the doors of an upscale Columbia County restaurant. ABD stopped by The Commons at West Lake on Furys Ferry Road yesterday and learned that the floors and bar are installed, and the tables and chairs are in place. The Steakhouse will be called Griffin’s, according to Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate. The company leased a large space (a roll-up garage seating area connected to the main part of the restaurant) between the Cucumber & Mint

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Neil Gordon June 24, 2026 No Comments
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