Consumer Stories

Consumer Stories

Ex- Law Enforcement leader making headway in business

Safety first. Headway Collision is now open at 3682 Washington Road in Martinez. If the owner’s name Scott Peebles sounds familiar, it’s because he just wrapped up a 32-plus-year career in key leadership positions with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department and the Marshal’s Department. “I’ve always cared about taking care of people in their time of need. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial interest and like putting a team together,” he said from their second-floor conference room. Peebles added Tracy Bryant (Left) who’s worked in management roles at several CSRA Collision

Read More »
Consumer Stories

CSRA businesses are ready to play golf, are you?

Did you realize, it’s only 62 days until the Masters? Even before that is another golf classic and another reason to skip the office for some golf time and a great cause. Now in its 28th year, the Triple Crown Golf Classic will tee off March 25. This annual golf tournament takes place at the Woodside Country Club to benefit both Helping Hands, Inc. and the Tri-Development Center of Aiken County. What makes it successful is YOU! When you sign up to play, it helps ensure that the necessary services

Read More »
B2B Stories

Behind the Red Door lies a new Asian restaurant

Less than a month ago, Red Door Sake Bar & Kitchen opened with the tagline, “Little Restaurant, Big Asian flavor.” The partners behind the business are familiar restaurateurs in the CSRA, including Alexandrea Kneece, Dumpster Depot founder, Norman Dunagan, and Chef Chad Jajczyk. Their other establishments include Whiskey Alley and The Tap Room in Aiken, and the Draft Society in Augusta. The partners talked about growing together, thus, the new Asian restaurant opened on January 12. “Our Executive Chef, Chad is the reason we settled on the Asian flavored food.

Read More »
B2B Stories

CSRA Realtors expand during unknown time

The Realtors of Greater Augusta now includes North Augusta in its physical location. The group opened a satellite location at 510 W. Martintown Road. The NA Chamber cut the ribbon at the office last Thursday. “We are delighted to open our doors in North Augusta, furthering our mission to empower and support realtors in South Carolina,” said Regina Wadsworth, RGA President. “This expansion represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing unparalleled resources and services to our real estate professionals. “ The new North Augusta office will provide

Read More »
B2B Stories

EXCLUSIVE: Hockey insider talks chances for return to Augusta

Is another hockey team lacing up the skates in Augusta? A man who dreamed about sports as a young boy will share his opinion and the importance of entrepreneurship to Columbia County later this week. Andy Kaufmann, CEO of Zawyer Sports, is the guest speaker at the Feb. 8 Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s 19th Annual Banquet. Among his holdings are East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) teams, the Jacksonville Icemen, and the Savannah Ghost Pirates. Kaufmann spoke with ABD about his path that started with a childhood dream and now

Read More »
Awards/Celebrations

Local leader recognized as one of Top 100 in the state

Augusta Technical College President, Dr. Jermaine Whirl has been recognized as a 2024 Georgia Titan 100. Dr. Whirl was the ONLY Augustan selected for this honor. The Titan 100 program recognizes Georgia’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that include demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. It’s really no surprise as Augusta Tech employees have high praise for Dr. Whirl. Many stories covered by ABD, include him as a catalyst for revitalizing parts of the city that

Read More »
Consumer Stories

Mental Health Matters: Love Yourself

Checkmark both boxes for New Year’s resolutions and the longest month of the year in January being completed. At the start of February, we all are hopefully off to a new great start for the year with our hopeful resolutions, goals, and dreams…..maybe. Following the hype and joy of the holiday season, January becomes one of the longest months of the year. As we navigate through our excitement for what the next year of life may bring, alongside the lull of getting back into the swing of everyday life, the

Read More »
B2B Stories

Sports team owner draws big crowd for upcoming chamber event

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s 19th annual banquet is set for the county’s Exhibition Center in Grovetown. The showcase begins at 4:30 p.m. on February 8 and flows into the 6:00 p.m. banquet. “We’re expecting over 500, we’re not too far off that number right now. I imagine by the time all is said and done, we’ll probably have easily over 500 people in the room,” Russ Lahodny, Chamber President and CEO told ABD. “It’s a good opportunity, a lot of the smaller businesses for sure, enjoy that opportunity

Read More »
Consumer Stories

Popular furniture brand to open store in the CSRA

Broad River Retail, one of the largest and fastest-growing independently owned and operated Ashley Store licensees, is bringing Ashley Furniture to Aiken. Next to Target in the Aiken Exchange Plaza, the new Ashley will occupy the former Aiken Furniture Company. The 25,230-square-foot showroom will showcase Ashley’s latest 7.0 store concept. The showroom is curated to provide shoppers with the newest product offerings inspired by today’s trends. The 7.0 store design features a contemporary open floor plan, an expanded sleep gallery, and stylish interior design elements. The Aiken Ashley represents Broad

Read More »
Consumer Stories

Ava DuVernay, Origin, and the power of collaboration

Full Disclosure: I will be removing my critic’s hat in this piece and will instead write about a particular 2-day experience of working on the set of the new film Origin. Movies are still magic tricks: no matter how much the standards of visual effects, storytelling, or range of talent may expand. Likewise, the eyes of the audience are still drawn, our bodies moved to theaters even as viewing abilities try to grow more immediate and convenient. It is a deep fascination and one that is a pillar of our

Read More »