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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

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Dr. Rick Franza, Professor, AU Hull College of Business May 7, 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

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Dana Lynn McIntyre May 4, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

New fitness center opens between medical district and AU

Summerville Pilates may have found a niche on “the hill” to help students, medical professionals, and anyone needing an energizing boost to their day. There are a few fitness options in the Walton Way area. Summerville Pilates is now open in the Academy Plaza Shopping Center at 1944 Walton Way. That’s near Richmond Academy and less than a mile from Augusta University. The center is known for its personalized approach and focus on core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement. Summerville Pilates offers classes and more to fitness levels from beginners

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Neil Gordon May 1, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Take Me to Your Leaderboard: Lessons Learned from This Year’s Masters Contenders

As we begin Day 4 of Post-2026 Masters, life is returning to normal in Augusta. Here at Augusta University, students are in the homestretch of the Spring Semester, and many local businesses are experiencing a combination of celebration and relief.  There are lessons learned from the golfers who contended for this year’s Green Jacket. Prior to the start of the 2026 Masters, there were many questions swirling around many of the potential favorites to win the tournament. Defending champion Rory McIlroy had not played competitively in the month since he

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Dr. Rick Franza, Professor, AU Hull College of Business April 16, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Public play tees off at The Patch

Anticipation has been building, and the wait is now over. The redesigned Augusta Municipal Golf Course is open to the public for business. The Patch, as it is affectionately known, had a soft re-opening in mid-March. The first weeks, however, were for high school golf teams and other groups to experience the new facility, followed by private parties during Masters Week. The project had two parts. First, a major renovation of the 18-hole golf course. The second part was creating a nine-hole short course, designed by five-time Masters champion Tiger

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 15, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Putt-Ing on an event for a good cause

Lovers of miniature golf this week will find a course awaiting them at Putt Putt in Martinez. Putt Putt owners will give back in about a month to make a difference for those who want to be seen. For 65 years, Easterseals of East Georgia has empowered individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment to build confidence, gain skills, and achieve independence.  Easter Seals is partnering with Putt Putt and area companies to be part of that mission.  at our upcoming fundraiser: May 19, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM Putt-Putt Fun

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 9, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Topgolf brings in top names after 1st round of Masters

Country music star Rodney Atkins will be “watching you” if you come to Topgolf tonight for his concert. You can also yuk it up with a golfing legend tonight and Friday night. Band members from Sister Hazel were scheduled to perform last night, and Black Dog tomorrow night. While much attention is focused on Washington Road, golf patrons visiting Augusta have a chance to test their own skills just down the road. Topgolf is a straight, one-mile shot down Alexander Drive from Washington Road. Tucked at the end of the

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Dana Lynn McIntyre and Neil Gordon April 9, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Masters of the “House”: Learning from the Front and the Back at Augusta National

The 90th edition of the Masters officially begins this morning when honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson hit their ceremonial tee shots, immediately followed by the start of tournament play. As I discussed in last week’s column, the best companies and sports teams focus on continuous improvement, and no organization epitomizes that more than the Masters and Augusta National. This time of the year, I typically write at least one column on the Masters/Augusta National because there is so much that businesses can learn from the Masters

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Dr. Rick Franza, Professor, AU Hull College of Business April 9, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

“Bad Birdie” success inspired by Masters tournament

A few years ago, this week, Jason Richardson walked the Augusta National course and took pride in seeing how many patrons wore his Bad Birdie-branded shirts and hats. “Going to the Masters was like Disneyland for adults,” said the company owner headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. His most recent collection, “Amateursland,” is a nod to the theme park, amateur golfers, and The Masters.  Mr. Peach, The Gnome, Pimento C. Sandwich, Folding Chair, and Dr. Azalea are some of the iconic characters placed on his apparel, based on the famed tournament.  Bad

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Neil Gordon April 7, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Simon Says: Unique reasons why some golfers get a Green Jacket

Over the last 10 Masters tournaments, the winner has been victorious either by one shot (3 times) or through a playoff (twice), indicating that victory often hinges on the smallest of margins. Professional golfers, therefore, spend many hours on skill development, decision-making, and mental resilience. However, external factors, such as weather, can introduce an element of luck into golf competitions. Sometimes golfers benefit from a calm day going out early, sometimes the afternoon weather is more agreeable to low scores. Justin Ehrlich, a co-author of mine on other research, and

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