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Burke County part of $18 million grant program

The Development Authority of Burke County (DABC) is one of three organizations in the CSRA that will receive funds through the Georgia OneGeorgia Authority’s Rural Site Development Initiative. The program gives rural counties financial support to identify and establish ready-for-development industrial sites. “Georgia offers the workforce, connectivity, and business-friendly environment for companies to be successful in every corner of the state, which is why we’ve been named the top state for business for over a decade,” said Governor Brian Kemp in the news release announcing the grants. “The Rural Site

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B2B Stories

Large entrepreneurship summit set for Augusta

Augusta has been selected to host a summit conference this fall to talk entrepreneurship, accelerators, and incubators. The Startup Champions Network is bringing the Fall 2025 Ecosystem Builder Summit to the Garden City, Nov. 5-7. “Startup Champions Network is one of the largest organizations made up of entrepreneur support organizations in our country,” explained Eric Parker, co-founder with Grace Belangia of theClubhou.se and Make Startups, Inc. based in the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center “We will have 150 to 200 people convening in Augusta, Ga. to learn about our

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B2B Stories

Prestigious national recognition for Augusta University

AU is one of only three universities to be selected among the 50 organizations for the 2025 CSO50 Award. What’s more is the company it keeps amongst national firms. Augusta University (AU) has received an award recognizing it is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in cybersecurity. “This recognition is a powerful testament to the relentless mindset of our IT and Cyber Defense teams who are committed to safeguarding Augusta University, our region, and the state of Georgia,” said Augusta University President Russell Keen in the news release announcing

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B2B Stories

Airport’s wish list of new airline and projects

Augusta Regional Airport presented its proposed list to the Finance Committee members of the Augusta-Richmond County Commissioners in hopes of receiving Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds. The update included some interest from a new airline in working with Augusta Regional Airport. The list outlined by Herbert Judon, Jr., Executive Director of Augusta Regional Airport, was brief, just two items. One is a $6 million expansion of ramp space on the airport’s southeast side. The other, $20 million, would be for the construction of two additional hangars. While

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B2B Stories

Future cyber warriors in training

The nation’s largest CyberPatriot camp is wrapping up in Augusta today. This is one of two camps scheduled for this summer. CyberPatriot is part of the National Youth Cyber Education program, created by the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA). Its goal is to attract students to careers in cybersecurity and associated fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The camp has been a fixture at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center since 2019. The Alliance for Fort Gordon hosts it. “Our camps are free. Every single camp

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Consumer Stories

New leadership at the Augusta Entertainment Complex

There were several key developments on the status of the new arena being constructed—including an update on the use of James Brown in the final naming rights. The new General Manager for the Augusta Entertainment Complex (AEC) was introduced at this month’s regular meeting of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority. Oak View Group (OVG), which has been managing the venue since 2008, brought Todd Mastry to replace Chris Martin, who had held the position since 2022. Mastry comes from Southaven, Miss., where he was Executive Director of the DeSoto County

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B2B Stories

Quality healthcare = healthy economic development

The importance of a vibrant healthcare system and its impact on economic development was highlighted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 1Q report. The Foundation examined the first of five pillars that the Chamber has identified in its Georgia 2050 initiative: Regional Prosperity and Healthy Communities. “Georgians need access to quality healthcare to sustain vibrant communities with a quality of life that attracts and retains the next generation of talent,” the report began. It is a message that resonates with Russell Lahodny, President and CEO of the Columbia County

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B2B Stories

Financial impact related to military name change

The decision to rename Fort Eisenhower has led local organizations and government agencies taking steps to return to the original name, Fort Gordon. Following an unexpected announcement by President Trump on June 10, the original names of seven army posts are being restored. While the name Fort Gordon has been restored, it is with a new purpose. The name originally recognized MG John Brown Gordon, who served in the Confederate army. It is now honoring Medal of Honor recipient MSG Gary Gordon of Maine. He lost his life while aiding

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Awards/Celebrations

Paying tribute to area military personnel

The Columbia County Exhibition Center hosted a full house, awash in red, white, and blue to honor Fort Gordon, the Augusta area’s largest and one of its oldest employers. It was established in 1941 as Camp Gordon. The Columbia County Chamber, North Augusta Chamber, Alliance for Fort Gordon, Greater Augusta Black Chamber, Thomson-McDuffie Chamber, and Veteran Golfers Association co-sponsored the annual Military Appreciation Luncheon, part of the Executive Luncheon Series. Among the speakers was Dr. Tom Clark, Executive Director of the Alliance for Fort Gordon, who retired from the post

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B2B Stories

Augusta airport tenant plans more growth

A stalwart presence at Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is gearing up for more improvements. In a specially called meeting on June 16, members of the Augusta Aviation Commission approved an amendment to its lease agreement with StandardAero. Under the amendment, AGS agrees to commit $2 million for improvements and repairs to the facilities that the airport leases to the company. Chris Bodine, Vice President and General Manager of the company’s local facility, told ABD the money is for improvements to its existing facility to meet the same standards as their

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