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Good Deeds: Meta offering new grant program

Meta is accepting applications for a new program to distribute grants in communities where the company has a data center, including Aiken County. The Meta data center is under construction in the Sage Mill Industrial Park. Target completion is 2027. The Future is for Everyone Fund will accept applications through Oct. 19th for proposals to address critical issues in each community where the data center is located. Meta declined a request for an interview from ABD but provided the following statement. “We created the Future is for Everyone Fund to

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B2B Stories

New pathway for the healthcare workforce in the CSRA

One of the gold standards of working in the CSRA includes a position in the medical field at a local hospital, doctor’s office, or healthcare facility. A first-ever undergraduate degree program is being developed for Augusta University’s School of Public Health (SPH) to increase interest in the field.  Launched just three years ago, SPH’s goal is to promote healthy populations across Georgia. The new degree is a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH). “The work of public health professionals strengthens communities, addresses health challenges, and improves the quality of

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B2B Stories

Augusta airport update on new nonstop route to major city

Members of the Augusta Aviation Commission learned more about an $800,000 federal grant the airport received. The U.S. Department of Transportation selected Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) as one of 14 regional airports for the latest Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP). The grant specifies the funds are to be “used for a revenue guarantee and marketing program for new nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).” “We last did this type of grant, I think it was 2017, when we got the Washington D.C. service, so I felt

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B2B Stories

Pumping millions into manufacturing in North Augusta

The new owner of a medical manufacturing facility was in North Augusta to formally kick off an expansion and meet with local leaders. CordenPharma, a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), is planning a more than $200 million expansion of the plant on Dittman Court. It includes a new, 68,000-square-foot building.  “It will bring commercial-scale peptide manufacturing to the United States,” Michael Quirmbach, President & CEO of CordenPharma Group, told the crowd that gathered for the groundbreaking. “With operations planned at the end of 2027, the project will create more

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B2B Stories

Augusta company acquires another in time for the holidays

You’ve probably heard of a mega-merger. How about a MEGAH-Merger? A CSRA home services company that provides a shine to area homes and businesses will be a light to them over the holiday season. MEGAH SoftWash just acquired Christmas Decor, a holiday lighting design and installation provider serving the Augusta metro area for nearly three decades.  Besides pressure washing, MEGAH has had a holiday lighting division since 2016. Now, they are gaining a unique operating system and a high-profile book of business, including: Augusta Regional Airport, the City of Aiken,

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B2B Stories

Economic Development Leaders talk data, automotive, and future jobs

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce’s recent Future Forward: A CSRA Development Summit was an opportunity to learn about economic development, both short-term and long-term. Among the panelists was Cheney Eldridge, director of the Economic Development Authority of Columbia County. She was chosen for the position in February 2024. She recalled speaking at her first Future Forward summit and saying the county had the potential for billions of dollars in new investments. “At the time, we thought it was going to be somewhere around $2 billion, and now we’re looking

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Consumer Stories

Another coffee location jolts a Washington Road corridor

Gordon Highway used to be called “The Motor Mile,” due to a litany of car dealerships.  Soon, with the addition of Dutch Bros. Coffee, a strip of Washington Road may be called “The Coffee Mile.” Contractors are putting the finishing touches on their first location in Augusta. The Arizona-based franchise has nearly 1300 locations, including the closest one in the two-state area in Columbia, South Carolina. Dutch Bros. is located at 3064 Washington Road, on the land once occupied by Mi Rancho Restaurant and between Burger King and Chick-fil-A. They

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Consumer Stories

Restaurant Review: Brinkley’s Chop House Changes in the air and on the plate

Publisher’s Note: About once a year, Executive Chef Edward DeFelice invites my wife, daughter, and I to sample appetizers and entrees. I always feel special at Brinkley’s Chop House—like I’ve had a meal at the finest restaurant in New York City. An added bonus is that leftovers travel well home… and in my belly for a few days. The following are questions posed to Ed and thoughts on our experience. ABD Question: Is there a theme to the new menu for the Fall at BCH? BCH Answer: This season’s menu

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B2B Stories

$13.6M grant to establish new Veterans cemetery in Georgia

ABD first told you about a plan last December to establish a cemetery in Augusta like the one pictured above from Milledgeville, Georgia. We got the word late yesterday that the $13.6 million dollar deal is done. According to a news release, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration (NCA) awarded a grant of up to $13,610,908 to the State of Georgia for the establishment of Georgia Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Augusta. The new cemetery will serve Veterans and their eligible family members of the Augusta region. The grant

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B2B Stories

Home décor showroom adds second location

Hardwood Floors & More is opening a new showroom in Grovetown after more than 20 years in Evans. ABD communicated with owner Suzanne Lilly Honeymichael yesterday, and she says HFM is expected to open its Grovetown location at 719 Gateway Center Boulevard next month. “We are going to focus on flooring, wallpaper, and home decor and will be open Monday-Friday.  As always, our Evans showroom will be open on Saturdays as well for our clients that prefer weekend hours, “ she said. The showroom location is across from the Gateway

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