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Closings

Stuckey’s update on Wrens store and property

ABD learned that a company in the midst of Chapter 11 reorganization just changed its business model and is hoping a business leader will step up and rescue an iconic building in the CSRA. Stuckey’s just closed its candy store on the property in Wrens—40 minutes from Evans and opened a satellite store inside the Boling Broke Antique and Mercantile store here in Macon off of I-75. For years, Stuckey’s leased the old Atwell Pecan Company here in Wrens to manufacture and distribute its pecan logs and other candy treats. The

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B2B Stories

CSRA Hospitality Group flirting with the $1 billion mark

An organization that is part of Augusta’s tourism and hospitality industry is lacing up for events in 2027. The Augusta Sports Council has issued a call for volunteers to help with the 19th annual Augusta Half Marathon, 10K & 5K in Feb. 2027. The council needs 300 volunteers to help with the 1,500 athletes expected to participate.  “People are coming out at 4:30 in the morning. Sometimes they’re right there along with us,” Michelle Pippin, CEO of the council, told ABD. “They’re ambassadors and cheerleaders for the community and for

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Consumer Stories

Columbia County combat veteran starts business to help area homeowners and contractors

The Aflac duck has been wildly successful for the Columbus, Georgia-based insurance company. HammerDuck, headquartered in Martinez, is off to a fast start in connecting homeowners and contractors to do business together while keeping the money in the CSRA. “I built it because of what I watched after (Hurricane) Helene. Neighbors couldn’t get a roof or a tree crew scheduled,” said Urbon Thompson, who works full-time for the Navy and retired after 21 years of other military service. Local contractors pay national lead services like Angi and Thumbtack $15 to

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Consumer Stories

Grand Opening of local Disney Store

In the past, you’d be able to buy these kinds of plushies either at Disney World or on eBay. Starting Saturday, these types of items and other Disney collectibles will be available in Martinez. The owners of Main Street Collectibles say their store in the strip center at 4070 Washington Road in Martinez is the largest in Georgia. The store is next to the Goodwill drop-off center/store and near Club Car. They claim to have thousands of pieces from 1929 to the present day, including cast member exclusives, signed &

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B2B Stories

Augusta’s Airport: Non-stop to Chicago, parking, and key staff updates

Soon, this notice above will be a thing of the past. The three-month-long project that closed a long-term parking lot at Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is nearing completion. The repaving project began in August and removed 350 parking spots from service. Things will improve and expand in time for the busy holiday season. Members of the Aviation Commission were updated by Elizabeth Giles, the airport’s Senior Construction Project Manager. “I want to thank Ken (Hinkle, director of Aviation Services) and all staff for coming together and making a hard situation

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B2B Stories

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Breaking the Silence, Protecting Our Military Families

A few days ago, we wrapped up October and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It’s never too late to bring attention to an issue that affects individuals and families across our nation, those who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces, including the CSRA. Military service teaches us courage, loyalty, discipline, and sacrifice. We are trained to protect our country, defend our fellow service members, and stand strong in difficult circumstances. However, another battle often goes unnoticed: the one that takes place behind closed doors. Domestic

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B2B Stories

Atlanta Accounting Firm Acquires Augusta CPA Practice

The Martin Walls Accounting Firm is planning a ribbon-cutting in early December to celebrate the acquisition of a longtime CPA firm in West Augusta. “This expansion represents an exciting new chapter for our firm and an opportunity to build meaningful relationships within the Augusta community,” said Shamika Martin Walls, Founder and Owner of The Martin Walls Accounting Firm. “I recognize the trust clients place in their accounting professionals, and I am committed to providing personalized service, understanding each client’s needs, and helping them make informed financial decisions.” Walls acquired Foreman

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B2B Stories

Business Compromise Honors an Augusta legend

The Godfather of Soul’s daughter feels vindicated after a decision on a new name for the Augusta Entertainment Complex, which includes the Bell Auditorium and a new arena under construction. The new name will recognize Augusta’s connection to the Hardest Working Man in Show Biz. The Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority has voted unanimously to change the name to the James Brown Entertainment Complex.  Deanna Brown Thomas, Brown’s daughter who fought for more than a year to preserve his name, posted a reaction on her Facebook page. “The Augusta Coliseum Authority

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B2B Stories

New Urgent Care Center coming to Evans

The land between Advanced Auto Parts and Bojangles in Evans is getting cleared to make way for a practice’s 2nd Urgent Care Center in the CSRA. ABD’s learned that Peachtree Immediate Care will build on this parcel of land that used to be a U-Haul Center. Contractors are very busy prepping the land for an Atlanta area construction company. According to Zillow, the land is 1.33 acres and is assessed at a little more than $1 million. The address is 4548 Washington Road. Sewell Demolition & Abatement, Chattahoochie Construction Company,

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B2B Stories

Addressing growing demand for trained engineers

While Aiken Technical College is on the frontline of workforce development with programs designed to upskill students for immediate placement, USCA is playing the long game. The largest employers in the County are helping out. The recent announcement that the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility (SRPPF) has been greenlit to begin construction is just the latest major project announced in Aiken County. At USCA, leaders have watched demand grow for trained personnel, particularly in the engineering field.  Dr. Bethany Fralick in the USCA Department of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics

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