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35th Anniversary “Monster” celebration

Organizers of yesterday’s 35th Anniversary party left a crowd of several hundred “oohing and ahhing” over a near 25 feet tall vehicle technicians re-built for the ceremony. Matthews Motors revealed their new truck at the end of the two-hour celebration. It will be used for community events in the future. Matthews Motors’ focus is on commercial trucks, including sales, service, parts, and manufacturing of truck beds. Managers gave tours to guests around the spacious property at 1351 Gordon Highway, including a visit to Matthews service facility with 22 truck bays. 

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Neil Gordon May 1, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

The Financial Road Ahead: Politics and the Economy

Publisher’s Note: Despite Professor Franza’s friendly “jab” at my favorite baseball team, he’s done a great job in this column to crystallize how the Federal Reserve, the War in Iran, and Mid-Term Elections are affecting our economy.  Rick: Even though I am not an economist, my role as a college business professor at AU requires me to pay attention to the economy and how it is impacted by numerous factors. In addition, one of my favorite avocations is following domestic politics, motivated by time spent in Washington, D.C. in the

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Dr. Rick Franza, Professor, AU Hull College of Business April 30, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

A sweet investment connected to the CSRA

An international company is making a multi-million dollar investment in one South Carolina town, with a strong candy connection to Augusta. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the Ferrara Candy Company is opening its first facility in the Palmetto State. Over the next 10 years, the company’s $675 million investment is expected to create 1,000 manufacturing and corporate jobs. McMaster called the announcement a transformative moment for Orangeburg County and all of South Carolina. “Ferrara Candy Company’s $675 million investment in the Midlands is a powerful vote of confidence

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 29, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Company on cutting edge of power generation opens in CSRA

A company working on what may be the next step in supplying electric power to public and private developments has opened an office in the CSRA. Local government and business leaders were on hand when Antares Industries, a California-based company, officially opened its local office at 106 Park Ave SW in Aiken, SC. Antares specializes in nuclear fission energy systems, including fission microreactors, also known as Small Modular Reactors (SMR). “For over 20 years, we’ve been talking about small modular reactors, micro reactors, the private sector getting involved in the

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 28, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Popular Breakfast/Lunch spot replacing failed restaurant

Aiken’s O’Charley’s closed, and now we know which restaurant is opening there, as well as a key position it is hiring for. First Watch, known for its breakfast, brunch, and lunch, will be opening there this fall and is looking for a restaurant manager at $65,000 per year plus perks and possible bonuses. The restaurant will seat nearly 200 people, including its patio, which is significantly larger than the always crowded First Watch in West Augusta by Sprouts. Its location is 168 South Aiken Lane by Whiskey Road and across

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Neil Gordon April 27, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

$3.6 million Investment in Columbia County

Andy Jones, Dealer Principal/President of the Gerald Jones Automotive Group, bridged the past and present during the Wednesday afternoon celebration at the grand re-opening of Gerald Jones Lincoln at 4333 Washington Road in Evans. Jones introduced his partners, who included David Jones, now retired, and the children of Frank Lawrence. Both men were TV spokespeople in the 1990’s and early 2000’s for various automotive brands in the CSRA they managed. Many of Andy Jones’ family members were on hand, including the founders of the Gerald Jones Automotive Group. “My dad

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Neil Gordon April 24, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Welcoming students to A.U.

Augusta University celebrated the opening of its new Welcome Center. It is attached to the Student Center on the Health Sciences campus. It will serve as a central point for visitors and students and will support recruitment efforts. Campus tours will now depart from the addition. Dr Susan Davies, Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs, told the standing room only crowd attending the ribbon cutting that the idea of the welcome center dates back to a consultant’s recommendation in 2019. “Our presentation room in the Benet House only

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 23, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Local chamber highlights $500,000 grant with Thursday’s meet and greet

One area Chamber of Commerce has separate upcoming events to bring the business community together. Up first is a Meet and Greet with Tyler Harper, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. It will be April 23rd at the Hub for Community Innovation on Chaffee Avenue.  Ronic West, president and co-founder of GABCC, told ABD the chamber’s agribusiness committee suggested the program. “I think people forget that agriculture is the number one industry in the state of Georgia,” she said. “One thing that we’re doing here at the chamber is

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 22, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Vote tonight on $11.5 million contracts to restore/expand area event venue

If Columbia County Commissioners agree with a committee recommendation, recovery work will begin on a favorite gathering spot. Commissioners vote tonight on two contracts recommended by members of the Management and Internal Services to begin repair work on the Savannah Rapids Pavilion.  The first contract is with Duckworth Development, LLC of Martinez. It is for a renovation of the facility off Stevens Creek Road. If approved, Facilities Director Steven Prather told ABD the county can schedule a pre-construction meeting with the contractor.  “We will decide on a notice proceed date,

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 21, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Final public hearing set for tomorrow on SPLOST 9

Economic development CSRA leaders think they can recruit one company for a new 1,150-acre area. It’s called the McCombs Mega-site. They need more infrastructure to make it happen—and need a positive vote in about one month. That’s when Richmond County voters will be asked to decide on the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) 9 project list in May. SPLOST 9 is a proposed one-cent sales tax, money targeted for specific capital improvement projects. If approved, it will replace SPLOST 8 when it expires. SPLOST 9 will raise an

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Dana Lynn McIntyre April 20, 2026 No Comments
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