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Innovation hub selected in CSRA and other cities

Aiken County is one of only six regions in the Palmetto State identified as an Innovation Hub, and its proximity to Augusta played a role. The others are Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Rock Hill, and Florence. The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) selected the locations. The cities were announced in April. In the news release, Governor Henry McMaster said South Carolina has built a strong foundation for innovation. “This is the next step in accelerating that momentum. By connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need, we will expand opportunity and keep

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Dana Lynn McIntyre June 17, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Construction underway for unique cafe concept launching in Columbia County

Do you like biscuits and gravy? How about breakfast on a biscuit? Odds are, though, you have not had many lunches with biscuits served as your bread. Biscuit Belly is open at four locations in Georgia and South Carolina and is now getting set to open in Evans on 4274 Washington Road in the Publix Shopping Center. A key employee from Duckworth Construction tells ABD that Biscuit Belly will take over the former Orange Theory Fitness Center, and once complete, it will be 2400 square feet. BB joins a growing

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Neil Gordon June 16, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

What do fried chicken and summer dangers have in common?

With heat indexes reaching nearly 110 degrees over the weekend—WifeSaver is stepping up to help lead a summer relief program. Through the end of June, the Summer Relief Donation Drive will collect bottled water, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and fans for individuals and families facing the challenges of extreme summer temperatures.  Donations can be dropped off throughout June at WifeSaver on North Leg Road, The Salvation Army Center of Hope, the Kroc Center, and any Salvation Army Family Store location. “Summer in Georgia can be brutal, and something as simple

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Neil Gordon June 15, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Restaurateur Changes Business Model

If you were going to satisfy your BBQ fix this weekend at Ironhead in North Augusta, you’ll need to pick a different restaurant. Owner Kurt Mueller posted news of his closing at 340 Edgefield Road on his Ironhead BBQ Facebook page, where there were about 100 comments in 24 hours. He candidly mentioned that the brick-and-mortar part of his business was no longer financially viable. Mueller tried to avoid this fate by recently operating on a more efficient level.  Ironhead reduced hours at the restaurant to Thursdays to Sundays for

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Neil Gordon June 12, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

After nearly 40 years, CSRA staffing company changes hands

A long-time sales and business development executive was interested in business ownership.  A 37-year Augusta business owner was interested in retiring.  Much like the staffing business, a perfect match happened. Since 1989, Angela Swarts has been the franchisee of Spherion Staffing and Recruiting, winning the 2024 Franchisee of the Year award—amongst 200 fellow franchisees.  She’s staying on for a period of time as new franchisee Joe Schiavone takes over. The office’s experienced internal staff will remain in place under Schiavone’s leadership. “What stood out most to me throughout this process

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Neil Gordon June 11, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Augusta area energy needs today and into the future

Publisher’s Note: Georgia Power has a strong rebate program, and Studio Gordon LLC is considering it in the building ABD has a little space. The goal is to preserve energy. GP pays 70% of the costs for energy-efficient lighting/installation, and a local business pays 30%. The savings in your power bill will pay for the lighting upgrades in roughly a year. Dana Lynn McIntyre looks at the bigger picture in this report. With the ever changing landscape for energy demands, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce assembled experts to examine what the

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Dana Lynn McIntyre June 10, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Nearly 10 CSRA companies part of first Startup Summer program

No word whether Augustans Skyler Bates and Andres Hoyes of 432 Intelligence set up this co-hort meet and greet for Eric Parker(right), co-founder of Make Startups! The duo, known for their work in the local arts and music scene hope to take their new entertainment, marketing, and talent promotions company to new heights.  The recent party celebrated not only 432 Intelligence, but eight other start-ups that will do business in Augusta/Aiken and share in $500,000 of venture capital.  The first cohort for a two-state partnership to grow entrepreneurship and small

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Dana Lynn McIntyre June 9, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Local banking legend part of big changes

Phil Wahl’s had just about every job in the financial space in his storied 40-year career at local and national banks in the CSRA. Next month, he’ll add a new title at Security Federal Bank. There are 19 full-service Security Federal locations on both sides of the Savannah River. Wahl’s been President for nearly seven years. Soon, he’ll also be Chief Executive Officer, joining the Board of Directors. Current CEO J. Chris Verenes will be retiring, but remains as Chairman and as a board member. Security Federal announced a few

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Neil Gordon June 8, 2026 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Tomorrow’s a huge day for CSRA business

Some might call a block party on Sat., June 6, a bit of a heavy lift.  For the organization expanding into a new location— it’s no sweat! Tomorrow marks the grand opening of the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta’s new, state-of-the-art facility in North Augusta. It will be at their new location at 406 E. Martintown Road.  “With this space, we can really accommodate this community, including almost double the childcare space, because our community loves growing their families, and that’s been a struggle for us to really support the

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Dana Lynn McIntyre June 5, 2026 No Comments
B2B Stories

Huge 4 story building going up on Washington Road

Early stages of the construction process are underway on what will be a 24,000 square foot location in the financial space. This project was about five years in the making. ABD was on the site of a future Queensborough National Bank & Trust at 4317 Washington Road near the intersection of North Belair Road by Slim Chickens restaurant. Crews are working on erosion, fencing, utility set-up, and soon clearing of dirt. “Q” is using local teams such as: Allen Batchelor Construction is the project contractor. Johnson, Laschober & Associates (JLA)

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Neil Gordon June 4, 2026 No Comments
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