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B2B Stories

Augusta picked as best in the country

The “Make Startups” initiative, based in downtown Augusta, is making a difference in finding seed money and developing training for entrepreneurs. Now, a national customer service company is noticing and giving the CSRA its “flowers.” Here is what Nextiva, a leading voice and internet provider, said about Augusta getting ranked as the best city in the U.S for entrepreneurs to start a business across the 200 most populous cities in America. “Augusta, Georgia, is the #1 best city in the U.S. for entrepreneurs to start a business, offering affordable rent

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B2B Stories

Enrollment is open for CSRA’s Immersive Marketing program

Kimberly Davis, Director of Sales, Extended Stay America Premier Augusta, found some “secret sauce” to help her compete with CSRA hotels and Airbnb’s that allow longer stays for guests. Davis is a graduate of an ongoing marketing program offered by the Augusta Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce. She says each presenter brought unique expertise, practical marketing strategies, and real-world insights.  ”The Small Business Marketing Academy was an outstanding experience that exceeded my expectations,” she said. “I left every session with valuable takeaways that I could apply directly to my business.

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Consumer Stories

New brick-and-mortar boutique opens

Forgive the ode to the 70’s era. Hey, hey, hey, they’re the monkees and they have a big kick-off sale in celebration of our 250th Birthday.  Monkees is an independent shopping brand across the country, and now Augusta has a store. HERE is a video from a bit of a model shoot showing the store in West Augusta. The store is located in the shopping center at 3626 Walton Way Extension at Wheeler, which includes stores like a café, an indoor golf simulator, non-profits, and more. They offer summer dresses

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B2B Stories

Georgia’s economy, energy, and how Augusta is part of the puzzle

An editorial written by the president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce points to one of the reasons the state’s economy is strong, and Metro Augusta plays an important role. Chris Clark’s Op-ed piece examined factors pushing Georgia to record-breaking economic development over the past six years. Just shy of $175 million in investment from more than 2,600 projects, creating 255,000 jobs.  More significantly, Clark (See above photo) said 83% of that investment was found outside of Metro Atlanta. With the arrival of Aurubis Richmond, LLC and the

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B2B Stories

Creating a local workforce for the aviation industry

Huge companies like StandardAero and a few others in Augusta have a need in common. Good employees. So, Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is expanding its effort to get high school students interested in a career in aviation. The airport just wrapped up a two-week camp for high school juniors and seniors to learn about drone technology and its use by first responders. The camp was co-sponsored by Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech), Georgia State Patrol (GSP), and AGS Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) Department. The camp was an

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Consumer Stories

3 CSRA Restaurants win National Awards

One restaurant on the Georgia side of the Savannah River and two on the SC side took home prestigious awards at a New York ceremony. Cork and Flame in Evans and The Restaurant at the Willcox in Aiken were honored with Wine Spectator’s 2026 Award of Excellence. Christine’s Farm to Fork Restaurant on Main Street in Edgefield was also recognized for the restaurant’s commitment to offering an exceptional wine program that complements its farm-to-table culinary experience. “This recognition is a tremendous honor for our entire team,” said Christine Smith, owner of

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Consumer Stories

It could be 2028 for Trader Joe’s in Evans

The rumors about a prime spot for Trader Joe’s supermarket development in Evans— are apparently false. Back in February, sources told ABD and radio host Austin Rhodes that Trader Joe’s would build upon a large tract of land directly behind the Columbia County Performing Arts Center.  Based on ABD’s conversation with Trader Joe’s marketing director and the fact that the land is being marketed now— it won’t happen there. “We have plans to open a Trader Joe’s store in Evans in the next couple of years. We do not yet

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Consumer Stories

New Steakhouse opening outside prestigious neighborhood

A husband and wife team with significant food service operations experience is close to opening the doors of an upscale Columbia County restaurant. ABD stopped by The Commons at West Lake on Furys Ferry Road yesterday and learned that the floors and bar are installed, and the tables and chairs are in place. The Steakhouse will be called Griffin’s, according to Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate. The company leased a large space (a roll-up garage seating area connected to the main part of the restaurant) between the Cucumber & Mint

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B2B Stories

Major expansion announced for CSRA company

A multi-million dollar expansion with new ownership and new jobs is now in place for a production facility that has been part of the local economy for 20 years. AmbioPharm, Inc. will invest nearly $119 million into its campus on Dittman Court in North Augusta. The expansion will include an additional manufacturing building and create more than 200 jobs. Details of the major investment were outlined in a news release from Gov. Henry McMaster (R). “AmbioPharm’s expansion in Aiken County is a testament to the advantages of doing business in

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Consumer Stories

CSRA Business support is growing for Augusta’s newest hockey team

The first puck won’t drop in Augusta’s new arena for more than a year. Area businesses and general hockey fans are already jumping aboard the hockey bandwagon. The recent buzz started with the selection of the branding and name.  The Augusta Lynx is a tip of the helmet to an era of hockey that began in the mid to late 1990’s. “We already have a couple of sponsors that have signed on, and we’ve got a couple of conversations for some exclusive sponsorships,” co-owner David Hodges said.  CSRA companies and hockey

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