Top Story

B2B Stories

CSRA Auto expert to lead workforce initiative and report to Georgia lawmakers

The planned Jim Hudson Automotive Institute for Augusta Technical College is celebrating two awards, one monetary and one for an instructor. Christopher Davis, an Automotive Technology instructor and department chair, was selected as the statewide winner of the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction. It is the highest honor a technical college instructor can receive in Georgia. The recognition comes with a $2,500 prize, and Davis will be a representative for technical education for the next year, including appearances before the General Assembly. Davis told ABD he is

Read More »
B2B Stories

Simon Says: Job challenges in the hotel and restaurant space

Prior to Masters, the leisure and hospitality space lost 1500 jobs over a few months. In general, employment in the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area continued to fall in March, shedding 200 jobs.  Private education and health services continued to add jobs, with another 200 added in March. Over the last year, this sector has added over 2,200 jobs, while the overall employment level has only increased by 200, confirming this sector as the major driver of employment growth nationally and locally. Locally, employment in private education and health services has

Read More »
B2B Stories

It’s not just for Masters anymore

A local agency created to help Masters tournament visitors is also available for major events year-round. The Masters Housing Bureau (MHB) was created more than half a century ago, sanctioned by the Augusta National Golf Club. “The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Augusta National came together and formed the Masters Housing Bureau,” Director LaShandrea Redd explained for ABD. “We are very happy that we get the privilege of working with numerous homeowners throughout the CSRA to help them find renters for their lovely properties for Masters, Peach Jam,

Read More »
Consumer Stories

Kemp signs off on major bill to create more jobs in the CSRA/Peach State

The importance of workforce development is in the spotlight for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R). For one of his final bill-signing ceremonies, Kemp put his signature on a series of bills to reinforce that Georgia is a top state for talent. He tied it to the state’s ability to continue as one of the best in the nation for business and economic growth. “Our skilled and highly qualified workforce is a major reason why job creators keep coming to and expanding in our state,” said Kemp. “I’m proud to sign

Read More »
B2B Stories

Rallying support for EAMC

Local elected officials support keeping Eisenhower Army Medical Center functioning as a full-service facility. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) announced plans to transition EAMC into an ambulatory care center, ending inpatient care with the emergency room as an urgent care facility. The reaction is eye-opening. State Rep. Mark Howard (R-District 127) views the announcement through three lenses. As an elected official, a doctor, and a military retiree who served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He told ABD he was both surprised and disappointed at the announcement.  “Very disappointed, and

Read More »
B2B Stories

Cybersecurity for smaller CSRA businesses and organizations

A center nestled within the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (GCITC) offers support to organizations that are vital to Georgia’s economy, health and public safety, but are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The Cyber Resiliency Center (CRC) works with small- to medium-sized manufacturing companies, local governments, municipalities, public school districts, and rural and community hospitals. Those segments have seen an increase in cyber-attacks ranging from ransomware to data breaches and operational disruptions. Not all are adequately equipped to guard against intrusions. John McLain, Project Four Lead with Georgia-AIM (Artificial Intelligence in

Read More »
B2B Stories

Georgia’s Governor signs his final budget with HUGE cuts

Gov. Brian Kemp (R) put his signature on a budget plan for FY 2027, marking the eighth and final time he will do so. Kemp is wrapping up his second term in office. Prior to signing the budget bill, Kemp cut $300 million in new spending to keep it in balance at $36.6 billion. Kemp said the cuts were necessary to address changes in anticipated revenue following his approval of the personal income tax cuts and property tax cap. Kemp said the cuts he made were to what he called

Read More »
B2B Stories

Hospital construction in the home stretch

Wellstar and AU Health leadership provided a tour and media briefing at the new hospital under construction in Columbia County.   The six-floor, 254,000 square foot hospital is being built off Interstate 20 exit 190, just below the Columbia County Exhibition Center. It remains on track to open from late August to early September. In addition to providing healthcare, the hospital and surrounding complex can act as a magnet to draw new businesses to Columbia County. The hospital itself will add about 1,200 jobs. “We have 300-plus staff already hired. We

Read More »
B2B Stories

Tax cuts in Effect for Augustans

A series of tax-cutting bills passed by the Georgia Legislature have been signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp (R). Kemp said the legislation will lower the tax burden on Augustans and all Georgians, while working to secure the state’s reputation as a top place to do business. Kemp said the cuts were possible because of budgeting conservatively. “That approach has allowed us to return billions of dollars to taxpayers, and the legislation I signed today will keep that momentum going as we further lower our state income tax rate,

Read More »
B2B Stories

CSRA Credit Union reaches major milestone

The SRP Affinity Debit Card Program reached $3 million. Early next week, the credit union is going to celebrate. The card allows SRP members to support local schools simply by using their school-branded debit card for everyday purchases. Each swipe helps generate contributions to these 46 local schools. The program provides critical funding to support educational initiatives, student programs, and school resources. The celebration will be huge as representatives from the 46 schools are invited to include school leaders, school superintendents, and Board of Education members. It will be held

Read More »