Top Story

Consumer Stories

Tapping into an untapped labor force

Is your company hiring? Are you searching for an employee who shows up on time every day? Do you want to improve your company culture and expand your customer base? Your next great hire may come from a talent pool you might not have considered, people with disabilities. Aiken’s South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation office serves Aiken, Barnwell, and Edgefield counties, matching about 200 employees with employers annually. Sara Wilson has almost 20 years of experience in workforce development, including the past 8 years as the Business Development Specialist for the

Read More »
B2B Stories

Chamber Leaders weigh in on tomorrow’s continuation of 1% sales tax vote

Chamber leaders in Richmond and Columbia County considered the future workforce of the area and how out-of-area companies factor our schools in their decisions to relocate to the CSRA. The Executive leadership for both the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia County Chamber are in agreement on extending the 1% Sales and Use Tax. Voters are encouraged to vote “Yes.” In Richmond County, leaders want to support various essential projects. The extension will go towards constructing and renovating school buildings, improving classroom technology, upgrading athletic and arts facilities,

Read More »
B2B Stories

Update: Augusta airport Helene damage

The Augusta Aviation Commission heard an update from staff members on the damage suffered during Hurricane Helene. Chief Richard Beal, the Fire Chief and EMA Director at Augusta Regional Airport, said they are still working on a formal report. What he presented on Thursday was an overview. “The airport dealt with pretty much the same thing that the entire community did,” he said. “A lot of trees down, power issues and water issues. We had them across the airport. On top of having some of the power issues we had with

Read More »
B2B Stories

A successful year and big plans at Augusta Tech

The president of Augusta Technical College hit the high points of the previous 12 months while laying out ambitious plans for the next 12 in his State of the College address. As anticipated, enrollment was up, crossing the 5,900 mark to reach 5,940 students, a 3% increase over last year. But Whirl said that number is somewhat deceiving. That represents students enrolled in credit classes, achieving certificates and degrees. Thousands more were on campus for non-credit classes, the so-called continuing education offerings. “The last few years, we’ve only really talked

Read More »
B2B Stories

350 trees wiped out on AU campus

Officials with Augusta University are continuing cleanup and repairs in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Work is ongoing at the Summerville and Health Sciences campuses, and the Forest Hills campus, which includes the Christenberry Field House. On Oct. 18, ABD was taken on a tour of the campuses to see the progress being made and get an update on what has been lost. Repairs are underway on the Christenberry Fieldhouse, along with the tennis courts and golf course, with the properties bounded by piles of cut-up trees. “These are some

Read More »
B2B Stories

Labor market set to explode in Burke County

Plant Vogtle’s workforce routinely propels Burke County to the highest average salary by area in the CSRA. A recent announcement will likely help support those numbers. Burke County is the latest to join the ranks of others in the CSRA, announcing a new manufacturing facility. TCM Transformers USA Inc. will build a more than $15 million facility in Waynesboro. Gov. Brian Kemp (R) made the announcement in a Thursday news release. He had toured the company’s facilities in Italy earlier this year. “When we lead economic missions overseas and meet

Read More »
Consumer Stories

Augusta National & more Helene help

Thanks to clothing connections with Augusta National—the Salvation Army is set to outfit the community tomorrow for FREE at its’ five locations, including the Kroc Center. Nine pallets and tens of thousands of pieces of golf apparel were donated late last week from an organization called Pros Fore Clothes. AGNC volunteers spent hours unloading shirts, vests, pants, hats, and more, etc. Four Salvation Army stores (listed below), including the Kroc Center in downtown Augusta and a new shop on the Riverwatch Parkway in Martinez, will be distributing the clothing to the community.

Read More »
B2B Stories

FEMA administrator tours Augusta damage

FEMA Administrator, Deanne Criswell spent Wednesday in Augusta discussing clean-up efforts with city leaders. Criswell joined Mayor Garnett Johnson, Administrator Tameka Allen, and Chief Antonio Burden, Fire Chief, Augusta Fire/EMA for a briefing prior to taking a tour of damaged areas. “I had an opportunity to fly over the Augusta area to see the damage, but I had a good opportunity today to talk with the mayor and his team about what their concerns are now that we are moving into the long-term recovery phase,” said Criswell. “I also had

Read More »
Consumer Stories

CSRA businesses create opportunities for support after Helene

As if Helene wasn’t scary enough on so many levels, now it’s time to flip the script and provide some frightening fun and support for small businesses. The Aiken Downtown Development Association (ADDA) is sponsoring two events in advance of Halloween. First up is the #DowntownAiken Scarecrow Contest where you can walk the streets of Downtown Aiken and vote on your favorite Scarecrow up until October 26th. Voting Instructions: Find your favorite Scarecrow(s) from these pictures and give it a LIKE to cast your vote. Walk the streets of downtown

Read More »
B2B Stories

Sustaining students with food post-Helene

An organization known for job training, education, and food preparation is combining its strengths to nourish students at a school in Augusta’s Olde Town neighborhood. Helms College, part of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA, is providing meals to students at Heritage Academy. Haley Wesley, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Brand Advancement, told ABD it is a win-win partnership for the college and the school. “These are our Helms College culinary students preparing these meals, being supervised by our faculty, who are chefs. It also was such

Read More »