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Simon Says: Housing market in CSRA takes sharp turn

The Augusta Leading Economic Index (LEI) fell 0.8 percentage points in January from December. It remains 0.4 percentage points higher than January 2023. The major cause of the decline was an increase in initial claims for unemployment insurance, which were up 36 percent in January. Claims were the highest for January in three years. Inflation in the south also continued to be above the national average at 3.7 percent, reducing the purchasing power of consumers. Job openings edged down about one percentage point and are now at the lowest level

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe April 1, 2024 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Change of plans for North Augusta mixed-use development

North Augusta City Council has called a public hearing to explain significant changes proposed to the Master Development Agreement (MDA) covering Riverside Village (RSV), the city’s “Live, Work, Play” development near the Savannah River. The agreement between the city and master developer, Greenstone Hammond’s Ferry, LLC was originally reached in March 2017. North Augusta is proposing a fourth amendment and adding a developer to move forward on still undeveloped parcels. The announcement of the public hearing specified five steps included in the Fourth Amendment. “The Fourth Amendment provides for (1)

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Dana Lynn McIntyre March 31, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

Changes to Augusta’s Masters Week traffic plan

Augusta’s traffic engineering division is ready to launch the traffic plan for Masters Week 2024. Assistant Director, John Ussery held a media briefing and outlined the plan. Much of it is familiar, steps created to improve traffic flow for the roughly 30,000 vehicles trying to access and depart the golf course. This year, however, the plan includes two major changes. A traffic light was installed at Washington Road and River Ridge Road. It is necessary because the Augusta National Golf Club (ANGC) purchased the former Electrolux building and turned it

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Dana Lynn McIntyre March 28, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

We’re paying for JBA construction starting Monday

If you’re among the tens of thousands of people who buy goods and services in Richmond County, you will begin paying an additional half-penny sales tax on Monday, April 1. Money collected will cover the cost of building a new James Brown Arena. Demolition of the existing arena is expected to begin in July. The $250 million bond issue was approved by voters in November 2023. Mike Harvey, Vice President of Project Design with Nations Group, owner’s representative for the Coliseum Authority, told ABD they are ready to bring in

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Dana Lynn McIntyre March 27, 2024 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Restaurant and Retail update in North Augusta

The #1 item on the wish list for North Augustans has been more restaurants. It’s about to come true later this year. ABDs learned that at least three new eateries have signed on to be part of the new Beacon Bluff’s development adjacent to North Augusta’s Municipal Building. “Melty,” a national franchise features cheesy melt sandwiches like grilled cheese, burgers, French dip, Ham and Swiss, and much more. Visit www.lovemelty.com to see the full menu of items coming to North Augusta. Beacon Bluff’s management team was not able to name

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Neil Gordon March 26, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

Simon Says: Bucking the trend

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that jobless rates were up in 218 of the 389 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in January. Augusta bucked the trend with the unemployment rate falling from 3.8% in December to 3.7% in January. Unfortunately, payroll jobs also fell, but by just 200. Despite the small change in overall employment in Augusta, some sectors saw large changes in employment for the first month of the year. The largest increase was in retail with jobs increasing by 180, followed by leisure and hospitality, up about 150. Government

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe March 25, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

New Medical Practice reunites Doctor with family in the CSRA

Three siblings. Three Augusta doctors. Three different specialists at three different practices. Dr. David Squires (far left) is the oldest sibling, who is an oncologist at AO Multi-Specialty Clinic and is a proud big brother. “I am thrilled that my brother and sister chose to practice medicine here in Augusta. When I refer patients to them, I am confident they will receive exceptional care,” he said. Cynthia Murray, Family MD practices a few doors down from her brother, David at Urgent MD—Med Now. In November 2023, Dr. Stephen Squires opened

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Neil Gordon March 24, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

$4.25 Million Sale of UPS Office Building

Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research, and advisory services has announced the sale of 2031 S. Centennial Ave., a single-tenant office property located in Aiken for $4,250,000. “This is a mission-critical location for UPS, making this a great opportunity for the buyer. Our seller was moving towards retirement, hence, the motivation to sell,” said Ani Paulson, Vice President of Investments. “Because of the challenging traditional lending market, our seller agreed to a seller-financing structure, which enabled us to

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Staff Report March 21, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

Off to the races with a major economic impact

While it doesn’t involve world-class golf, there is another time-honored tradition in the CSRA and this one is all about horses. The 57th running of the Aiken Spring Steeplechase is Saturday, March 23, and it’s a big deal. According to the Aiken Steeplechase Association, more than 25,000 visitors will attend this weekend’s event. The 43 horses entered came from up and down the Eastern seaboard. That means, horse owners, jockeys, and supporters are probably already here. While ABD couldn’t confirm a bottom-line figure for economic impact, Eric Gordon, the city

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Mitzi Oxford March 20, 2024 No Comments
B2B Stories

North Augusta’s multi-million dollar project list

In November, Aiken County residents will be asked to vote on the county’s fifth Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST). The one-cent tax will be collected on goods and services purchased within the county. The money will be shared with each municipality within Aiken County. The municipalities must provide a list of projects and the amount requested. Monday night, North Augusta City Council voted unanimously to approve its request list with a more than $48.6 million price tag. City Administrator, Jim Clifford said after the initial list presented in a work

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Dana Lynn McIntyre March 19, 2024 No Comments
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