Top Story

B2B Stories

New arena begins to tower over 7th Street

The size of the new arena is taking shape off Telfair Street between 7th Street and 8th Street and completely changes the skyline. The new arena will be ten stories high, twice the height of the original James Brown Arena. It will be the length of three football fields and seat 10,500, substantially more than the old 7,000-seat capacity. “It’s going up fast. They’re doing a great job,” Brad Usry, chairman of the arena construction subcommittee of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority, told ABD. “We got 150 people working every

Read More »
B2B Stories

Extending a partnership that began in 2016

The U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence, Fort Gordon, and Augusta University have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU). It ensures service members at the Army post can further their education at their own pace. The ceremony was held at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (GCITC), which has served as a home base for training and education. GCITC Executive Director Eric Toler told ABD this new MOU solidifies the role the center plays in providing unique educational opportunities to military personnel. “It really is a testament to

Read More »
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

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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

Read More »
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

Read More »
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

Read More »
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

Read More »
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

Read More »
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

Read More »