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B2B Stories

Renovations to the Bell Auditorium are now underway

Augusta will soon see a new entertainment hub as the first phase of a multi-million-dollar project is in the works on Telfair Street. Work to renovate and upgrade the Bell Auditorium is easy to spot from the street with a construction crane and new steel girders around the building. This is one part of a three-step project, which also includes the construction of a new James Brown Arena and a concourse to connect the two buildings. “In July, we were able to complete our concrete slab upgrade and start going

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Consumer Stories

CSRA restaurant featured as one of America’s Best

A little over a year ago, Greg and Angie Pierce opened The Feed Sack in Aiken. They must be doing something right. Social media reviewers give the restaurant high praise. Pretty soon, folks across the country will find out what makes The Feed Sack a favorite. “We were nominated for America’s Best Restaurants. We don’t know who nominated us, but we are flattered, and it definitely helps promote our business,” said Greg Pierce. If you aren’t familiar with America’s Best Restaurants, it’s like Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. A

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B2B Stories

Simon Says: Latest unemployment numbers up, wages down

Last week, I reported record-high employment numbers in the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area for the leisure and hospitality industry. Total employment is also nearing a record high, standing currently (May) at 246,100. The record high is 246, 500 in January 2020. Unfortunately, some other measures of the strength of the labor market are not as robust. After spending the whole of 2022 at 3.5%, the unemployment rate started to rise in 2023. It currently stands at 3.8%, still low by historical standards. Part of the reason for the increase may

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Consumer Stories

Wings restaurant to replace popular CSRA sub shop

With football season just around the corner, a national restaurant chain is hoping to score a touchdown by opening a new CSRA location. Atlanta-based, Touchdown Wings plans to open a new location at 3328 Wrightsboro Road, next door to Walmart in Augusta, replacing Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs, which closed last month. The restaurant is scheduled to open in October, according to the company’s website. Touchdown Wings currently offers 30 flavors of chicken wings, including spicy ranch, lemon pepper, teriyaki, and Cajun, as well as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and seafood. The

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Law enforcement officers share facts, tips on active shooter incidents

The company Amy Christian works for doesn’t have a response plan for an active shooter event, but she plans to discuss the need to develop one with the company’s owner. Yesterday, Christian, Director of Business Development for Dickinson Architects, was one of many local business leaders who attended this month’s Third Thursday Business Builder presented by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. The topic was preparing for an active shooter. “We haven’t done any drills, but we’re definitely going to start talking about it,” she said. The speakers were Augusta

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The “hottest” jobs in the CSRA!

We aren’t talking about the hot jobs in the market right now, the ones where you make six figures and sit behind a palatial desk. This is about the folks who work outdoors in the sweltering heat. In some cases, they may be the ones doing the work which supports your business. I’m sure by now you’ve noticed that a historic heat wave has moved east into Georgia and South Carolina. The National Weather Service says it could last into August. It’s one thing to step out of the A/C

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B2B Stories

Chamber unveils Leadership Class of 2024

Thirty-five community leaders will embark on a nine-month program designed to help them shape Columbia County’s future. The leadership program sponsored by the TaxSlayer leadership program is managed by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the program is to expose businesses and area leaders to the opportunities and challenges facing our community, promote and foster the development of leadership, and educate and prepare community leaders who are committed to moving the county forward. Each month, the participants experience topics concerning our community, including county operations, economic development,

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B2B Stories

The clock is ticking on the impact of a UPS strike on CSRA businesses

As ABD recently reported, a potential strike against the UPS delivery service by more than 300,000 workers could lead to slower delivery times, supply chain disruptions, and higher shipping costs if the company and the Teamsters union don’t come to an agreement by August 1. Should CSRA businesses be concerned? UPS delivers millions of packages every day. Recent reports indicate that its competitors like FedEx, USPS, DHL, and others have admitted they will not be able to absorb that amount of business deliveries if UPS workers walk off the job.

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B2B Stories

CSRA coffee biz keeps pouring and growing

A coffee business first spotlighted in ABD in May 2022 as a pop-up coffee cart, then again in October when they opened a brick and mortar is growing again, this time with a drive-thru which opened on June 22. “It’s been a whirlwind to get to this point, but we are excited,” said Mallory Adkison. They have an app so you can order ahead of time and still get to work on time the next day. “It keeps traffic moving smoothly and the employees and customers seem to love the

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B2B Stories

Owners of successful dog apparel business to launch storefront next weekend

If you throw birthday parties for your dogs, Nic and Bretta Farina have the supplies you need to let your four-legged family members have their cake and eat it too. For the last 11 years, the Farinas have owned Puddle Jumper Pups, which until now, has been a home-based, online business that creates and sells a variety of products, including leashes, collars, harnesses, and accessories. More than 150 retailers nationwide, including Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, which has locations in Augusta and Evans. “Our B2B business has really grown,” Bretta

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