Larry and Rosemary Lynn have owned and operated a successful CSRA business for nearly 40 years. But like other business owners, the couple is currently dealing with significant supply chain issues.
Their business, and several other local companies, participated in a business expo for the Columbia County State of the Community event, Thursday evening. ABD spoke with some of these representatives to find out how the economy has affected their businesses.
The Lynns own Allegra Marketing Print Mail, which offers a variety of products and services, including printed materials, direct mail programs, and promotional items, located in Martinez. They also own image360, a sign company.
“The biggest challenge has been trying to find alternatives to the products our customers need,” Rosemary said.
Larry said, at the same time, the costs of materials, such as paper and aluminum, have also skyrocketed.
Like the Lynns, Tom D’Abruzzo, owner of BrandStorm Promotions, LLC, offers a variety of promotional products, such as T-shirts, hats, mugs, and pens. He has also noticed a delay in getting the items he needs, but that hasn’t hurt his business.
“Business has been great; I have no complaints,” D’Abruzzo said.
Business has also been great for Randall and Julie Williams, owners of Augusta Gift Baskets, which creates custom baskets and boxes for its customers.
“I would say people are a little more cautious,” Randall said. “Our business has grown so much, it’s hard to tell how the economy is affecting us.”
He said their business has grown by 50 percent since this time last year.
“To be fair, we just opened last year,” Randall said.
Despite the challenges, Larry Lynn remains optimistic about the economy. He said business is getting back to normal, and, unlike other owners, they haven’t struggled to find and keep employees.
“We have wonderful employees,” he said.
The event also featured presentations from county leaders, including Superintendent, Dr. Steven Flynt, and Fort Garrison Commander, Col. Reggie Evans.
