Augusta Business Daily

03/22/2024

$4.25 Million sale of UPS Office Building.

“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 take this deal to the finish line smoothly and efficiently. We have closed numerous properties with such structures and plan to continue until the debt markets fully stabilize.”

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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-critic...

03/21/2024

Today's review from Dylan James is of Dune 2 and the economic impacts it is bringing to local economies.

"The biggest franchise of the post-Superhero era in movies saw its second installment at the beginning of the month. Delayed by several months due to the industry strikes, the film’s opening was moved from Autumn 2023 to Spring 2024, a move that was done either out of generosity to last year’s Oscar contenders, calculation for a full press rollout, or foresight for owning the year."

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The biggest franchise of the post-Superhero era in movies saw its second installment at the beginning of the month. Delayed by several months due to the industry strikes, the film’s opening was moved from Autumn 2023 to Spring 2024, a move that was done either out of generosity to last…

03/21/2024

Party with a purpose at SRP park.

"A celebration at SRP Park marked the end of four years of studying for Medical College of Georgia students and opened the door to the next step.

Match Day 2024 saw more than 240 medical students from MCG in Augusta and from the AU/UGA Medical Partnership in Athens handed a simple envelope holding their future."

If you find the article helpful be sure to share and help ABD continue the mission to provide the best local business news to the CSRA. Thanks for reading!

A celebration at SRP Park marked the end of four years of studying for Medical College of Georgia students and opened the door to the next step. Match Day 2024 saw more than 240 medical students from MCG in Augusta and from the AU/UGA Medical Partnership in Athens handed a…

03/21/2024

Today we celebrate a great friend, Patrick Reynolds and the team at Cross Link Consulting on their 20th Anniversary in business and a special birthday.

"Cross Link Consulting CEO, Patrick Reynolds had a few good reasons to cut the cake yesterday, next to Lookaway Hall in North Augusta and near Cross Link Consulting’s office building on Highway 25 in North Augusta.

It’s the 20th Anniversary of his business and yesterday was also his 50th birthday!"

Cross Link Consulting CEO, Patrick Reynolds had a few good reasons to cut the cake yesterday, next to Lookaway Hall in North Augusta and near Cross Link Consulting’s office building on Highway 25 in North Augusta. It’s the 20th Anniversary of his business and yesterday was also his 50th birthday...

03/21/2024

Time-honored tradition not involving a club and a white ball creates major economic impact in the CSRA.

"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."

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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 visitor...

03/20/2024

No road to business success is easy, but building and earning trust are key, especially in the cyber security field. Patrick Reynolds, CEO Cross Link Consulting has more in today’s edition of P.U.T.T.

No road to business success is easy, but building and earning trust are key, especially in the cyber security field. Patrick Reynolds has more in today’s edition of P.U.T.T.

03/20/2024

Dr. Rick Franza discusses the importance of your service operations.

" Given how services now dominate our economy, I imagine more of our readers work in service businesses. So, in today’s column, I will address how to improve the quality of your service business."

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When I began studying Operations Management (OM) in my Ph.D. program at Georgia Tech in the 1990’s, the discipline was much different. It was often called “Production and Operations Management” which indicated its emphasis on the production or manufacture of goods. While service sector jobs we...

03/20/2024

Have folks coming into town for the Masters? A good choice of hotel may be a local hotel who has just received "Best of" award.

“We are so proud to receive this honor, as our team has worked incredibly hard to consistently deliver a high level of service to our guests,” said Kondur. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and our steadfast commitment to our guests. We look forward to welcoming even more travelers in the years to come!”

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The Baymont by Wyndham Augusta Riverwatch has been awarded the annual “Best of Baymont” Award which recognizes the brand’s top-performing hotels and their staff. In celebration of the achievement, hotel owner, Kanta K.R. Kondur accepted the award from Greg Giordano, Company Brand Leader and Vi...

03/20/2024

Give me money! Aiken County voters must decide on the projects that they want to fund when they vote in November.

"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."

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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...

03/19/2024

Are you an ethical business leader?

"...now more than ever, customers want to align themselves with those organizations that reflect their own morals and values."

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Business ethics is a tricky topic. First, very few owners or executives, even when acting outside of morality norms, actually believe they are conducting themselves unethically. To them, when faced with ethical ambiguity, they have been forced to make “some hard choices.” But does labeling an et...

03/19/2024

New refreshment Cafe coming to the Augusta Mall.

"Kommatea is set to open soon between the Augusta Mall food court and the Macy’s on the upper level of the Mall.

Kommatea’s brand of Boba teas, refreshers, and macarons is growing, thanks to its focus on opening at shopping malls mostly in Florida and Georgia, including one in Lawrenceville, Georgia."

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Kommatea is set to open soon between the Augusta Mall food court and the Macy’s on the upper level of the Mall. Kommatea’s brand of Boba teas, refreshers, and macarons is growing, thanks to its focus on opening at shopping malls mostly in Florida and Georgia, including one in Lawrenceville,…

03/19/2024

Dr. Simon Medcalfe shares with us today about the fastest growing CSRA counties.

"A couple of Georgia counties were the fastest growing of the 360 largest counties in the nation in the third quarter of 2023. Clayton County (Jonesboro) had the largest percentage increase in average weekly wages at 7.7% and Hall County (Gainesville) had the largest percentage increase in employment at 5.4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics."

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A couple of Georgia counties were the fastest growing of the 360 largest counties in the nation in the third quarter of 2023. Clayton County (Jonesboro) had the largest percentage increase in average weekly wages at 7.7% and Hall County (Gainesville) had the largest percentage increase in employment...

03/19/2024

The plans are in place for financing Columbia County's newest hospital.

"Funding for the construction of the new Columbia County hospital in Grovetown has passed its last step.

Attorney Jim Driver told members of the Columbia County Hospital Authority they successfully closed on the $375 million bond and construction is underway. Crews have been clearing the land in anticipation of the start of construction."

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Funding for the construction of the new Columbia County hospital in Grovetown has passed its last step. Attorney Jim Driver told members of the Columbia County Hospital Authority they successfully closed on the $375 million bond and construction is underway. Crews have been clearing the land in anti...

03/18/2024

Hospitality for the Master is no small feat. Take it from a true expert.

"Vera Stewart starts preparing in May for the following April’s tournament! Augustans may think of “Very Vera” as a one-woman show. By the time April comes, she’ll have worked with a few hundred people on her Masters business."

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Restaurants begin preparing months in advance by hiring and training extra wait staff. For the hospitality industry, it’s like gaining an extra month, because many do about 10% of their annual business in that one week. Vera Stewart starts preparing in May for the following April’s tournament! A...

03/18/2024

The Jetson's era of air travel may be within reach thanks to technology and some strategic partnerships.

"Two new partnerships connected to Augusta Regional Airport were announced during Thursday’s Fifth Annual Innovation XChange Forum, including one that will introduce air taxis.

Bravo Air, the private air charter operator based at Augusta Regional, is working with SkyDrive, a Tokyo-based Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company. The company builds a variety of drones, and recently began production of electric-powered aircraft."

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Two new partnerships connected to Augusta Regional Airport were announced during Thursday's Fifth Annual Innovation XChange Forum, including one that will introduce air taxis. Bravo Air, the private air charter operator based at Augusta Regional, is working with SkyDrive, a Tokyo-based Advanced Air....

03/18/2024

Check out the new format for the BizBits piece. Mike Petchenik brings you the top stories of the week that was.

Today, ABD begins a new feature. We asked our Mike Petchenik to cull through the best biz bits of the week. He found an update from a major Augusta employer, growth from a big box retailer in the CSRA, and a deal that propels a local realtor onto the national…

03/18/2024

Today we have some news about the former WOW! call center building.

“We were able to work with our client (owner) to find a way to offer less space to multiple tenants instead of having to find someone willing to lease the entire 27,000 square feet."

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WOW! Commercial Real Estate agent, Scott Brantley of the Beman Group recently placed an anchor tenant in the vacant, former WOW call center located at 3674 Wheeler Rd. Brantley executed a 10-year multi-option lease with Circle City ABA for the medical services provider to take about 1/3rd of the lar...

03/15/2024

Today we are bringing back a best of about living life in the digital world and how to survive.

"It wasn’t that long ago that watching a service online was a rare thing. Now, it’s a regular weekly event for many. It’s super convenient and super easy. Hey, you can even watch in your favorite jammies!"

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It’s a normal weekly thing now. During Sunday morning worship, as a part of a greeting or announcement, a staff member at church will acknowledge and welcome those who are joining the service for worship by watching online. It wasn’t that long ago that watching a service online was a…

03/15/2024

Spam or Phishing which is it? Find out more in today's P.UT.T. as Patrick Reynolds, CEO of Cross Link Consulting tells us more.

The simple answer is that one is annoying and the other can be dangerous to your business. Patrick Reynolds explains in today’s edition of P.U.T.T.

03/15/2024

You have heard about the Homestead Exemption, but do you really know what it is and how to file one? Today's Real Talk Real Estate will give you the scoop.

"A homestead exemption is a valuable benefit for homeowners. It provides a reduction in local property taxes, providing a little financial relief. The deadline is looming to take advantage of this homeownership benefit. April 1st is the most common deadline locally; Aiken County may give you a little more time."

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A homestead exemption is a valuable benefit for homeowners. It provides a reduction in local property taxes, providing a little financial relief. The deadline is looming to take advantage of this homeownership benefit. April 1st is the most common deadline locally; Aiken County may give you a little...

03/15/2024

Dana Lynn McIntyre is checking in on Augusta's quality of life and economic health with today's report.

"Augusta is one of five cities chosen for a program focused on neighborhood housing conditions.

The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH), offered through the state’s Department of Community Affairs, will provide training and technical assistance."

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Augusta is one of five cities chosen for a program focused on neighborhood housing conditions. The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH), offered through the state’s Department of Community Affairs, will provide training and technical assistance. Hawthorne Welcher, Jr., Director of Augus...

03/11/2024

How do you protect your remote workforce? Patrick Reynolds, CEO of Cross Link Consulting is here to give you the details in today's P.U.T.T.

More of us are working virtually than ever before. How do you know you are logging onto your computer and connecting to company files in a safe way? ABD’s Cyber Consultant, Patrick Reynolds has some thoughts in today’s edition of P.U.T.T.

03/11/2024

United Way falls short of their workplace fundraising goals by $300,000.

"Augustans are known as generous people, but perhaps, our volatile economy caused a downturn in giving in 2023.

The agency received donations totaling just over $2.2 million through the workplace campaign.

That is 12% shy of the goal of $2.5 million announced last August."

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Augustans are known as generous people, but perhaps, our volatile economy caused a downturn in giving in 2023. The agency received donations totaling just over $2.2 million through the workplace campaign. That is 12% shy of the goal of $2.5 million announced last August. The United Way of the CSRA.....

03/11/2024

Business conflict? You many need some mediation.

“In a nutshell, I started BMS after personally being impacted by a corporate restructuring. The options presented did not fit my life or the vision for my career and thus, my company was born out of a sense of urgency,” Brown-Taylor explained.

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One thing you can bet on as a business owner is challenge, whether from clients, employees, vendors, or business partners. Those disagreements may result from attendance, pay, benefits, or personality conflicts. There are two seminars coming up that might provide some answers that are affordable and...

03/11/2024

Changing of the Chamber of Commerce Guard.

"Publisher’s Note: In Aiken, they don’t pass the gavel when one President leaves the Chamber of Commerce. They pass the scissors for future ribbon cuts!...."

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Publisher’s Note: In Aiken, they don’t pass the gavel when one President leaves the Chamber of Commerce. They pass the scissors for future ribbon cuts! Longtime President, David Jameson handpicked Jim Tunison to be his membership sales leader five years ago and had a hand in recommending Tunison...

03/05/2024

Are you ready for some popcorn at the Oscars?

If you have the "inside scoop" on which picture will win the Oscar Sunday night on ABC, you'll win a gift box of the most popular popcorn. Our editor Mitzi Oxford calls We Pop the best popcorn she has EVER eaten. They are based in Augusta and ship all over the world. Click on the link below to order some yourself. To make your choice for BEST PICTURE send those to [email protected] and we'll select a winner after Sunday night.

>> American Fiction
>> Anatomy of a Fall
>> Barbie
>> The Holdovers
>> Killers of the Flower Moon
>> Maestro
>> Oppenheimer
>> Past Lives
>> Poor Things
>> The Zone of Interest

https://www.wepoppopcorn.com/

03/05/2024

Young entrepreneur turns passion for cars into profession.

“I decided to go all out and bought the equipment and van to be able to provide a convenient service without the hassle of traveling to a brick and mortar, waiting in line, or trying to arrange for transportation,” explained Rodriguez.

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Angel Rodriguez has always been a “car guy.” When he was a teenager and began driving, he wanted an immaculate car inside and out. In May of 2023, at 22 years old, he turned that pride for a clean ride into 803 Mobile Detailing and Wash and now serves the…

03/04/2024

JBA construction another step closer to reality.

“Approval by the Commission opens the doorway for us to get those funds,” he said. “Without that agreement, any SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) goes straight to the city. So, we do have an agreement on how we would handle the funds.”

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The intergovernmental agreement between the Augusta Commission and the Augusta-Richmond Coliseum Authority has been signed. Authority Chairman, Cedric Johnson confirmed for ABD he signed the document. It creates the pipeline to receive funds from the half-penny sales tax approved by voters in Novemb...

03/04/2024

Train employees how to handle phishing attempts. CEO of Cross Link Consulting, Patrick Reynolds explains more in today's PUTT.

What is the weakest link in your organization in terms of stopping a “phishing expedition” by a bad actor? In today’s PUTT with Cybersecurity expert, Patrick Reynolds, he says it is not “what,” but “who” your company needs to worry about.

03/04/2024

Local marketing agency is working on its own rebranding. Find out more in today's report.

"18 Augusta-Aiken employees are now Osla employees after 7.5 years under the brand of Alison South. Alison South was formed in October 2016, when Mark Alison sold his legacy agency, Alison and Associates to the South Company. He brought over Queensborough National Bank & Trust and other clients, which helped propel the company’s growth."

If you find the article helpful be sure to share and help ABD continue the mission of providing the best in local business news to the CSRA. Thanks for reading!

18 Augusta-Aiken employees are now Osla employees after 7.5 years under the brand of Alison South. Alison South was formed in October 2016, when Mark Alison sold his legacy agency, Alison and Associates to the South Company. He brought over Queensborough National Bank & Trust and other clients, whic...