Your Weekly CSRA Business Digest

Date: July 19, 2021

Augusta Regional Airport is hosting a consultation meeting for its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

A consultation meeting for the DBE program will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 19, at Augusta Regional Airport.

The object of the meeting is to further develop the program’s goals for fiscal years 2022-2024 and workshop potential airport opportunities and efforts to increase participation in the DBE program.

MORE: Augusta Regional Director Herbert Judon Talks Business Uptick

The DBE program is “intended to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts in the Departments highway, transit, airport and highway safety financial assistance programs. The goals of the program are to remedy past and current discrimination against disadvantaged business enterprises, to ensure a ‘level playing field’ in which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts, improve the flexibility and efficiency of the DBE program and reduce burdens on small businesses,” according to the flyags.com website.

For eligibility to join the program, people must own 51% or more of a small business, establish that they are disadvantaged within the meaning of DOT regulations and prove they control their business. Contact Risa Akiyama Bingham at (706) 798-3236 for more information.

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Market Wagon announced the launch of its online farmers’ market and delivery service for the CSRA.

Market Wagon is a service designed to connect consumers to local food. Farmers can list their products online and orders are fulfilled by Market Wagon drivers through their last-mile network.

The areas they serve in this region are Fairfield, Newberry, Saluda, Aiken, Lexington, Richland, Calhoun, Barnwell, Edgefield, Sumter and Kershaw counties in South Carolina and Columbia and Richmond counties in Georgia.

“Market Wagon’s mission is to enable food producers to thrive in their local and regional markets,” said Market Wagon co-founder Dan Brunner. “We provide exceptional choice and service to customers who will know exactly where their food comes from. We have attracted plenty of attention from South Carolina shoppers and food producers eager for our launch. Our online store contains everything you’d expect to find at a physical farmers market — local farm-fresh eggs, dairy, meat, produce, baked goods and more.”

More than 185 local products are available to choose from through the Midlands, S.C. hub, with more expected to come.

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Visit https://marketwagon.com for more information.

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Georgia Power offers energy assistance programs to help customers reduce impact of early summer heat on bills.

Georgia Power offers energy assistance programs in communities across Georgia and has established partnerships with nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations to assist income-qualifying customers with their energy costs. The company’s programs are offered to help meet the changing needs of customers across the state and proactively identify solutions to meet their needs and determine eligibility for utility assistance and programs:

  • Georgia Power’s Income-Qualified Senior Citizen Discount – Georgia Power customers 65 years of age or older who meet the income requirements for eligibility can receive up to $24 a month off their bill.
  • HopeWorks – HopeWorks and Georgia Power offer senior residential customers valuable information on ways to save money on their energy bill while keeping their homes comfortable and efficient. Income-eligible seniors can receive a complimentary in-home assessment analyzing potential energy-saving opportunities, followed by a free home energy improvement service performed by a participating program contractor.
  • The Salvation Army’s Project SHARE – Established in partnership with The Salvation Army, Georgia Power customers can provide assistance to residents in the same community for expenses, such as utility bills, housing, food and medical necessities. Customers can donate $1, $2, $5 or $10 on their monthly bill to support their neighbors in need. Georgia Power matches $1.50 for each dollar donated up to $1.5 million.

Customers can learn more about the company’s energy assistance programs and apply at www.GeorgiaPower.com/EnergyAssistance.

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Simple summer tips to save money and energy include:

  • Think Thermostat – Heating and cooling costs make up nearly half of your average power bill. Set manual thermostats to 78°F in the summer for peak efficiency and make the most of programmable thermostats, which help decrease energy use based on your lifestyle. Each degree cooler can increase your bill by 4%.
  • Use your Fans – Using a ceiling fan costs only about $1.50 a month and will help you feel cooler without having to adjust your thermostat.
  • Air Vents – To maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home, keep air vents and registers clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains and rugs.
  • Trim Plants and Change Filters – To ensure your unit receives proper air flow, change any filters and trim plants around your outside unit.
  • Food Storage – Set your refrigerator thermostat between 35°F and 38°F, and your freezer to 0°F to run at peak efficiency – but be careful not to over fill!
  • Heat in the Kitchen – Reduce the temperature inside your home by cooking food in the microwave or stove top instead of the oven when possible. Match pots and pans to the burner size to minimize heat loss. Use lids on pots to keep in heat.

Tyler Strong is the Business Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at tyler@theaugustapress.com.

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