Colen Lindell

BREAKING: The Fed held rates steady Wednesday, but officials are no longer signaling cuts — and some now see higher rates ahead.

Kevin Warsh's first meeting as chairman ended with rates unchanged at 3.5%-3.75%, while policymakers dropped their previous outlook for a cut this year.

The updated projections suggest the Fed is prepared to keep policy tighter for longer, with several officials now anticipating the possibility of a rate hike in 2026 as inflation remains stubbornly above target.

New 5-Story Residence Inn Approved for Downtown Augusta Revitalization

AUGUSTA, GA — A major boost is coming to the downtown Augusta skyline. Local officials have cleared the path for a brand-new, five-story Residence Inn by Marriott to be built at 619 13th Street, right at the corner of 13th and Walker streets.

The high-end, 125-room extended-stay hotel will sit on a prime 2-acre lot. After facing a four-year delay, the project is officially moving forward under development group PeachState Hospitality following recent rezoning and special exception approvals.

This development marks a significant milestone for the city's ongoing downtown revitalization. Located just steps from the medical district and the upcoming entertainment complex replacing the former James Brown Arena, the hotel is perfectly positioned to serve traveling medical professionals, families, and tourists alike. Construction is expected to begin shortly, bringing new jobs and increased economic activity to the heart of Augusta.

🌺 A new flavor is headed to downtown Aiken!

Fire Shaka Hawaiian BBQ has officially announced plans to open its first Aiken location after signing a lease at 126 Laurens Street NW.

Known for bringing authentic Hawaiian-inspired barbecue, island favorites, and a laid-back atmosphere, Fire Shaka is set to add something completely different to Aiken’s growing restaurant scene.

From smoky barbecue and tropical flavors to a welcoming family-friendly environment, this new addition promises to bring a taste of the islands right to the heart of downtown.

The restaurant is targeting an August 2026 opening, giving locals something exciting to look forward to later this summer.

📍 Fire Shaka Hawaiian BBQ
126 Laurens St NW
Aiken, SC

Aiken’s dining options continue to grow—and Hawaiian BBQ is next on the menu.

Will you be giving it a try when the doors open? 🔥🌴

Big news for Aiken County and the local economy!

AmbioPharm, headquartered in North Augusta, has announced a major expansion that will bring a nearly $119 million investment and create more than 200 new jobs in Aiken County.

Since its founding in 2005, AmbioPharm has grown into an internationally recognized biotechnology company specializing in peptide development and manufacturing. This latest investment highlights the company’s continued growth and reinforces Aiken County’s reputation as a destination for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences.

The expansion will not only create new career opportunities for local residents but also generate long-term economic benefits throughout our region. Investments like this help strengthen our workforce, attract additional industry, and support the continued success of our community.

Congratulations to AmbioPharm and the many partners who helped make this project a reality, including the Western SC Economic Development Partnership, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and Aiken County leadership. It’s exciting to see a homegrown South Carolina company continue to invest, expand, and thrive right here in Aiken County.

🍑 One of the CSRA’s favorite summer traditions is almost here!

The Ridge Peach Festival returns to Trenton, South Carolina on June 20, bringing a full day of family fun, local flavor, and small-town charm to the heart of peach country.

From morning until late afternoon, visitors can enjoy fresh South Carolina peaches along with peach ice cream, cobblers, pies, preserves, and plenty of other sweet treats that celebrate the region’s famous crop. The festival also features more than 100 vendors offering handmade crafts, unique gifts, home décor, artwork, and locally made products.

Live music and entertainment keep the atmosphere lively throughout the day, while food vendors serve up festival favorites ranging from barbecue and burgers to boiled peanuts and fair-style snacks. The annual Ridge Peach Parade remains one of the biggest highlights, filling the streets with community groups, antique vehicles, tractors, floats, and hometown pride.

Families will find plenty for children to enjoy, including games, inflatables, and activities, while adults can spend the day shopping, eating, and catching up with friends and neighbors.

More than just a festival, the event celebrates the rich agricultural heritage that has made the Ridge region one of South Carolina’s most recognized peach-growing areas for generations. Whether you’re coming for the peaches, the parade, or simply a great day in a welcoming small town, the Ridge Peach Festival is a summertime tradition worth experiencing.

🍑 Have you ever been to the Ridge Peach Festival? What’s your favorite part?

🌴🍍 Get ready for an island escape right here in North Augusta! 🍍🌴

Brink's Tavern is bringing the tropics to town with a Luau Party you won’t want to miss on Friday, June 19!

Expect an evening packed with tropical flavors, handcrafted tiki cocktails, live entertainment, fun competitions, and plenty of surprises along the way.

🌺 Featured highlights include:
🍹 Tropical welcome drinks
🥃 Interactive tiki cocktail experience
🎶 Live steel drum music from Pantasia
🍽️ Island-inspired buffet featuring Hawaiian and Polynesian favorites
🏆 Limbo competition with prizes and bragging rights
🗿 Hidden tiki scavenger hunt throughout the event

And yes—the limbo champion will take home a $100 Brink’s Tavern gift card and a trophy to prove they’re the ultimate island legend.

The menu is loaded with incredible dishes including tuna poke wonton cups, kalua pork lettuce wraps, char siu ribs, Hawaiian-style suckling pig, Javanese fried chicken, coconut sweet potato mash, haupia pie, and more.

📅 Friday, June 19
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Brink's Tavern

This is a ticketed event. Be sure to grab yours before they’re gone. Ticket link below. ⬇️

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY AT:
https://order.toasttab.com/online/brinkleys-tavern-200-georgia-ave-suite-101

Aiken food lovers have something new to look forward to. 👀🍽️

Three new dining destinations are being planned near the intersection of Park Avenue and Union Street, bringing a mix of international flavors and unique experiences to downtown.

🦞 La Mer plans to serve upscale seafood favorites, including lobster, fresh fish selections, and signature seafood platters.

🍻 The Fox and Hound will bring the feel of a traditional British pub to Aiken.

🔥 Las Vacas Gordas is expected to feature authentic Argentine-style grilled meats and South American cuisine.

Developers are aiming for La Mer to open first, potentially later this year, with the other restaurants expected to follow.

It’s another sign that Aiken’s restaurant scene continues to expand and evolve.

Which of these new spots are you most excited to try?

👇 Let us know in the comments and tag someone who loves checking out new restaurants.

My goal for every client is to create a self-reinforcing marketing system that consistently brings in new customers, generates reviews and referrals, and helps those customers attract even more business over time.

We do this by building strong Google marketing campaigns that generate high-intent leads, creating awareness through Meta advertising, and developing engaging social media content that keeps your brand active, visible, and top-of-mind in your community.

The goal is simple: help you grow your business, attract more customers, and build momentum that continues to work for you long after the initial campaign.

If you’re interested in expanding your business and creating more customers, let’s talk as soon as possible.

Google reviews are one of the most important factors in a successful Google marketing strategy.

When potential customers search for your business, your reviews are often the first thing they see. A strong review profile helps build trust, increases click-through rates, improves local search visibility, and can make the difference between a customer choosing you or your competitor.

As a general rule:
⭐ 0–20 Reviews: Needs Improvement
⭐ 20–50 Reviews: Good
⭐ 50–100 Reviews: Great
⭐ 100+ Reviews: Outstanding

The businesses that dominate their markets don’t just have great products and services—they have the online reputation to prove it.

If you’re looking to strengthen your Google presence, generate more leads, and become a leader in your market, reach out to me. Our team has helped businesses across multiple industries improve their visibility, generate more calls, and achieve real results through Google marketing, SEO, reviews, and paid advertising.

Let’s talk about how we can help your business stand out.

North Augusta residents are getting a glimpse of what could be coming next at Creighton Park.

The proposed plans for Phase 2 feature new playground elements, climbing attractions, green space, and outdoor areas designed for families to enjoy together. If the final project looks anything like these renderings, it will be an exciting addition to one of the community’s favorite parks.

What feature are you most looking forward to seeing? Let us know in the comments!