Georgia Business Focus: BBB issues scam alert, Duck Donuts plans second Middle Georgia location
Officials warn of traffic citation scams as Georgia announces record exports and Duck Donuts plans a new Macon location.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Better Business Bureau issues a new alert on traffic citation scams, Duck Donuts is opening a second location in middle Georgia soon and the state of Georgia makes history.
Georgia surpasses $60 billion in exports, sets historic record
Georgia has made economic history, surpassing $60.2 billion in exports for 2025—well above the national average. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the state now ranks ninth in export value and seventh in total trade nationwide. Leading exports include aircraft, vehicles, computers, and medical devices. Governor Brian Kemp credited Georgia’s robust logistics infrastructure and strong global partnerships for the record-setting performance, saying their role in attracting and retaining international business.
Warnock leads bipartisan effort to ban mass home purchases by private equity
Senator Raphael Warnock has secured bipartisan support for legislation banning institutional investors from bulk purchasing single-family homes. The move comes as private equity firms now own approximately 30% of Atlanta’s single-family rental market, raising concerns over housing affordability and access. The proposed law would prohibit any investor who already owns more than 350 single-family homes from purchasing additional properties. Offenders could face fines of up to $1 million or three times the purchase price. Lawmakers say the measure is aimed at improving access to homeownership for Georgia families.
BBB issues consumer alert on fake traffic citation scams
The Better Business Bureau is warning Georgia residents to beware of fraudulent traffic citation scams. Scammers are sending fake notices by text, email, or phone, urging immediate payment and threatening license suspension or arrest. These messages often contain links to fraudulent websites designed to steal money or personal information. Warning signs include unfamiliar payment links, threats and requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. The BBB urges consumers to always verify citations with official agencies and, if scammed, to contact their bank and report the incident to BBB Scam Tracker.
SK Battery America lays off nearly 1,000 workers amid EV market uncertainty
SK Battery America has laid off 958 employees—approximately 37% of its workforce—at its Commerce, Georgia plant. The layoffs follow shifting automaker plans and uncertainty in the electric vehicle market, compounded by Ford’s decision in December to cancel the fully electric F-150 Lightning. The company, which supplied batteries for the F-150 Lightning, says it will retain about 1,600 employees at the plant as the U.S. EV market faces headwinds and policy changes.
Duck Donuts expands to Macon after Byron success
Duck Donuts, renowned for its made-to-order donuts, is opening a second Middle Georgia location in Macon after a successful launch in Byron. Customers can choose from more than 60 donut varieties with customizable coatings, toppings, and drizzles, all prepared fresh in about 7 to 10 minutes. The new shop will also offer coffee, espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches and family-friendly treats. The Macon location is expected to open in early 2027.
Education, Career, & Military Ready Fair returns to Macon-Bibb County
As students across Middle Georgia prepare for life after graduation, Memorial Park will host the second annual Education, Career, & Military Ready Fair on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Recreation Center in Macon-Bibb County. The free event aims to connect middle and high school students and their families with colleges, military branches, and entrepreneurial organizations. Event coordinator Tameka Phillips says the goal is to help students discover a variety of career and education opportunities to set them up for future success.
Macon-Bibb County offers free bilingual vendor workshop for small businesses
The Macon-Bibb County Office of Small Business Affairs (OSBA) will host a free bilingual Vendor Readiness & Contracting Workshop on Saturday, March 14, from 9:00 to 11 a.m. at Macon Mall. Open to small businesses at any stage, the workshop will provide information in both English and Spanish about government contracting basics, the bidding process, and available resources for women- and minority-owned businesses. OSBA Director Charise Stephens-Merriweather spoke about the importance of accessible information.
“Opportunity shouldn’t be limited by access to information,” she said.
Attendees can start vendor registration and receive technical assistance during the event; bringing a notepad and, if possible, a laptop is encouraged.
