TODAY'S HEADLINES | MARCH 19, 2012

Westinghouse completes fuel for China’s first AP1000

The Pittsburgh-based manufacturer said it completed fabrication of all 157 fuel assemblies and related components needed to operate the first-ever AP1000 nuclear power plant in Zhejiang province, China. The fuel assemblies were made at the Westinghouse plant in Columbia.

PGBA lands Tricare contract for West region

PGBA LLC, a BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina subsidiary based in Florence, said it will process Tricare claims and provide claims-related customer service as a subcontractor to UMVS. The 21-state West region includes nearly 2.9 million beneficiaries.

6,500 to lose extended unemployment benefits in April

A federal law will phase out extra jobless benefits as hiring improves in South Carolina. Overall, about 80,000 South Carolinians are enrolled in the extended benefits program.

SBA sets April 16 filing deadline for disaster loans

The loans are available in response to the drought and excessive heat that began on April 1, 2011. The loan amount can be up to $2 million with a 4% interest rate for eligible small businesses and 3% for nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years.

Medcare to open this week in West Columbia

The new clinic will be located at 110 Medical Circle, at the intersection of Interstate 26 and Sunset Boulevard. The Medcare Urgent Care Center will have a physician on-site every day.

Haley appoints James to workers’ compensation panel

Melody James serves as a municipal judge for the City of Cayce. She is also a partner at Mozingo & James law firm in Camden where she practices workers’ compensation defense litigation.

Job of the Week

IES Labor Services, a nonprofit temporary employment agency, seeks a full-time director of business development. Primary duties will include sales, pursuing growth opportunities and morning dispatching. A bachelor’s degree is required, and a background in business or marketing is preferred. Learn more or apply here.