TODAY'S HEADLINES | APRIL 23, 2012

Michelin recalls 77,000 bus tires made at S.C. plant

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the tires being recalled have a casing that may separate and go flat.

Expert panel opens NuHub’s SMR conference

The kickoff for the two-day conference features session with participants from SCE&G, USC, Midlands Tech, NuHub, and EngenuitySC.

Subcontractors sought for Bridgestone project

Tuesday’s session at Aiken Tech will offer contractors information about project scheduling and bidding requirements for the $1.2 billion project at Bridgestone’s Graniteville plant.

Advance America sale final

The Spartanburg-based payday lender completed its merger with Mexican company Group Elektra in a stock deal valued at around $780 million. Advance America’s stockholders approved the acquisition on Friday and will receive $10.50 per share.

First Citizens, SCB&T rank high in consumer survey

A customer satisfaction study by J.D. Power and Associates found that regional and mid-sized banks were viewed more favorably by consumers than big banks.

First Federal buys five Hilton Head bank branches

First Federal Bank completed the acquisition of five Hilton Head bank branches from Liberty Savings Bank. The transaction increases First Federal’s market share and footprint in the area.

Incubator accepts new startup companies

The USC/Columbia Technology Incubator has accepted seven new startup companies representing biomedical, social media, mobile wireless applications, geographic information systems and global sourcing businesses, the Incubator announced. Starnell Bates, chair of the Incubator Advisory Council, called the group of companies one of the best entering classes since the Incubator started in 1999.

List of the Week

Get information about top businesses in the region through the Business Report's online lists. Sample the list of hospitals in the Midlands ranked by number of licensed beds here or browse the main research page here. Each week, the Daily Report offers a new featured list for readers.