Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-21-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-20-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-16-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-16-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | FEB. 16, 2012

Capitol Restaurant building to get facelift

The iconic Main Street building, owned by First Citizens Bank, was approved to receive $40,000 in grants for renovations. The project is part of a $430,000 grant program by the city of Columbia to improve building facades within targeted redevelopment areas.

Mayor to host discussion on Columbia’s rivers

Mayor Steve Benjamin will host a panel discussion tonight at the Richland County Public Library to consider the future of Columbia's rivers. The panel is part of the One Book, One Columb...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-15-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

 TODAY'S HEADLINES | FEB. 15, 2012

First Citizens promotes Bryant to S.C. banking executive

Banking veteran Sharon Bryant is now responsible for all retail and commercial banking operations for First Citizens’ S.C. operations, which has more than $7.51 billion in bank assets. Bryant will continue to serve as director of the company’s Wealth Advisory Group.

Columbia to host ambassador of India this month

Ambassador Nirupama Rao will address increasing business between South Carolina and India as well as opportunities for tourism and cultural relationships at a ...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-13-12.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | FEB. 13, 2012

Estimate of gold at Kershaw mine up 29%

An updated report says there could be another 916,000 ounces of gold at the Haile Gold Mine in Lancaster County. Overall, the amount of gold — both measured and indicated — could total 4 million ounces, according to the mine’s owner, Romarco Minerals Inc.

Chapin chamber to host community summit

The Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce is seeking to attract residents of the 29036 zip code as well as people who work in Chapin for the March 8 summit. The results of a community survey will be pre...

 Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-10-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | FEB. 10, 2012

USC appoints first of two nuclear research chairs

Dan Gabriel Cacuci will be professor of nuclear engineering, and holder of the first of two endowed chairs in the nuclear sciences, according to Tony Ambler, dean of the College of Engineering & Computing.

Packaging giant Sonoco posts record sales for 2011

The Hartsville-based diversified global packaging company said net income for 2011 rose 8.4% to $205.98 million from $189.97 million in 2010. Sales for 2011 were a record $4.498 billion, up 9% from $4.124 billion in 2010.

SCE&...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-09-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | FEB. 9, 2012

S.C. to host international trade conference

More than 300 Canadian and U.S. business and government leaders will connect at the Marriott Resort and Spa at Grand Dunes in Myrtle Beach to promote trade and investment May 20-22.

Mayors seek collaboration to solve traffic woes

Congested roads come with rapid growth, Midlands town leaders said. Finding money to fix the problems is a major challenge.

Port study gets $2.5 million in U.S. funding

The Army Corps of Engineers released its work plan today and included $2.5 million for to c...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-08-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | FEB. 8, 2012

State military panel back in business

The South Carolina Military Base Task Force, charged with looking out for the state’s military communities, has been revived and is expected to hold its first meeting in more than a year around mid-February. It’s likely another round of base closings is on the horizon.

Canal chief won’t pick sides in port fight

The ports of Charleston and Savannah should be improved because both will be needed as trade expands with the rest of the world, according to the CEO of the Panama Canal Authority. Poli...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-06-12.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | FEB. 6, 2012

Online job postings down 1,800 in South Carolina

The number of jobs advertised online in South Carolina fell by 1,800 in January, according to the Conference Board Help Wanted Online. Nationally, the number of online advertised jobs rose 61,300 in January to nearly 4.4 million, the group reported.

Engineers, gas provider to move into Capitol Center

The engineering firm Weston & Sampson and Piedmont Natural Gas have expanded into the Columbia market with new downtown offices in the Capitol Center. Marsha Davis of Colliers Internation...

Here are the 10 newest listings in Columbia, SC as of 02-03-12 . To view all available listings in the area visit our web site.

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-02-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | FEB. 2, 2012

Federal Reserve: Job growth slows in South Carolina

In its monthly survey of business activity in the Carolinas, the Federal Reserve found that S.C. employers are cautious about hiring despite an increase in general business activity. In the Columbia MSA, total employment declined by 2,800 jobs in December.

S.C. BlueCross earns highest A.M. Best rating

The insurance-rating and information agency affirmed the strength rating of A+(Superior) for BlueCross and BlueShield of South Carolina. A.M. Best annually rates BlueCross as a grou...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 02-01-12.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | FEB. 1, 2012

Pratt Industries to invest $3.5M in Spartanburg County

The Georgia-based company announced today plans to open a new material recovery facility in Duncan, creating 30 new jobs. The facility will serve the recycling needs of businesses and municipalities within a 100-mile radius, an official said.

Santee Cooper, co-ops offer lower rates to new industry

New and expanding industries that sign up before Dec. 31, 2014 could save as much as 20% on their electric bills in the first four years of operations. The rate will be available in th...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 1-31-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 31, 2012

Security Federal profit up 7% in Q3

The Aiken-based holding company of Security Federal Bank said net income rose in the fiscal third quarter to $486,000 from $454,000 in the year-earlier period. Net income for the first three quarters of its fiscal year declined slightly to $1.37 million from $1.45 million.

SCANA names Phalen senior VP of administration

Marty Phalen, a 24-year veteran of SCANA, will be responsible for the company’s human resources, communications and strategic planning, corporate security and facilities. Most r...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01-30-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 30, 2012

McGraw-Hill predicts 8% construction growth in S.C.

The trade publication ENRSoutheast said it foresees $8.5 billion in construction contracts in South Carolina this year. In 2011, the state's final overall value for contracts was about $7.8 billion, or a 12% increase over $6.6 billion in 2010.

More employers showing up to recruit USC students

The director of the University of South Carolina’s career center says the job market appears to be improving. As of Thursday, 121 firms had registered for the school’s job fair on Wednesd...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01-26-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 26, 2012

DHEC nominates new environmental agency director

Former Charleston labor attorney Catherine Templeton has been selected to lead the DHEC board and succeed Earl Hunter, who is retiring. The change in leadership comes at a time when the organization is at the eye of a political storm over the development of new port facilities on the Savannah River.

Statewide housing shows signs of improvement

The S.C. Realtors released its annual report, which indicated the state’s housing market is on the mend. The report cited a slowdown in layo...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01-24-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 25, 2012

Pactiv to expand operations in Aiken County

The maker of foodservice and food packaging plans to expand its existing operations. The $5.5 million investment is expected to generate 25 new jobs over the next three years. Construction is scheduled to begin in February.

Southern First returns to profitability

The Greenville-based bank holding company said year-end net income to common shareholders was $944,000, reversing a loss of $235,000 the prior year. Net interest margin improved during the year, and the bank reported a decline ...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01-24-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 24, 2012

NBSC bank’s parent company reduces losses in 2011

Synovus, the bank-holding company of NBSC bank in South Carolina, posted a $60 million loss for 2011, compared with $970 million in losses in 2010. The company was boosted by its return to profitability in the second half of the year, an official said.

Santee Cooper signs renewable energy contract

The utility's board of directors approved a contract Monday with Green Energy Solutions for up to 25 megawatts of electricity generated from renewable resources in South Carolina. GES c...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01/23/2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 23, 2012

 DOE seeks comments on plans to fund first SMRs

The U.S. Department of Energy anticipates one or two federal awards totaling up to $452 million to companies that win the competition to build the first of the small modular reactors. The request for comments specifies that the DOE grant includes at least a dollar-for-dollar match from the private partner to receive the federal grant.

Southern First to open new office in Forest Acres

Greenville-based Southern First Bank plans to break ground on its third Midlands branch this quarter...

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 19, 2012

First Community earnings climb 123% in 2011

The holding company for First Community Bank reported a huge increase in net income for 2011 to $2.7 million. The president and CEO of First Community said residential mortgage banking and financial planning/investment advisory lines of business significantly contributed to the company’s results.

Haley calls for lower taxes, tort reform

In her State of the State address, Gov. Nikki Haley focused on the economic development record of her first year in office, noting the more than 20,000 jobs that have been pledged by employers. Haley also called for tax relief and tort reform.

Palmetto Health board elects 20...