TODAY'S HEADLINES | MARCH 13, 2012

S.C. jobless rate continues to decline

South Carolina’s unemployment rate in January fell to 9.3%, down 0.3 percentage point from December’s rate of 9.6%. This was the sixth consecutive monthly decline for a state that has had one of the highest jobless rates in the nation.

DPX Labs moving into Enterprise Campus

DPX Labs will have its manufacturing operations housed at the Midlands Technical College campus in northeast Richland County. The locally founded company manufactures and sells consumable products for sample preparation used in chemical analysis.

Textile manufacturer to open in Florence County

Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc., which produces and markets a natural fiber made from flax, plans to open a facility in Pamplico with an initial $8 million investment and plans to create 25 jobs. Operations are expected to begin in the second quarter of this year.

Alexander merges with S.C.-based CPA firm

Gregory M. Alexander, CPA, has merged his practice with Moore Beauston Woodham LLP, an accounting and consulting firm with offices in West Columbia, Charleston, Greenville and Hartsville. Alexander serves as the tax partner in the firm's Hartsville office.

Bi-Lo, Winn-Dixie choose Florida headquarters

Bi-Lo President Michael Byars said the grocery chain will maintain a presence in Mauldin, though layoffs are possible. Both Florida and South Carolina offered comparable incentives to attract the headquarters of the merged Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie company, he said.

Job of the Week

IES Labor Services seeks a director of business development. Primary responsibilities will include sales, pursuing growth opportunities and morning dispatching. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree. A background in business or marketing is preferred but not required. Learn more or apply here.