TODAY'S HEADLINES | MAY 7, 2012

May graduates face improving job market

The average starting salary for a 2012 graduate with a bachelor’s degree is up 4.5% compared with 2011 graduates, according to a study. The job market remains competitive, but it’s not as dire as previous years, said the director of the USC Career Center.

SBA program pushes capital guarantees to help startups

The early stage investment fund gives licensed fund managers access to loan guarantees for companies experiencing a gap in funding, something that generally afflicts many early stage companies, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Pate elected president of S.C. Medical Association

Dr. Andrew J. Pate is the first graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine to hold the post. As president, Pate will help formulate the SCMA’s legislative priorities and agendas, appoint physicians to various committees and preside over general meetings.

Columbia Chamber IT council seeks nominations

The Information Technology Council is seeking nominations for the 2012 Palmetto Pillar Awards, which recognize the area’s top leaders in technology innovation. Top recipients will be honored at an awards banquet Aug. 21 at the Zone at Williams Brice Stadium.

Duke Energy earnings dip in first quarter

Duke Energy said a $420 million settlement related to construction of a new power plant ate into its first quarter earnings. Additionally, Duke CEO James Rogers said the utility continues to work with federal regulators over its proposed merger with Progress Energy.

SCEDA names Schwedler local developer of the year

Jay Schwedler, president and chief executive of the Sumter County Development Board, played a key role in the October 2011 decision by Continental Tire to invest $534 million in a manufacturing facility in Sumter County, creating more than 1,600 jobs.

Don’t miss the next Power Breakfast event

Local and state leaders will discuss the impact of our education system on the workforce and ways to improve schools to foster top-tier employees. Join Gen. Abraham Turner, executive director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce; Mick Zais, secretary of Education; Sonny White, president of Midlands Technical College; Catherine Horne, CEO of EdVenture; and Jim Reynolds, CEO of Total Comfort Solutions and board member of Midlands Education and Business Alliance. Click here to register.

Add your company to our upcoming lists

In our next print edition we will be featuring Architecture Firms and SIOR Members. To add your company to the Architecture Firms list, click here. Add data to the SIOR Members list here. Sample our
featured list of colleges and universities in the Midlands ranked by
spring enrollment here, or view the entire database here.