TODAY'S HEADLINES |   JUNE 8, 2012

S.C. commercial real estate   market improving

The apartment sector is   one of the bright spots as vacancy rates in the state’s largest metro areas   have dropped to their lowest levels in a decade, according to a new report by   the Wells Fargo Economics Group. South Carolina’s retail market, however, will   likely lag behind other property types, due to relatively weak income growth.  

Fitch affirms BBB+ rating on   Palmetto Health bonds

The financial rating   service affirmed the rating on $573 million worth of bonds issued by the   South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority. Fitch said the financial   outlook is stable for Palmetto Health, which had revenues of nearly $1.3   billion in 2011.

  PGA Championship to offer   additional ticket packages

The 2012 PGA Championship   will sell around 2,000 additional weekend ticket packages in response to   spectator demand. The grounds tickets were made available by reshuffling   other current ticket allotments, according to PGA organizers.

New state digging law requires   extra notice

Failing to give three   full working days notice to utilities to mark buried lines before moving   forward with digging projects could result in fines of up to $1,000. The 2012   South Carolina Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act went into effect   Thursday.

  Sonoco introduces new packaging   for produce

The UltraFreshSystem,   created by Sonoco in partnership with Paper Pak Industries and Bunzl   Distribution, will extend the life of fresh-cut produce and reduce   processors’ packaging costs. Sonoco designed the thermoformed tray component.  

Cytec to restart expansion in   South Carolina

The carbon-fiber   manufacturer put the expansion on hold in 2009 as product demand for   aerospace components was low. Cytec said the expansion is back on and the   facility should be operational in 2016.

Verizon gift helps expand GSSM   summer camp

The Verizon Foundation   recently awarded the S.C. Governor's School for Science and Mathematics   $10,000 to support the school's summer camp experience, iTEAMS. The camp   features a team project that allows students to design applications for   mobile devices.