Posts by acooper1961
City Council Highlights | April 21, 2026
April 22, 2026
The City of Columbia held its first City Council Budget Workshop of the year yesterday, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, which kicked off a series of budget workshops to plan, develop,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
Finlay Park temporary closure scheduled for April 27 for private event
April 22, 2026
Finlay Park will be temporarily closed to the public on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. to accommodate a private student engagement event hosted by the University of South…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
Dawn Staley elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
April 22, 2026
Gamecock women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Coach Staley joins just three others from the University of South Carolina who…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, on-the-move, sports, the-arts
17th Annual Blythewood Spring Championship Rodeo returns April 24 – 25
April 22, 2026
Experience Columbia SC Sports is happy to once again work with the Blythewood Spring Championship Rodeo presented by Scout Motors. Now in its 17th year, the event takes place at the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, hospitality, on-the-move
Ferrara Candy Company selects Orangeburg County for first South Carolina operation
April 22, 2026
Ferrara Candy Company (Ferrara), a leading sugar confectioner in the United States, Brazil and Europe, announced plans to establish its first South Carolina operation in Orangeburg County. The company’s $675…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: economic-development, government, headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
Hospitality Day celebrates the people and places that fuel SC’s $31B tourism industry
April 22, 2026
2026 SC Hospitality Employee of the Year and State Park Rangers of the Year Recognized As the U.S. prepares to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week May 3-9, industry leaders…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, hospitality, on-the-move
First Citizens appoints new Executive Vice President for its South Region
April 21, 2026
Career banker, Holt Chetwood from Columbia, takes on expanded leadership role First Citizens Bank, a top 20 U.S. super regional, has named Holt Chetwood as Regional Executive Vice President in an…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, on-the-move
Scout Motors and readySC open new training center in Blythewood
April 20, 2026The $25 million facility on the site of Scout Motors’ Production Center marks a major investment in South Carolina’s workforce and the future of American manufacturing …
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
Showing compassion
April 16, 2026
By Jeff Becraft Two weeks ago, I had eye surgery… and most would consider it minor. Well, I think minor is a key you play on a piano. If…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Prep work underway in SC’s nuclear reboot effort
April 14, 2026This article is published courtesy of the SC Daily Gazette By Jessica Holdman Potential $2.7B payday at least 2 years away South Carolina’s state-owned utility company hopes to know…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: energy, on-the-move
Entrepreneur Minute – Nikki Haley, The O6 Foundation
April 11, 2026
The Who’s on the Move, Entrepreneur Minute is an interview in support of the impact that entrepreneurs have on our communities. In this series you will see a diverse group of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, entrepreneurship, non-profit, on-the-move, podcast
The One who gives life
April 9, 2026
By Jeff Becraft Yesterday I went to a funeral. The place was jam packed, the music was beautiful. As I sat there, I thought about how it is good…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Seaboard Vista breaks ground in Columbia’s Vista, blending historic preservation with modern mixed-use development
April 9, 2026On Tuesday, April 7, community leaders, preservation advocates and development partners gathered in Columbia’s Congaree Vista to celebrate the official groundbreaking of Seaboard Vista — a transformative mixed-use redevelopment that…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: construction, entrepreneurship, headlines, on-the-move, residential-real-estate, restaurant, retail
City of Columbia’s 13th Annual Small Business Week Conference
April 7, 2026The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the City of Columbia’s 13th…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: business-services, government, on-the-move
CAE installs live cam overlooking runways
April 7, 2026Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) recently installed a live feed camera overlooking its runways for the aviation enthusiast, and the aviation curious, to plane spot from anywhere in the world. “In…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, transportation
They don’t make them like they used to
April 2, 2026
By Jeff Becraft A few years ago, I needed to replace my lawnmower. This was more of a task than I had ever imagined. It just didn’t seem like…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Entrepreneur MInute – Scott Jones, American Floral
April 2, 2026
The Who’s on the Move, Entrepreneur Minute is an interview in support of the impact that entrepreneurs have on our communities. In this series you will see a diverse group of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, podcast, retail
Invested in other people’s lives
March 26, 2026
We have a Board member at Our Place of Hope named Shari. She is definitely not looking for any recognition or any self-promotion. But her heart is something I wanted…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
USC, state leaders align to build nuclear workforce, advance energy economy
March 25, 2026
State leaders, industry executives, and academic partners gathered at the University of South Carolina’s Pastides Alumni Center to discuss the ongoing Nuclear Workforce and Economic Impact Initiative, a statewide effort…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, energy, on-the-move
AMAROK expands with a new Class A headquarters in Columbia’s BullStreet District
March 25, 2026AMAROK, LLC, a perimeter security solutions provider, announced it is expanding its operations in Richland County with a new headquarters facility. The company’s $69 million investment will create 296 new…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: business-services, economic-development, headlines, on-the-move
Entrepreneur Minute – Amy Barch, Turn90
March 24, 2026
The LowcountryBizSC, Entrepreneur Minute is an interview in support of the impact that entrepreneurs have on our communities. We will be highlighting diverse group of entrepreneurs, including some incredible innovators…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: entrepreneurship, non-profit, on-the-move, podcast
GSSM honors Gov. Henry McMaster at 32nd annual Townes Award celebration
March 23, 2026Henry McMaster was awarded the prestigious Townes Award by the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) on Wednesday evening, March 18. McMaster, the state’s longest-serving governor, was…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, on-the-move
Gen. Frank McKenzie selected as 21st president of The Citadel
March 23, 2026The Citadel Board of Visitors announced today that they have selected Gen. Frank McKenzie, USMC (Ret.), ’79, to serve as the 21st president of The Citadel. Gen. McKenzie, one of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, headlines, on-the-move
A window of remembrance
March 18, 2026
By Jeff Becraft Last week was the one-year anniversary of our Dad passing away. Mom passed away in 2022. My brother, Ed, sent out a message to all of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association names Mark Newman as President & CEO
March 16, 2026
The South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (SCRLA) today announced the appointment of Mark Newman as its next President & Chief Executive Officer, following a national search to identify the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move, restaurant
Love, sacrifice, and joy
March 12, 2026
By Jeff Becraft There was no Friday email last week because grandkids came into town on Friday, and then on Monday, I had to head out because I had…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
McMillan Pazdan Smith acquires MCA Architecture
March 12, 2026
McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS) is announcing its acquisition of MCA Architecture (MCA) of Greenville, SC. This partnership deepens and expands the MPS industrial practice which designs and plans advanced and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: architecture, headlines, on-the-move
Summer Blink Book Review: “That Which Binds Us” by Cathy Rigg
March 10, 2026By Reba Hull Campbell When traveling light, I still indulge in the luxury of carrying a hard copy book with me. For a recent vacation trip, I chose Cathy Rigg’s…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Tax breaks for South Carolina boat owners sail through the state Senate
March 8, 2026
Courtesy of the South Carolina Daily Gazette By Jessica Holdman March 5, 2026 SC currently has the highest property taxes on boats in the country South Carolina boat owners can…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc Category: government, on-the-move
Choosing forgiveness
March 5, 2026
By Jeff Becraft Marine Clebe McClary fought in the Vietnam war. On their 19th mission deep in hostile territory, his platoon and he suffered a vicious attack from the enemy.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Muzika! 2026 Festival announces 5th anniversary season in South Carolina
March 5, 2026
25-year international legacy brings Metropolitan Opera leadership, Broadway classics, and Bulgarian folk to the Palmetto State this June This June, the Muzika! Festival returns to South Carolina for its fifth…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc Category: headlines, on-the-move, the-arts
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Irmo now open
March 4, 2026
Encompass Health announced the opening of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Irmo, a 49-bed inpatient facility that is now accepting patients. The 53,000-square-foot hospital provides rehabilitation services for patients recovering…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: health-care, on-the-move
University of South Carolina Dance Marathon raises more than $765,000 for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital—Midlands
March 3, 2026Students culminate a year of fundraising to Build Brighter Days for Midlands families University of South Carolina Dance Marathon (USCDM) celebrated the impact of the student-led movement for children’s health at…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, on-the-move, philanthropy
Dominion Energy encourages businesses to save, expands rebates for limited time
February 26, 2026
Eligible small businesses can apply for increased incentives for completing energy efficiency upgrades Dominion Energy is offering limited-time bonus incentives to help eligible small business customers in South Carolina invest…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: energy, on-the-move
Blink Book Review: “The Concise Guide to South Carolina Government” by Vincent Sheheen
February 26, 2026
By Reba Hull Campbell As a self proclaimed “policy nerd,” I was excited to receive “The Concise Guide to SC State Government” by Vincent Sheheen as a Christmas gift.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
Taking time to remember
February 25, 2026
By Jeff Becraft Last weekend, Brenda and I got to go to Texas to see the three grandkids there… and see their parents. We flew back into Charlotte on…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
Marsha Kelso joins Saluda River Club
February 24, 2026
Lifestone Homes announced that Marsha Kelso has joined the sales team at Saluda River Club. With more than 21 years’ experience in the South Carolina Real Estate industry, Marsha is…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, residential-real-estate
SC Senate advances bill cutting property taxes for seniors. Income taxes are up next
February 24, 2026
Published courtesy of the SC Daily Gazette By Skylar Laird Seniors could get bigger property tax breaks based on how long they’ve lived in South Carolina under a bill the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: government, on-the-move
SC Senate votes to keep college NIL payments a secret
February 19, 2026
Courtesy of the South Carolina Daily Gazette By Jessica Holdman South Carolina legislators will allow public colleges to continue concealing what they pay college athletes featured in university sports…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, on-the-move, sports
A connection between us
February 18, 2026
By Jeff Becraft I went to Walmart this week… twice in one day. I had to get the quota in. I don’t get as much of a quota as…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move
CAE wins SCAA’s Commercial Airport Project of the Year
February 18, 2026
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) was recently awarded the South Carolina Aviation Association’s (SCAA) Commercial Airport Project of the Year award for its checkpoint modernization project. Completed in November of 2025,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, transportation
SIOR appoints David C. Lockwood III, SIOR as new CEO
February 17, 2026
The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® (SIOR) announced the appointment of David C. Lockwood III, SIOR, as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 30, 2026. An SIOR member…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: commercial-real-estate, headlines, on-the-move
Entrepreneur Minute – Dr. Greg Little, Midlands Technical College
February 16, 2026
The Who’s on the Move, Entrepreneur Minute is an interview in support of the undeniable impact that entrepreneurs have on our communities. In this series you will see a diverse group…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, entrepreneurship, on-the-move, podcast
CPI for all items rises 2.4 percent over the past 12 months
February 15, 2026
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Over the last 12…
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