Tommi Jones joins LCK as Vice President
August 29, 2025
LCK announced that Tommi Jones has joined the company’s leadership team as Vice President and will be located in the Columbia office. In this role, Jones will strengthen LCK’s platform through her engagement as project executive in significant LCK projects. As a team leader, she will be focused on process improvement and delivery of quality…
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3 year performance and $100M AUM for faith and factor ETF replicating Fidelis 100 Index
August 29, 2025
As of August 26, 2025 Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF (ticker: FDLS), mandated to replicate Wallick Investments, LLC’s Fidelis 100 Index, has over $100M in assets under management and an annualized 3-year return of 14.27%. For Index equity selection, Wallick Investments integrates Inspire Investing’s faith-based social impact scores with an evidence-based multi-factor investment methodology. This…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: accounting, banking-and-finance, business-services, financial-advisors, on-the-move
South Carolina economy ranked #1 in the country
August 29, 2025During quarter one of 2025 (Q1), South Carolina recorded significant growth for both GDP and personal income.South Carolina’s real GDP, which accounts for inflation, increased at an annualized rate of 1.7 percent, outpacing all other states and the District of Columbia. National GDP, in comparison, contracted in Q1, falling at an annualized rate of 0.5…
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Here we grow again: Lander begins fall 2025 with record-setting enrollment
August 29, 2025
Lander University is once again shattering enrollment records, launching the 2025-26 academic year with the most students in the University’s 153-year history. This marks the 10th consecutive year of growth for the institution, and the seventh year in a row with record enrollment. Following the first week of classes, Lander’s total enrollment is 4,589, up…
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SC Ports announces its 2025-2026 Port Ambassador class
August 29, 2025Welcoming 30 South Carolina professionals to join the program for its ninth year The group of community and business leaders will meet monthly September through May to get a firsthand look at how SC Ports’ operations spur economic growth in the entire state and support the broader Southeast supply chain. Participants will engage directly with…
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Mashburn Construction adds eight new hires across the state
August 28, 2025
Mashburn Construction is proud to announce the addition of eight new employees across the four offices. Brandon Wright joins as a Superintendent based in the Charleston office, bringing ten years of industry experience. He will begin his tenure at Mashburn working on the St. Peters Church project alongside Robert Echols and Pat Mashburn. Jeff Poland…
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CIU celebrates record fall enrollment growth
August 28, 2025
Columbia International University is celebrating significant enrollment growth this fall, with total preliminary enrollment climbing to 3,239 students, a 10% increase from last year’s final census of 2,934. Traditional undergraduate enrollment rose to 670 students, led by an entering class of 285 students (our largest to date). This incoming class marks a 20% increase from…
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Jill Smith + Associates Counseling announces Nicole Deems as clinical director
August 28, 2025
Growing therapy group deepens commitment to clinical excellence and whole-team care Jill Smith + Associates Counseling — the premier counseling practice in the greater Columbia, S.C. region — proudly welcomes Nicole Deems, Ed.S, LMFT, LACS, RYT as clinical director. In this key leadership role, Deems will guide and support a team of over 20 psychotherapists…
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South Carolina Conservation Bank welcomes new board members
August 28, 2025The South Carolina Conservation Bank announced the appointment of three board members to its board. Atlantic Packaging president and founder of A New Earth Project, Wes Carter was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster as a board member at large. He has spearheaded efforts to improve the conservation of ecosystems around the globe by pushing for…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: environmental, non-profit, on-the-move
Goodwyn Mills Cawood expands its geotechnical expertise in Charleston
August 28, 2025
Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), a local architecture and engineering firm, announced the appointment of Ryan Wakeford, PE, as regional geotechnical lead in its Charleston office. Wakeford’s expertise further strengthens the firm’s expanding capabilities and underscores its commitment to advancing communities through geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing. Wakeford is a professional engineer with over nine…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: engineering, on-the-move
South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health hosts education session on supporting vulnerable populations through disaster
August 28, 2025
The South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to collectively inform policy to improve health and health care, held its second of four Regional Health Policy Fellows Program events to educate policymakers and other decision-makers about relevant public health issues. The session, “Pivoting from Response to Preparedness: Supporting…
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Knight named president of the elite S.C. Black Belt Hall of Fame
August 28, 2025The SCBBHOF board was also appointed and SCDNR director was named vice president By Chris Carter The S.C. Black Belt Hall of Fame (SCBBHOF), the Palmetto State’s premier karate and other martial arts “honor society” has unanimously elected nationally renowned tournament fighter Marty Knight president of the SCBBHOF. Knight assumed the reigns of SCBBHOF president,…
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SCDOR named 2025 PEBA Partners award Overall winner
August 27, 2025
The SCDOR has been named the 2025 Overall winner of the PEBA Partners award by the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA). PEBA awards this honor annually to the South Carolina public employer that is most dedicated to creating a physically, emotionally, and financially healthier workplace. This is the second time in the past…
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SAFE Federal Credit Union promotes Randy Blanchette to Vice President of Electronic Services
August 27, 2025
AFE Federal Credit Union announces the promotion of Randy Blanchette to Vice President of Electronic Services. Blanchette, who joined SAFE in 2022, previously served as Director of Payments. Blanchette has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, specifically in electronic services, and specializes in overseeing payment systems, online banking platforms, and…
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Healthy Learners names Derek Cromwell as new Executive Director
August 27, 2025
Healthy Learners announced the appointment of Derek Cromwell as its new Executive Director. With over 25 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, Derek brings a proven track record of fostering partnerships, leading strategic initiatives, and advancing programs that have a meaningful impact in communities. “As board chair, I am highly confident that the…
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Bauknight Pietras & Stormer Managing Shareholder, Jay Swearingen, named among SC Biz News’ 2025 Most Influential Leaders Columbia
August 27, 2025
Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, a leading accounting and consulting firm in South Carolina, announced that Managing Shareholder Jay Swearingen has been recognized by SC Biz News as one of its 2025 Most Influential Leaders. This prestigious honor highlights individuals across the state whose vision, leadership, and impact are shaping South Carolina’s business landscape. Since assuming…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: accounting, banking-and-finance, business-services, construction, energy, manufacturing, on-the-move, residential-real-estate, restaurant
The freedom of forgiveness
August 27, 2025
By Jeff Becraft There is no freedom in unforgiveness. We may try to talk ourselves into that our attitude and actions are right, and this is what we should do, and that person deserves this or that, but the reality is we are the one who remains the prisoner. It is said, holding on…
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NP Strategy welcomes veteran communications professional Hope Derrick as Senior Advisor
August 27, 2025
NP Strategy, a strategic communications firm specializing in crisis, media, and public relations, has announced that veteran communications professional Hope Derrick has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor in its Columbia office. With more than 30 years of experience in journalism, politics, higher education, and community leadership, Derrick brings extensive expertise to NP Strategy…
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Learn about the M16 at West Columbia library – Sept 12
August 27, 2025
If you’ve served in the U.S. military in the last 60 years, you are quite familiar with the M16 rifle – intimately so, if you were in the Army or Marines. Now, civilians have a chance to learn the details about why this weapon, and its lighter successor the M4 carbine, has been the main…
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Position Your Business for Fall Success: A Financial Checklist for Columbia Entrepreneurs
August 26, 2025
By Charlie Griffin, South Carolina Business Banking Market Executive, Bank of America For many entrepreneurs, fall marks a key transition point that can set the tone for year-end performance. It’s a crucial time for business owners to assess their finances and prepare to capitalize on upcoming opportunities and new cycles of customer engagement. Some businesses in the…
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33 Turner Padget attorneys honored as top in the nation by Best Lawyers
August 26, 2025
Turner Padget announced that 33 attorneys have been named among The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America lists. In addition, two attorneys – Mark B. Goddard and Franklin G. Shuler, Jr. – received the “Lawyer of the Year” designation, which is presented to only one individual in a given…
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Colliers brokers lease of 62,812-square-foot warehouse in West Columbia to Stroud Supply
August 26, 2025
Chuck Salley, SIOR, Thomas Beard, SIOR and John Peebles, SIOR of Colliers | South Carolina brokered the lease of an approximately 62,812-square-foot warehouse at 150 Queen Parkway in West Columbia, South Carolina to Stroud Supply. Colliers represented the property owner, Crown Point Properties, in the lease transaction. Stroud Supply superstore carries building materials, including windows,…
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Sharonview Federal Credit Union celebrates 70 years of community impact
August 26, 2025
Sharonview Federal Credit Union celebrated its 70th anniversary this year, marking seven decades of unwavering commitment to empowering its members and giving back to communities across North and South Carolina. Since its founding in 1955 with just 11 members and $11,000, Sharonview has grown into a trusted financial partner with $1.4 billion in assets and…
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State Museum Foundation names new board leadership and welcomes board members
August 26, 2025
New leadership brings fresh vision to support the museum’s mission and growth. The South Carolina State Museum Foundation has announced new board leadership and the election of three new members to its board of directors. The newly elected members bring a wide range of experience from across the state, representing industries such as media, finance,…
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Richland County earns top credit ratings from Moody’s, S&P Global agencies
August 26, 2025
Richland County recently earned top ratings from two of the nation’s premier credit rating bureaus, a nod to the County’s sound financial practices and policies. Moody’s Ratings assigned its Aaa rating to the County’s proposed $70 million general obligation bonds, which are used to fund capital projects. The bureau assigns the Aaa rating to entities it…
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SC Secretary of State Mark Hammond invites nominations for 2025 Angel Charities
August 26, 2025
Today, South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond announced that his office will accept nominations of charitable organizations for this year’s Angel Awards. Each year, the Secretary of State honors several charitable organizations as “Angels.” The Secretary of State considers charities which use at least 80 percent of their contributions for charitable services, have been…
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SIOS Technology wins prestigious industry awards for high availability solutions
August 26, 2025
Gold Stevie® Award and Silver Titan Award honor SIOS LifeKeeper for Linux 9.9.0 for innovation in high availability and business continuity solutions SIOS Technology Corp., a leading provider of application high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions, today announced that its flagship product, SIOS LifeKeeper for Linux version 9.9.0, has received two distinguished industry…
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Hood Construction, Quackenbush Architects complete CCTC new Academic & Student Services Building
August 26, 2025
On August 5th, Hood Construction and Quackenbush Architects joined Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) administrators, students, and staff to celebrate the dedication of their new Academic Student Services Building. Located on CCTC’s main campus in Sumter, the new three-story 62,980 SF student services building provides a centralized home to a variety of student services currently…
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2026 Lawyer of the Year recipient Bert Brannon joins Newsome Law
August 26, 2025
Newsome Law, a solutions-focused tax, estate and trust firm, has hired Bert Brannon to serve as Of Counsel for the firm. Brannon, recently named a 2026 Lawyer of the Year for Trusts and Estates in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, probate and…
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S.C. Arts Commission names seven new ‘emerging artists’
August 26, 2025
New cohort receives project funding, mentoring Seven artists establishing themselves in their artistic pursuits will benefit from the South Carolina Arts Commission Emerging Artists program, receiving a project-based grant and career mentoring. The SCAC defines emerging artists as being at an early stage in their artistic career development—within the first five years—with no basis in…
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Quackenbush Architects + Planners announces new associate architect, Kathryn Risola
August 26, 2025
Quackenbush Architects + Planners announced and welcomed Kathryn “Kat” Risola to the Q+ team as a new associate architect. Risola, who grew up on Long Island, New York, has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. She completed her Masters in Architecture in May 2025 from Clemson University.…
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All attorneys at Lewis Babcock honored in new edition of “Best Lawyers in America”
August 25, 2025
For the third consecutive year, all three partners at Lewis Babcock are included in “Best Lawyers in America,” a national directory of leading attorneys in the country. The 2026 edition of the annual guide was released today. It includes honors for Lewis Babcock in seven different practice areas. All three attorneys were recognized in multiple…
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Shutt named Lawyer of the Year for her ERISA practice
August 25, 2025
Nekki Shutt has won Lawyer of the Year honors for her work in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law in the Columbia area in the just-released 2026 “Best Lawyers in America.” It’s Shutt’s sixth Lawyer of the Year designation, with five of those awards coming in employee benefits-related practice areas. Shutt’s wide-ranging legal practice includes extensive work…
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Collins & Lacy, P.C. welcomes Rachel L. Ware to its Retail & Hospitality Practice Group
August 25, 2025
Collins & Lacy, P.C. welcomed attorney Rachel Ware to its Retail and Hospitality Practice Group. Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. While attending the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, she distinguished herself through leadership, including on the mock trial team, where…
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Past Rotary International Vice President awarded the Order of the Palmetto
August 25, 2025
Dr. Anne L. Matthews, a distinguished educator, published author, accreditation commissioner, and public speaker, has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, by Governor Henry McMaster. The presentation was held on August 20, 2025, in the Governor’s Office at the State House. Dr. Matthews is a member of the Rotary…
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McCrory Construction promotes Nichole Kopenhaver to Senior Project Manager
August 25, 2025
McCrory Construction, South Carolina’s oldest general contractor, has promoted Nichole Kopenhaver, CIT, CBT, CIS, to Senior Project Manager. Kopenhaver has nearly 30 years of experience in the construction industry, the past 10 with McCrory. “Nichole has grown tremendously over the past several years, both as a builder and as a leader,” said Allen Bridgers, President…
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CREW Midlands to host USC Campus Development Foundation update featuring university leaders
August 25, 2025
CREW Midlands will host its September Lunch Program at Segra Park, bringing together industry professionals, members, and students for an exclusive update on major development projects shaping the University of South Carolina. The program will feature Hunter Lambert, Director of Real Estate for the USC Development Foundation, and Derek Gruner, University Architect for the University…
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Barnes Alford attorneys selected to The Best Lawyers in America
August 22, 2025
Barnes Alford attorneys Weldon R. Johnson, David G. Wolff, Kay Gaffney Crowe, Alan J. Reyner, Richard C. Thomas, Robert T. Strickland, Curtis W. Dowling, and Matthew G. Gerrald have been selected for inclusion in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review…
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HUB International purchases Midlands-based Clarke & Company Benefits
August 22, 2025
HUB International, a global insurance brokerage and financial services firm, recently announced the purchase of Clarke & Company Benefits. Headquartered in Columbia, this acquisition follows recent Midlands acquisitions of the Sadler Insurance Agency and Creative Financial Strategies. Clarke & Company Benefits is a leading benefits broker with offices in Greenville and Florence in addition to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, headlines, insurance, on-the-move
Barbara Melvin steps down as leader of South Carolina Ports Authority
August 22, 2025
After three years of leading the South Carolina Ports Authority as President and CEO, Barbara Melvin has announced her resignation, with plans to pursue other opportunities. Melvin joined SC Ports in 1998, serving in a variety of roles and leading major infrastructure initiatives like the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project. “I am grateful for the opportunity…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: headlines, on-the-move
South Carolina announces 10-year partnership with Nike
August 22, 2025
University of South Carolina Athletics has agreed to a new 10-year partnership with Nike, a worldwide leader in athletic equipment and attire, effective July 1, 2026. Nike will supply all 21 of the Gamecocks’ athletics programs with uniforms, footwear, apparel, and equipment. “We are thrilled to announce the future partnership with Nike, a brand that…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, headlines, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move, sports
Cal Watson named a Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for 2026
August 22, 2025
Cal Watson of Robinson Gray law firm has been named the 2026 Lawyer of the Year for Columbia in the area of Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants by The Best Lawyers in America®. Cal, the firm’s managing member, was one of 34 at Robinson Gray recognized on the main Best Lawyers list for 2026, and…
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Paul Hoefer named a Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for 2026
August 22, 2025
Paul Hoefer, a member of Robinson Gray law firm, has been named the 2026 Lawyer of the Year for Columbia in the area of Litigation – Banking and Finance by The Best Lawyers in America®. Paul was one of 34 at Robinson Gray recognized on the main Best Lawyers list for 2026, and one of…
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Matt Hill named a Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for 2026
August 22, 2025
Matt Hill, a member of Robinson Gray law firm, has been named the 2026 Lawyer of the Year for Columbia in the area of Banking and Finance Law by The Best Lawyers in America®. Matt was one of 34 at Robinson Gray recognized on the main Best Lawyers list for 2026, and one of three…
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Callison Tighe’s Koutrakos named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers
August 22, 2025
Demetri K. “Jim” Koutrakos of Callison Tighe & Robinson has been named the 2026 Lawyer of the Year in Columbia for Litigation – Real Estate by The Best Lawyers in America®. This distinction is awarded to the attorney who receives the highest overall peer-feedback rating in their practice area and geographic region. He was previously…
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Marti Bluestein named a Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for 2026
August 22, 2025
Margaret “Marti” Miles Bluestein, a founding partner of Bluestein Attorneys, is being honored as Lawyer of the Year for Columbia by Best Lawyers in America® for 2026 in the area of Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants. She was one of five Bluestein Attorneys partners recognized by Best Lawyers for 2026. The additional Lawyer of the…
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Best Lawyers honors three Parker Law Group attorneys for 2026
August 21, 2025
The Best Lawyers in America® is honoring three Parker Law Group attorneys in its 2026 edition. Two are recognized on the main Best Lawyers list for their work in the Hampton area. Here they are with the practice areas in which they are honored: • Austin H. Crosby: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs • John…
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Every attorney at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel honored in “Best Lawyers,” including a Lawyer of the Year
August 21, 2025
Every attorney at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel is listed in the just-released 2026 edition of “Best Lawyers in America” and its companion guide, “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.” Firm co-founder Nekki Shutt also received Lawyer of the Year honors for the Columbia area in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. It’s her sixth “Lawyer of the Year”…
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Eight Morton & Gettys attorneys included in new edition of Best Lawyers in America
August 21, 2025
Eight Morton & Gettys attorneys are being honored in a wide range of practice areas in the newest edition of “Best Lawyers in America” and its companion piece, “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.” It’s a record showing for the firm in the national peer-reviewed publication. The 2026 honors were across 14 practice areas, with many…
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Sunset Point joins U-Haul dealer network
August 21, 2025
U-Haul Co. of South Carolina, Inc.announced that Sunset Point, a local gas station signed on as a U-Haul® neighborhood dealer to serve the Columbia community. Sunset Point at 2481 Decker Blvd. will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, and moving supplies. U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since…
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