SCRA to fund SCORE South Carolina
December 11, 2025
The South Carolina Research Authority is partnering with the University of South Carolina Columbia Technology Incubator—soon to be rebranded as The Midlands Innovation X-Change (The MIX)—to provide critical funding for the South Carolina Chapter of SCORE. SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit and resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, providing free mentoring and education to small business owners and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: entrepreneurship, on-the-move
Cayce Mayor receives 2025 National Leadership Award
December 11, 2025
Women in Municipal Government (WIMG), a constituency group of the National League of Cities (NLC), is honoring Mayor Elise Partin of Cayce, South Carolina as the 2025 WIMG Leadership Award recipient. Each year, this award recognizes a female municipal leader who demonstrates exceptional creativity, vision, and impact in her community while serving as a powerful…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
Girl Scouts partners with Girlology to host masterclass: “Unbothered and Alive” addresses body image and self-worth struggles in women
December 11, 2025
Girl Scouts of South Carolina—Mountains to Midlands is partnering with nationally trusted platform, Girlology, to host an essential masterclass designed for women titled: “Unbothered and Alive: Discover the Power of Embodiment.” The event, which is open to all adult women across the region, will take place on January 24, 2026, at the Cathy Novinger Girl…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: health-care, on-the-move
Cogito Academy hosts groundbreaking for $31.5 million facility
December 11, 2025
Cogito Academy, a tuition-free public charter school serving students across Lancaster County, South Carolina, held a groundbreaking ceremony this morning for its permanent facility. The school, which first opened in August 2025, is currently operating out of a temporary location. The permanent facility is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2026 and will open…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, on-the-move
AVANtech, LLC expands Richland County, SC, operations
December 11, 2025
$3.7 million investment will create 65 new jobs AVANTech, LLC (AVANTech), a design, engineering, and Nuclear Quality Assurance-1 (NQA-1) fabrication partner delivering advanced processing solutions and build-to-print products, today announced it is expanding its operations in Richland County. The company’s $3.7 million investment will create 65 new jobs. Founded in 1999, AVANTech is an industry leader in…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: economic-development, on-the-move
Two Richland One teachers among Claflin University’s outstanding leaders under 40
December 11, 2025
Two Richland One teachers are among the 40 Claflin University alumni named to the college’s 2025 Outstanding Leaders Under 40. St. Andrews Middle School math teacher Tevelyn Gaither and Columbia High School chorus teacher Jennifer Jefferson were recognized during Claflin’s Outstanding Leaders Under 40 Awards and Recognition Ceremony on November 20. The award recognizes Claflin…
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S.C. Arts Commission designates state’s 13th cultural district in Summerville
December 11, 2025
The South Carolina Arts Commission announced that a downtown portion of Summerville was designated by its board of commissioners as the 13th South Carolina Cultural District The proposal for the Summerville Cultural District received unanimous approval. It joins districts in Beaufort and Bluffton, which was just approved for recertification, to give the Lowcountry region three…
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Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Columbia names CEO
December 11, 2025
Wayne Boutwell has been appointed chief executive officer of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Columbia. The 96-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital is located at 2935 Colonial Drive in Columbia, South Carolina. Boutwell comes to Encompass Health Columbia after serving the past four years as CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton. “I have a strong understanding…
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Richland One Induction Teacher of the Year named finalist for SCATLL Award
December 11, 2025
Katie Purushotham, Richland One’s 2025-2026 Induction Teacher of the Year, has been named a finalist for the SC Association for Teaching, Learning and Leading (SCATLL)’s Induction Teacher of the Year Award. Purushotham, a kindergarten teacher at Horrell Hill Elementary School, is one of five finalists for the award. She is also the first Richland One…
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Cold, Cold, Cold
December 10, 2025
By Tom Poland A thirteen-year relationship was dying. Here comes one of those songs that arrives at a hurtful time. The song seemed written for us. You grieve, heal, stumble into new entanglements, regret and vow never again, and before you know it three decades slip by. Life goes on. But now the radio…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move
Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce announces new 2026 Board Members
December 10, 2025
The Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce announced 3 new board members for 2026, featuring an outstanding slate of local leaders who bring energy, expertise, and a deep commitment to the Greater Chapin community. The Chamber proudly welcomes three new board members: Victoria Ares, Victoria Ares Allstate Agency Benn Dunn, Ormond Dunn Law Firm Justin Shealy,…
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Colliers Report: South Carolina Student Housing 2025
December 10, 2025
Commercial Real Estate Research & Forecast Report 2025 South Carolina Student Housing Construction pipeline grows behind rising enrollment, large-scale projects Market Highlights After a modest slowdown, universities across the state saw enrollment back on the rise, driving developers to break ground on major student housing projects. Core Spaces headlined new starts in both the Clemson market,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: commercial-real-estate, education, on-the-move, residential-real-estate
AVANTech, LLC expands Richland County operations
December 10, 2025
$3.7 million investment will create 65 new jobs AVANTech, LLC, a design, engineering and Nuclear Quality Assurance-1 fabrication partner delivering advanced processing solutions and build-to-print products, today announced it is expanding its operations in Richland County. The company’s $3.7 million investment will create 65 new jobs. Founded in 1999, AVANTech is an industry leader in the design,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: economic-development, headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
Clemson University President James P. Clements announces retirement
December 10, 2025
Following 12 years of transformational leadership and service, Clemson University President James P. Clements has announced his decision to retire as president, effective December 31. He shared this news with the Clemson community on Tuesday, December 9 in a heartfelt letter. “After much consideration and prayer, I have come to the conclusion that it is…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, headlines, on-the-move
Garvin Design Group welcomes Wendy Favila
December 10, 2025
Garvin Design Group welcomed Wendy Favila back to the firm as a full-time architectural designer. Wendy grew up in the Midlands and completed her undergraduate degree at Clemson University with a major in Architecture and a minor in Construction Science & Management. She completed Clemson’s Integrated Path to Architecture Licensure (IPAL) program and spent a…
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Columbia Museum of Art January 2026 exhibitions and events calendar
December 10, 2025
EXHIBITIONS Keith Haring: Radiant Vision On view through February 15, 2026 Keith Haring (1958–1990) emerged as a shooting star of the New York art scene in the 1980s. His signature images include dancing figures, a radiant baby, a barking dog, a flying saucer, large hearts, and figures with televisions for heads. In the early ’80s,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Cayce City Councilmembers appoint the Honorable James Smith as Cayce City Attorney
December 10, 2025
James Smith, an attorney with more than three decades of experience, brings his legal skill, public‐sector experience, and proven leadership to the City of Cayce. As the council-appointed City Attorney, Smith has managed the full range of civil, business, real estate, land use, construction, and governmental issues that are central to municipal legal work. Smith’s…
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Gather COLA’s grand opening celebration in Columbia’s BullStreet District
December 9, 2025
Gather COLA, an open-air food hall built for community connection, celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting this past weekend, officially opening its doors on Friday, December 5, 2025. Located at 2191 Pickens Street in the BullStreet District, the new space features local restaurants and retail vendors offering global street food, artisan bites, sweet treats,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, headlines, on-the-move, retail
SODECIA AAPICO JV announces new $120 million manufacturing facility in Orangeburg
December 9, 2025
State-of-the-art ladder frame plant will create nearly 400 new jobs; groundbreaking ceremony set for December 8, 2025 …
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
Who’s On The Move adds new market, launches publication in Georgetown County
December 9, 2025
Who’s On The Move (WOTM) announces the launch of a new local publication, the Georgetown SC Gazette, a digital news platform built around a twice-weekly email newsletter and a community-focused website. The Gazette will provide accurate and timely reporting on local government, schools, business, organizations, events and residents across Georgetown County. The publication will cover…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: entrepreneurship, media, on-the-move
Lexington Medical Center named among U.S. News & World Report’s fifth annual 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care
December 9, 2025
Fifth Annual 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Lexington Medical Center as a 2026 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care…
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Sheriff Leon Lott and deputies ring bells for the Salvation Army
December 9, 2025The Richland County Sheriff’s Department raised over $1,800 in a single day this year By W. Thomas Smith Jr. FOR THE FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) were out in force ringing the bells for the Salvation Army from 10:00 a.m. through…
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Eastover Chips, Inc. establishing operations in Richland County
December 9, 2025
Eastover Chips, Inc. (Eastover Chips), a subsidiary of The Price Companies, announced it is establishing operations in Richland County. The company’s investment will create 27 new jobs. The Price Companies is one of the country’s leading providers of sustainable services in the pulp and paper industry. Eastover Chips will be one of The Price Companies’…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
City of West Columbia developing safe streets and roads safety action plan with federal grant funding – details regarding the public input meeting and survey
December 9, 2025
The City of West Columbia is developing a Safe Street and Roads Safety Action Plan (SAP). This effort is part of the City’s commitment to the Safe System Approach, a national strategy designed to eliminate transportation-related deaths and serious injuries. This initiative stems directly from goals and priorities identified by the West Columbia City Council,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: government, on-the-move
GSSM’s Alyssa Reiser Prince awarded South Carolina Arts Commission grant
December 9, 2025
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) announced that Alyssa Reiser Prince, faculty member in the Department of Social Science, Languages, Arts, and Music (SSLAM), has been awarded a South Carolina Arts Commission grant to support her interdisciplinary sabbatical project combining environmental observation, creative expression, and neuroaesthetics—the study of how art shapes…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: education, on-the-move
SCRA announces new member companies and grant funding
December 9, 2025
Bellwether Biotech, CADmore, Caridea Therapeutics, Connexus, Chipp, FeatherPMS, Sleep Pods, and Sustainable Materials Technologies were accepted as South Carolina Research Authority member companies. Bellwether Biotech, MyUI.AI, NeuroHope Therapeutics, and ThreatCaptain received new grant funding. All SCRA member companies receive coaching and access to SCRA’s member benefits and startup resources, can apply for grant funding, and have the potential…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: entrepreneurship, on-the-move
THE COMET awarded $15.75 million federal grant to replace diesel buses with hybrid-electric fleet
December 9, 2025
Low- or No-Emission Program Funding Advances Sustainable Transit Solutions The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) has been awarded $15,750,000 through the Federal Transit Administration’s FY25-26 Low- or No-Emission Program, thanks to the efforts of Representative Jim Clyburn and Senator Lindsey Graham. The funding will support The COMET Transit Vehicle Replacement from Diesel to…
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The City of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement to hold 3rd Annual Violent Crime Remembrance Vigil
December 9, 2025
WHO: The City of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement WHAT: The City of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement invites the community to join us for the 3rd Annual Violent Crime Remembrance Vigil. This gathering is a heartfelt opportunity for our city to stand together in honor of the lives lost to violence and…
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A sweet treat 107 years in the making: Mast General Store & Goetze’s Candy collaborate on candy bar
December 9, 2025
The Mast General Store announced its first collaboration with Goetze’s Candy Company – a caramelized chocolate bar! The new taste experience is right on target with its name – the Mast Store Provisioners Vanilla Bulls-Eyes Chocolate Bar – and is available in all locations. To celebrate the partnership, the new Bulls-Eyes Bar will be sampled at all…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, retail
Santee Cooper approves MOU with Brookfield Asset Management to proceed with feasibility study
December 9, 2025
Terms Include $2.7 Billion, 550 MW to Benefit Santee Cooper Customers Taking the next step in the potential sale of two partially built AP1000 units to Brookfield Asset Management, the Santee Cooper Board of Directors approved today a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a formal feasibility period regarding completing those units. The deal terms…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: energy, on-the-move
The City of Columbia and BizArts present A Christmas Story, a holiday celebration supporting Richland County First Steps
December 9, 2025
7Sunday’s BizArts, in partnership with the City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities, announced BizArts: A Christmas Story—an uplifting holiday community celebration, nonprofit and small business showcase, and fundraiser supporting the children and families of Richland County First Steps—taking place Sunday, December 14, 2025, 4-7 pm at the Columbia Museum of Art. Designed to bring together families,…
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24 nonprofit leaders named to 2025 Carolina Leadership Seminars class
December 8, 2025
Together SC program equips new executive directors with skills, strategies, and a statewide peer network to strengthen their organizations and communities. Together SC’s Carolina Leadership Seminars (CLS) announced the nonprofit executive directors selected for its 2025 class. Since 2016, CLS has supported more than 200 nonprofit executives in South Carolina, offering a trusted space for…
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Together SC announces new partnership with Grantlytics
December 8, 2025
To Bring AI-Powered Grant Discovery Tools to South Carolina Nonprofits Exclusive 20% Member Discount Now Available – Introductory Webinar on December 17 Together SC, the state’s network for nonprofit leadership, announced a new partnership with Grantlytics, an innovative AI-driven grant discovery and management platform designed to help nonprofits find, apply for, and manage grant funding…
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Ezekiel Ministries announces staff openings to strengthen group mentoring programs
December 8, 2025
As part of a renewed push to build healthy mentoring relationships and meet growing demand, Ezekiel Ministries is now hiring for several part-time positions across its after-school group mentoring programs. The organization invites committed, Christ-centered individuals to join the team making a difference in the lives of children and youth in the Midlands. Positions Available…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: churches, day-care, education, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
Palmetto Citizens wraps up third annual Teacher of the Game program with Gamecock Athletics
December 8, 2025Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, as part of their partnership with Gamecock Athletics, announces the conclusion of the third annual Teacher of the Game program. Launched in 2023, the season-long initiative spotlights K-12 teachers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their students, schools and communities. This year’s program recognized seven South Carolina educators at home games…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, education, on-the-move
Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community names Donald Lilly as new President & CEO
December 8, 2025
Following a months-long nationwide search, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community has announced its incoming Chief Executive Officer, Donald Lilly. Lilly most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer for The Woodlands at Furman, a nonprofit Life Plan Retirement Community in Greenville, SC. “Still Hopes is a community with an extraordinary legacy of compassion, excellence, and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Together SC announces new partnership with Grantlytics to bring AI-powered grant discovery tools to South Carolina nonprofits
December 8, 2025
Exclusive 20% Member Discount Now Available – Introductory Webinar on December 17 Together SC, the state’s network for nonprofit leadership, announced a new partnership with Grantlytics, an innovative AI-driven grant discovery and management platform designed to help nonprofits find, apply for, and manage grant funding with greater efficiency and success. Through this partnership, Together SC…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move
Chris White named President & CEO of Columbia Metropolitan Airport
December 8, 2025
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) announced that Chris White, A.A.E. has been named President & CEO, effective January 5, 2026. “It’s a privilege to be chosen to serve as President and CEO of CAE,” said White. “Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a vital gateway for the Midlands and South Carolina, and I’m excited to help it grow…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: headlines, on-the-move, transportation
CMA announces major gift from the Joseph Bruce Collection of Georgian Porcelain
December 4, 2025
The Columbia Museum of Art announced a major gift of the Joseph Bruce Collection of Georgian Porcelain, one of the most comprehensive private holdings of New Hall porcelain in the United States. The gift, made in celebration of the museum’s 75th anniversary, ultimately totals nearly 200 pieces, representing 58 patterns produced by New Hall between…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, the-arts
IntelliSystems recognized as Best of Georgia
December 4, 2025
IntelliSystems, a leading provider of business-focused technology solutions for Georgia and South Carolina businesses, has been named a 2025 Best of Georgia Award winner. The recognition highlights the company’s commitment to helping local businesses harness technology to grow, streamline operations, and protect their digital assets. With services ranging from Managed IT and cybersecurity to virtual…
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Lexington One Educational Foundation celebrates fall fundraising successes
December 4, 2025
As the Lexington One Educational Foundation nears the end of its Second Quarter in 2025, the Board of Directors and staff are extremely thankful for the year-end successes and generous donations from many donors who give to support its mission of serving needs in Lexington County School District One. First, the Fourth Annual Fore the…
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Sustain SC awards second round of grants through Land and Water Action Platform
December 4, 2025
Sustain SC has announced the second round of grants awarded through its Land and Water Action Platform (LAWAP), advancing conservation projects across South Carolina in partnership with the state’s business community. In this round, LAWAP awarded $159,707 across eight projects spanning seven counties. Recipient organizations include Aiken Land Conservancy, Edisto Open Land Trust, Hitchcock Woods…
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South Carolina Civil Rights Museum honored as the 2025 David W. Robinson Catalyst Award Winner from Central Carolina Community Foundation
December 4, 2025
The South Carolina Civil Rights Museum has been named the 2025 recipient of the David W. Robinson Catalyst Award from Central Carolina Community Foundation. The annual award honors organizations that spark transformative community change, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to supporting and uplifting nonprofits across the Midlands. “The South Carolina Civil Rights Museum represents the type…
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Columbia City Council highlights | December 2, 2025
December 4, 2025
The City Council Meeting, December 2, 2025, began with a proclamation presented by Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and City Manager Teresa Wilson, which declared “Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Day” in the City of Columbia. The proclamation honors the chapter’s longstanding service, leadership, and commitment to uplifting communities across the Midlands through advocacy, education,…
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Girl Scouts of South Carolina—Mountains to Midlands announces Christa Maier as new Director of Membership & Outreach
December 4, 2025
Girl Scouts of South Carolina—Mountains to Midlands announced the appointment of Christa Maier as the Director of Membership & Outreach. Based in the Greenville Office, Maier will spearhead efforts to grow and sustain the Girl Scout community across the council’s 22-county jurisdiction. Maier will oversee the Community Development Managers and be responsible for implementing innovative…
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Ezekiel Ministries recognized as a “2025 Angel” Charity by South Carolina Secretary of State
December 4, 2025
Ezekiel Ministries has been named a 2025 Angel Charity by South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond, earning one of the state’s top distinctions, now in its 26th year. The Secretary of State’s Angel Award recognizes South Carolina nonprofits that demonstrate exceptional commitment to serving their communities while maintaining strong financial transparency and prioritizing mission-driven…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: churches, financial-advisors, government, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
The medicine of laughter
December 4, 2025
By Jeff Becraft One of the things that we do at Our Place of Hope is… we laugh. It is a very important dynamic. Now, Our Place of Hope is a paradigm shift for people living with mental illness. We are not a medical clinic and we are not a treatment center. We are…
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My Fried Chicken History
December 3, 2025
By Tom Poland As evening shadows fell, I made my way home through woods. Overpowering the peppery smell of autumn leaves, the chicken frying in Mom’s cast iron skillet came to me. For the rest of my life no fragrance said home like fried chicken. At my church, cement tables stood beneath cedars. Days…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Gov. Henry McMaster announces the Center for Cybersecurity at SCRA
December 3, 2025
Center Designed to Lead Statewide Coordination for Advancing Cyber Growth Governor Henry McMaster today announced the creation of the new Center for Cybersecurity at the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA). The Center will lead the implementation of South Carolina’s statewide cybersecurity strategic plan. The plan was developed from a multi-year, comprehensive study completed in 2024…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: headlines, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move
Publix Super Markets is coming to the BullStreet District
December 3, 2025The BullStreet District, known as the region’s largest urban redevelopment project, announced that national supermarket retailer Publix Super Markets will open its next downtown Columbia, South Carolina location in the BullStreet District. Located next to REI Co-Op, at Bull Street and Colonial Drive, the new store will enhance walkable access to groceries and everyday essentials…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: commercial-real-estate, construction, food, on-the-move, retail
