Lowcountry Youth Services awarded $70,000 grant from Power:Ed to strengthen youth mentoring and leadership programs

  December 12, 2025

Lowcountry Youth Services (LYS), a nonprofit organization empowering youth across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, has received a $70,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropic arm of the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation. This award will support the expansion of LYS’s signature programs—Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club and Queens’ Being—while deepening their impact in the community. LYS will…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: education, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy

GHF holds Annual Meeting

  December 12, 2025

The Greenville Housing Fund announced key targets for making living in Greenville more affordable in 2026. During its annual meeting held at the Southern First Bank headquarters, GHF staff laid out major goals for 2026 while accentuating some of its wins in 2025. Some major goals for 2026 include: launch the Strategic Planning process for…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: non-profit, on-the-move, residential-real-estate

Colliers Report: Columbia Retail Market Q3 2025

  December 12, 2025

Colliers | South Carolina Market Report Grocers expand as high costs counter leasing growth Market Highlights The Columbia retail market remained stable as leasing velocity and rent growth stalled amidst an environment in which accelerating regional population and wage growth have been countered by a challenging macroeconomic environment. Tenant upfit costs and new construction alike…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: commercial-real-estate, on-the-move

Waccamaw Library to host writing workshop series in 2026

  December 12, 2025

The Waccamaw Library will kick off a new yearlong writing workshop series on Thursday, Jan. 22 with a free session on the publishing process. The workshop is designed for writers working to publish their first book and will be led by Linda Ketron, founder and director of CLASS Publishing. Ketron has published more than 75…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: education, government, on-the-move

GOAT program celebrates record-breaking year, prepares for 2026

  December 12, 2025

Georgetown County’s Outdoor Adventure Trails program, better known as GOAT, closed out its second year with strong participation and mileage totals. Parks and Recreation staff said the program’s second full year brought major growth, new events and an increasing level of enthusiasm among residents exploring the county’s trails on foot, bike and water. “We had…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: entertainment, environmental, government, on-the-move

HGTC Forestry and Wildlife Students Awarded Georgetown Soil & Water Conservation District Scholarships

  December 12, 2025

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is pleased to announce that five (5) Forestry and Wildlife Management students have been awarded $500 scholarships from the Georgetown Soil & Water Conservation District. The recipients were selected for their academic achievement, community service, and commitment to protecting South Carolina’s natural resources. Each year, the Georgetown Soil & Water Conservation…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: education, environmental, on-the-move

Duke Energy offers ‘12 Days of Savings’ energy efficiency tips

  December 11, 2025

The holidays are a time for family and celebration, but they often bring higher energy use as temperatures decline. To help customers stay energy smart, Duke Energy is introducing ‘12 Days of Savings’ – a schedule of simple energy efficiency tips designed to help customers save energy and money. “During the holidays, energy use naturally…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: energy, on-the-move, technology

The importance of remembering

  December 11, 2025

By Jeff Becraft   I have two favorite golf gloves. Now I don’t play golf very often. In fact, I’ve only played golf twice this year. But one of those gloves came back in March of 2025. My Dad had passed away (which I have written about) and the day before his memorial service, me,…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: life, on-the-move

1090 Park West Boulevard sold to Charleston Dermatology

  December 11, 2025

NAI Charleston announced the successful sale of 1090 Park West Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, SC. The ±6,625 SF brick, multi-tenant office building, originally acquired by the seller in 2018 prior to its completion by the Park West developer, has now been purchased by Charleston Dermatology, a long-standing tenant and one of the region’s fastest-growing dermatology…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: commercial-real-estate, on-the-move

PRET Advanced Materials, LLC expands Florence County operations

  December 11, 2025

$18.5 million investment will create 74 new jobs FAST FACTS PRET Advanced Materials, LLC (PRET) is expanding its operations in Florence County. The company’s $18.5 million investment will create 74 new jobs. PRET is a leading advanced materials company. The company will be located at 520 Kingsburg Highway in Johnsonville, S.C. Individuals interested in joining the PRET team should contact Stephanie…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: manufacturing, on-the-move

Twin Rivers Capital announces recently completed sale of 9.47 ± acres in Santee, South Carolina

  December 11, 2025

Twin Rivers Capital announced the sale of 9.47± acres at Highway 301 & Bass Drive in Santee, South Carolina. Nicki Jassy, Broker, and Lily Albertsen, Associate, of Twin Rivers Capital, represented the seller, Toboda Properties. The site was purchased by Knight’s Companies. For more details, visit twinriverscap.com or contact Nicki Jassy at [email protected] and Lily…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: commercial-real-estate, on-the-move

Cox and Dinkins announces opening of their new office in Greenville, SC

  December 11, 2025

Cox and Dinkins, Inc. announced their expansion into Greenville, South Carolina, with the opening of a new office location. Opening on January 5, 2026, and located at 500 E. North Street, Suite B, in downtown Greenville, their new office will be led by Chandler Gibbs, PE, and will provide comprehensive civil engineering services to support…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: engineering, on-the-move

CCSD honors six star principals of the year

  December 11, 2025

Charleston County School District (CCSD) recognized six Star Principals of the Year on Friday, December 5, 2025. They were nominated by their peers and selected through a competitive application process based on their leadership and work to improve student outcomes and implement strategic change. The 2025 CCSD Star Principals of the year are: Becky Accola…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: education, on-the-move

Partners establish future county park along the Ashley River

  December 11, 2025

Lowcountry Land Trust and Dorchester County Government announced the permanent protection of the Barry Tract, a 67-acre property along the historic Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway. The Land Trust has officially recorded a conservation easement and transferred ownership of the property to the county, ensuring its transformation into a passive public park that will provide residents…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: environmental, non-profit, on-the-move

Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns April 22-26, 2026, and launches new Tastemakers Patron Program

  December 11, 2025

Columbia Food & Wine Festival (CFWF), which returns to the Midlands April 22-26, 2026, is pleased to launch Tastemakers, a patron giving circle that offers insider access to festival experiences while supporting the region’s hospitality community. Tastemakers will help expand the festival’s charitable impact, including a new scholarship program for hospitality students. Now in its ninth year,…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: entertainment, on-the-move

Columbia Area Development Partnership announces approval of incentives package for Subtext $80 million mixed-use development on Senate Street

  December 11, 2025

$3.7 million investment will create 65 new jobs A new $80 million mixed-use development is coming to Columbia. Richland County Council and the City of Columbia have approved incentives for Subtext to redevelop 931 Senate St. in the Vista. Subtext will build and manage LOCAL Columbia, a new young-professional housing complex with commercial space and…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: economic-development, headlines, on-the-move

GSSM receives $10,000 from First Citizens Bank to support STEM summer camps

  December 11, 2025

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) Foundation has received $10,000 from First Citizens Bank to support GSSM’s GoSciTech summer camps. These hands-on STEM programs serve rising sixth through tenth grade students through residential, day, and virtual courses that explore a wide range of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology topics. “We are…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: banking-and-finance, education, on-the-move

5th Annual Cola Rosé Shower celebrating women’s health empowerment returns February 7

  December 11, 2025

Tickets on sale for Columbia’s premier event that facilitates 60,000+ feminine product donations in the Midlands Rooted in celebrating strength, sisterhood, and women’s health, the 5th annual Cola Rosé Shower returns on Saturday, February 7 at the Williams-Brice Stadium’s Traditions Club (1125 George Rogers Blvd) from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This annual pink-powered experience blends fun, fashion and…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: entertainment, on-the-move

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…

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Posted 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…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: government, on-the-move

Barry Tract permanently protected for future public park along the Ashley River

  December 11, 2025

Lowcountry Land Trust and Dorchester County partner to conserve 67 acres of historic, ecologically rich landscape Lowcountry Land Trust and Dorchester County Government announced the permanent protection of the Barry Tract, a 67-acre property along the historic Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway. The nonprofit, committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations,…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: economic-development, 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…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: health-care, on-the-move

Fairy House Day at Palmetto Islands County Park set for Jan. 24

  December 11, 2025

The popular family event Fairy House Day returns to Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park on Saturday, Jan. 24! Kids of all ages are invited to join Charleston County Parks for the greatest, tiniest building project ever. Fairy House Day celebrates fairies, gnomes, nature discovery, creative expression, and family fun. The adorable fairies and mischievous gnomes…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: government, on-the-move

Audit shows city $8 million under budget

  December 11, 2025

City of Greenville Saves $8 million Audit shows all city departments under budget Being responsible with taxpayers’ dollars pays dividends. A recent audit of the City of Greenville showed every City department coming in under budget, resulting in a savings of $8 million. Shannon Lavrin, manager of the City of Greenville, said the audit demonstrates…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: government, on-the-move

Clemson Board appoints Bob Jones as interim president, announces presidential search committee

  December 11, 2025

Clemson’s Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, December 10 to approve the appointment of an interim president, establish the presidential search committee and the hiring of a national search firm. As the Board formalized next steps in the process to identify Clemson’s 16th president, Board Chair Kim Wilkerson also recognized and celebrated the retirement of…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: education, 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…

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Posted 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…

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Posted 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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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: education, on-the-move

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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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: on-the-move, the-arts

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry awards $506,500 in impact grants to Lowcountry nonprofits

  December 11, 2025

In its first Impact Grants cycle of fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026), Community Foundation of the Lowcountry (CFL) has awarded $506,500 in grants to eight local nonprofit organizations! Impact Grants are competitive grants, each in excess of $10,000, awarded to nonprofit organizations for new programs or projects, improving existing programs or services,…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: non-profit, on-the-move

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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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: health-care, on-the-move

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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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: education, on-the-move

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber celebrates 18th annual Chamber Restaurant Week

  December 11, 2025

CHAMBER RESTAURANT WEEK January 31-February 7, 2026 www.ChamberRestaurantWeek.com The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the Lowcountry’s culinary excellence during the 18th annual Chamber Restaurant Week, taking place January 31–February 7, 2026. More than 80 local restaurants are expected to participate, each offering specially priced prix-fixe menus, signature dishes, and creative new entrées.…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: on-the-move, restaurant

Entrepreneur Minute – Cody Carver, Greenville Together

  December 10, 2025

he 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 of entrepreneurs, including some incredible innovators from the non profit world. We would like to thank our sponsors of this video series: NP Strategy First…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: entrepreneurship, non-profit, on-the-move, podcast

Cold, Cold, Cold

  December 10, 2025
Tom Poland

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…

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Posted 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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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: chamber, on-the-move

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,…

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Posted 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,…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: economic-development, headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move

Entrepreneur Minute – Christina Lock, Catch Talent

  December 10, 2025

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 from the non profit world, in each of our markets (Columbia, Greenville/Spartanburg and Charleston) with a short video. Some interviews will also include a full…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: business-services, entrepreneurship, on-the-move, podcast

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…

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Posted 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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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: architecture, on-the-move

Community roundtables show strong support for modernizing South Carolina’s public deposits law

  December 10, 2025

State and local elected officials gathered in North Augusta and Greenville this month to review the South Carolina Financial Freedom Act (H.3221 / S.60), a bipartisan proposal that would finally allow cities and counties in the Palmetto State to deposit public funds in credit unions. The roundtables were hosted by the Palmetto Public Deposits Coalition…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move, politics

USDA Approves Gov. Henry McMaster’s Waiver to Exclude Candy, Unhealthy Drinks from SNAP Program

  December 10, 2025

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today approved Governor Henry McMaster’s waiver to exclude the purchase of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages from the list of eligible foods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. “Thank you to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for approving our…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: government, on-the-move

Upcountry Fiber Foundation gives $27,500 to local Upstate non-profits

  December 10, 2025

Upcountry Fiber Foundation, the philanthropic arm and permanent endowment of internet service provider Upcountry Fiber, announced that it has donated $27,500 to seven Upstate non-profit organizations to help them deliver on their missions to help those in need and to support cultural enrichment opportunities for our community. Created in September 2022, the Upcountry Fiber Foundation…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy

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,…

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Posted 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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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: government, law, on-the-move

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Donates $50K to Fight Georgetown Hunger

  December 10, 2025

Members of the Georgetown Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. announced a generous donation this week to help several Georgetown County food pantries which are facing growing demand as families struggle with rising costs and recent changes to SNAP benefits. Facilitated through the Waccamaw Community Foundation, the beneficiaries of this support include St.…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy

Laurens County Council Advances Major Economic Development Projects at December 8 Meeting

  December 10, 2025

Laurens County Council moved forward on several significant economic development initiatives during its regular meeting Monday night, approving multiple projects expected to bring new investment and jobs into the community. Council approved on second reading a fee-in-lieu-of-taxes (FILOT) agreement for Project Floyd, a new company planning to invest $63.8 million in Laurens County. The project…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: government, on-the-move

December Update from Georgetown’s Mayor-Elect Jay Doyle

  December 10, 2025

Citizens of Georgetown, First, let me extend to each of you my best wishes for the upcoming holiday season. May you find joy and happiness with your friends and family. As my transition team assists me in preparing to take office in the new year, I want to keep you informed on what is happening…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: economic-development, government, on-the-move, op-ed