Palmetto Citizens officially opens first Georgia branches
August 3, 2026
Four East Georgia Branches Officially Transition to Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union After Successful Acquisition Aug. 3 marks the first official day of service as four former Southern Bank locations…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, education, on-the-move
Optus Financial Corporation and M&F Bancorp, Inc. announce partnership to create the nation’s premier African American bank
July 28, 2026
Columbia-based Optus Financial Corporation has announced a definitive agreement to merge with M&F Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for M&F Bank in Durham, North Carolina, in a transaction that will…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, on-the-move
United Way of the Midlands receives $100,000 grant from First Citizens Bank
July 23, 2026
First Citizens Bank awarded United Way of the Midlands $100,000 to increase multi-generational economic stability and mobility through its Young Men United initiative and Whole Family Strategy. This latest grant…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
First Community Corporation announces leadership transition
July 22, 2026First Community Corporation (Nasdaq: FCCO), the holding company for First Community Bank, announced planned changes to the bank’s executive leadership team and discussed the results of operations and the company’s activities…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, on-the-move
Central Carolina Community Foundation welcomes six additional leaders to Board of Trustees
July 22, 2026
Central Carolina Community Foundation welcomes six new members to its Board of Trustees for Fiscal Year 2027. Representing education, business, healthcare, finance, and philanthropy, these respected community leaders will help…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, education, financial-advisors, health-wellness, health-care, local-industry, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, the-arts
Sixty-nine bankers graduate after intensive three-year program at South Carolina Bankers School
July 20, 2026Sixty-Nine Bankers Graduate After Intensive Three-Year Program The South Carolina Bankers School (SCBS), hosted by the South Carolina Bankers Association, would like to recognize the graduates of the Class of…
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Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union expands beyond state lines for the first time in its 90-year history
July 17, 2026
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union will begin serving customers at four East Georgia branches in Waynesboro, Sardis, Gibson and Hephzibah on Monday, Aug. 3, following the anticipated Aug. 1 closing…
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Cohn Construction’s Chief Financial Officer David A. McKinley, CPA named a 2026 Honoree in Leaders in Business & Finance
July 10, 2026
David A. McKinley, CPA, Chief Financial Officer of Cohn Construction, has been named a 2026 Leader in Business & Finance honoree by SCBIZ. The award recognizes financial professionals for leadership,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: accounting, banking-and-finance, business-services, commercial-real-estate, construction, economic-development, on-the-move
Austin McVay named 2026–27 Chairman of the Board for the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center
July 8, 2026
The Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center announced that Austin McVay, Commercial Relationship Manager with United Community Bank, has been named the Chamber’s 2026–2027 Chairman of the Board. McVay succeeds Trey…
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Small elected South Carolina Bankers Association Chairman
July 8, 2026
Samuel R. Small, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO, First Palmetto Bank in Columbia, has been elected Chairman of the South Carolina Bankers Association (SCBA). He was elected by a vote…
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South Carolina Bankers Association honors Othniel W. Laffitte with the 2026 Outstanding Young Banker Award
June 22, 2026
The South Carolina Bankers Association (SCBA) announced Othniel W. Laffitte as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Young Banker Award. Othniel, who serves as the Senior Vice President and Market…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Neil Jones named Chief Financial & Operating Officer of Colliers | South Carolina
June 18, 2026
Charleston/Columbia/Greenville/Spartanburg, SC – Colliers | South Carolina announced the promotion of M. Neil Jones, CPA, CITP, to Chief Financial & Operating Officer. A member of the firm’s leadership team since…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, commercial-real-estate, on-the-move
Morgan Stanley celebrates the retirement of Ben Rast
June 17, 2026
Morgan Stanley today announced the retirement of Wealth Advisor Ben Rast, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, marking the culmination of a distinguished career defined by client dedication, community involvement, and leadership. In…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Security Federal Bank promotes Tony Ateca to Chief Operating Officer
June 15, 2026
Security Federal Bank announced the promotion of Tony Ateca to Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective July 10, 2026. The promotion reflects Security Federal Bank’s continued commitment to long-term growth, innovation,…
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Security Federal Corporation announces retirement and appointment of chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and appointment of new directors
June 8, 2026
Security Federal Corporation, the holding company for Security Federal Bank, announced that J. Chris Verenes and Darrell R. Rains will retire as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively,…
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AgFirst appoints Kellie Bickenbach Chief Risk Officer
June 2, 2026
AgFirst Farm Credit Bank announced that Kellie Bickenbach has been named Chief Risk Officer, effective June 1. Bickenbach brings extensive experience in enterprise risk management and a proven record of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis celebrates National 529 Day with $529 grants for newborns
May 28, 2026
South Carolina’s tiniest residents could score a big head start on their future thanks to the return of the PalmettoBaby Grant Program. State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announced today that every…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, education, government, on-the-move
SCRA announces funding for rural health innovation
May 28, 2026
The South Carolina Research Authority announced funding available to technology startups focused on improving rural health access. The program, Tech Catalyst Fund, is one of five initiatives within South Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation…
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Palmetto Citizens names Tammi Strong as 2026 Youth Financial Educator of the Year
May 21, 2026
Honor presented to Airport High School teacher for her exemplary commitment to financial education The Palmetto Citizens Foundation, a charitable giving organization committed to giving back to local communities, has…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, education, on-the-move
Ellison Kibler ranked #18 nationwide on the Barron’s “Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams” 2026 list
May 18, 2026
Ellison Kibler announced that the firm has been ranked #18 in the nation on the Barron’s “Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams” 2026 list, published on May 8, 2026. Rankings…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Palmetto Citizens’ new headquarters marks transformational investment in downtown Columbia
May 14, 2026On Thursday, May 14, community leaders and media members got a sneak peek inside the progress of the credit union’s new headquarters project at the corner of Sumter and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: architecture, banking-and-finance, construction, on-the-move
SCRA announces new grant funding and member companies
May 12, 2026
Tada AI, CAMA Security, Pathly, and Vet Media Group received new grant funding from the South Carolina Research Authority. Baysys Solutions and Digital Site Box were accepted as SCRA member companies. SCRA…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, entrepreneurship, on-the-move
Entrepreneur Minute – Margaret Ellen Pender, John Moorman, Anchor Investment Management
May 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: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, entrepreneurship, on-the-move, podcast
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis honors 23 graduates of SC Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program
May 1, 2026
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis recognized the most recent graduates of the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program, an innovative multi-year program designed to increase the number of teachers incorporating…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, education, government, on-the-move
SC Housing’s Palmetto Heroes program closes for ’26, registering 272 home loans
April 28, 2026
SC Housing’s highly anticipated 2026 Palmetto Heroes homebuyer program officially closed earlier this month after another record-breaking campaign. The 2026 edition of the program began March 16 and closed April…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move, residential-real-estate
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
Palmetto Citizens Foundation launches Teacher Grant Program to support local classrooms
April 20, 2026
Nearly 90 years after being founded by teachers, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union is giving back to the classroom in a meaningful new way. The Palmetto Citizens Foundation, which was…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, education, on-the-move, philanthropy
Ellison Kibler advisors named to the Forbes America’s Top Wealth Advisors, Best-in-State Wealth Advisors 2026 lists
April 15, 2026Several Ellison Kibler financial advisors were recognized on the Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Advisors” 2026 list (Published on April 7, 2026. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2025.)*…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Ronnie Dennis, Ellison Kibler named #2 in SC on 2026 Barron’s Top 1,500 Financial Advisors list
April 2, 2026
Ronnie Dennis ranked #2 in South Carolina on the Barron’s “Top 1,500 Financial Advisors” 2026 list. Published on March 20, 2026. Rankings based on data as of September 30, 2025.*…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Rick Migliore, Ellison Kibler named #1 in SC on 2026 Barron’s Top 1,500 Financial Advisors List
March 30, 2026
Rick Migliore ranked #1 in South Carolina on the Barron’s “Top 1,500 Financial Advisors” 2026 list. (Published on March 20, 2026. Rankings based on data as of September 30, 2025.)…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union celebrates new branch in Whitmire, S.C.
March 30, 2026
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, one of South Carolina’s longest-standing and most trusted financial institutions, celebrated the opening of its new branch in Whitmire, South Carolina, with a ribbon cutting…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, economic-development, on-the-move
AgFirst appoints Corey MacGillivray as Chief Financial Officer
March 27, 2026
Corey MacGillivray has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, effective April 6. MacGillivray brings deep experience across corporate governance, disclosure controls, and capital markets, with…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Altum Faithful Investing awards Gold Certification to Wallick Investments’ WI Fidelis Multi-Cap Multi-Factor Index (Fidelis 100)
March 26, 2026
Altum Faithful Investing and Wallick Investments announce that the Wallick Investments’ Fidelis 100 Index has been awarded Gold certification under the Altum Certified program, confirming that the index is fully…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Local elected officials across South Carolina urge lawmakers to advance public deposits legislation
March 12, 2026
County and Municipal Leaders Statewide Call for Expanded Local Choice in Managing Community-Funded Deposits The Palmetto Public Deposits Coalition (PPDC) today announced that a growing coalition of local elected officials…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move, politics
Carolinas Credit Union League promotes Billy Boylston to Chief Advocacy Officer
February 25, 2026
The Carolinas Credit Union League (CCUL) has promoted Billy Boylston to Chief Advocacy Officer, recognizing his more than a decade of leadership advancing the League’s state and federal advocacy priorities…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
QuickBooks Online: How to Set Up Your Books the Right Way From Day One
February 23, 2026
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities is hosting QuickBooks Online: How to Set Up Your Books the Right Way From Day One on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, beginning at 10:00…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union announces the appointments of three key leadership roles
February 23, 2026
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union announced the appointments of three key leadership roles: Michael Beam as special advisor to the CEO, Elizabeth Bunn as chief financial officer and Matt Gaskin…
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SC Launch Inc. invests in human-centered AI startup QWERKY AI
February 17, 2026
SC Launch Inc., the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority, has announced a $400,000 investment in QWERKY AI. The Columbia-based startup addresses the crisis of soaring computational costs,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, entrepreneurship, on-the-move
Jessica Miles ranked #10 in South Carolina on the Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” 2026 list
February 10, 2026
Jessica Miles ranked #10 in South Carolina on the Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” 2026 list. Published on February 4, 2026. Rankings based on data as of June 30,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Credit Union Day at State House highlights importance of expanding financial choice for public entities
February 9, 2026
Event Connects Lawmakers with Credit Union Leaders Serving More Than 1.7 million South Carolinians South Carolina credit unions hosted their first-ever Credit Union Day at the State House, providing legislators…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move, politics
SCRA announces new grant funding and member companies
February 3, 2026
Haruki Health and LouLou AI received new grant funding from the South Carolina Research Authority. CAMA Security, Creek Tides Energy and Power, Sentec, and Tada AI were accepted as SCRA member companies. SCRA Interim President and CEO Bill Kirkland said, “We welcome these…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, entrepreneurship, on-the-move
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union celebrates 90 years of service with focus on growth and community impact in 2026
January 28, 2026
Charter expansion and foundation launch mark major milestones for Midlands-based financial institution Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution that provides personal and business banking services across…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, construction, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc. names Jason Caskey to Board of Directors
January 26, 2026
South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc., parent of South Atlantic Bank, announced the appointment of Jason Caskey to its Board of Directors effective January 20, 2026. Caskey will be appointed to the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
South Carolina sets a national standard for secure research
January 20, 2026
South Carolina Research Authority launches the new Center for Research Security, positioning the state as the leading destination for trusted, secure research. The South Carolina Research Authority today announced the launch of the Center for Research Security. This first-of-its-kind…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move
HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) facilitates financing for new hospital in Indian Land, SC
January 20, 2026
$251.2 million FHA-insured supplemental mortgage delivers capital for Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to offer new access to quality acute care hospital services for residents in Northern Lancaster County,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, government, health-care, on-the-move
SC Launch Inc. invests in map-based design and construction platform SiteMarker
January 15, 2026
SC Launch Inc., the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority, has invested $250,000 in SiteMarker Inc. The Mt. Pleasant-based startup has revolutionized geolocation tools and techniques, making reporting…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move
Ellison Kibler ranked #1 in SC by Forbes on 2026 “Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams” list
January 13, 2026
Ellison Kibler ranked #1 in South Carolina on the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2026 list. Published on January 7, 2026. Rankings based on data as of March 31 2025.…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Pope Flynn adds new associate Benjamin Price in public finance and government law
January 11, 2026
Pope Flynn, a South Carolina-based law firm concentrating in public finance and governmental law, has added Benjamin Price as an associate in the firm’s public finance and governmental law practices.…
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Lisa Breese returns to Wallick Investments
January 8, 2026
South Carolina-based RIA firm Wallick Investments, LLC announced that Mrs. Lisa Breese, with vast career experience in marketing, accounting, leadership, and community service, has returned to Wallick Investments to support…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
SCRA announces new grant funding and member companies
January 8, 2026
Lucie Medical, Saluda Manufacturing, Topline, CADmore, FeatherPMS, Sharpen, and Thrive Data, received new grant funding from the South Carolina Research Authority. Atapic and Stabile Industries were accepted as SCRA member…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, entrepreneurship, on-the-move
