Time to Boost Savings and Lower Taxes
December 5, 2023
By State Treasurer Curtis Loftis There’s no escaping the hustle and bustle of December. Even if you love gift shopping, Christmas music, and holiday parties, the end of the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Preparing for tax season? You can now access past copies of Individual Income Tax returns on MyDORWAY!
November 28, 2023
What you need to know: Taxpayers can now access transcripts of past SC Individual Income Tax returns if they have an account in MyDORWAY, the SCDOR’s free online tax portal.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Arthur State Bank hires experienced commercial banking officer in Columbia
November 13, 2023
Arthur State Bank, a community bank with 18 local branches in South Carolina, announced the hire of Ashley Rider as commercial banking officer for its Columbia, South Carolina, locations. Rider…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Mark Schepp joins First Reliance
November 9, 2023
Mark Schepp joined First Reliance Bank as Vice President Residential Lending Specialist where he will work out of the Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Corporate Center location in Mount Pleasant, SC. He…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Applying for a Property Tax exemption? We have tips to help!
November 7, 2023
What you need to know: South Carolina offers Property Tax exemptions to those who meet certain requirements, including many military veterans, disabled former firefighters, and disabled former law enforcement officers.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis urges South Carolinians impacted by ACI Worldwide unauthorized consumer transfers to act before Nov. 13 deadline
November 2, 2023
More than 7,500 eligible to receive restitution for unauthorized financial exposure. State Treasurer Curtis Loftis is urging South Carolina consumers impacted by a 2021 testing error that involved ACI Payments,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Selecting a Credit Card
October 27, 2023
By Carman M. Young, CFP® Credit card companies can be aggressive in marketing their cards and their perks. Who doesn’t want a free trip to Europe? With so many options…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Southern First opens Dream Mortgage Center in Columbia
October 26, 2023
Southern First Bancshares, Inc., holding company for Southern First Bank, announces the opening of its new Dream Mortgage Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Southern First’s mission is to impact lives…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
George Smythe joins First Reliance Bank as Senior Vice President Residential Lending Specialist
October 19, 2023
George Smythe has joined First Reliance Bank as Senior Vice President Residential Lending Specialist. In his role, George is responsible for establishing and maintaining mortgage banking relationships with referral partners…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Abacus Planning Group’s founder, Cheryl R. Holland, CFP ®, inducted into Barron’s Advisor Hall of Fame
October 19, 2023
For the last 10 years, Cheryl Holland has been ranked as a Top 100 Advisor by Barron’s. This impressive feat has earned Ms. Holland a spot in the Barron’s Advisor…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
South Carolina Federal wins three “Best Place to Work” awards
October 18, 2023
South Carolina Federal Credit Union recently won three awards from local and industry news media for being a Best Place to Work. The credit union’s achievements include: • SC Biz…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
SCDOR named 2023 PEBA Partners Award overall award winner
October 17, 2023
The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) has been named the 2023 overall winner of the PEBA Partners Award, an honor bestowed by the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, education, on-the-move
SC Launch Inc. invests in SiteLabs
October 10, 2023
Daniel Gambrell, investment associate, SCRA, Darren Schaupp, co-founder and CEO, SiteLabs South Carolina Research Authority’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc., has invested in SiteLabs. The $250,000 investment will help the Seneca-based startup scale…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move
United Community employees recognize World Animal Day through acts of service across its footprint
October 5, 2023
United Community’s employees are coming together for the third consecutive year to support the welfare of the voiceless for World Animal Day. Throughout the first half of October, teams across…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
South Carolina Community Loan Fund awarded $50M in New Market Tax Credits, one of three awardees in the state
October 3, 2023
The South Carolina Community Loan Fund (SCCLF) announced its award of $50 million in New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations from the U.S. Department of Treasury CDFI Fund. SCCLF was…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Jesse Smith named as new Executive Director of JEDA
September 27, 2023
Jesse A. Smith has been elected the new Executive Director of the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA), with his appointment effective October 1. Smith is succeeding Harry A. Huntley,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Four Governance Questions for Endowment Management
September 27, 2023
By Anne Marie Ashworth To create an environment for good governance, endowments should assess whether they have the appropriate models for optimal long-term portfolio management, oversight and management, fiduciary responsibility,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, churches, financial-advisors, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
Abacus Planning Group Advisor earns IRS Enrolled Agent designation
September 21, 2023
Abacus Planning Group proudly announces that Stephen Maggard, CFP® has met all requirements to become an Enrolled Agent. An Enrolled Agent has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move, veterans
Queensborough celebrates one year in Columbia
September 20, 2023
Queensborough National Bank and Trust Company is celebrating one year in the Columbia, SC market this month. Queensborough’s Commercial Lending Office, located at 522 Lady St. opened in August of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Countybank Foundation donates $500 to Salvation Army
September 19, 2023
The Countybank Foundation, established in 1971 representing Countybank and Greenwood Capital, recently donated $500 to The Salvation Army of Greenwood. This donation represents a longstanding relationship between the organizations, including…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, non-profit, on-the-move
UBS hires eighteen-person advisor team in Columbia, SC
September 9, 2023
COLUMBIA, SC -UBS Wealth Management USA announced that an 18-person advisor team, TCG & Associates, has joined the firm. They will join the UBS Mid Atlantic Wealth Management Market, managed…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
First Community Bank CEO Mike Crapps recognized with Community Impact Award
September 7, 2023The Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center has awarded First Community Bank Chief Executive Officer Mike Crapps with the Mike Till Impact Award at its annual luncheon held in August. The…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Financial Wellness for your Employees
August 24, 2023
Charles B. Flowers, CFA Employers want highly engaged employees who are focused on their work during business hours. Hopefully, the employees also want to be “all in” while they are…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, banking-and-finance, business-services, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Forbes names South Carolina Federal the Best Credit Union in South Carolina
August 23, 2023South Carolina Federal Credit Union was named one of America’s Best In-State Credit Unions in 2023 by Forbes, ranking #1 in South Carolina. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Trey Martin earns fourth honor of 2023
August 16, 2023
For Wilkes “Trey” Martin, AIF®, WMS, Managing Director & Senior Vice President of Sage Capital Wealth Management of Raymond James, the year 2023 has truly been one for the record…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
How to file the final tax return for a deceased taxpayer
August 15, 2023
What you need to know: When someone dies, their surviving spouse, an executor, or an administrator normally files the deceased taxpayer’s final Income Tax return. On the South Carolina Individual…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Gary T. Pope Jr. and C.D. Rhodes selected by South Carolina Super Lawyers for 2023 “Rising Stars” list in Government Law
August 14, 2023
Gary T. Pope Jr. and C.D. Rhodes, attorneys concentrating in public finance and government law with Pope Flynn, have been named to the “Rising Stars” list in Government Law for…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, law, on-the-move
SCDOR’s new Teacher’s Guide to SC Individual Income Tax aims to help students learn about state taxes
August 10, 2023
What you need to know: The SCDOR’s new Teacher’s Guide to SC Individual Income Tax will help middle and high school students learn the basics of South Carolina Individual Income…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, education, government, on-the-move
First Community Bank’s Ted Nissen receives the Independent Banks of South Carolina’s Leadership Award
August 8, 2023
Today, First Community Bank announced that the Independent Banks of South Carolina (IBSC) selected Ted Nissen as the 2023 recipient of the IBSC Leadership Award. The award is given to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Karlyn Jones of Abacus Planning Group passes Certified Financial Planner (TM) Examination
August 4, 2023
Abacus Planning Group, Inc. proudly announces that Karlyn M. Jones has passed the CFP® examination. The CFP® Certification Examination assesses the candidate’s ability to integrate and apply a broad base…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, insurance, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Mission 46 aspires to transform South Carolina through scholarships
July 31, 2023Groundbreaking program intends to expand college access in all 46 South Carolina counties An ambitious initiative aims to eliminate the financial barrier to college for bright, under-resourced South Carolina students,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, education, headlines, on-the-move
Palmetto Citizens announces new board treasurer, chief lending officer
July 31, 2023
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Don Horton as their new Board Treasurer and Robert Terrell as new Chief Lending Officer (CLO). Don Horton was elected by their…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Five ways to spend unused 529 plan funds
July 26, 2023
Opening a 529 plan is a fantastic way to save for education for a child. Imagine that you have been saving for your child’s college education since she was a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, education, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Southern First reports results for second quarter 2023
July 26, 2023
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, today announced its financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2023. “I am proud of our…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Southern First Reports Results for Second Quarter 2023
July 26, 2023
Greenville, South Carolina, July 25, 2023 – Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, today announced its financial results for the three-month period ended June…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Oconee Federal to merge with Mutual Savings Bank
July 20, 2023
SENECA, SC. & HARTSVILLE, SC – Oconee Federal Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: OFED) (“the Company”), the holding company for Oconee Federal Savings and Loan Association, and the majority-owned subsidiary of Oconee…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Retailers must notify the SCDOR by August 14, 2023 if you sell tobacco products
July 18, 2023
What you need to know: All retailers are required to notify the SCDOR if they sell tobacco products by August 14, 2023. More information can be found in the ST-608,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Back to School Tip: Prepare Now for 529 Withdrawals
July 11, 2023
By State Treasurer Curtis Loftis As a firm believer in the many benefits of saving with a Future Scholar 529 plan, I commend families who consistently contribute to their accounts…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Lima One Capital surpasses $1 billion in multifamily bridge loans
July 6, 2023
Lima One Capital, the nation’s premier business purpose lender for real estate investors, announced that it eclipsed the $1 billion mark in originations of multifamily bridge loans. “This milestone is…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, commercial-real-estate, on-the-move
South Carolina’s 2023 Tax Free Weekend kicks off on Friday, August 4
July 5, 2023
What you need to know: South Carolina’s annual Tax Free Weekend is scheduled for August 4-6, 2023. For 72 hours, tax-free items include computers, printers, school supplies, clothing and accessories,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Leasing vs. Buying a Car: Which one is right for you?
June 30, 2023
By Carolyn A. Stewart If you have been in the market for a new (or used) car in the last 2-3 years, you are probably aware that the cost of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
UnidosUS launches HOME initiative to create four million Latino homeowners by 2030
June 15, 2023
The initiative will help break down barriers to homeownership for Latinos; Wells Fargo signs on as first anchor funder UnidosUS, a nonprofit, nonpartisan Hispanic civil rights organization, has launched HOME…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move, residential-real-estate
First Community Bank Leadership Institute graduates “tackle hunger” in the Midlands
June 12, 2023
First Community Bank is pleased to announce the successful completion of its “Tackling Hunger” campaign with more than 4,000 non-perishable food items collected and donated to local organizations. The campaign…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, non-profit, on-the-move
SAFE Federal Credit Union selected as recipient of Inaugural MeridanLink Arc Award
June 12, 2023
SAFE Federal Credit Union received the inaugural Arc Award during MeridianLink’s annual User Forum at Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, CA. The Arc Awards recognize and celebrate financial institutions that leverage the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Venture Carolina launches 2023 Palmetto Venture Fellowship
June 9, 2023
Venture Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the funding gap between investors and entrepreneurs has once again partnered with the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation, VentureSouth, and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Reminder: Your state tax refund may be lower next year due to withholding adjustments
June 8, 2023
What you need to know: With the Withholding Tax Table updates, less taxes are being withheld from paychecks in 2023, which may result in reduced refunds next year For those…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
SCRA announces new finance and administration director
June 8, 2023
The South Carolina Research Authority announced its new director of finance and administration, Laura Terry, who is responsible for leading the strategic direction of SCRA’s finance and administration function. She also serves…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move
Jon Robertson of Abacus Planning Group appointed as Trustee of Richland Library
June 5, 2023
Abacus Planning Group proudly announces the appointment of Jon Robertson, CFP® to the Richland Library Board of Trustees. Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, education, financial-advisors, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
SCDOR to no longer issue debit cards for refunds after June 29
June 1, 2023
What you need to know: The SCDOR will no longer issue Individual Income Tax refunds as debit cards after June 29, 2023. Bank of America, the provider of the State’s…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Investment Policy Guidelines: The Blueprint of your Portfolio
May 31, 2023
by Bailey O. Davis Investment Policy Guidelines (IPGs) are crucial for long-term financial success by creating a foundation of trust between you and your advisor. An IPG is an important…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
