Southern First named No. 5 Best Overall Bank by Bank Director

  August 25, 2022

Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, was recognized as the No. 5 Best Overall Bank in Bank Director’s annual “Ranking Banking” Report. Bank Director…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move

Southern First names Cal Hurst as President

  August 23, 2022

Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, announced the appointment of Cal Hurst to President. Hurst has served as Chief Banking Officer and Executive Vice…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, on-the-move

Southern First reports results for second quarter 2022

  July 26, 2022

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, 2022. “I am incredibly proud of…

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McElveen named to First Reliance Bank Board

  June 29, 2022

William Jack McElveen, Jr. has been named to the First Reliance Bank Board of Directors. Before his retirement, McElveen served as the bank’s Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer.…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move

Tax tips about working remotely

  June 21, 2022

The relief offered to out-of-state employers from South Carolina’s requirements to withhold taxes from wages for employees who temporarily work in the state due to COVID-19 will end on June…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move

DHEC, SCDNR urge residents not to keep wild animals as pets

  June 20, 2022

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) urge South Carolinians not to keep wild animals as pets. To protect people…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, environmental, on-the-move

Bank of the Lowcountry selects chair, vice chair of board

  June 20, 2022

Following the recent annual meeting of shareholders, the board of directors for Bank of the Lowcountry elected Peden Brown Mcleod Jr. chairman of the board and Pamela J. Robertson vice…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move

State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announces SC maintains high credit ratings

  June 7, 2022

State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announced that South Carolina continues to receive an excellent response from the three major credit rating agencies. In preparation for a general obligation bond issuance, Moody’s…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move

Appalachian Development Corporation hires Michael Smith as Vice President

  May 18, 2022

Appalachian Development Corporation (ADC) welcomes Michael Smith as their new Vice President. He will be working with banks, lenders, credit unions, and small businesses throughout South Carolina providing the SBA…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, economic-development, on-the-move

South Carolina Federal announces 2022 scholarship winners

  May 4, 2022

South Carolina Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the winners of its 12th annual scholarship program. Nine students who are attending a technical or traditional college in South Carolina…

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Utilizing the 0% Tax Rate on Long-Term Capital Gains

  May 1, 2022

By Carolyn Stewart Even if the holidays have passed, it’s never too early or too late to start thinking about what gifts you can give to your loved ones. While…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: accounting, advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

First Reliance Bank promotes Melinda Blake to Branch Manager

  April 29, 2022

First Reliance Bank announces the promotion of Melinda Blake to Branch Manager of the Mt. Pleasant branch, replacing Weston Peters, who has moved to the bank’s commercial banking division. Melinda…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move

Southern First reports results for first quarter 2022

  April 26, 2022

Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, today announced its financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022. “The first quarter represents the…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move

Charitable Gifting with Appreciated Securities

  March 31, 2022

By Anne Marie E. Ashworth, CFP® A charitable gift can be in the form of time, money, or in-kind donation. Whichever the case, the goal is to have the most…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: accounting, advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move, philanthropy

First Reliance Bank promotes three to SVP

  March 23, 2022

First Reliance Bank announced three top-level executive promotions to Senior Vice President. Ross Foshee, Senior Vice President and Controller, John Lindley, Senior Vice President, Director of Operations, and Robert Mayhue,…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move

South Carolina tax tips for college students

  March 9, 2022

With new Name, Image, and Likeness legislation taking effect this tax year, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) knows that many collegiate student-athletes are filing an Individual Income Tax…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move

Pension plan shortfall demands lawmakers’ attention

  March 8, 2022

By Richard Eckstrom, S.C. Comptroller It definitely doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but it’s among the most severe financial problems facing South Carolina today: The state retiree pension plan…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move, op-ed

Does Medicare cover Home Health Care? The answer is “it depends.”

  February 28, 2022

By Molly Thomas, FPQP® The answer to this question is truly “it depends.” Medicare draws a line in the important distinction between medically necessary home health care and personal care…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, health-care, insurance, on-the-move

Tax credits for SC homeowners – check to see if you qualify

  February 23, 2022

Did you know qualifying South Carolina homeowners may be able to save money on their tax bill? If you’re remodeling, making your home more energy efficient, or paying casualty insurance,…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move

So Much to Love About 529 Plans

  February 9, 2022

By State Treasurer Curtis Loftis Around this time of year, it seems every store I enter is full of heart-covered cards, rose bouquets or some other symbol of love. Whether…

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

Fighting for the Truth: Investor Misinformation

  January 29, 2022

By Stephen J. Scott, CFP® Within the past decade, the term “fake news” has entered into our lexicon. While most people associate the term with politics, the idea of misleading…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: accounting, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move

Southern First Reports Results for Fourth Quarter 2021

  January 25, 2022

Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, today announced its financial results for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2021. “We are incredibly…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move

First Reliance Bank promotes two senior leaders

  January 19, 2022

First Reliance Bank announced Blake Dressler has been promoted to Charleston Market President and Frank Bullard to lead Corporate Community Relations across the bank’s South Carolina and North Carolina footprint.…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz   Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, on-the-move

How to Buy a Car in 2022: Navigating The Automobile Shortage

  January 14, 2022

By Mike DuBose The COVID-19 pandemic has had dramatic and wide-ranging impacts on the United States and the world as a whole. Most people are traveling, going to events, and…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: advice, banking-and-finance, life, on-the-move, transportation

South Carolina Federal will merge with G.H.S. Federal Credit Union

  January 11, 2022

South Carolina Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce its upcoming merger with G.H.S. Federal Credit Union after an affirmative member vote concluded on December 8, 2021. After the merger…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, on-the-move

SCRA produces over one billion dollar impact on South Carolina’s economy

  January 11, 2022

South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) marked a strong year in 2021. The impact on South Carolina’s innovation economy was over a billion dollars. The total amount includes jobs supported, the…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move

S.C. a national leader on timely financial reporting

  November 29, 2021
Richard Eckstrom

By Richard Eckstrom, S.C. Comptroller Each fall, my office releases the state’s financial report for the prior fiscal year. The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, commonly called a CAFR, is a…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move, op-ed

Choosing a Guardian for Your Minor Child

  October 29, 2021

By Laird W. Green, CFP® While no one wants to think about the possibility of not being there to raise a child, naming a guardian for your child is of…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, law, on-the-move

Southern First reports results for third quarter 2021

  October 26, 2021

Southern First Bancshares, Inc., holding company for Southern First Bank, today announced its financial results for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2021. “The third quarter was…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move