Countybank’s Paul Pickhardt to retire
December 6, 2023Paul Pickhardt, Senior Vice President, SBA Lending Manager for Countybank, announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2023. Pickhardt has worked for Countybank for more than six years. He has been…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Mandatory minimum requirement for employers to upload W-2s online has changed
December 5, 2023Employers who file at least 10 W-2 or 1099 forms with South Carolina withholding are now required to submit those documents to the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) using…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, government, on-the-move
Time to Boost Savings and Lower Taxes
December 5, 2023By 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
Countybank launches swipe to donate campaign
December 5, 2023Countybank announced the launch of its fourth annual debit card swipe campaign that results in contributions to local organizations through the Countybank Foundation. “As the holidays quickly approach, we are…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, non-profit, on-the-move
Preparing for tax season? You can now access past copies of Individual Income Tax returns on MyDORWAY!
November 28, 2023What 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
Kalisse L. Evert promoted to Marketing Manager at Greenwood Capital
November 27, 2023Greenwood Capital announced the promotion of Kalisse L. Evert to the dedicated position of Marketing Manager. This role will actively impact the overall brand positioning of Greenwood Capital within the…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Mark Schepp joins First Reliance
November 9, 2023Mark 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, 2023What 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, 2023More 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, 2023By 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
Countybank donates $5,000 to First Light
October 26, 2023Countybank recently donated $5,000 to First Light. The donation will go toward making interior and exterior facility improvements and helping fund the organization’s programming. First Light, previously known as Foothills…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, non-profit, on-the-move
Southern First opens Dream Mortgage Center
October 26, 2023Southern 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: lowcountrybizsc, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Southern First reports results for third quarter 2023
October 23, 2023Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, today announced its financial results for the three-month period ended September 30, 2023. “Our team generated improved performance…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
George Smythe joins First Reliance Bank as Senior Vice President Residential Lending Specialist
October 19, 2023George 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, 2023For 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, 2023South 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, 2023The 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
Partners invest $12 million in affordable, workforce and senior housing
October 12, 2023Representatives of Greenville Housing Fund (GHF), the City of Greenville, and Truist Bank gathered at Unity Park for a $12 million ceremonial check presentation and celebration of 147 units of…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, economic-development, government, on-the-move, residential-real-estate
Greenville resident recognized with World Finance’s Friend of the Field Award at annual One World celebration
October 12, 2023World Finance, a Greenville, S.C.-based financial services company, today announced Greenville-resident Margaret Parkin was honored with the company’s Friend of the Field Award at this year’s annual One World conference…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Jay Hatten of McBee Avenue Wealth Advisors named Forbes’ 2023 Best-In-State top financial security professionals
October 11, 2023The Greenville Northwestern Mutual office announced that Jay Hatten, CFP® of McBee Avenue Wealth Advisors, has been named one of Forbes’ 2023 Top Financial Security Professionals Best-In-State for the second…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
SC Launch Inc. invests in SiteLabs
October 10, 2023Daniel 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, 2023United 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
World Finance awarded on Newsweek’s World’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2023 list
October 3, 2023The survey-based award recognizes companies that uphold three public pillars of trust World Finance, a Greenville, S.C.-based financial services company, announced it has been named to the inaugural World’s Most…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc 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, 2023The 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
Countybank promotes David Tompkins to Commercial Banking Manager
October 3, 2023Countybank announced that David Tompkins has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Manager. In this leadership position, he will be responsible for the overall management and strategic vision…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Jesse Smith named as new Executive Director of JEDA
September 27, 2023Jesse 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, 2023By 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, 2023Abacus 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
United Community announces New Senior Vice President and President of Wealth Management, Brendon Tripodo
September 19, 2023United Community is pleased to introduce Brendon Tripodo as the latest addition to its team, taking on the role of Senior Vice President and President of United Community Wealth. He…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Greenville-based private equity firm, Broadstreet, Inc., expands portfolio with acquisition of ownership in broker-dealer enterprise
September 19, 2023Broadstreet, Inc., a Greenville-based private equity firm, announces the execution of an agreement for the acquisition of a substantial interest in a broker-dealer related enterprise operating under the name of…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Countybank Foundation donates $500 to Salvation Army
September 19, 2023The 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
Jennifer Hincapie joins Countybank’s Insurance Division
August 29, 2023Countybank welcomed Jennifer Hincapie as Senior Vice President, Senior Commercial Lines Executive for Countybanc Insurance. Hincapie comes to Countybank with more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry.…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, insurance, on-the-move
The Southern Bank announces opening of Spartanburg branch
August 25, 2023The Southern Bank announced the opening of its second South Carolina branch in Spartanburg. The new branch, which will also serve as Southern Financial Corporation’s headquarters, is located at 468…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Financial Wellness for your Employees
August 24, 2023Charles 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
Countybank Foundation donates time, funds to new Habitat build
August 24, 2023The Countybank Foundation, established in 1971 representing Countybank and Greenwood Capital, recently donated $5,000 to Greenwood Area Habitat for Humanity. This donation represents a longstanding relationship between the organizations and…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, non-profit, 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
Countybank opening second financial center in Greer
August 22, 2023Countybank is excited to announce that it will be opening a new financial center in Greer later this year. This will serve as Countybank’s second location in the Greer market;…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move
Countybank Foundation donates $5,000 to Carolina Football Club
August 17, 2023The Countybank Foundation, established in 1971 representing Countybank and Greenwood Capital, recently donated $5,000 to the Carolina Football Club. The donation will cover 10 partial scholarships for players and their…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, non-profit, on-the-move, sports
Trey Martin earns fourth honor of 2023
August 16, 2023For 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, 2023What 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, 2023Gary 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, 2023What 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
TATT holds Elevate Upstate Grant Workshop; Application deadline is September 22
August 8, 2023Ten at the Top recently held an Elevate Upstate Grant Workshop at the nearly completed Bridgeway Station. Over 30 potential grant applicants heard from River Hughes (of grant benefactor Hughes…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, economic-development, non-profit, on-the-move
Karlyn Jones of Abacus Planning Group passes Certified Financial Planner (TM) Examination
August 4, 2023Abacus 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
Five ways to spend unused 529 plan funds
July 26, 2023Opening 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
Trey Martin named to AdvisorHub’s 200 Fast Growing Advisors to Watch
July 26, 2023Wilkes “Trey” Martin, AIF®, WMS, Managing Director & Senior Vice President of Sage Capital Wealth Management of Raymond James, has been recognized as one of AdvisorHub’s 200 Fast Growing Advisors…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
Southern First reports results for second quarter 2023
July 26, 2023Southern 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
Oconee Federal to merge with Mutual Savings Bank
July 20, 2023SENECA, 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
Oconee Federal Financial Corp. announces voluntary NASDAQ delisting and SEC deregistration
July 20, 2023SENECA, SC – Oconee Federal Financial Corp. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OFED), the holding company for Oconee Federal Savings and Loan Association, announced today that it has notified the NASDAQ Stock…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, on-the-move







