iLending opens auto refinance center in Richland County
September 16, 2021
Company plans to hire for 40 jobs at new location ILending, a national automotive refinancing company based in Englewood, Colorado, has opened its newest office in Richland County, with plans…
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First Community Bank recognized for outstanding commercial lending
September 14, 2021
First Community Bank was recognized with three awards for commercial lending excellence during the annual meeting of the Business Development Corporation Of South Carolina (BDC) and its associate company Certified…
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The official 2021 SC Fastest Growing Companies are announced
September 13, 2021
Now in its 20th year, this competition recognizes the achievements of top-performing private and publicly-owned companies that have contributed to South Carolina’s economy through exceptional increases in revenues and employment.…
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Southern First appoints Chris Shugart as Chief Mortgage Officer
September 9, 2021
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Shugart as Chief Mortgage Officer. Shugart is a Certified Mortgage…
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Phase IIB Matching Fund launched for S.C. small businesses
September 9, 2021
The S.C. Department of Commerce Office of Innovation, in partnership with the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) and 3Phase, today announced the launch of the state’s first Phase IIB…
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AllSouth Federal Credit Union held food drive for Harvest Hope
August 31, 2021
As our community continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, many people continue to struggle with food insecurity in our communities. AllSouth Federal Credit Union decided to support…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
Aligning Your Values with Your Investments
August 30, 2021
by Bailey O. Davis There are so many ways to help people, organizations, and causes that are special to you. You may donate your time by volunteering in your community.…
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JEDA finances Affordable Housing acquisitions throughout South Carolina
August 25, 2021
The Foundation for Affordable Housing is using $180 million in bond financing through the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) to acquire the following seven (7) housing developments in…
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SCRA announces investment in cybersecurity startup, Hook Security
August 24, 2021
South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) announces its affiliate, SC Launch, Inc.’s, investment of $250,000 in Hook Security. The Greenville-based startup is a cybersecurity training provider focused on reducing the risks…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move
FPA of South Carolina collaborating with North Carolina chapters to host annual symposium
August 19, 2021
In an effort to bring high-quality educational content to more financial planners, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of South Carolina announced today they plan to collaborate with the Financial Planning…
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PPP Direct Borrower Forgiveness Portal surpasses expectations, accepts more than 340K submissions
August 19, 2021
SBA portal significantly outpacing top PPP lenders not utilizing the Agency’s direct forgiveness tool in forgiveness submissions COLUMBIA, S.C.– Since the opening of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Direct Borrower Forgiveness Portal on August 4, the U.S. Small Business Administration has received more than 340,000 submissions from…
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State Treasurer Curtis Loftis celebrates ABLE to Save Month as state surpasses 2,300 accounts
August 17, 2021
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis celebrated national ABLE to Save Month by announcing that South Carolina recently surpassed 2,300 account holders in its Palmetto ABLE Savings Program. The program enables South…
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AllSouth Federal Credit Union to open new branch in Orangeburg County in fall 2021
August 17, 2021
AllSouth Federal Credit Union will open a new full-service branch located at 1588 St. Matthews Road in Orangeburg County in fall 2021. The new location was designed by Design Initiative…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: architecture, banking-and-finance, business-services, economic-development, local-industry, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move, retail
Faith- & factor-based Fidelis’ 4-star Morningstar Rating continues
August 15, 2021
Wallick Investments, LLC’s faith- and factor-based separately managed account strategy, WI Fidelis, received a 4-star Morningstar RatingTM for 3-year, 5-year and Overall risk-adjusted performance among 139 Mid-Cap Blend products as…
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SAFE Federal Credit Union and Sumter City Credit Union announce merge agreement
August 5, 2021
Sumter City Credit Union and SAFE Federal Credit Union are pleased to announce an agreement to merge. The combined credit unions will operate as SAFE Federal Credit Union. During the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, on-the-move
AllSouth hosts food drive to benefit Harvest Hope
August 4, 2021
As the world slowly starts to open up and the economy begins to recover, food insecurity continues to be a major issue facing our community. To help meet this growing…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
AllSouth hosts the Soldiers and Vets Charity Golf Tournament to benefit The Big Red Barn Retreat
July 27, 2021
AllSouth Federal Credit Union will host its annual Soldiers and Vets Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Golden Hills Golf & Country Club in Lexington, South Carolina.…
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TD Bank names Hugh Allen as Regional President of Mid-South Metro
July 27, 2021
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, announced today it has appointed Hugh W. Allen Regional President for its Mid-South Metro, which includes Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Delaware, North…
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How Hard is Your Cash Working?
July 27, 2021
Managing cash in a low interest rate environment by Stephen E. Maggard With current treasury yields hovering slightly above zero, individuals are experiencing angst over the lack of returns from…
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Southern First reports results for second quarter 2021
July 27, 2021
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, today announced its financial results for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021. “We are incredibly…
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SAFE Federal Credit Union awards scholarships to area students
July 27, 2021
Eleven South Carolina high school students were awarded $1,000 each towards their education as part of SAFE Federal Credit Union’s long-standing scholarship program. The scholarships were awarded to public and…
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VentureSouth reports record results in first half of 2021
July 22, 2021
VentureSouth, one of the Top 10 angel investment groups in North America, is proud to announce record results in the first half of 2021. Despite ongoing limitations brought on by…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, on-the-move
United Community Banks, Inc. and Nashville’s Reliant Bancorp announce merger agreement
July 15, 2021
United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQGS: UCBI) (“United”) and Reliant Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQCM: RBNC) (“Reliant”) announced today the execution of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which United will acquire Reliant,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, on-the-move
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis welcomes new members to S.C. Board of Financial Institutions
July 6, 2021
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis welcomes two new appointees to the State Board of Financial Institutions. Thomas Bouchette and Jenny Michaels were confirmed by the Senate in May to serve four-year…
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United Community Bank expands lending capabilities with USDA loans
June 21, 2021
United Community Bank welcomes David Matthews as a Business Development Officer under its newly created USDA Lending Group. Matthews brings extensive experience to this role, having recently served as the…
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S.C. Treasurer’s Office aids University of South Carolina with bond issue for Campus Village
June 21, 2021
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announced that on June 15, 2021, his office assisted the University of South Carolina with the issuance of $180,045,000 (par) in Higher Education Revenue Bonds, Series 2021A and…
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Protecting Your Children’s Credit
June 16, 2021
By Brittany M. Midgette As you sort through your mail, you may notice that some mail has arrived that is addressed to your child. For example, your ten-year-old child may…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, banking-and-finance, financial-advisors, on-the-move
First Community honors Leadership Institute graduates
June 16, 2021First Community Bank recently recognized the 2021 graduates of its Leadership Institute with a ceremony at the Columbia International University School of Business. An 18-month, intensive training program that combines…
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Southern First appoints Dave Favela as Chief Innovation Officer
June 15, 2021
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, announced the appointment of Dave Favela as Chief Innovation Officer. Favela joins Southern First with 14 years of…
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Sarah Baldwin joins First Reliance Bank as Senior Vice President
June 10, 2021
Sarah Baldwin has joined First Reliance Bank as senior vice president and residential lending specialist. She will be based in Columbia and will help customers assess their lending needs and…
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Vaughan Dozier recognized as 2020 S.C. Outstanding Young Banker
June 8, 2021First Community Bank announced that Vaughan Dozier, Lexington Regional Market President, has been named the 2020 S.C. Outstanding Young Banker by the South Carolina Banker’s Association. Dozier received the award—the…
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Jan Hollar named to First Community Board of Directors
June 1, 2021
First Community Corporation, headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina, and the holding company of First Community Bank, announced that Jan Hollar, a retired banker with a 40-year career in community banking,…
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Understanding Your Portfolio and Fees
May 29, 2021
By Charles B. Flowers, CFA At the end of every month, quarter, and year, the investment world tallies returns and produces reports. Frequently the results are delivered in chart-filled reports…
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United Community Banks, Inc. and Aquesta Financial Holdings, Inc., the parent of Aquesta Bank, announce merger agreement
May 27, 2021
United Community Banks, Inc. (United) and Aquesta Financial Holdings, Inc. (Aquesta) announced a definitive agreement for United to acquire Aquesta, including its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aquesta Bank. Aquesta is headquartered in…
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Southern First announces three new appointments to board of directors
May 21, 2021Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, announced the appointment of three new directors. Terry Grayson-Caprio, Ray Lattimore, and William Maner, IV will join the…
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First Reliance Bank welcomes Octavia Williams-Blake to Board of Directors
May 19, 2021
First Reliance Bank announced the appointment of Octavia Williams-Blake to its Board of Directors beginning in June. “Octavia’s experience and passion align with our number one focus – keeping the…
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South Carolina Senate confirms SAFE Federal Credit Union Executive Jenny Michaels for Board of Financial Institutions
May 18, 2021
The South Carolina Senate has confirmed SAFE Federal Credit Union Senior Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer Jenny Michaels to the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions. The board oversees the promulgation of…
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Tommy Johnson retires from First Community Bank’s Board of Directors
May 18, 2021
First Community Corporation, headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina, and the holding company of First Community Bank, would like to congratulate J. Thomas “Tommy” Johnson on his retirement from its board…
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Learn to spot the signs of elder abuse in South Carolina during Older Americans Month
May 13, 2021
By Justin Hawkins, Wells Fargo Bank The 73-year-old woman put her trust in, and handed over her financial resources to, her two supposed caregivers. In return, they stole all of…
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First Reliance Bank announces Branch Manager for new Main Street location
May 13, 2021
Expansion into downtown Columbia part of bank’s focus on transformational growth across the Carolinas First Reliance Bank has hired Lindley Hamilton to manage its new location on Main Street in…
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United Community Banks, Inc. announces acquisition of FinTrust Capital Partners, LLC
May 13, 2021
United Community Banks, Inc. (United) today announced that its Advisory Services division will be expanding through the acquisition of FinTrust Capital Partners, LLC (FinTrust), and its operating subsidiaries FinTrust Capital…
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United Community Banks, Inc. Announces Acquisition of FinTrust Capital Partners, LLC
May 13, 2021United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ: UCBI) (United) today announced that its Advisory Services division will be expanding through the acquisition of FinTrust Capital Partners, LLC (FinTrust), and its operating subsidiaries…
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4-star Morningstar Rating for Wallick Investments’ Fidelis in new Style category
May 12, 2021
Wallick Investments, LLC’s faith and factor-based separately managed account, Fidelis, was recategorized by Morningstar from Large-Cap Value to Mid-Cap Blend. As of March 31, 2021, WI Fidelis received a 5-star…
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FPA of South Carolina to offer scholarships to South Carolina-based high school students for the summer 2021 Financial Planning Academy
May 6, 2021
In an effort to introduce high school students to the financial planning profession, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of South Carolina announced today they plan to offer a limited number…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: banking-and-finance, education, financial-advisors, non-profit, on-the-move
United Community Bank ranks #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Consumer Banking in the Southeast, 7 out of the last 8 years
May 3, 2021
United Community Bank announced it once again is ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Consumer Banking in the Southeast according to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study℠.…
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Wideman appointed as new Executive Director of Turning Pages, Inc.
May 3, 2021
Ram’on O. Wideman, President/CEO of Anointed Business Solutions, LLC, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Turning Pages, Inc. Founded in 1968 as the Greater Columbia Literacy Council,…
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Order of Contributions
April 30, 2021
By Corinne Hanna, CFP® Whether you are an employee deciding about your annual benefits at election time or an employer deciding which benefits to offer, make your workplace benefits work…
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S.C. Treasurer Curtis Loftis returns nearly $26K in unclaimed funds to Jim Hudson Automotive Group
April 28, 2021
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis recently presented Jim Hudson, founder and principal of the Jim Hudson Automotive Group, with nearly $26,000 in unclaimed funds due to his business and various dealerships…
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Southern First reports results for first quarter 2021
April 27, 2021
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), holding company for Southern First Bank, announced its financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. “We are off to a strong…
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Columbia’s George Starnes III named one of Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors
April 21, 2021
G3 Wealth Advisors, a wealth management firm in Columbia, is pleased to announce private wealth advisor George R. Starnes III was recently named a 2021 Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisor.…
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