Recent Articles from Staff Report
SCBIO 2021 life sciences conference adds speakers
A Microsoft vice president is among the newly announced speakers at the conference, to be held online Feb. 16-17. The two-day event will feature a virtual exhibit hall showcasing S.C.'s $12 billion life sciences industry.
South Carolina maintains high bond ratings with 3 major agencies
The state's triple-A ratings from Moody's and Fitch Ratings have been reaffirmed, as has its AA Plus rating from Standard & Poor's, according to S.C. Treasurer Curtis Loftis.
S.C. colleges and universities receive scholarship funding
Schools throughout the state including Columbia College, Benedict College and Allen University received a share of $60,000 through a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges' scholarship program, endowed by UPS.
Staley, Williams begin Richland Library residencies
Tammaka Staley, a poet and performance artist, will serve as the library's artist-in-residence until June. Kevin Williams, owner of Escapology Columbia, will serve as entrepreneur-in-residence through May.
Richland County reschedules pair of public hearings
The online meetings, which seek public input on the use of Community Development Block Grant funding, were originally set for today. They have been rescheduled for Feb. 24 to allow residents more time to submit comments.
Unemployment payouts since March 15 near $5 billion
The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce has paid out $4.92 billion to more than 825,000 claimants since the pandemic took hold in the state. For the week ending Jan. 16, 6,683 initial claims were filed in S.C.
15 S.C. communities receive share of $6.4 million in funding
The latest round of Community Development Block Grant funding, allocated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and awarded by the S.C. Commerce Department, will benefit 40,916 residents.
Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic canceled for 2nd year
The annual event, which was to be held March 26-28 at the S.C. State Fairgrounds, was canceled because of COVID-19 concerns. The 2022 event is scheduled for March 25-27.
$5 billion approved in first week of PPP loans
Approximately 60,000 Paycheck Protection Program loan applications submitted by nearly 3,000 lenders were approved from Jan. 11-Jan. 17. The program reopened to community financial institutions last week and is now open to all lenders.
Columbia Chamber of Commerce to honor local businesses
The 2021 Columbia Impact Awards will honor contributions to the business community and projects which contribute to the character of the Midlands. The event will feature a keynote address from the president of Mark Anthony Brewing.
DEW launches mobile app to monitor unemployment claims
The free app, downloadable at app stores, allows users to complete weekly certification requirements and check claim status from smart phones. Initial claims still must be submitted via computer or mobile internet browser.
Beer, music, food on tap for Savage Craft’s Jan. 30 grand opening
The West Columbia brewery offer a selection of beers and upscale appetizers beginning at 1 p.m. The transformation of the 3,200-square-foot building, once a city hall and a fire station, has been in the works for more than two years.