Columbia Regional Business Report editor Melinda Waldrop is a journalism veteran. She has worked for The Associated Press, The Hilton Head Island (S.C.) Packet, The Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Sun News, The Newport News (Va.) Daily Press and The South Florida Sun Sentinel. She has a B.A. in journalism from the University of South Carolina.
Recent Articles from Melinda Waldrop
SBA loan forgiveness portal reaches 1 million application milestone
The U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program Direct Borrower Forgiveness Portal has received 1 million applications from borrowers seeking forgiveness for loans of $150,000 or less. The portal launched Aug. 4.
Initial unemployment claims drop in S.C., rise nationwide
Initial unemployment claims in South Carolina fell by 796 for the week ending Sept. 18 from the previous week, with a state-high 165 filed in Greenville County. Nationally, initial claims rose by 16,000 from the previous week to 351,000.
Columbia chamber to honor 5 business leaders at annual gala
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce will honor 5 community leaders at its annual awards gala on Oct. 7 including Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, who will be presented with the chamber's Public Servant of the Year award.
Midlands Tech to celebrate grand opening of welding center
Midlands Technical College will unveil $4.5 million in upgrades to a new welding technology center at its Airport campus on Wednesday. The upgrades add 19 welding stations to the building, originally built in 1967.
S.C. unemployment rate drops for 8th consecutive month
The state's unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% in August from 4.3% in July. S.C. industries reporting employment gains included government at 5,900 jobs and leisure and hospitality at 2,500. Education and health services lost 5,300 jobs.
Columbia-based mortgage lender moving headquarters to Vista
Resource Financial Services Inc. has acquired 708 Lady St., the former location of Caroline Ale House, in a transaction facilitated by Trinity Partners. The company will retain its former Devine Street location for future expansion.
Automotive refinancing company opens Richland County office
The Colorado-based company is seeking applicants with finance or sales experience to fill around 40 loan consultant positions. The new office is located at 1001 Pinnacle Point Drive, near Interstate 77 and Farrow Road.
Initial S.C. unemployment claims rise by more than 1,100 in week
Initial S.C. unemployment claims topped 2,000 for the first time since mid-July for the week ending Sept. 11, rising to 2,393. Orangeburg County saw 523 initial claims filed.
Immigration changes could pave path to workforce growth
Pending legislation could extend citizenship status to Dreamers and overhaul the immigration system for farmworkers, among other changes. Proponents say this would help the U.S. address a pandemic-exacerbated workforce shortage.
New guide offers tax information for vendors, promoters
The S.C. Department of Revenue's Events & Festivals guide provides information on retail or special events licenses, registering for and filing taxes, and alcohol permits and licenses. It includes video tutorials and FAQs.
New study finds optimism, along with lingering concerns, among small businesses
Facebook's September Global State of Small Business Report found that 73% of S.C. small business owners are confident in their ability to stay open for at least 12 months, though access to capital and lack of demand remain concerns.
University of South Carolina ranked No. 1 public school for first-year experience
The university achieved U.S. News and World Report's top ranking among the nation's public schools for the third straight year. It also retained its No. 1 ranking in international business for the 23rd straight year.