SCBIZ Daily for Aug. 10, 2020

S.C. unemployment claims top 700,000 in last 20 weeks

The 8,909 claims filed for the week ending Aug. 1 represented the third straight week of decreases and a drop of 3,285 from the previous week, when initial claims dipped below 13,000 for the first week since March.

North Charleston to nix 200 jobs to allay COVID-19 shortfall

Mayor Keith Summey signed an executive order on Wednesday that called for the elimination of nearly 200 positions within city government, as well as a hiring freeze, as part of its strategy to mitigate revenue losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The staffing cuts are in addition to reductions in the city's budget and in capital and operational expenses, for a total savings of about $18 million.

Nonprofit bill becomes law, broadband bills introduced

A bill introduced by Sen. Tim Scott to help nonprofits manage financial burdens implicit in unemployment payments became law earlier last week. Two other bills, introduced last week, expand broadband access for minority and underserved communities.

Leatherman Terminal still on schedule for March opening

Vertical construction on the Port of Charleston’s newest terminal is nearing 70% completion, as the steel frame for the project’s 6-story-tall refrigerated container racks is in the works this month.

Midlands Assembly Street development receives parking variance

The architects of a planned five-story, mixed-use development at the former Veterans Administration building say the variance is key to moving ahead with the project, which will include 83 apartments and 23,000 square feet of commercial space.

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