S.C. unemployment rate estimated at 8.6% in July

The rate represents a slight drop from June’s estimate of 8.7%. The number of South Carolinians working increased by more than 16,000 from June to July. Nationally, unemployment dropped to 10.2%.

Florence County companies forming, expanding operations

Newly formed Effingham Pellets LLC is investing $5.4 million in a facility slated to be operational by June 2021. SteelFab Inc. is expanding its Florence operations in a $5 million move expected to create 28 jobs.

Upstate business leaders nominated for SCDOT Commission

Gov. Henry McMaster nominated two long-time business leaders to represent the 3rd Congressional District and an at-large seat on the S.C. Department of Transportation Commission.

S.C. supply portal joins force with national PPE marketplace

The S.C. Emergency Supply Collaborative portal has teamed up with PPE Exchange, an online marketplace of 200-plus regional and national PPE suppliers. Would-be buyers can search for items, complete purchases and schedule orders through the site.

Duncan manufacturer gifts shields to special needs students

Masks can thwart learning progress for students with special needs or speech impairments who depend on facial expression and lip movement, according to local educational leaders. One manufacturer has delivered a solution with 1,500 face masks.

What’s at stake with schools reopening?

A panel of business, education and economic mobility leaders discussed schools reopening in the era of COVID-19 during a livestream event hosted by the Charleston Regional Business Journal. Click for a quick answer to one of the questions from the panel discussion: What’s at stake for businesses, schools and students int he coming weeks?

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