Charleston Parks Conservancy names top executive

The Charleston Parks Conservancy has named Tom McGuire executive director for the nonprofit dedicated to creating and preserving natural, public spaces in the Charleston area. McGuire previously served as director of the Friends of the National Arboretum in Washington.

Ben Lippen School expanding to Northeast Columbia

Around 60 students will be accepted and begin classes on Aug. 11 at Sandhills Community Church in grades pre-K4 through second grade. Ben Lippen has campuses at Columbia International University and on St. Andrews Road.

Virginia retailer expands with Charleston’s King Street store

Men’s retailer Collared Greens is expanding from Virginia to King Street with a new store in downtown Charleston’s Restoration Hotel Building. It will be the second location for the Richmond-based retailer that sells American-made clothing.

SC Housing launches rental and mortgage aid program

Qualified applicants can receive up to $7,500 for rent and mortgage assistance in the $25 million program, funded by Community Development Block Grants. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts.

Fed economist keynotes Upstate SC Alliance summit

Employment has recovered by only 50% across the nation, says Federal Reserve Economist Laura Ullrich, but four industries have seen overall growth throughout 2020 in South Carolina. In the Upstate, that growth prompted 57 economic development projects worth $1.25 billion in capital investment last year.

News from across South Carolina

• Fireflies to open 2021 season on May 4 at Augusta
• Greenville Drive unveils 2021 schedule

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