The Columbia Regional Business Report will return Jan. 4. Happy holidays. 

Unemployment claims dip in final week of extended benefits

Extended Benefits recipients received their past payment during the current claim week, and two federal programs expire next week. For the week ending Dec. 19, 3,583 initial claims were filed in S.C., a drop of 140 from the previous week.

Stimulus bill could launch second wave of PPP

As 2020 comes to a close, a $900 billion relief bill passed by U.S. Congress Monday night is set to launch a second round of Paycheck Protection Program funding and aid to industries most affected by COVID-19.

Companies shift to give employees sense of balance

Companies are rethinking in-office policies and considering how employers can use tools, such as flexible schedules, in light of shifts in the workplace caused by the pandemic. 

Motor Fuel Income Tax Credit cap increasing to $85M

The upcoming tax year is the third in which S.C. residents can claim the credit, which offsets the state's gas tax. For the 2020 filing year, 79,000 returns claimed the credit, for a total of $3.4 million, according to the S.C. Department of Revenue

Greenville product transports vaccines to Midlands hospital

As Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine arrives at hospitals, an Upstate company gears up to play its own role in the “most consequential product launch in modern history.” Greenville is the North American headquarters for Softbox, manufacturer of the insulated vaccine containers.

Westinghouse locating new facility in Clarendon County

The nuclear power company’s operations at 1878 Joe Rogers Jr. Blvd. in Manning will expand Westinghouse’s welding and machining capabilities. It is expected to be complete by January 2021.