The Ritedose Corporation has announced the expansion of its laboratories to partner with life-sciences companies around the state and nation. Company officials expect the $17 million investment to expand its analytical chemistry and microbiology capabilities significantly, while tripling the laboratory footprint and creating one of the most advanced analytical testing environments in the Southeast. “This laboratory expansion is an investment in both Ritedose and in the growing South Carolina life sciences ecosystem,” CEO Jody Chastain said. “We want South Carolina to be a place where an innovative idea can start, receive the scientific and manufacturing support it needs, and ultimately reach patients here and around the country." The company said the new lab strengthens its ability to support pharmaceutical partners from early-stage development through commercial manufacturing, while expanding analytical services available to the broader life sciences community.
The Columbia Chamber has announced the addition of seven new members to its 2026-2027 board of directors. Peyton Bryant, Trinity Partners, has been elected to serve as chairman of the board for the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He succeeds Terrance Ford, AT&T. David Looper, Furniture Services, Inc. and ACRS Corporate Housing, will serve as chair-elect. New members joining the Chamber’s Board this year include: Lynn Tickner, Ink & Key; Mark James, Cypress Real Estate Partners; Molly Campolong, Robinson Gray; Nic Collins, Nic Collins Authentic; Nick Joyner, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union; Rick Reames, Maynard Nexsen; and Susan Surratt, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. “It is an incredible honor to serve as chair of the Columbia Chamber at a time of tremendous momentum for our region,” said Peyton Bryant. “People are choosing to live here, businesses are choosing to invest here and our community continues to grow. The Chamber has an important role to play in building on that momentum by connecting our business community, advocating for policies that support a strong economy and bringing together organizations and leaders who can accomplish more collectively than they can alone.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it awarded more than $8 million in grants to 50 organizations, including the South Carolina Research Authority, (SCRA) through the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. The FAST Program provides small businesses and startups with specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance to compete for research and development funding through America’s Seed Fund. Grant recipients are eligible for awards of up to $180,000 each. America’s Seed Fund, which includes the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, is the nation’s largest source of early-stage, non-dilutive funding for technology startups.
Tyler Technologies, Inc (NYSE: TYL) announced that the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) will implement electronic titling services through the state’s existing Digital Government Services (DGS) contract with Tyler, expanding the state’s use of Tyler solutions as part of a relationship spanning more than 21 years. Through the DGS contract, SCDMV will implement a fully digital titling solution from Tyler and CHAMP, replacing paper-based processes with a streamlined electronic workflow. The solution will enable vehicle titles to be processed in as little as 24 hours while improving collaboration among SCDMV, dealers, and lenders, and increasing accuracy and operational efficiency.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) announced that Sharon Nelson has been named the airport’s first Vice President of People and Culture, effective October 5, 2026. “Sharon’s energy, strategic approach, and attention to detail made her the standout candidate,” said Chris White, CAE President & CEO. “With a proven track record of attracting, retaining, and developing talent, Sharon’s skills will be a welcome addition to the CAE leadership team.” This new position will provide a new approach to innovative human resource tactics, while also identifying ways to strengthen the airport’s culture for ongoing success. Most recently, Nelson served as the deputy director for human resources at the City of Columbia.
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Westinghouse Electric Company and the University of South Carolina (USC) are partnering to create a multidisciplinary nuclear workforce development program to support U.S. fleet deployment of AP1000 plants. The new program will be centered at the USC Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing’s planned Nuclear Innovation Center. “We look forward to collaborating with Westinghouse to develop workforce education opportunities for our students as we plan for our proposed Nuclear Innovation Center at the University of South Carolina,” said USC President Michael Amiridis. “This partnership between higher education and industry promises to strengthen South Carolina’s leading role in the future of nuclear energy for our state and nation.” The partnership will explore opportunities to create a first-of-its-kind nuclear training center to develop and prepare all workforce disciplines for a large-scale national deployment of new nuclear power plants.
The City of Columbia is accepting nominations for the 2027 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Keeper Scholarship Awards. The Dream Keeper Scholarship Awards program recognizes exemplary displays of committed service to the tenets of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The ideals of social responsibility, political empowerment, diversity, racial harmony, nonviolence, and unselfish service must be demonstrated voluntarily by the nominee in support of his or her community and fellow citizens. The nominee must be age 18 or younger and enrolled in a Richland School District One elementary, middle or high school with a minimum 2.5 grade point average. Applications are available at the City of Columbia's website, columbiasc.gov. Winners of these awards will be recognized at the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Jan. 18, 2027.
South Carolina ETV (SCETV) announces the 3rd annual NextLens Online Film Festival, an opportunity for emerging student filmmakers ages 16 and older to showcase their talent, creativity and original storytelling. Submissions for the Spring 2027 festival are currently open and will close Jan. 22. NextLens is open to students currently enrolled in a South Carolina high school, college, or university and provides an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to share their work with audiences across the state through SCETV’s digital platforms. Selected films will be featured across SCETV's digital platforms, including SCETV.org, YouTube, Facebook, the PBS app and the SCETV app,. In addition, each honoree will receive a trophy recognizing their achievements and be given the opportunity to showcase their film at local in-person screenings. For info, visit www.scetv.org/watch/nextlens.
The South Carolina Pediatric Alliance (SCPA) announces the addition of Katie Brave, LPC, to its team. A Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina, Brave brings extensive experience supporting children, teens and families through mental health challenges, with a focus on compassionate, family-centered care. Brave earned her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Columbia International University and her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from The University of South Carolina. She provides psychotherapy utilizing cognitive behavioral and family systems counseling theories and works with women, children and teens. Her areas of focus include depression, anxiety, relational issues, self-esteem, crisis management, and coping skills.
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Clemson Rural Health is delivering a new diabetes management program in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and surrounding counties through $600,000 in funding from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation. Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects adults in rural South Carolina, where food insecurity, limited health care access and barriers to care affect health outcomes. In Orangeburg, Bamberg, Barnwell, and Calhoun counties, adults experience elevated rates of diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, and hypertension, along with limited access to primary care and low health literacy. The new ManageTogether CONNECTED (Community Outreach and iNtegrated Nutrition, Education and Coordinated Treatment for Expanded Diabetes management) program builds upon the original ManageTogether program’s success in providing adults with the necessary tools to manage and prevent type 2 diabetes across the region – ultimately, transforming health outcomes in rural communities.
The Irmo Town Council honored a milestone in local sports history during its recent meeting, officially recognizing the 1980 Irmo High School Yellow Jackets football state championship team. Mayor Bill Danielson presented a proclamation on behalf of the council honoring the players, coaches, managers, and supporters whose dedication, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance brought the state title to Irmo. The proclamation notes that the historic 1980 season brought widespread pride and excitement to the town and the entire Midlands region. Town leaders emphasized that the team's accomplishments established a standard of excellence that continues to inspire student athletes on the playing field and in the classroom.
Devro, a producer of edible films and coatings, announced it is expanding its operations in Calhoun County. The company’s investment will create 19 jobs. Devro, which has been operating for more than 85 years, manufactures collagen casings and gels for the meat industry. The company has four sales offices and seven manufacturing plants, including its Calhoun County production facility. At its South Carolina plant, located at 785 Old Swamp Road in Swansea, Devro will increase its production capacity with the addition of a new processing line and a building expansion to facilitate the preparation of raw materials. Operations are expected to be online in 2028.
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