TODAY'S HEADLINES | MAY 17, 2012

Public schools struggle to close skills gap of workers

A one-size-fits-all approach to public education and the notion all students must pursue college degrees fails to produce the workforce that’s needed to run today’s business, leaders said at a Power Breakfast event hosted by the Columbia Regional Business Report.

Ports authority sees increase in ship calls

The S.C. State Ports Authority reported higher operating earnings and expenses for fiscal year 2012 through April during its monthly board meeting. The ports authority expects a boost in cargo numbers in June, when two new shipping services begin.

S.C. foreclosure rate better than national average

In April, one in every 720 homes in the state had a foreclosure filing compared to one in every 698 homes under some form of foreclosure nationwide. The national foreclosure rate marked the lowest monthly total since July 2007, according to RealtyTrac.

York County workshop offers lender matchmaking

The event will be May 22 at York Technical College in Rock Hill. The day-long workshop is designed to help small-business owners with strategies on financing their businesses and meeting lenders.

State extends life of Conservation Bank

Gov. Nikki Haley signed legislation Monday extending the sunset clause of the state Conservation Bank from 2013 to 2018. It has helped protect more than 150,000 acres of land from development.

Sadie’s cafeteria opens in Richland Mall

Sadie’s American Cafeteria, owned by David Martin of Tronco’s Special Events, replaces the former S&S Cafeteria at the Forest Acres mall. Martin also is co-locating the catering business at the cafeteria. About 60 jobs are expected to be created by the move.

Wofford College president to retire

Benjamin Dunlap has been the Spartanburg college’s president since 2000, leading the college through a period of growth in faculty, student enrollment and fundraising. Dunlap will remain with Wofford College as a professor and will return to teaching after a year-long sabbatical.

Add your company to our upcoming lists

In an upcoming print edition we will be featuring Architecture Firms and Computer and IT Services Firms. Add your company to the list of Architecture Firms here. Computer and IT Services Firms can be added to our database here. Sample our list of SBA lenders in the Midlands ranked by value of Small Business Administration 7(a) loans made in fiscal 2011 here, or view the entire database here.