TODAY'S HEADLINES | APRIL 19, 2012

Marine fighter pilot to lead S.C. Aerospace Task Force

The S.C. Department of Commerce picked Charlie Farrell, a former business owner, leadership consultant and Marine Corps fighter pilot, to lead the agency’s new advisory board to help the state develop an ongoing strategy to continue growing S.C.’s aerospace sector.

Sonoco Products profit shrinks 25% in Q1

The Hartsville-based diversified global packaging company today reported net income for the first quarter of 2012 declined 25% to $43.1 million from $57.4 million a year earlier. Sales rose 8.5% to $1.2 billion in the first quarter, from $1.1 billion a year earlier.

Bank of America profit drops 68% in Q1

The Charlotte-based bank holding company said net income for the first quarter was $653 million, compared with $2.05 billion a year earlier. Bank of America has the No. 2 market share in South Carolina, at 13%, with 111 offices and $9 billion in deposits statewide.

BB&T Corp. profit up 90% in Q1

The bank holding company said first-quarter net income rose 90% to $445 million, from $234 million in the first quarter of 2011. BB&T has the third-largest market share of deposits in South Carolina, with 9.8% of the statewide market and $6.6 billion in deposits.

Harbor deepening bill reaches S.C. Senate floor

The bill would allow state government to issue $120 million in bonds to pay for the federal government’s share of the Charleston Harbor deepening project, if the money is needed. The federal government would then refund the state.

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