Project links workers, jobs

A group of firms from the local knowledge economy has teamed up with the city of Charleston to create a one-stop, online resource for high-skilled workers and the businesses seeking to tap into that talent pool. Read More

S.C. lottery director to head boards

The head of the South Carolina lottery has been tapped to oversee the boards of directors at First Federal of Charleston and its holding company. Read More

4Q earnings increase despite wary buyers

CEO Marc Chardon expects target to remain cautious even as hopes of economic recovery grow

Fourth-quarter earnings at software firm Blackbaud Inc. jumped even as its recession-battered customers remained hesitant to make or increase technology investments. Read More

Lottery chief named chair of First Federal

The head of South Carolina’s lottery has been tapped to oversee on the boards of directors at First Federal of Charleston and its holding company. Paula Harper Bethea of Hilton Head Island was elected chairman of North Charleston-based First Financial Holdings Inc. and its main lending subsidiary, it was announced Wednesday. Read More

New real estate firm adapts to times

The Charleston-based commercial real estate firm NAI Batten & Moore is no more. But most of its brokers are reassembling under a newly formed venture, Carolina Commercial LLC, starting today in anticipation of a potentially rocky period for the industry. Read More

Bank bolsters loan-loss funding

Company sets aside funds to cover potential losses

Southcoast Financial Corp. set aside a big slug of income in the closing months of 2009 to cover potential losses from real estate borrowers, joining the chorus of lenders to end last year in the red. Read More

Forecast rough for 2010

Contributions to loan-loss fund lead to $4.5 million loss for fiscal first quarter

The largest bank owner based in the Charleston region sees rough times ahead for much of 2010, as souring real estate loans continue to pile up from the prolonged and widespread economic downtown. Read More

First Federal has loss as it beefs up loan reserves

As expected, the parent company of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Charleston posted a loss for the first quarter of its 2010 fiscal year because it had to set aside $25.3 million to cover potential loan losses. Read More

Quarterly loss is 8th in a row

The parent of Carolina First Bank reported its eighth consecutive quarterly loss Tuesday, as a raft of bad real estate loans continues to batter the Upstate-based lender's balance sheet. Shares of South Financial Group Inc. skidded in after-hours trading. The fourth-quarter loss f... Read More

Alternative fuel maker expanding

A Michigan company that converts industrial waste items into an alternative fuel source for the region's cement manufacturers has invested $7 million to expand its Dorchester plant. Read More