Public hearing will address homeowners insurance

FINANCE

The S.C. Department of Insurance will hold a public hearing next week in Mount Pleasant when you can quiz Director of Insurance Scott Richardson on the state of the local homeowners insurance market. Read More

WHEELS OF FORTUNE

American LaFrance ramps up operations after reorganization

The American LaFrance complex off Jedburg Road in Summerville looks as much like a museum as a vehicle factory. In the headquarters lobby stands a restored 1904 American LaFrance Cosmopolitan Steamer, one of only seven in existence from an original production of 21. An adjacent area, near the gift shop, is home to another three early models, including a 1920 Type 75. Read More

Oil expert says 3 countries control prices

Venezuela, Russia, Iran said to be at fault

Make no mistake. There is an energy crisis. Three countries are to blame. And ethanol is a scam. So says Michael J. Economides, a provocative petroleum expert and professor of engineering at the University of Houston, who told a trade conference in Charleston on Thursday that... Read More

Mortgage Bankers group clarifies policy

I don't know if this is a way of drawing a line in the sand, or how closely it ties in with the mortgage meltdown, but the Mortgage Bankers Association has issued a new policy paper titled "Mortgage Bankers and Mortgage Brokers: Distinct Businesses Warranting Distinct Regulation." Read More

LaFrance gets OK to exit bankruptcy

Vehicle maker has restructuring plan

Emergency vehicle manufacturer American LaFrance was given the green light Friday to emerge from bankruptcy when a Delaware judge entered an order confirming the company's financial restructuring. The company's creditors voted last month to approve the plan. Read More

Truckers reaching braking point on fuel

Diesel prices zoom more than 60 percent

Commuters and vacationers aren't the only motorists reeling from soaring energy prices. The nation's truckers, having seen the cost of diesel jump more than 50 cents a gallon since mid-April, are watching their profits evaporate because of all-time-high fuel prices. Read More

Diesel costs affect truckers

The nation's truckers, having seen the cost of diesel jump by 50 cents a gallon since mid-April alone, are seeing their profits evaporate because of all-time high fuel prices. Read More

SPA agrees to $3 million sale of Beaufort rail line

The State Ports Authority agreed Tuesday to sell about 25 miles of railroad in Beaufort County for $3 million to the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority. Read More

SPA agrees to $3 million sale of Beaufort rail line

The State Ports Authority agreed Tuesday to sell about 25 miles of railroad in Beaufort County for $3 million to the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority. The track, known as the Yemassee Rail Corridor, runs from Yemassee to Port Royal. Proceeds will be used to fund other port ... Read More

SPA selling 25 miles of railroad

The sale does not involve the SPA's Port of Port Royal property, which has been on the market since late 2005. Read More