Columbia SC News Update 08-04-2011

FDIC: SCBT one of 3 bidders for failed BankMeridian

The FDIC paid SCBT $30.8 million to take over the Columbia-based bank. SCBT in turn agreed to be responsible for 20% of the failed bank’s losses, but that figure will not be known until those loans are resolved.

Schaeffler Group to expand in Chesterfield County

The German auto components maker said it expects its $10 million investment to create 100 new jobs. The expansion will increase production capacity at the company's Cheraw plant, where it manufactures a new engine performance technology.

The Cayce-based electric and gas utility said profit in the first half of 2011 was up 2% to $184 million. SCANA attributed the increase primarily to improved margins from electric base rate increases and less-expensive operations and maintenance, partially offset by higher depreciation and higher interest expense.

Former N.Y. governor to address USC graduates

Gov. George Pataki will speak at the University of South Carolina summer commencement for degree recipients from all eight campuses in the USC system. Pataki, who was governor during the Sept. 11 terror attacks, will receive an honorary doctorate.

Economic development pro joins Parker Poe Consulting

Mark G. Simmons will join Parker Poe’s new consulting offshoot as a principal, heading the company’s economic development division. Simmons most recently served as executive vice president of the Central SC Alliance

Rob Ployhart was cited by the Association of Psychological Science for his academic research and his contributions to human resources publications. The association has more than 20,000 members.

5 S.C. colleges named top schools by Princeton Review

In its 2012 list of top colleges in the U.S., The Princeton Review noted the College of Charleston, Clemson University, Furman University, the University of South Carolina and Wofford College.