Columbia Regional Business Report editor Melinda Waldrop is a journalism veteran. She has worked for The Associated Press, The Hilton Head Island (S.C.) Packet, The Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Sun News, The Newport News (Va.) Daily Press and The South Florida Sun Sentinel. She has a B.A. in journalism from the University of South Carolina.
Recent Articles from Melinda Waldrop
Milliken father-son duo turns dirt into momentous projects
Tom and Tombo Milliken are the team behind high-profile projects in the Midlands and beyond. The duo has scouted, assembled and marketed land that has become large industrial parks in Richland and Lexington counties, among other deals.
Trinity Partners closes $7 million in transactions in last 90 days
Trinity Partners Columbia has leased more than 52,000 square feet of medical/office space in the last 90 days in commercial real estate transactions, including a 2,000-square-foot space at 1523 Richland St. in downtown Columbia.
Richland County seeking artists to illustrate children’s book
The county is searching for artists to illustrate Tessa’s Tale, a children’s story featuring a fish whose adventures educate young readers about stormwater pollution. The activity book will feature 6 original illustrations.
New website aims to connect talent, employers in central South Carolina
Start Central includes search tools for jobs and internships, training programs, startup aid for tech companies and entrepreneurs, and resources for veterans and military members, along with profiles of area communities.
SBA loan forgiveness portal reaches 1 million application milestone
The U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program Direct Borrower Forgiveness Portal has received 1 million applications from borrowers seeking forgiveness for loans of $150,000 or less. The portal launched Aug. 4.
Initial unemployment claims drop in S.C., rise nationwide
Initial unemployment claims in South Carolina fell by 796 for the week ending Sept. 18 from the previous week, with a state-high 165 filed in Greenville County. Nationally, initial claims rose by 16,000 from the previous week to 351,000.
Columbia chamber to honor 5 business leaders at annual gala
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce will honor 5 community leaders at its annual awards gala on Oct. 7 including Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, who will be presented with the chamber's Public Servant of the Year award.
Midlands Tech to celebrate grand opening of welding center
Midlands Technical College will unveil $4.5 million in upgrades to a new welding technology center at its Airport campus on Wednesday. The upgrades add 19 welding stations to the building, originally built in 1967.
S.C. unemployment rate drops for 8th consecutive month
The state's unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% in August from 4.3% in July. S.C. industries reporting employment gains included government at 5,900 jobs and leisure and hospitality at 2,500. Education and health services lost 5,300 jobs.
Columbia-based mortgage lender moving headquarters to Vista
Resource Financial Services Inc. has acquired 708 Lady St., the former location of Caroline Ale House, in a transaction facilitated by Trinity Partners. The company will retain its former Devine Street location for future expansion.
Automotive refinancing company opens Richland County office
The Colorado-based company is seeking applicants with finance or sales experience to fill around 40 loan consultant positions. The new office is located at 1001 Pinnacle Point Drive, near Interstate 77 and Farrow Road.
Initial S.C. unemployment claims rise by more than 1,100 in week
Initial S.C. unemployment claims topped 2,000 for the first time since mid-July for the week ending Sept. 11, rising to 2,393. Orangeburg County saw 523 initial claims filed.