AROUND TOWN

United Way of the Midlands recently held a donor recognition ceremony. Local businesses and corporations were honored Mar. 7 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Local honorees included:

• Lexington Medical Center

• Michelin

• University of South Carolina

• Regal Columbiana Grande United Way awards grants to community impact partners and invests in services and programs to meet the most pressing needs in the areas of health, education and financial stability.

MTC student starts 3 businesses

Ken Yamashiro, 23, has 3 new businesses. He did it all even before completing his degree at Midlands Technical College. Yamashiro’s businesses include:

• Mountain Castle Media marketing agency.

• Phantom Footage, a licensed and insured drone services company.

• Solar Industry Sales. Yamashiro spent a semester studying aerospace engineering out-of-state. He soon realized he wanted to learn how to connect with people. Yamashiro credits MTC for providing the skills and knowledge to help him launch his 3 businesses. MTC will hold a Career Expo Apr. 10 from 9 - 11:30 am at its Airport Campus.

Mayors continue education

Several local officials recently completed a continuing education program. The Advanced Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government covers topics including public safety, budgeting, utilities, advocacy, economic development and governance. The graduates completed 4-6 courses to receive their certificates. Graduates were:

• Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall

• Gilbert Mayor Donnie Cason

• Springdale Councilmember Viki Fecas To learn more information about the Municipal Association of South Carolina, visit www.masc.sc .

Clean energy group

A West Columbia businessman and other conservatives have formed a clean energy group. Conservatives for Clean Energy South Carolina are committed to advancing clean, renewable energy to lower costs. The organization’s Advisory Board includes Peter Brown, President of Colite International in West Columbia. Colite is a global sign manufacturing company. Brown and his brother turned a small family business an international company with their headquarters and manufacturing plant both based here.

Pelion Family Dollar re-opens

A Family Dollar store in Pelion will reopen following recent renovations. Changes included expanded food, beauty and essentials, household products, and seasonal items. The store at 435 Pine Street will hold a re-opening celebration Saturday from 10 am - 1 pm. Family Dollar stores are open 7 days a week.

Who’s new

The Midlands Technical College Foundation has elected Kristi Eidson to its Board of Trustees. Eidson is general manager for the West Columbia location of Total Comfort Solutions. The Midlands Technical College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) educational and charitable foundation that provides scholarships and other financial support to MTC students and faculty.

Workplace safety recognized

The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance recognized 104 industrial facilities for outstanding workplace safety accomplishments. The nominated facilities had low rates of incidents resulting in lost workdays, job transfers or restrictions. Lexington County’s Nucor Building Systems and Sleep Number of Irmo were recognized.

LMC opens new tower

Lexington Medical Center will soon open its newest patient care tower. The hospital will hold a dedication celebration today. The 545,000-square-foot hospital expansion is the largest in South Carolina history. The first patients will be treated in the new tower beginning Tuesday, Mar. 26.