State Treasurer Curtis Loftis’s office has returned $35.3 million in unclaimed property to state residents in the last fiscal year.

The office has more than $700 million for SC individuals, businesses. non-profits and other organizations.

Each year, companies transfer millions of dollars to the state’s unclaimed property program when they are unable to find the rightful owners.

The treasurer’s office acts as custodian until the owners can be located.

A list of those eligible for funds is in the Cool Cash box on Page A3. Other names can be found at treasurer.sc.gov.

Help for businesses

The Irmo Future Growth Corp. has opened a grant program to help businesses recover from many months of pandemic losses.

Councilman Bill Danielson said they have already provided more than $100,000 to local businesses.

Applications can be found online at www.townofirmosc.com and going to the Irmo Future Growth Corporation link; or by coming to the Town Hall at 7300 Woodrow Street, Irmo.

Michelin sales rise

Michelin tires has reported an almost 20% increase in sales, despite covid in the first half of 2021.

The company that operates tire plants in Lexington reported they were hurt by the weakness of the US dollar to the euro.

Michelin expects increase in demand to slow and for operations to continue to be slowed by global supply chain disruptions.

Information tech honor

Carolina Business Equipment has been recognized for its accomplishments in information technology.

Representatives from Sharp Electronics presented a plaque to CBE President John Eckstrom and all CBE staff members.

Eckstrom thanked employees for hard work throughout the pandemic. CBE provides business, print and IT solutions.

Businesses deal with covid

An SC Chamber of Commerce survey found that of more than 280 businesses:

• Nearly 80% have encouraged their employees to get vaccinated.

• Almost 75% are concerned that the Delta variant will hurt their businesses.

• Nearly 40% say rising covid cases has already negatively impacted business.

• About 60% require employees to wear masks even if vaccinated.

New, bigger location

Overstock Bins has moved from Lexington to 2271 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, in the former Dream Deals space.

The store will have about 4 times the size of its previous location.

According to owner Stephen Hennessey, shoppers will find electronics, clothing, home decor and video games.

New merchandise is put out Fridays and Saturdays, with every item priced at $6 both days. Prices are reduced during the week with everything down to $1 on Thursdays, or a bag of merchandise for $25.

Jobless claims down

Initial unemployment claims in South Carolina dropped to 1,341 for the week ending July 31, with three counties recording triple-digit first-time claims.

Initial claims continued a downward trend after falling to 1,479 for the week ending July 24. First-time claims are at their lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic began swelling unemployment ranks in March 2020.

US unemployment claims fell by 14,000 to 385,000 for the week ending July 31.

Who’s buying what

• ROI Commercial’s Sherri Burriss represented Ligon Inc. in selling 4574 Sunset Blvd., Lexington. Sungold Co. bought the 5,996 office building for $1,325,000. Philip Vann of Cushman and Wakefield|Thalhimer represented the buyer.

• Burriss and George Meetze represented Dutch Holdings in selling a 12,900 square feet building at 105 Beaufort Street, Chapin. The buyer, 105 Beaufort Street, LLC, plans to lease with office and retail tenants.

Hobby Lobby in Harbison

A new Hobby Lobby store in Irmo will offer crafting and baking tools, seasonal decorations, art supplies, home décor and small appliances opening early next yeaR.

The new store will be at the former Golfsmith and Babies R US stores at 252 and 254 Harbison Blvd. Hobby Lobby also has a store at 5322 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington.

Art at the airport

A new Columbia Metropolitan Airport exhibit showcases 32 pieces of original art by clients at Transitions Homeless Center.

Transitions’ vice president Elizabeth Igleheart said the airport in Lexington County has worked with Transitions for 3 years to brighten up the food court entryway.

One of the artists said he enjoys spending his time at the center creating art.