AROUND TOWN

The Federal Reserve publishes its “Beige Book” a few times a year.

That’s the nickname for its “Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions by Federal Reserve District.” Even with a color as bland as “beige” in the title, its nickname is typically preferred.

The report gauges the economic temperature of the Carolinas, District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia.

The latest report said our economy has grown “moderately” since the last report. Trucking companies started slow but demand has picked up. Retailers reported “softness” in apparel and auto sales.

This seems to disagree with what other researchers say about local job growth, pay increases and our economy.

Nucor expands in county

Nucor Building Systems is growing its custom, pre-engineered metal building systems operations in Lexington County. The company’s $7 million investment is projected to create about 60 new jobs.

To expand, Nucor will add 57,000 square feet at 200 Whetstone Road in Swansea.

Interested applicants should visit www.nucor.com for hiring information.

Who’s new

AgSouth Farm Credit has a new mortgage originator in Batesburg-Leesville.

DeeDee Jordan has been with AgSouth for 6 years. She replaces John Wight.

Wight accepted a position as mortgage originator trainer with the company.

Jordan will serve the home mortgage needs of those in the Greater Columbia area, including Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Saluda counties.

“We see this as an opportunity to expand our home loan department and DeeDee’s lending experience will be a huge asset,” said Christian Taylor, AgSouth Farm Credit’s Director of Financially-Related Services.

Hospice awareness

Agapé Hospice will raise awareness about hospice and palliative care in May. This year will mark their 9th annual signature “Life Blooms Eternally.”

Agapé Hospice will transform the grounds across the state into beautiful gardens of floral umbrellas that serve as a memorial and a celebration of life. US flag umbrellas will honor veterans. A full schedule for this free event is available at www.LifeBloomsSC.com .

For more information, please visit www.AgapeHospice.com .

Named super lawyers

Scott & Corley, P.A. Chairman, Ronald “Ron” Scott and President Reginald “Reggie” Corley have been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as 2019 Super Lawyers selections in Creditor-Debtor Rights.

Super Lawyers®, a Thomson Reuters service, rates attorneys in more than 70 practice areas and honors those attaining a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. No more than 5% of South Carolina’s attorneys are named to the Super Lawyers® list each year.

First Community report

First Community Corporation, the holding company for First Community Bank, reported net income for the 1st quarter of $2.5 million compared to $2.71 million last year. Earnings per share were $.32 compared to $.35 last year.

First Community CEO Mike Crapps said the decrease in earnings is due to investing in new offices in Augusta and Greenville and a lack of growth in loans following nearly 2 years of quarterly increases.

“We experienced softer demand, along with greater than normal payoff/paydown activity,” Crapps said.

Bye-bye, Gourmet Burgers

If you are hungering for a McDonald’s Gourmet Burger, forget it. The hamburger giant has cancelled them because making them slows down its operations.

McDonald’s is struggling with customer traffic. To raise revenue, it has raised prices and focused on higher-priced, limited-time offers in competition with Five Guys, Shake Shack and Burger King.