One of the largest taxpayers in Lexington County paid over $5.7 million in taxes in 2018.

Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative Board Treasurer Allan Risinger and CEO Bob Paulling presented a check to Lexington County Treasurer Jim Eckstrom for property taxes totaling more than $4 million.

“We aren’t just a power company, we’re a local business,” Risinger said.

“Like all individuals and businesses, Mid-Carolina annually pays taxes in each of the five counties that we serve.”

The cooperative does not pay income tax. MCEC is a not-for-profit electric utility serving over 55,000 meters in Lexington, Richland, Saluda, Aiken and Newberry Counties.

CAE fills leadership position

Kim Jamieson has been named Director of Marketing and Air Service Development at The Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

Jamieson will be tasked with setting, managing and executing the overall strategic marketing direction for the airport, while also working to proactively increase air service to the airport.

Be careful with ‘Super Bowl’

We just want to warn readers and advertisers about unauthorized use of NFL trademarked words and logos.

The NFL has more than 100 federally registered trademarks, including “Super Bowl” and “Super Sunday.”

The Super Bowl logo, NFL shield and team names and designs are also trademarked. These words and designs cannot be used in ads or for other commercial purposes without NFL permission.

It’s OK to use vague terms like “the big game” but ads that suggest a connection to the Super Bowl should be avoided.

It is acceptable to use these words in news stories or other non-commercial material about the Super Bowl.

Local company rewards big thinker

Stone Interiors, a countertop fabricator with a showroom in Gaston, held its annual internal competition recently.

Winners will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to one of the largest industry conventions the following year.

This year’s winner is Sarah Hofferth, a Sales Representative who started working with Stone Interiors last May.

Hofferth will join Stone Interiors executives on a trip to Coverings: The Global Tile and Stone Experience in Orlando, FL this April.

First Community’s record earnings

First Community Corporation announced record annual earnings, fourth quarter earnings and increased cash dividends recently. Their 2018 highlights include:

• Net income of $11.2 million in 2018 and $2.7 million for the fourth quarter

• Increased cash dividend to $0.11 per common share, the 68th consecutive quarter of cash dividends paid to common shareholders, highest dividend ever paid by the company

• Loan growth of $71.7 million during 2018, an 11.1% growth rate

• Pure deposit growth, including customer cash management accounts, of $56.4 million, a 7.5% growth rate

• Key credit quality metrics continue to be excellent with a year-to-date net loan recovery of $215 thousand and non-performing assets of 0.37% and past dues of 0.26% at year end.

New commission chair for SCDOT

Tony K. Cox, of Horry County, was named Vice Chairman of the South Carolina Department of Transportation Commission Thursday.

Cox, a Commissioner representing the 7th Congressional District, joined the SCDOT Commission in 2017.

Also Thursday, Robert D. “Robby” Robbins, of Summerville, was named Chairman of the SCDOT Commission.

Riverbanks Zoo upcoming events

• Garden Workshop: Creating Dyes for Scarves, Feb. 2. An introduction on using natural materials from your garden to create rich fabric dyes. During class, each participant will dye a silk scarf using black walnuts, while learning the basic techniques for natural dyes. The cost is $40 per person plus general park admission. Register at www.riverbanks.org .

• Orchids on the Riverbanks Festival, Feb. 8 -10. Presented by The South Carolina Orchid Society, Ikebana International Chapter 182 and Riverbanks Botanical Garden. See hundreds of blooming orchids and get expert growing advice. Hours are Friday from 1 to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Entry is free with paid park admission.