AROUND TOWN

Been thinking about investing in Bitcoin? One expert tracked it. He found that an investor who bought Bitcoin at $17,549 last December and held it until this summer would have lost $11,205 when its value swooned to $6,344. That’s worse than what happened to SCANA stock. This is a classic “pump & dump” scam. The scammers buy Bitcoin (or a penny stock) at a low price, email a gazillion suckers with investment advice on this great bargain, then unload it when greedy buyers propel its value into the stratosphere. Don’t be among the gullible who fall for this high-tech scam.

Lexington’s new rock quarry manager

John Oldham is Vulcan Materials Company’s new Plant Manager of the Lexington Quarry. Oldham has 24 years experience in aggregate business. He’s been with Vulcan Materials since 2006. In his new role, John will oversee the Lexington Quarry which is currently under construction by Vulcan Materials off of Highway 1 near Batesville-Leesburg. The quarry operation is expected to be in full operation in 2019. “John has a wealth of experience with Vulcan and we are excited to have him at the helm of our newest quarry operation in South Carolina,” said Elliott Botzis, VP & GM of South Carolina Operations for Vulcan.

Old school bbq

Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q will be opening its newest location August 22. Locally-owned by Jeff Katz, the first Lexington location will be 105 Saluda Pointe Court. It will be open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. with full-service catering opportunities. Willie Jewell’s will donate 10% of all sales from August 22 - 26 to the Lexington Medical Center Foundation’s Campaign For Clarity. The Campaign seeks to bring 3-D Mammography throughout Lexington Medical Center’s network of care to improve early detection for Breast Cancer. The franchise has 13 restaurants in Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. Contact Josh Martino at 904-536-2650 for more information.

What’s new

The Sack Company held their grand opening in Lexington at 584 Oak Drive Thursday, August 16. The company provides construction materials to the electrical, mechanical, HVAC and plumbing industries.

Good time to sell?

An acute affordable home shortage will continue over the next 23 months, according to market analysts polled by the Reuters news service. This is raising prices faster than inflation and wage growth. Since the recession, home prices have regained their losses, led by a robust labor market that has boosted housing demand. Annual average earnings growth is remained below 3% while home prices have averaged more than 5%.

Bad bank news

Wells Fargo admits its mistake led to 625 home foreclosures because it miscalculated customers’ eligibility for modified mortgages. It won’t say if any Lexington County homes were affected. Over 5 years, about 400 owners lost their homes. The bank has set aside $8 million to help those affected.

Business help online

The Women’s Business Center at Columbia College is teaming up with Google to help women small business owners get online. A free lunch workshop series starts today and runs through Dec. 14. The Women’s Business Center is in the Harrelson Student Services Building, 4790 Colonial Drive, Columbia. To register go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/womens-business-center-of-sc-at-columbia-college-17242659600 For information, contact Katherine Swartz Hilton at 803-470-6306