AROUND TOWN

Lexington County businesses are invited to find their perfect match.

Lexington and Richland county economic development officials will host the 2nd annual Business-2-Business Supplier Matchmaker Event Apr. 23, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

The free event will pair supplier companies from Lexington and Richland counties with large employers and original equipment manufacturers.

Large employers and OEMs will pre-select suppliers for 10-minute, 1-on-1 meetings to see if the companies would be a match for future business.

“This is a great way to get out, know who your neighbors are, meet them face-to-face and make those connections,” Joshua Lust-man with Alimex Precision in Aluminum, said. “You may end up with a new customer at the end of the day.”

Nephron Pharmaceuticals, Apex Tool Group, Dominion Energy, Flex and CMC Steel attended last year’s event.

Rgistration is free and must be completed by Feb. 28. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/b2b-supplier-matchmakerevent-registration-91164454337 .

Airports screening for corona virus

The US has expanded screenings for the corona virus to 20 airports as health officials assured the public that the virus doesn’t yet pose a threat.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said he wouldn’t hesitate to declare a national health emergency if needed, but underscored that there are just 5 confirmed cases of the virus in the US.

“This is potentially a very serious health threat, but at this point Americans should not worry for their safety,” Mr. Azar said at a news conference with officials from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies.

In addition to screening air travelers coming to the US, federal health officials said they are accelerating efforts to find vaccines and other therapies to arrest the spread of the virus that originated in China.

Art show on State

Feb. 7 will be the beginning of the 2020 monthly Art Shows at Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing.

Gallery owner Rob Shaw will present his latest body of work for First Friday.

This show consists mainly of Landscape paintings of South Carolina. Mainly large and colorful, Shaw takes the familiar landscapes of South Carolina and adds his own flair.

Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing is a full service Picture Frame Shop and Art Gallery at 324 State Street, West Columbia.

Labor law volations

Another vape store chain is in trouble with the Department of Labor.

Dab City Tobacco and Vape LLC must pay $46,748 in back wages and liquidated damages to 31 of its employees.

It must also pay a $21,235 civil penalty for the violations.

The chain failed to pay overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. It paid cash off the books for overtime pay instead.

Dab City has 6 stores in West Columbia, Leesville, Columbia and Camden.

This is the 2nd vape chain to be penalized for violating state labor laws.

Planet Vapor Inc. was ordered at the beginning of January to pay over $66,000 in back wages and damages to employees at 5 locations in Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia and Irmo.

Calling all young filmmakers

Aspring Lexington County filmmakers can now submit their works of art for a chance to win $500.

The South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College are accepting submissions for the 2019-2020 Young Filmmakers Project through Mar. 16.

To participate, students have to create a short film (2 minutes max) telling a cinematic story in any genre, following the Creative Challenge and all rules.

Entries will be scored by a panel of independent judges, based on: Script & Story, Production Value, Design & Style and the Overall Impact.

1st Prize will receive $500. 2nd Prize will receive $300, and 3rd Prize will receive $200.

The top 10 scorers will have their shorts screened at The Nickelodeon Theatre in Columbia, where the winners will be announced.

Visit www.indiegrants.org for more information.

Free heart health screening

Lexington Medical Center will host a complimentary heart health screening for Greater Lexington Chamber members Monday, Feb. 10, 7:30-9:00 am in the Chamber Board Room.

Tests that may be performed include:

Blood Pressure Assessment

Lipid Profile (Total Cholesterol, HDL & LDL, and Triglycerides): Screening test for coronary heart and vascular disease

Glucose (blood level): Screening test for risk of developing diabetes

Appointments will be made in consecutive order. Please contact Sonja Share at visitor@lexingtonsc.org or (803) 359-6113 to schedule an appointment and for further instructions.

Happy anniversary

Lexington’s Defender Firearms & Training is celebrating its 1st anniversary.

Army veteran Eli Lykes opened the store on South Lake Drive last year. He now employs 6 staffers.

Defender offers a selection of firearms, from handguns and shotguns to semi-automatic rifles. They also offer multiple class on how to safely handle and shoot them.

There are classes for women, youth, and experienced shooting enthusiasts; defensive shooting, home defense, safety awareness and more. There, you can get the legally required training to acquire a Concealed Weapons Permit.

For more information, visit https://www.defendercwp.com/ .