LINDA SAuLS & ChuCk MCCurry

Local retirement and nursing homes face a new challenge. Retiring baby boomers are leaving them with fewer workers to care for the elderly. Federal census officials predict this will strain Social Security and sharpen debate on immigrants available to work. Last year, for every 100 Americans working, 25 were 65 or older years, according to new census figures. That will climb to 35 per 100 working by 2030 and 42 by 2060.

Pickup and delivery

Amazon.com is driving more customers to its Whole Foods groceries. This is forcing competitors to invest in digital technology to compete. Whole Foods’ store traffic jumped 3% in each of the quarters since Amazon bought it and lowered prices. That came after two straight years of stagnant sales. Walmart, Target and Kroger want to offer online ordering, delivery and pickup services in two to three years. The Wall Street Journal reported that dozens of supermarkets have struck deals with grocery-delivery services.

Business Lexpo July 11

Think of the 2018 Business Lexpo July 11 like pop-up mall. Over 100 local businesses, restaurants and corporations will line River Bluff High School’s Main Corridors from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. that day, Connor Watkins of the Lexington Chamber said. They will show off some of their best products and services and introduce themselves to visitors, residents and other professionals. These vendors love giving away prizes, swag and delicious samples. Take a look at which businesses are coming so far, then stop by River Bluff High School July 11 and shop around! Want your business to join this list? Contact the Chamber at 359-6113.

Promote your business

The Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber’s 2018 Breakfast Business Expo will be Tuesday, July 24, 8 - 11 a.m. at Blue Moon Ballroom, 554 Meeting St., West Columbia. An exhibit booth at the event is an ideal way to showcase your business and your products/services. A booth at the Chamber’s Business Expo will provide your business the opportunity to get in front of the local business owners and community. All participating businesses will also be listed on the Chamber’s Business Expo web page with a link to your website. Contact the Chamber for information at 794-6504.

W. Cola resident named to Board of Directors

Donald H. Burkett, CPA, of West Columbia, will serve on the NASBA Board of Directors. Burkett serves as the executive vice president of Burkett Burkett & Burkett CPAs, and he previously served as NASBA chair for 2015-2016. A lifelong resident of South Carolina, he served as the chairman, vice chair and secretary of treasurer for the South Carolina Association of CPAs and was a board member on the South Carolina Board of Accountancy from 2003-2015. The NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit subsidiary of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

Ophthalmologist retiring

After 19 years in practice, Ophthalmologist Charles D. Finley, M.D. is retiring from medical practice at Columbia Eye Clinic. Dr. Finley served his entire medical career at the clinic and worked in partnership with some of the most respected physicians in the field. The 15 physicians and more than 100 staff of Columbia Eye Clinic congratulate him on his retirement.

USC among top 100 for inventions

USC is one of the top patent-producing universities in the world. For the 6th year in a row, the university made the Top 100 list compiled by the National Academy of Inventors and Intellectual Property Owners Association. The listing highlights the important role patents play in university research and innovation. USC was the lead on 37 issued U.S. patents and was named on 42 total patents last year.

Cookies for kids

Panera Bread in Lexington, Harbison and 16 other SC locations are raising money for Make-A-Wish® South Carolina. For each flip flop cookie sold, Panera will donate $1 during July. Donators will receive a blue paper star to write their name on and display in the cafés. Make-A-Wish grants wishes for children with critical illnesses as an essential part of their healing. “We are grateful for their generous support to create life-changing wishes for kids who need it,” said Misty Farmer of Make-A-Wish South Carolina.

Got a news item for us? Call 359-7633 or email JerryBellune@yahoo.com.