SCBIZ Daily for Nov. 11, 2019

State lowers unemployment tax rates by 34%

In 2020, South Carolina businesses will pay about 34% less on average in unemployment insurance tax rates than in 2019. S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster announced the tax cuts Thursday at the Statehouse, joined by Dan Ellzey, executive director of S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.

Investigation leads to Medicaid fraud charges

A pair of owners and 7 former employees of New Outlook Second Chance are charged with operating a scheme to receive fraudulent Medicaid payments.

Five Points leaders present plan to revitalize district

The 10-point plan calls on the city of Columbia to streamline the permitting process for new businesses and to waive startup fees, along with improving and increasing available parking.

Behavioral health facility launches expansion project

The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health broke ground recently on an 18-bed expansion that the organization says will help meet a growing demand for behavioral health treatment in the Upstate. The facility will have 156 beds after construction is complete in late 2020.

Nursing and design leaders create certificate program

Through a new certificate program, the Clemson University School of Nursing will educate practicing nurses about the design of health care facilities, empowering them to improve the safety and function of the spaces where they provide care. The certificate was approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education in September.

Upstate economic developers earn state accreditation

Eight economic developers have graduated from the S.C. Economic Developers’ Advanced Symposium, an advanced level course for professional economic development practitioners.

Upstate Planet Fitness planned for Wade Hampton Boulevard

A Planet Fitness is expected to open in mid-2020 at 805 Wade Hampton Blvd. in Greer, according to Colliers International, who represented landlord Tate Capital. The 20,307-square-foot site was previously occupied by Big Lots, which moved to a different location on Wade Hampton Boulevard.