Chamber in the black so far in FY 2012

The Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce earned income of more than $18,000 for the first half of its 2011-2012 fiscal year.

Third Lugoff dealership comes under family umbrella

The owner of Lugoff Ford and Lugoff Toyota, Mark Mason Sr., recently purchased a third dealership in the Lugoff community -- the Carolina Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, located across from Lugoff Toyota on U.S. 1.

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SAFE returns more than $2 million to members

SAFE Federal Credit Union members received extra benefits Dec. 31, 2011, when bonus dividends and loan interest rebates totaling more than $2 million were posted to accounts. Deposit accounts, including certificates, received a 10 percent bonus based on dividends received in 2010. Loan accounts (except credit cards) will receive a 7 percent interest rebate based on total interest paid in 2011.

First Palmetto annual meeting March 19

First Palmetto Financial Corp., the holding company for First Palmetto Savings Bank, F.S.B., will hold its 2012 annual meeting of stockholders at 10 a.m. March 19, 2012.

Williams honored

Lawrence Williams III (left) of Camden, maintenance caretaker of Camden Cove Apartments, received one of two 2011 Outstanding Maintenance Caretaker Territory Awards presented by Partnership Property Management at its annual awards banquet held in This award is given to a maintenance caretaker chosen from nominees who have shown continued professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication to their property. Williams has worked with Partnership Property Management since March 2007 and was chosen for the award, company officials said, because of his efforts to provide quality living in Kershaw County and to make Camden Cove a safe and well-maintained home for the residents. He ...

A new day at McDonald’s

Camden children had something to celebrate Dec. 16 as they were released from school for winter break. The McDonald's at 215 DeKalb St. treated youngsters to a brand-new Play Place, face-painting, a ceiling of balloons and Santa hats for every attendee to spread Christmas cheer. Joining to help celebrate was Ronald McDonald, 97.5 WCOS and the Camden Fire and Police departments. All guests at the event were entered in a raffle. Three lucky winners went home with iPods, and an unsuspecting customer won a brand new 32-inch flat screen television. The store was filled with families from 2 ...

Chamber launches interactive website

The Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce launched an interactive website in December to digitally promote a newly updated community map.

Scuba family

The owners of Columbia's Wateree Dive Center Inc., originally from Camden, were honored with a Platinum Pro 5000 Diver Award this year by Scuba School International. Larry, Serena and Andy Ogburn each received an award for their individual number of dives and 35 years of contributions to the diving community.

KC’s Hughes completes economic development institute

Leigh Hughes with the Kershaw County Economic Development office, along with 38 other local leaders and development professionals from across South Carolina, completed the 2011 S.C. Economic Development Institute recently.

Fickling joins McKay Firm

James E.L. "Eddie" Fickling has joined the Columbia-based firm of McKay, Cauthen, Settana, & Stubley, P.A. as an associate. He practices in the areas of workers' compensation defense, civil litigation, and subrogation and workers' compensation appeals.

Chamber playing Santa with toy, food drive

The Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce will host a toy and food drive during its Business After Hours social in December for chamber members. Chamber Executive Director Liz Horton made the announcement during a brief board meeting Nov. 16.

Weylchem set to expand fuel cell research in Elgin

Weylchem, a chemical company with U.S. operations based in Elgin, will open a new production line this month for ammonia borane, a substance used to power fuel cells.

Your invitation to ride: The Camden Horse

Included in today's newspaper is the inaugural edition of The Camden Horse magazine, Camden Media Co.'s first venture into magazine publishing. In addition to being inserted into the Chronicle-Independent, The Camden Horse is also available for pickup at key locations throughout Kershaw County. Total distribution of the magazine is 8,000, providing, by far, the largest distribution of any horse publication in the area. The Camden Horse will also be available online under "Special print sections" at www.chronicle-independent.com, benefiting both readers and advertisers.

New executive director at Morningside

Morningside of Camden has a new executive director, Daryl Orage, who comes to the area from Charleston.

Going global, Fenwick Equestrian

By TOM DIDATO

Moonshine goes mainstream on South Broad Street

By GARY PHILLIPS