<b>Palmetto State Bank receives 5-star rating</b>

Bauer Financial, Inc., the nation’s leading bank rating and research firm, is honored to recognize Palmetto State Bank with its highest 5-star rating. To earn this rating, Palmetto State Bank excels in areas of capital, asset quality, profitability and much more. Palmetto State Bank has earned this highest rating for the last 78 consecutive quarters which qualifies it for the even more elite group of “Sustained Superiority Banks.” Only 9 percent of the nation’s banks can claim this distinction. Karen L. Dorway, president of the rating firm, said, “Palmetto State Bank has stayed true to its purpose of serving its community in a prudent and responsible manner.”

<b>Local business named Blue Ribbon Award Winner </b>

Kazoobie Kazoos of Beaufort, SC, was named a Blue Ribbon Small Business Award® winner last week by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This company was recognized for its dedication to the principles of free enterprise and its contributions to restoring jobs and prosperity.

“The Blue Ribbon Award winners show that, even facing uncertainty and economic challenges, small businesses can grow and succeed,” said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO. “They are America’s economic engine, driving growth and job creation all across this country.”

The awards program, sponsored by Sam’s Club®, honors companies that demonstrate excellent business practices in several areas including strategy, employee development, community involvement, and customer service.

<b>Coosaw Point dubbed ‘Happiest Community’</b>

Coosaw Point is the recipient of RealEstateScorecard.com’s 2013 Bliss Award for Happiest Community of the Year. Only five minutes from historic downtown Beaufort, Coosaw Point is an established coastal community featuring beautiful Beaufort County real estate, Lowcountry cottage homes exuding southern charm. Coosaw Point has a private community boat dock leading to the St. Helena Sound and Beaufort River, as well as an impressive 11,000-square-foot River Clubhouse that has a swimming pool area, a fitness center, tennis courts, a dog park, playground, crab shack and lakeside pavilion with an outdoor fireplace.

<b>SCBT holds ribbon cutting for remodeled office</b>

SCBT held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week on its newly remodeled Beaufort Main office located at 1121 Boundary Street. “The staff at SCBT is proud of the bank’s new look.  <a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Biz-SCBT-Beaufort-Ribbon-Cutting.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-10041" alt="Biz-SCBT Beaufort Ribbon Cutting" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Biz-SCBT-Beaufort-Ribbon-Cutting-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a>We invite everyone to come in and see our beautiful new location with the same friendly faces that have been serving Beaufort County since 1985,” said Matt Richardson, branch manager, SCBT Beaufort office. Pictured above is Matt Richardson, SCBT Beaufort branch manager, and Bruce VanHorn, SCBT Northern Beaufort county executive, presenting Steve Curless with HELP of Beaufort a $500 donation in celebration of the grand opening.
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