GREENVILLE -- Executives, sales representatives, construction laborers and truck drivers are among the workers businesses say they most need, but even with unemployment rates in Greenville and the state on the rise, companies could see long-term personnel shortages. Jobs in a variety of industries are opening up as baby boomers retire, some employees move to training that requires analytical thinking skills, and sometimes the problem is a lack of "qualified" candidates rather than a lack of candidates.

Read more at The Greenville News...

COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce announced that 2007 was another record-breaking year for the recruitment of jobs and investment to South Carolina. The numbers point to strong economic activity, large job creation levels in non-urban areas, world-class companies choosing to invest heavily in South Carolina, growth in the state’s manufacturing sector, and a diversity of industry investments.

COLUMBIA -- The S.C. House of Representatives unveiled another immigration reform bill Monday, setting up a battle with the Senate over whose version should be enacted. Leaders of both sides have said immigration will be a priority for the 2008 session. House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said the House proposal is more wide-reaching than a package the Senate approved in 2007.

Read more at The (Columbia) State...