May 17, 2012

Grooms: SC builds cheaper, more reliable aircraft

Last week, Boeing announced its plans to build a new assembly line for its 787 jetliners in North Charleston. As the choice was narrowed down to South Carolina and Everett, Washington, Berkeley Senator Larry Grooms said Boeing made the right choice.

State Senator Larry Grooms

“Our people will build aircraft. We will build it more reliable, we will build it cheaper. We will be more dedicated, and the folks with Boeing’s management, their board of directors, they know that, and they understand that. In fact, I think the whole world knows that because within the first two hours of Boeing’s stock shot up 2 percent,” says Grooms.

Since the announcement, some people in the Seattle area have criticized Boeing for its decision to expand in South Carolina. However, Grooms says sometimes it’s hard to face the facts.

“Everybody knows that we can do a better job. If you are out there in Washington, it’s got to be of great disappointment to the 80,000 or so folks that work there because they do take pride in their work. But, then again it’s not about us competing against Everett, it’s about a United States company. It’s about us competing with AirPlus, the European union,” says Grooms. [Read more...]

SC advances in treatment of breast cancer

South Carolina is adding programs and credentials in health care to effectively treat breast cancer. Clemson University’s Institute for Biological Interfaces of Engineering announced last week a $195,000 grant to support research to develop new ways to improve reconstructive breast surgery. The process uses engineered tissue containing anti-cancer properties.

This is the first time that the Avon Foundation has funded this type of interdisciplinary research

Recently, another breast cancer center joined the ranks of three in the state accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The Hollings Cancer Research Center at the Medical University of South Carolina is now added to the accredited centers in the state: Bon Secours St. Francis Breast Health Center,Greenville, SC; GHS Breast Multidisciplinary Center, also in Greenville; and Palmetto Health Breast Center in Columbia.

Dr. David Winchester is Chair of the NAPBC and Medical Director for the American College of Surgeons. He talked with South Carolina Radio Network’s Susan Trautsch about what this certification means.

Listen to interview segment with Dr. Winchester, NAPBC

Renovation plans set for Charleston auditorium

A Charleston venue that has a dynamic economic impact on the city is facing renovations. The Gaillard Auditorium was built in 1968 and serves as a major venue for Spoleto USA activities and many other shows throughout the year. Now, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley says it is time to renovate.

“I think further affirmation of the direction the Lowcountry is going in. More cost beneficial to the city, it will create substantial new revenues. It’s a win-win all the way around, we’ve got plenty of money to raise, and this will be a wonderful public-private venture seeking. I know we will get the support from the private sector. It will be something of great pride and benefit to our whole community,” says Riley.

Riley says renovations include: “Give it a world-class appearance inside an acoustically superior performance hall. We’ll add an additional floor in the exhibit hall, so there will be more activities and use for the citizens of our community. It will be a huge boost for our arts groups,” says Riley. [Read more...]

Missing couple declared dead

A judge has declared a couple from South Carolina missing for more than a year and a half dead. John and Elizabeth Calvert were last seen March 3, 2008. The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports a judge declared the two deceased this week during a hearing in Georgia.

Investigators say the day the couple showed up missing was the same day they met with an accountant who kept the couple’s books. These investigators think that accountant, Dennis Gerwing, embezzled $2.1 million from the Calverts and seven other companies. Gerwing killed himself a week after the Calverts showed up missing and after authorities questioned him about the couple’s disappearance.

Family members of the Calverts are planning a public memorial service in Georgia on November 15.

New Democrats working for change

A division of the South Carolina Democrats is making its voice heard. Named SC New Democrats, the group’s leaders promise to have new solutions to old problems.

The group is being chaired by long-time Democratic icon Phil Noble.

Listen to Noble on New Democrats

A new Internet poll conducted by the New Democrats of more than 900 Democratic activists indicates a belief that South Carolina is headed in the wrong direction. Eighty-seven percent indicated that the state government needs major economic and social reform. Only 20 percent believe that their children will be better off than they are.

The poll indicates that more than 65 percent are skeptical that Democrats will win in 2010. Noble says the state is in a crisis, but it’s also an opportunity for Democrats to present bold, new innovative solutions. [Read more...]