Business In Brief - June 14, 2007 | The Herald

Specialty Polymers adds to Chester Co. facility

Specialty Polymers has expanded its Chester County facility, adding a research and development center, additional warehouse space and possibly four jobs, according to a news release and the county's economic development director.

The $3 million investment is part of the company's efforts to invest in and increase its operational capacity, according to a news release from the S.C. Department of Commerce. The plant, which makes water-based polymers for the paint and coating industries, produces more than 100 million pounds of polymer.

Based in Woodburn, Ore., the company opened its Chester facility in 1999. The business manufactures more than 250 different water-based polymers, which serve as the major ingredient for house paints, wood deck coatings, inks, roof coatings, wood glues and cement coatings, the release stated.

"Encouraging new jobs and investment in our county is vital to our mission, and it is especially gratifying when it is an existing industry such as Specialty Polymers," the county's economic development director, Karlisa Parker, said in a release.

Employers Council meeting Tuesday

The York County Employers Council will hold its second-quarter meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Baxter Hood Center at York Technical College. The event is open to the public.

Dr. Gregory Rutherford, York Tech's president, will be the keynote speaker.

Independent business group to meet in Rock Hill

The National Federation of Independent Business will hold a grass-roots meeting June 21 in Rock Hill, sponsored by AT&T.

South Carolina state director and lobbyist Jay Ragley will present an update on the legislative agenda as determined by the NFIB member ballot. County legislative delegations will be invited to attend so NFIB members can speak directly about key legislation. Issues such as workers' comp reform, health insurance reform and government spending caps will be discussed and how any reforms may help small business.

The meeting is free to NFIB members and $15 for non-members. Sign up online or call 254-1476.

Brock appointed market president at Provident

Provident Community Bank announces the appointment of Ed Brock to York County Market President.

He will be the officer in charge of growth and development of the York County market as well as the Community Reinvestment Officer for the Bank.

Brock joined Provident Community Bank in 2002 and was named York County Market Executive in early 2003. Under Brock's direction, Provident Community Bank now has three banking centers in York County.

Brock is a graduate of Clemson University with a B.S. in administrative management. He has more than 22 years experience in the banking industry.

Chartered in 1934, Provident Community Bank has approximately $400 million in assets and 10 banking centers in Union, Laurens, Fairfield, York and Greenville counties. For more information, visit www.providentonline.com.