It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Lexington County Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lexington, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for”
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a”
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was a great peace of mind. Care of those in need can be a heavy load on the family, and Always Best Care made everything run better in the household. Their care extended past those in need and helped the other family members provide better care. The experience was a breath of fresh air.”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for my mom. This service is no cost to the family. He spent quite some time getting my mom's preferences clarified and then searching for matching AL facilities. All of this was done in less than two days. He and I talked through the options and I relayed the two I felt were best to mom. Nate personally picked mom up from rehab and took her on those tours, which was a godsend because I live in another state. During both tours, he texted me "play by plays" as to how it was going. He helped me and mom choose the right place for her budget and needs - and was very patient with us as my mom took longer than expected to make the final decision. She was talking about needing a new TV and Nate provided her/us with a link to some that were on sale that met her needs. Once the decision was made, Nate accompanied the AL staff member to mom's rehab and sat through the entire long paperwork process to ensure mom understood what she was signing. Again, he kept me in the loop by texting me regularly about how things were going during the meeting. He checked in a couple of times after that and prior to mom's move asking how our prep was going and if we needed anything. On one call, I did ask for a referral to a specific service we needed. He didn't have an established one, so he researched it and got one for me promptly. During and shortly after moving day, Nate checked in again to see how mom was settling in. I've been amazed at the personalized engagement that we received from Nate. Anytime he said he would do something, he did it and he did it promptly. If anything was delayed, he updated me immediately. This is in stark contrast to Tara at Senior Care Authority that provides this service as well. She promised me things during our initial call and didn't follow through on most of them. During our text exchanges, she never answered my specific question - always danced around it. Within a handful of days, I said "nope!", researched more, and came across Nate and this service. Ahhhh, what a breath of fresh air to receive what you asked for. I have no doubt it saved me countless hours glued to my computer, trying to compare facilities. I highly recommend Nate and his consulting service - it was an excellent experience and he was a lifesaver!”
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services for any senior in need. Also, if you ever need a job, please go and apply. They are always hiring weekly and offer competitive rates.”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over the past six months. Melisa and Nate have been wonderful and thanks for molding me into becoming a great leader. Professionalism is the key to success ????✨⭐️ I am looking forward to many years to come.”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with them for 3years Their caregivers are insightful and have so much compassion especially Mariah and Sabrina they are some of there champs they both have great personality and are very Professional. The owners are great and they run a great company.thank you for all that you guys do ????”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands Team ensured that I was well informed, and my loved one received the best care possible. The compassionate care was delivered not only by the care professionals, but by the support team. The owners even checked in with us to offer support and guidance. They exceeded our expectations!”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care for! Nate and Melisa offer regular training for caregivers so they they can provide the best care possible!”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best choice for your family’s needs. The Team at Always Best is thoughtful and supportive they go out of their way to make you feel heard and understood. They customize the care plan, care team and schedule. I recommend them to anyone considering aging in place.”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service is a savior for me personally. It relieves me from having to miss a lot of work time to travel to my mothers appt, now I can meet her at the appt. and save this time. The care and service she is getting is TOP NOTCH! From how easy it is for my mother to schedule and the follow through is right on the money. From a person getting the services: Melissa is the best, she calls me weekly to remind me of my appointments coming up. I am very pleased with the services and absolutely pleased with the services provided. I know that this alone helps ease the mind of my daughter. Thank you to the team at Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking for care for a loved one, I highly recommend them. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. I work in the senior industry and recommend Always Best Care to my clients that need extra support in their home or while family is away. Always Best Care will respond immediately and truly show compassion to others.”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take the time to ensure your care needs are met. Highly recommend giving them a call if you have senior care or senior living questions or concerns.”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense of the questions we had when it came to the short and long term care of our loved one. When you have an elderly parent or a loved one with disabilities there are so many questions and so many emotions. It can be so confusing and it was hard for us to find one person or one company that has the knowledge and grasp of this industry that Nate has. We cannot thank him enough for guiding us through this process and his amazing bedside manner!”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your families a Merry, Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year! My brother, my dad, and I really appreciate everything you did for us this year. You're amazing! All the best for the Christmas season and 2023,”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs assistance daily, and I work full time. I like their team approach.”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The owners, Nate and Melisa, genuinely care about clients AND staff. They go above and beyond to support, encourage, and help everyone they work with. Their doors are always open, they’re generous with their time, and they truly want their staff to succeed. Donna in the billing department is fabulous, always available to answer questions or help in any way; Katrina in scheduling puts in so much time and effort to accommodate everyone’s needs and it’s amazing how well she handles everything; Angel works diligently on recruiting and training, making sure there’s plenty of staff to provide quality care; and Jackie is an incredible CHAMP, making sure clients are properly reassessed and care givers have the right tools and knowledge to do their job. ABC is a fantastic, compassionate, caring team I’m proud to be a part of, and I’m proud to serve our clients, too.”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the job. The people they hire can improve.”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job if it wasn't for them and they go grocery shopping. They can have more guidance for the client and what to do for the client.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly and courteous. I like that I do not have to worry about them; they are honest.”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a lot easier for me to find out about the caregiver coming out and having someone on backup. The agency could provide better scheduling and the caregivers would not come in on time.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Gibson Pond Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Private Property or visit Laurance Corley House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lexington, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lexington, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lexington, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Listen to this articleA German manufacturer has chosen Lexington County for its first South Carolina operation.ALLTAPE Adhesive Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer of adhesive products, has chosen Lexington County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation, according to a news release. The $70 million investment will create 130 new jobs.ALLTAPE’s new facility, located in the Saxe Gotha Industrial Park, will include 125,000 square feet of production and office space.Part of ATP Group and f...
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A German manufacturer has chosen Lexington County for its first South Carolina operation.
ALLTAPE Adhesive Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer of adhesive products, has chosen Lexington County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation, according to a news release. The $70 million investment will create 130 new jobs.
ALLTAPE’s new facility, located in the Saxe Gotha Industrial Park, will include 125,000 square feet of production and office space.
Part of ATP Group and founded in Germany, ALLTAPE specializes in developing and manufacturing sustainable and solvent-free adhesive products. The company’s water-based adhesives are used in a variety of industry segments including automotive, transportation, foam, plastics and more.
“Launching our first production site in Lexington County, South Carolina marks a significant milestone in our expansion into the U.S. market,” ATP Group CEO Daniel Heini said in the release. “This substantial investment reflects ATP’s commitment to growth and innovation, and we are excited to commence operations in the South Carolina region.” –
Operations are expected to be online in July 2026.
“Lexington County is proud to welcome ALLTAPE and their significant investment of $70 million to our community,” Lexington County Council Chairman Todd Cullum said in the release. “This commitment, along with the creation of 130 new jobs, demonstrates the strength of our business climate and the opportunities available here. We look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our local economy and workforce for years to come.”
Related: Global manufacturer leases space at Columbia speculative building
Related: Paper company to invest $145 million in Eastover, Sumter facilities
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project, according to the release. The council also awarded a $600,000 Set-Aside grant to Lexington County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.
“We are thrilled to congratulate ALLTAPE Adhesive Manufacturing Inc.,” Central SC Alliance Chairman Matthew Shaffer said in the release. “On selecting Lexington County as the ideal location for their first operations in South Carolina. Their innovative adhesive products are poised to strengthen our region’s thriving industries, seal new opportunities for growth and create a lasting bond of success across our vibrant business ecosystem.”
The second time was a charm for a national coffee chain looking to have plans approved for a new location in Lexington.The town of Lexington Board of Appearance on Tuesday unanimously approved plans for Dutch Bros. Coffee to establish a location at 5211 Sunset Blvd. The 950-square-foot drive-thru and walk-up location would be constructed in the northeast corner of the parking lot of a Lidl grocery store, along Sunset.Tuesday’s approval came roughly a month after the board had ...
The second time was a charm for a national coffee chain looking to have plans approved for a new location in Lexington.
The town of Lexington Board of Appearance on Tuesday unanimously approved plans for Dutch Bros. Coffee to establish a location at 5211 Sunset Blvd. The 950-square-foot drive-thru and walk-up location would be constructed in the northeast corner of the parking lot of a Lidl grocery store, along Sunset.
Tuesday’s approval came roughly a month after the board had initially denied a plan from Dutch Bros. That denial came after a town staff committee noted in paperwork that it “felt that the design of this building did not adequately incorporate the general physical character of its adjacent neighbors, which are primarily constructed of red or brown brick, tan stucco or tan/brown stone.” The staff also noted in February that the “individual corporate image dominates the overall design of the building,” rather than complementing the architectural styles of nearby properties.
While they denied the coffee shop’s February request, the board of appearance, which hears appeals from town’s staff as to whether proposed projects fit the town’s architectural and appearance standards, invited the company to adjust its plans and resubmit the project.
The second time around, town officials noted in planning documents that the new plans from the coffee company incorporated changes to exterior materials and finishings that were more aesthetically compatible with the neighborhood. The lighting plan for the project also was revised, and the amount of overall signage was reduced.
The new plans also note that a three-foot brick wall and “enhanced landscaping” will be used to buffer the drive-thru restaurant from Sunset Boulevard and neighboring road Tom Corley Place. The appearance board had previously asked for more detail about the materials with which that wall would be constructed.
“I think we kind of went back to the drawing board on the building, tried to match the colors and materials you all were looking for, and hopefully it meets the intent and look you guys would like to see,” said Steven Knudsen, of North Carolina’s Durban Development, who spoke on behalf of the Dutch Bros. project.
Members of the appearance board expressed apprciation for the coffee company’s willingness to make adjustments to its plans.
“You guys made a lot of the changes we requested,” board member Larry Wilund said. “It’s a better looking proposal, and more in line with the appearance board items.”
Dutch Bros. Coffee has nearly 1,000 locations across the U.S., with particularly strong representation in states such as Texas, California, Oregon and elsewhere. The company doesn’t currently have any locations in South Carolina.
The State
Chris Trainor is a retail reporter for The State and has been working for newspapers in South Carolina for more than 20 years, including previous stops at the (Greenwood) Index-Journal and the (Columbia) Free Times. He is the winner of a host of South Carolina Press Association awards, including honors in column writing, government beat reporting, profile writing, food writing, business beat reporting, election coverage, social media and more.
You can’t make a living doing community theater. But don’t tell that to David LaTorre.Falling into performing as one of several extracurricular activities in high school, the West Columbia native took all the right steps towards a professional career: academic training, hands-on exposure to the field in Florida at theme parks, practical experience as an arts educator and performing in multiple roles at the local level. Now, LaTor...
You can’t make a living doing community theater. But don’t tell that to David LaTorre.
Falling into performing as one of several extracurricular activities in high school, the West Columbia native took all the right steps towards a professional career: academic training, hands-on exposure to the field in Florida at theme parks, practical experience as an arts educator and performing in multiple roles at the local level. Now, LaTorre will step into a leadership role as artistic director at Lexington’s Village Square Theatre (VST).
Originally known as the Lexington County Arts Association, VST was formed in the 1960s. It takes its name from the converted movie theater in the Village Square Shopping Center off Highway 378 where productions are now staged. While professional artists such as directors, musicians and choreographers have been compensated, like most community theaters, VST is primarily a volunteer effort. LaTorre is the organization’s first full-time employee.
As a youngster, LaTorre performed in pageants at school and church, but was more of a soccer enthusiast until a friend encouraged him to come along to auditions for “The Sound of Music” at VST, where he was promptly cast as eldest son Friedrich.
He was hooked.
Until his next audition, where he was not cast, and very nearly gave up theater entirely. Then, director and future mentor Debra Leopard explained to him that a life on the stage can't be given up so easily. She encouraged him to keep auditioning, and the roles came. LaTorre credited his parents for their unwavering support, recalling that they helped him learn to drive so he could get to rehearsals on his own.
After graduation, the young performer headed to Anderson University for a Bachelor's degree in musical theater, helped out as an intern at VST in the summers and then worked as a substitute teacher in area schools, especially Lexington Two. All the while, he was performing in more and more shows and expanding his network of contacts in the local theater community.
In 2019, LaTorre relocated to Florida where he auditioned for gigs with Disney and Universal. Maintaining the illusion that’s encouraged for visitors, he said that he “was very good friends with Shrek,” and had been approved for other roles when COVID-19 struck, and many opportunities disappeared. But he persisted, working as a ride attendant at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and a “scare actor” for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal.
“I try to find the joy in what I’m doing,” the actor explained. “If something comes along, I jump on it.”
Post-COVID, LaTorre returned to Columbia. He discovered that theater in the Midlands was in flux as many professional positions were being realigned and reimagined.
He made his Town Theatre debut in spring of 2022 in “Bright Star,” and joined a number of artists who were teaching classes in the venerable theater’s growing youth program. From there he became Town’s youth director, and continued to play roles, such as bad boy Gerry Goffin in 2024’s “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”
Earlier this year, LaTorre saw an opportunity that he couldn’t ignore: taking the reins as artistic director at VST, where it all began for him.
“If 30-year-old me could go back and tell awkward 15-year-old David about the incredible life ahead, full of growth and belonging, I don’t know if he would’ve believed it," LaTorre posted to social media recently.
He’s still committed through the spring to Town, where he’s directing a youth production of “Once Upon a Mattress." But come June 1, he will dive headlong into duties at VST. First up? Directing a junior edition of “Alice in Wonderland,” taken from the animated Disney classic, with a few updates from the Tim Burton 2010 remake.
The original plan was for there to be two half-time positions, one of which would focus on box office and administrative duties, but “when David applied, we did not think hiring him would even be a possibility,” explained board president Tricia Miller.
"The VST Executive Committee discussed what an asset he would be to the theater and the community," she said. "We saw an opportunity to grow our youth theater and programs, and move VST forward.”
They found a way to make it work by combining the two positions.
“David started his acting career at Village Square Theatre and has grown up in this community,” Miller recalled. “We are so excited to welcome him back home, and look forward to working with him."
Leopard, LaTorre's mentor and the former artistic director at VST, concurred with the board chair.
“I have always loved working with him," she said. "His talent and work ethic will be a blessing to VST.”
LaTorre’s duties will include teaching, directing and working with the board on play selection and long-range planning.
“I think VST is reaching a more diverse audience these days,” he said, referencing Lexington town and county's booming — and diversifying — populations.
He observed the importance of opportunities for a young performer to play a child’s role in an adult show, such as last fall's “Oliver!” and “The Diary of Anne Frank,” and next season's “School of Rock.”
Being in a cast with grown-ups “helps the children rise to the occasion,” he said.
“They need a place to escape, to make friends and to gain a sense of community,” LaTorre said of young performers. “Being in a show gives them a taste of life” — learning skills like teamwork and accepting responsibility — “but not so harsh. “
“Whether you're doing this for fun or for a profession, or even if you never set foot on a stage again,’ LaTorre tells his casts, “I hope you apply this (experience) to your life, and I hope it’s made a difference to you.”
More than 800,000 people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Columbia metro area’s $58 million economy. But have you ever wondered about the Capital City’s heaviest hitters?Consider this Columbia Business 101 — your guide to our region’s five key industries and major employers....
More than 800,000 people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Columbia metro area’s $58 million economy. But have you ever wondered about the Capital City’s heaviest hitters?
Consider this Columbia Business 101 — your guide to our region’s five key industries and major employers.
Note: When we say Columbia metro area, that refers to the Central SC Region that includes Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Richland counties.
Five key industries represent ~55% of the Columbia metro area’s economy, based on data from Central SC. We’ve listed them in order of employment numbers.
Fun fact: Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC — offering services like insurance, customer support, and claims processing — employs over 10,000 people alone and is the top private employer in the region.
Prisma Health Midlands + Lexington Medical Center collectively employ over 21,000 people. The services in these industries are delivered by trained professionals and include establishments providing medical care, health care, and social assistance.
Under the retail bracket of employers, Walmart came out on top, employing almost 6,000 people. Amazon followed, with over 2,600 employees, and Samsung + UPS, both employ more than 1,200 people.
Manufacturing in the Midlands comes in many different forms, but at the top of the list are Nephron Pharmaceuticals, Michelin, Trane, (which makes metal products + machinery), and Samsung. Local players such as Kraft Heinz, and Westinghouse Electric Company, also carry a significant employment presence.
Fun fact: According to the latest tourism data from Experience Columbia, visitation increased from 15.8 million in 2022 to 16.4 million in 2023, and visitor spending increased 6.5% over the previous year to $1.8 billion.
Columbia attracts visitors for many reasons, including leisure, sports, and conferences. In 2023, special events resulted in over 25,000 hotel bookings.
The economic impact of tourism in our region is substantial and the total economic impact in 2023 sustained over 23,500 jobs and generated $137 million in state and local tax revenue.
The top food and beverage employers in the Midlands region are Dak Americans LLC, a company that creates plastic materials and resins, Mark Anthony Brewing, a brewer and producer of hard seltzers, and Devro Inc., a company that creates edible casings for meat packaging.
The Public Administration sector consists of establishments of federal, state, and local government agencies that oversee and manage public programs. In total, the state of SC employs over 32,000 people in the Midlands, the top two being the SC Department of Corrections and the SC Department of Social Services.
Now that we’ve established the major industries, we bet you’re curious about some specific names. Whether you’re job hunting (or just “casually prospecting”), here are five major employers — all that employ more than 5,000 workers on average.
32,085 employees | Public sector | Search jobs
With Cola being the capital of SC, the city’s largest employer is the state — which helps drive tourism, the economy, business, and local government agencies.
15,000 employees | Healthcare | Search jobs
In 2017, Greenville Health + Palmetto Health merged to become Prisma — and became the second-largest employer in Richland County and one of the largest healthcare providers in the region.
10,998 employees | Insurance services | Search jobs
BCBSSC is the only SC-owned + operated health insurance carrier in the state and has a family of companies and affiliates also offering services to South Carolinians.
6,557 employees | Healthcare | Search jobs
The hospital in West Columbia delivers more than 4,000 babies each year and performs more than 25,000 surgeries. It was also named the No. 3 hospital in SC and is recognized as the No. 1 hospital in the Midlands, according to U.S. News and World Report.
6,456 employees | Educational services | Search jobs
With its campus spread throughout the city, USC is the heartbeat of Columbia. The over 200-year-old university is the largest in SC and has been ranked as the nation’s number one first-year student experience. The university also boasts the country’s number-one ranking for international business via the Darla Moore School of Business.
2024 was a transformative year for the Richland County economy. The Richland County Economic Development Office (RCEDO) announced capital investments have grown by $41 million, creating 223 jobs in the process and serving as an opportunity to highlight the companies and industries that thrive in the area.
Scout Motors | Automotive | Volkswagon entered the electric off-road vehicle arena under the Scout Motors nameplate and will build those cars at a new facility under construction in Blythewood. When completed, the new center will span 1.3 million sqft and create 4,000 new jobs.
The Ritedose Corporation | Medicine | This healthcare manufacturer and distributor is building a 225,000-sqft campus in Richland County as part of a multi-phase expansion to keep up with demand.
US Brick | Manufacturing | Last year, this SC-founded business invested $5.5 million to modernize and expand its northeast Columbia facility, hoping to increase its production capacity.
TMC Transportation | Trucking | TMC has been working on a new terminal in Columbia with plans to open later this year. The flatbed company hopes the new space will help expand its presence in the Southeast.
Integer Technology | Engineering | This research and engineering company works with its partners like businesses, universities, and government agencies to provide technology solutions. Last year, it was recognized as SC’s fastest-growing company.
This information is derived from the most recent data published by Central SC.
Both a severe thunderstorm warning and a tornado warning were issued Wednesday morning for Columbia and Lexington County, according to the National Weather Service.The tornado warning is in effect through 8 a.m., and the severe weather warning won’t expire until 8:30 a.m., the National Weather Service said.Powerful winds could reach 60 mph in Columbia, L...
Both a severe thunderstorm warning and a tornado warning were issued Wednesday morning for Columbia and Lexington County, according to the National Weather Service.
The tornado warning is in effect through 8 a.m., and the severe weather warning won’t expire until 8:30 a.m., the National Weather Service said.
Powerful winds could reach 60 mph in Columbia, Lexington, Cayce and West Columbia, according to the National Weather Service. There is a small potential for a wind gust over 74 mph in the eastern Midlands, where there’s also the greatest chance of tornadoes forming.
The tornado warning also includes Columbia, Lexington, as well as Irmo and Chapin, the National Weather Service said.
Dangerous storms also will be near South Congaree, Springdale and Red Bank at about 7:40 a.m., before moving toward West Columbia, Gaston, Pine Ridge, Oak Grove, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and South Carolina State Farmer’s Market by 7:45 a.m., the National Weather Service said.
The National Weather Service urged anyone in the areas included in the tornado warning to take shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
Anyone outdoors, in a mobile home, or a vehicle is told to move to the closest substantial shelter and find protection from flying debris.
Powerful winds and tornadoes could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, in addition to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings. Vehicles would also be under siege in the case of a tornado.
Damage to trees and branches creates the possibility of downed power lines and outages.
In addition to the warnings, a wind advisory has been issued for all of the Midlands. That advisory is scheduled to run through 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The severe weather could also affect Richland County and other parts of the Midlands. That includes Fairfield, Newberry and Saluda counties.
Effects from the storms are expected to continue in the Columbia area through 11 a.m., and could linger into the early afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Regular winds are predicted to blow up to 25 mph, with gusts nearly double that, the National Weather Service said.
“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution,” The National Weather Service said.”
There is 100% chance of rain Wednesday, but significant amounts of rainfall is not expected, the National Weather Service said. Up to three-quarters of an inch of precipitation is possible, the forecast shows. Localized amounts could be higher.
In addition to dangerous winds and rain, another severe weather effect that could impact the area is pea-sized hail.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 7:23 AM.
The State
Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999.
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