By now you've read the national employment news--263K jobs were added last month while unemployment dropped to 3.6%. Here in the Palmetto State, 12,900 jobs were filled but the unemployment rate held steady at 3.2%. Among four of the major metros, unemployment actually increased, with Charleston's rising from 2.8% in February to 2.9% in March, Greenville rising from 2.9% to 3%, Columbia 3% to 3.1%, and Spartanburg 2.9% to 3%. Be that as it may, those are still great numbers.

And things look even better on the manufacturing front--the vehicle that has driven much of the Palmetto State's recent prosperity. In Charleston manufacturing grew by 2.6%, February 2018 to February 2019; in Greenville it was 1.4%; Columbia 3.7%; and Spartanburg, 5.1%

Statewide home sale prices are also up year to year, March '18-'19, rising from $196.8K to $207K. In Charleston, prices went from $255K to $270K; Greenville, $203K to $209; and Columbia, $167K to $172K. Spartanburg, however, saw a dip with the home sales price falling from $170K to $160K.

Building permits were down in Greenville and Columbia, up in Charleston, and flat in Spartanburg.
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Breathe Youth Empowerment SUPER Saturday Camp: Breathe Youth Empowerment Organization presents another SUPER Saturday Camp, where students come to learn and engage in activities that foster character building, academic skills, team building, social skills, leadership, and community service.

Students between the ages of 7 to 14 are welcome. The camp will take place May 4, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Meadowlake Park Gymnasium (600 Beckman Rd, Columbia, SC 29203).

This is a free camp. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited. To register, visit www.breatheyouthempowerment.org.