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Business activity in the Carolinas slowed in March, according to the most recent survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

The general business conditions index decreased notably from 9 in February to -11 in March, and the corresponding expectations index fell from 24 to 1.

The sales index also fell notably from 10 in February to -6 in March. Its corresponding expectations index decreased but remained in positive territory.

The employment index edged down from 10 in February to 7 in March while the wages index decreased from 27 to 21.

Firms expected to increase wages over the near term, as the forward-looking wages index remained firmly in positive territory.

Firms reported little change in their ability to find workers with the desired skills but anticipated some improvement over the next six months.

Average year-over-year growth in prices paid increased notably, while average growth in prices received increased somewhat in March.

Firms expected further growth in prices paid and prices received over the next 12 months. 

 

Charleston, South Carolina-based BuildVision, a commercial construction procurement platform, closed on a $10 million Series A round of funding led by Norwest Venture Partners with participation from existing investor Crosslink Capital.

Officials said this round brings the total funding raised to $13.8 million.

BuildVision, the officials said, will use this round to accelerate development of its cloud-native procurement platform with new product and engineering hires, drive greater artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automation, expand adoption among the top 100 ENR contractors and grow build supplier and OEM partnerships.

"Construction is one of the largest industries still plagued by inefficient, manual procurement. BuildVision is tackling this head-on with a digital-first platform that brings structure, transparency and automation to a historically fragmented process," said Sean Jacobsohn, partner at Norwest Venture Partners, who will join BuildVision's board.

Officials said BuildVision eliminates inefficiencies by connecting contractors directly with manufacturers and suppliers on a single, cloud-native platform.

"Construction procurement is broken. By revolutionizing how every component is sourced, purchased and financed, BuildVision is not just building software — we're creating a network that fundamentally changes how $300 billion in building systems are procured annually," said Mike Powers, CEO of BuildVision.

BuildVision centralizes procurement for strategic building systems — like chillers and switchgear — by bringing all stakeholders onto a single platform to source, purchase, and track equipment in real time.

As the platform expands, BuildVision is evolving into a full-service procurement hub, integrating financing, logistics, and supplier performance tracking to drive industry-wide standardization.

BuildVision was founded by industry veterans Powers, who brings experience from Turner Construction and BuildingConnected (acquired by AutoDesk), and CTO Christophe Prakash, a technical engineering leader at BuildingConnected.

 

Bon Secours is lifting visitation restrictions for those under the age of 16 that were put into place at its Greenville hospitals earlier this year to ensure the safety of its patients, visitors, and staff. 

The restrictions, which were put into place based on rising respiratory illnesses within the local community, will be lifted beginning April 1.

At that time, Bon Secours facilities will return to normal visitation procedures which allow visitation for children ages 16 and under who are accompanied by an adult. 

For the full visitor policy, go to:

* St. Francis Downtown: https://www.bonsecours.com/locations/hospitals-medical-centers/greenville/st-francis-downtown/visito....

* St. Francis Eastside: https://www.bonsecours.com/locations/hospitals-medical-centers/greenville/st-francis-eastside/visito....

Bon Secours St. Francis is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country.

The ministry’s care is provided by nearly 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland.

 

PickleRage, an indoor pickleball club franchise, announced its newest location, bringing a top-tier pickleball facility to South Carolina.

Located at 5101 Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston, the club will offer dedicated indoor courts, community events, and opportunities for players of all levels to engage in the fast-growing sport.

Situated at the intersection of Ashley Phosphate and Dorchester roads, PickleRage at Festival Centre is anticipated to open in Q3 of 2025.

The club will be located at Festival Centre, a nearly 330,000-square-foot shopping center.

"Expanding into South Carolina represents an exciting step for PickleRage as we continue to grow nationally," said David Smith, COO at PickleRage. "We're excited to become part of the community and provide a welcoming space where players can connect, compete, and improve their game."

The 40,195-square-foot facility will include 13 indoor CushionX courts designed for optimal player performance and comfort. The joint-friendly courts will include a temperature-controlled environment.

Additionally, the club will offer a fully stocked pro shop with equipment and apparel, along with technology solutions for seamless court bookings and check-ins.

A range of programs, lessons, and clinics also will be offered.

 

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