In race for distribution centers, Midlands trails other regions
When a new, 500,000-square-foot Home Depot distribution center opens on Charleston Highway in Lexington County, in two weeks, it joins three other distribution centers in the privately owned Lexington County Industrial Park that are either up and running or soon will be.

Together, the four centers are expected to produce 1,000 jobs within the next two years.

Despite those developments, the Midlands has lagged behind other regions in attracting large distribution centers, in large part because local governments haven't laid the groundwork to attract them.

The centers have not been a priority for Richand and Lexington county governments. Instead, they have been saving their scarce industrial-recruitment tax dollars for bigger hits, such as a Boeing.

Local governments were offering land that could be used for distribution centers, but "weren't going vertical" in constructing spec buildings that could attract companies, said Kevin Werner, a partner with Miller-Valentine, developer of the distribution centers in Lexington. "And one without the other has not been a successful venture."

New airport director plans to cut costs
Dan Mann arrived as Columbia Metropolitan Airport's new director last week, carrying a 60-day timetable to get acquainted before making changes.

The former Cedar Rapids, Iowa, airport boss said his first task in Columbia will be trying to lower expenses so airlines will drop fares and add flights.

"We're talking about airlines that are pulling blankets and pillows to save money," he said. "They're looking at all costs, no matter how small."

That could mean trimming staff.

Mann had 40 employees in Cedar Rapids. Columbia has about 120. And the number of passengers passing through the two airports is not far apart.

Want out of your service plan? It will cost you
One number to look for in a contract? The cost of getting out.

Early termination fees for cable service, cell phone plans and other contracts generally offer a benefit - they're escape doors from commitments for much greater amounts.

WHEN TO EXPECT THEM: You're more likely to encounter early termination fees when there's a sale or promotion, such as a reduced rate on service for a set time. The fees are how companies claw back any discounts that were given. Early termination fees are usually prorated too, meaning they decline the further along in the contract you are.

WHEN YOU CAN AVOID THE FEE: There may be a grace period in your contract that lets you avoid the early termination fee. If so, know when it ends so you can cancel in time if needed. Finally, it can't hurt to request a waiver or accommodation if you're left with no alternatives. Most businesses will negotiate if you remain a customer, perhaps by switching to a less expensive plan. Of course, you can expect that the clock on your new contract will be reset.

WHEN THERE'S NO OPT-OUT: If a contract doesn't include a clause on early terminations, it generally means the company can demand the amount you would pay over the remainder of the contract.