I'm coming from a MS SQL Server background, where I would just create a job and import for this, and I'd be all set. I don't know MySQL well at all, so I was hoping someone could point me in the ...

Appart from the 'Natural Detox', gilbrikc mayhave a point:- All MySQL prior to 4.1 are UTF-8 unaware and that may be causing fun on the import, it's a long shot but something to consider.