TRC Kick-Off Party

Thursday afternoon the Columbia Chamber hosted the 2011 Total Resource Campaign kick-off party on the Chamber Lawn. Chamber members and staff gathered together to celebrate the launch of this years campaign – Playing for Keeps.

The 12-week membership and sponsorship drive, benefiting the many programs of the Columbia Chamber, will kick off August 18. Helen Baldwin, property manager with NAI Avant, will lead the charge in raising $1.1 million dollars.

For more photos from the event, visit our Facebook page.

Member News | June 19 – 24

Snelling Staffing Services Celebrated their 60^th Anniversary Nationally on June 10, 2011. 

Locally, since 1982,  Snelling Staffing of the Midlands has been a human resources partner in connecting businesses with talented employees in clerical, light industrial, healthcare, and executive positions.

Snelling Staffing Services of the Midlands’ Business Development Manager, Natalie Cobb Henderson, is the recipient of the Snelling Staffing Corporate 2011 Top Sales Award.  Business Developers from across the country participated in hopes of winning the latest iPad2.  Ms. Henderson received the engraved iPad2 and a gift certificate recently.  She covers the Midlands territory finding new business opportunities and developing creative staffing solutions for Snelling clients.

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UK Guide Ranks America’s Leading Business Lawyers
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. Included in Top Rankings

COLUMBIA, SC – Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., one of the largest and oldest corporate business and litigation law firms in the Carolinas, is pleased to announce that the firm again received numerous distinctions in the recently released Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, the annual UK guide that ranks American law firms and lawyers by state and practice areas.

The 2011 edition of Chambers USA stated, “With more than 30 corporate attorneys spread across the South Carolina offices, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is a strong presence in South Carolina.  Supported by the strength of its banking practice, the firm’s corporate group is particularly recognized for its bond work, municipal transactions and tax-exempt finance work.”

In South Carolina, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. is ranked at the top tier of law firms in the practice areas of:

• Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions
• Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions: Banking & Finance

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd is also recognized for its experience in the practice areas of:

• General Commercial Litigation
• Real Estate

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd attorneys from the Charleston, Columbia and Greenville offices are regarded as leading practitioners in U.S. law firms and are recognized as “leaders in their fields” including:

Real Estate Practice

• Anne S. Ellefson, Shareholder in the Firm’s Greenville office, and Managing Director of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
• John B. McArthur, Shareholder in the Firm’s Columbia office, and member of the Firm’s Management Committee
• David M. Swanson, Shareholder in the Firm’s Charleston office

Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions

• William C. (Bill) Boyd, Shareholder in the Firm’s Columbia office
• George S. (Chip) King, Shareholder in the Firm’s Columbia office, also recognized for Banking & Finance
• Kathleen C. (Kathy) McKinney, Shareholder in the Firm’s Greenville office, also recognized for Banking & Finance

In recognizing key individuals practicing at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, Chambers USA said, “George (Chip) King is recognized for his expertise in financial regulation, corporate and securities advice, and traditional M&A work. He acts as lead counsel in many of the firm’s largest cases, and sources call him ‘an institution in banking law.’”

The UK guide also said, “Kathleen (Kathy) McKinney is considered one of the premier bond lawyers in the state and is well known for her tax-exempt financing work.”

“William (Bill) Boyd is a longtime corporate lawyer who is respected by peers across the state.  Well known for his expertise in complex corporate transactions, Boyd has recently been focusing a significant part of his practice on large-scale industrial development projects,” said the Chambers’ commentary.  A former board chair of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Boyd continues to be recognized as a “Senior Statesman,” a Chambers USA category for name partners who are admired throughout the profession and enjoy immense prestige.

Boyd, Ellefson, King, McKinney, McArthur, and Swanson are consistently included also in The Best Lawyers in America®.

About Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. provides business, litigation, financial legal services, and government relations services to national and international clients.  The law firm represents numerous international companies from more than 20 countries.  With a history dating back more than 100 years, it is one of the largest law firms in the Carolinas with more than 130 attorneys with offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C. Visit www.hsblawfirm.com for additional information.

About Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
For the United Kingdom’s guide, the ranking results are gathered through thousands of confidential interviews conducted with clients and lawyers, with greater weighting given to the views of the clients.  Chambers USA.  The publication ranks law firms and individual lawyers in bands from 1-6, with band 1 representing the highest mark of achievement.

This annual guide’s research is conducted by a team of 50+ full-time researchers interviewing clients and lawyers in all 50 United States.  The research methodology employed by Chambers has been approved by the British Market Research Bureau. For more information, visit www.chambersandpartners.com.

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DoubleTree by Hilton Puts Down Roots in Columbia
Ribbon Cutting Officially Welcomes New Hotel to the Market

 Columbia, SC— Today Richland and Lexington counties welcomed the new DoubleTree by Hilton to the Columbia market with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the new hotel.

Top officials from Richland and Lexington counties and from Hilton corporate were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony that officially opened the new hotel in Columbia.

“DoubleTree by Hilton is a world-class brand and I am pleased to be here today to help open this new hotel in our market,” said Mayor Randy Halfacre, President, Lexington Chamber of Commerce.   “I wish this hotel and its staff continued success in this area.”

“We’ve been working extremely hard getting the hotel ready for today,” said Pamela Stoy, Director of Sales and Marketing for the hotel.  “We’ve made some major changes in accordance to the DoubleTree by Hilton brand, adding Hilton guest room amenities and the signature Sweet Dreams Experience bedding.”

The hotel has also undergone extensive outside changes in appearance with a completely new façade that reflects a new, updated and contemporary image.

“This is a spectacular property, in a prime location, with a fantastic restaurant,” said Matt Ricker, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton.  “By becoming a member of the Hilton family, we are able to elevate the hotel to a higher status and offer visitors a new level service.”

The new Columbia DoubleTree by Hilton, formerly known as the Radisson Hotel and Convention Center Columbia, has been a staple hotel in the market for years.  The hotel features 238 contemporary guest rooms, has over 22,000 sq. ft. of flexible conference/social event space and has the largest ballroom in the area.  It is also home to the locally famous Columbos Italian Eatery & Prime Steaks Restaurant & Lounge that will continue as the restaurant for the new hotel.

The hotel is located at 2100 Bush River Road near the intersection of I-20 and I-26.  For more information about the new DoubleTree by Hilton in Columbia, contact Rebecca Mangum by phone at 803.254.4334 or e-mail at rebeccam@postnobills.com.

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ADS Security Expands Service in South Carolina
with Columbia Market Entry

Nashville, TN – ADS Security (ADS) has expanded their service area in South Carolina by offering their security services to the Columbia market. This new expansion marks ADS’ first entry into a major metropolitan area in South Carolina and is part of a plan to increase their presence throughout the state. Previously, ADS service was only available in southern parts of South Carolina near Augusta, Georgia.

Established in 1990, ADS has secured its position as an industry leader with a broad portfolio of residential and commercial security services including burglary, fire, video and access control. ADS is ranked 24^th in the nation among approximately 14,000 electronic security firms in the United States according to the 21^st annual Top 100 rankings compiled by Security Distributing & Marketing (SDM), a leading industry publication.

Columbia residents are now able to take advantage of ADS’s advanced suite of security technologies; including wireless monitoring, ADS^® Aniware^® mobile management, ADS RemoteView^® video surveillance and ADS SecureDoor^® access control. Additionally, they will have access to ADS’ Tennessee based, award-winning, CSAA¹ Five Diamond monitoring facility and a new website (www.adssecurity.com) offering a customer portal with online bill pay.

About ADS Security
Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, ADS Security, L.P., is ranked the 24^th largest electronic security alarm firm in the nation according to the 21^st annual Top 100 rankings compiled by Security Distributing & Marketing (SDM), a leading industry publication. ADS Security is the only Tennessee-based company to hold a position among SDM’s prestigious top 25 slots and has ranked in the Top 100 for 20 consecutive years.

ADS Security was established in Nashville in 1990 and currently serves over 70,000 businesses, industrial facilities and residences throughout the southeastern United States. ADS Security provides a full range of burglar and fire alarms, as well as video surveillance and access control systems.

ADS Security operates the only UL-listed¹ Central Station monitoring operation in Middle Tennessee. Each Central Station Operator at ADS has earned the CSAA² Five Diamond Central Station Certificate, the highest training certification available in the industry.

Visit the ADS Security website at adssecurity.com.

Download ADS brochures at scribd.com/adssecurity.

Columbia Chamber Ribbon Cuttings

The Columbia Chamber has had a big week of Ribbon Cuttings!

We are excited to share photos from both the Krispy Kreme ribbon cutting held on Tuesday, June 21 and the DoubleTree by Hilton on Wednesday, June 22.

 

Krispy Kreme – Clemson Rd.

More Photos Here.

DoubleTree by Hilton

More Photos Here.

Columbia Chamber Hosts Social Crush Aug 16-17

SocialCrush, the popular, two-day, hands-on, interactive social media business conference announces a new stop on its nationwide tour. On August 16-17, 2011, SocialCrush will be in Columbia, SC, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

“We are thrilled to be working alongside the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce to bring this fantastic event along with a heavy-hitting line-up of the nation’s top social media minds to Columbia,” says Tim Moore, CEO of SocialCrush.

While event organizers are still finalizing the list of speakers and professional instructors, the current line-up hails from a list of who’s who among top social media companies and thought leaders. This list includes speakers and trainers from Twitter, HubSpot, Foursquare, Edelman Digital, Hashable, SayItSocial, and PRNewswire.

“SocialCrush is a truly unique social media conference offering businesses of all sizes actual hands-on advice and training for developing successful and cost-effective social media business strategies,” says Nicole Curtis, Director of Communications for the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. “Having recently attended a SocialCrush event, I was able to see how powerful it was to have direct access to top minds in the social media industry. I know our diverse businesses in Columbia can benefit from an event such as this,” Curtis continued.

“SocialCrush does something no other social media conference does; it provides real help to medium and small business owners teaching them how to engage with social media and profitably market themselves anywhere on the web,” says Moore.

Sessions will show real business people how they can use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, social search and mobile efficiently and effectively for business and marketing, as well as the strategies and analytics needed to listen, monitor and grow online brand identity to keep their businesses ahead of competitors and turn fans into fanatics.

Where: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC
When: August 16-17, 2011

Registration: http://socialcrushcolumbia.eventbrite.com/

Event Web Site: http://socialcrush.co

For more information, to host an event for your city, to exhibit during this event or to be a sponsor, please contact Kelly Burnette, 800-609-0930, http://socialcrush.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SocialCrush Twitter: http://twitter.com/thesocialcrush

About the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, membership-driven organization comprised of 1,500 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of its members and the business community at large on matters of economic, educational, cultural and political concern, as well as supports and promotes the success of its members through networking, professional development, advocacy and leadership. The organization has represented the interests of the local business community since 1902.

To become a member or to learn more about the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, as well as its events, programs and initiatives, visit www.ColumbiaChamber.com.

Huggins Offers Plan for Transforming Transportation in Midlands

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) must undergo a series of immediate changes if we are to begin transforming transportation in the Midlands, according to CMRTA advisor Derrick Huggins.

“We need to work together. We can’t just throw rocks. We need our community leaders to lead,” Huggins said on Thursday before a crowd of more than 100 at a forum hosted by the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce at IT-oLogy.

Huggins proposed a plan that recommended multiple “catalysts for transformation,” including restructuring the CMRTA board, hiring a dynamic new executive director, creating a competitive bidding process for operator services, and increasing transparency and accountability.

He also emphasized that the transit authority must secure sustainable funding, revitalize its image, improve operations, explore system innovations, and expand community partnerships.

Huggins, an associate vice president for transportation at the University of South Carolina, served as an advisor to the CMRTA from March 1 to May 31.

“What Derrick has given us today is a new road to travel,” said Mike Brenan, Chairman of the Columbia Chamber’s Board of Directors. “As of today, the future isn’t what it was yesterday.”

Brenan noted that improving transportation is a vital part of improving the Midlands.

“There is not a great American city that doesn’t have a great public transportation system,” Brenan said. “If we want a great American city, we need a great public transportation system.”

Joyce Dickerson, who serves as the Chair of the CMRTA Board, said she is hopeful Huggins’ plan will be the beginning of a new journey for the CMRTA.

“We have a lot of struggles to overcome, but we are where we are,” Dickerson said. “We are here today looking forward saying that we cannot stay here. We must move forward.”

 

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Leadership Columbia 2011 Graduation

Wednesday night the Columbia Chamber held its 2011 Leadership Columbia Graduation at The Summit Club. Participants in the program were honored in front of friends and family.

To view the entire album visit the Columbia Chamber’s Facebook page.

For more information about the Class of 2011, visit their blog.

Chamber Diplomats of the Month

May

Allen Brown
Agent
New York Life Insurance
(803) 401-3039

 “The programs at the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, specifically the Diplomats Program, gives me an avenue to meet people who I typically would not meet in the normal course of business.  Thanks to all the Chamber Staff and members for believing in the Chamber!”

June

Amy Queneville
Division Manager
Recruiting Solutions
(803) 806-8125

“I have enjoyed the Diplomat program because it is a wonderful way to network with people from all types and sizes of businesses that come together to enhance our overall economic well-being.”

For more information on the Columbia Chamber Diplomats click here.

Member News | June 6 – 10

LEE NAMED TO LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FOR TWO COMMUNITY GROUPS

Stuart M. Lee, a shareholder of Rogers Townsend & Thomas, PC, has joined the Leadership Columbia Committee and the Board of Directors & Advocates for the Historic Columbia Foundation.

Lee, who heads the firm’s Business Banking and Professional Practices Department, is a Leadership Columbia Class of 2004 alumni. The year-long program gives young, promising professionals a chance to connect with the community, build relationships and learn about issues facing the Midlands. As a committee member, Lee will help design and shape the program, as well as aid in selecting future participants.

The Historic Columbia Foundation manages four historic house museums and their associated artifacts. The organization also acts as an advocate for preserving the city’s rich architectural past.

At Rogers Townsend & Thomas PC, his practice concentrates on commercial law, with an emphasis on commercial real estate finance; commercial and residential real estate development; and corporate transactions, and commercial real estate transactions emphasis on industrial and utility property transactions.

About Rogers Townsend & Thomas

Rogers Townsend & Thomas, PC, with offices in Columbia, Charlotte, Charleston and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has 58 attorneys practicing in a wide range of industries and practice areas. Rogers Townsend provides counsel to the banking, default services, insurance, real estate, construction, corporate, estate planning and probate, and title services industries. Visit us at rtt-law.com.

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PASH HIRED AS MARKETING MANAGER FOR CROMER’S P-NUTS

Cromer’s P-Nuts would like to announce the addition of Ashleigh Pash to their family as their Marketing Manager.  After stints at Clear Channel Radio, Media General television properties as well as American City Business Journals, Pash brings a long and unique history and attitude to the position.

Hired in mid-May, Pash has taken it upon herself to fortify and foster the company’s social media networking presence as well as working on massaging Cromer’s email marketing strategies to efficiently and cost-effectively breathe life into an already well-established and respected brand.  In addition to her marketing and media background, Pash has a long history of web and graphic content design and looks forward to make the Cromer’s web brand a force to be reckoned with.

Ashleigh Pash is a 2001 graduate of University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio and is a native of Cleveland, Ohio.  She is fan of Cleveland sports teams as well as the Ohio State Buckeyes (despite their sordid histories).  She and her husband, Todd, live in Columbia with their two rescue dogs, Pumpkin and Andy.  They enjoy road trips to Charleston for the beach and the occasional trips to Ohio and Texas to visit their families.

 

News from Scott and Company LLP

Chris Halkowitz, CPA  Promoted To In-Charge Accountant, Assurance & Advisory Services
Scott and Company LLP

Columbia, SC – June 1, 2011 – Scott and Company LLP is pleased to announce that Chris Halkowitz, CPA has been promoted to In-Charge Accountant, Assurance and Advisory Services in our Columbia office.  Chris graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and completed his Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in accounting.

Chris has memberships with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA).

Cynthia Saunders Licensed to Practice as
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in South Carolina; Receives Promotion

Columbia, SC – June 1, 2011 – Scott and Company LLP is pleased to announce that Cynthia Saunders, CPA has met the licensure requirements and been approved by the South Carolina Board of Accountancy to practice as a Certified Public Accountant under the provisions of The Code of Laws of South Carolina.  Cynthia has also been promoted to In-Charge Accountant, Assurance and Advisory Services.

A graduate of North Carolina State University, Saunders completed her Master of Accountancy degree in July 2008 at Georgia Southern University.

Scott and Company LLP is a full-service certified public accounting and business consulting firm with offices in Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina and is an independent member of the BDO Seidman Alliance. To lean more click here.

CASTERLINE, PICKREN JOIN ROGERS TOWNSEND & THOMAS

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Rex L. Casterline and Gary A. Pickren, both experienced attorneys in real estate matters, business counseling and litigation, have joined Rogers Townsend & Thomas, PC.

Both will be headquartered in the firm’s Columbia office.

Casterline, a native of suburban Washington, D.C., is a cum laude graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University and the South Carolina School of Law. He’s affiliated with the Central Carolina Realtors Association, the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia, the Sales and Marketing Council of Greater Columbia and the Mortgage Bankers Association of Greater Columbia.

His practice areas include residential and commercial real estate, mortgage lending, real estate litigation and business counseling.

Pickren is a graduate of Wofford College and Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, where he was a member of the Cumberland Law Review and a Cordell Hull Teaching Assistant.

He is licensed by the Department of Labor, License and Regulation as a Continuing Education Instructor for real estate agents and as a Real Estate Broker. Gary is also a member of the Sales and Marketing Counsel of Greater Columbia, the Home Builders Association and the Columbia Mortgage Bankers Association. Gary was recognized recently by the Central Carolina Association of Realtors for “Excellence in Serving on Contract Committee.”

His practice areas include residential and commercial real estate, construction law, real property litigation, real estate development, real estate licensing law, estate planning and estate probate.

His practice areas include residential and commercial real estate, construction law, real property litigation, real estate development, real estate licensing law, estate planning and estate probate.

About Rogers Townsend & Thomas
Rogers Townsend & Thomas, PC, with offices in Columbia, Charlotte, Charleston and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has 58 attorneys practicing in a wide range of industries and practice areas. Rogers Townsend provides counsel to the banking, default services, insurance, real estate, construction, corporate, estate planning and probate, and title services industries. Visit us at rtt-law.com.