2013 Palmetto Pillar Awards, Call For Nominations

Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Information Technology Council Now Seeking Nominations

The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Information Technology Council (ITC) is seeking nominations for the 2013 Palmetto Pillar Awards.  The awards program, started in 2000, honors technology leaders, innovators and IT executives for their outstanding vision, leadership and support of technology initiatives in the Greater Columbia region.

Nominees are honored in the following categories:

• Student Achievement
• One to Watch
• Leadership in Technology
• Public Service through IT
• Start-up Venture
• Technology in the Arts
• Innovation in Application Development
• Innovation in Infrastructure Services

Nominations are free and open to the public. Top recipients will be honored at an awards banquet on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Columbia Marriott. To apply for a Palmetto Pillar Award or nominate a company or individual, please visit http://www.columbiachamber.com/PPA.htm.

Deadline for nominations is June, 7, 2013.

About  the Information Technology Council

The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Information Technology Council (ITC) is an assemblage of technology leaders promoting Columbia as a desirable location for IT companies.  Drawing upon its combined knowledge and experience, the council identifies, cultivates and promotes those characteristics that IT businesses require for efficient and successful operations.  Members endeavor to help develop a well-educated and dynamic workforce, provide guidance based on their professional expertise, and advance the amenities offered by the Greater Columbia area.

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 businesses, 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, social, 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 http://www.ColumbiaChamber.com.

Hartford Aetna Exec “Brings Imagination” to iTs|SC Executive Speaker Series

Aetna manager Ryan Kilroy of Hartford, Conn., will be in Columbia on April 24 for the iTs|SC Executive Speaker Series. Kilroy, director of strategy and innovation for Aetna, will speak at 4 p.m. at IToLogy on the company’s virtual social innovation platform, Aetna No Boundaries. Attendees can register to participate at itsscexecutiveseries.eventbrite.com.

Aetna No Boundaries, which the company has been leveraging for the past three years, gives Aetna employees the power to change the customer experience and the underlying business processes, and bring solutions to market. Aetna No Boundaries has been heralded as creating a work environment where every day is “bring your imagination to work day.” Kilroy will share how focused virtual social innovation has inspired employees to share ideas, collaborate, and watch their ideas evolve.

Kilroy is the second speaker in the quarterly iTs|SC Executive Speaker Series, which launched Feb. 6 to 100 insurance technology & services professionals. Steve Hall, CEO at Ovations Partners and former CEO at Duck Creek Technologies, which was acquired by Accenture in the summer of 2011, will speak June 12. Rich Williams, Vice President of Specialty Markets at Colonial Life, will speak Nov. 6.

“We believe part of what makes iTs|SC special is our collaborative spirit which is dedicated to the health of the insurance, insurance technology & services sector as a whole in the Columbia region,” said Alan Whelchel, Assistant Vice President at Colonial Life and chair for iTs|SC. “The iTs|SC Executive Speaker Series is an opportunity for the industry to give back to the industry, resulting in a common vision and, ultimately, the most competitive insurance technology & services cluster in the nation.”

Hosted by iTs|SC, Columbia’s Insurance Technology & Services cluster, the Executive Speaker Series is designed to provide an opportunity for industry professionals to listen and engage with some of the nation’s top executives in the insurance technology & services industry. The series features senior leaders from the industry’s leading firms, national and regional, sharing their unique approaches to common industry challenges and opportunities. It seeks to attract regional and national insurance technology & services executive talent and raise awareness of
Columbia’s existing leadership in the global insurance technology & services market. The series culminates annually in a September summit led by a partnership between IToLogy, iTs|SC, and Gartner, Inc.

About iTs|SC: Columbia’s Insurance Technology & Services Cluster
The Columbia Insurance Technology & Services Cluster (iTs|SC) is a New Carolina cluster dedicated to promoting the Greater Columbia area’s wealth of opportunities within the insurance technology and services sector. Representing 10 private sector companies and 5 public partners, its mission is to foster a collaborative environment where the private sector, government, and higher education work to strengthen industry competitiveness, develop a world class talent pool, and enhance Columbia, South Carolina’s reputation as a premier destination for insurance, insurance technology, and services. News, events, participating companies, and information can be found online at www.itssc.com.

About New Carolina
New Carolina — South Carolina’s Council on Competitiveness — is a public private partnership working to increase South Carolina’s prosperity and enhance South Carolina’s economic competitiveness through a cluster development strategy. New Carolina’s mission is to find, build and celebrate industry clusters in South Carolina and to improve the business environment for better growth. With a proven track record for streamlining and coordinating statewide industry efforts, New Carolina brings valuable insights to the table for connecting the dots and achieving collaborative economic development solutions. For more information, visit www.newcarolina.org.

About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 37.3 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services and health information technology services. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.

Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Request for Proposal Logo Styleguide

Overview

The recreation of the Columbia Chamber logo is the second step in the organization’s rebranding efforts. By working with a group of key marketing and PR professionals, the Chamber has conducted an extensive exploration to identify the Chamber’s key traits. The development of a new logo for the Chamber is just one of the steps in this multiphase process. The Chamber will also be distributing a RFP for the redesign of the current Chamber website in summer 2013.

Please note that applicants must be a member of the Chamber at the time the proposal is submitted to be considered.

Scope of Work

• Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Logo
  • The selected vendor will provide a minimum of 3 logo concepts
  • The Chamber will select a concept / combination of concepts
  • There will be three rounds of revisions to refine the selection
• Logo Style Guide
  • Intro copy “about the logo,” a brief description of how the logo supports the brand
  • Logo fonts and PMS colors
  • Examples of appropriate clear space, minimum size and usage of the     logo
  • Color variations, full color, grayscale, black and white, reverse
  • Vertical and horizontal design that adapts to promotional materials
  • Appropriate usage with backgrounds
  • Examples of misuse of logo (outlines, stretching, wrong colors, etc.)
• Vendor will provide recommendations for developing a family of logos to support programs & events
  • Vendor will develop one example of how the logo will be adapted to an event
  • Vendor will develop one example of how the logo will be adapted for a program
• Provide files of each logo and color types in .tif, .jpeg and .eps.
• Chamber to own all original documents and files

BUDGET
The budget for this project is $3,000.

Requirements for information which should be detailed in the response:

1. Process for brand development including implementation timeline that identifies key milestones from project start through implementation.

2. Background information on your company and bios on team working on the project.

3. Overviews regarding company’s project experience designing and creating logo and brand guidelines.

4. Three client references with name, title, and phone number. Similar line of business is preferred.

5. Robust portfolio of work including examples. Particularly logos.

DELIVERY
Final RFP should be delivered in the following format:

• Electronic format: PDF to ncurtis@columbiachamber.com.
• Print format: 2 copies delivered to:

Nicole Curtis
Director of Marketing & Communications
Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce
930 Richland Street | Columbia, SC 29201

DEADLINE: March 25, 2013 at 5 p.m. at Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce (all entries received after deadline will not be considered)

Proposal and Selection Timeline

RFP Announced | Feb. 25, 2013
Intent to Respond | Mar. 11, 2013
Questions |  Mar. 18, 2013
Question Response | Mar. 25, 2013
Proposal Deadline | April 8, 2013
Board Approval/Selection Deadline | April 22. 2013
Other deadlines to be set with service provider

Point of Contact:

Nicole Curtis | Director of Marketing & Communications
ncurtis@columbiachamber.com
803.733.1117

OF SPECIAL NOTE

Please note the following:

• Submissions received after the GCCC’s stated deadlines will not be considered.
• The GCCC reserves the right to reject any or all submissions that, in its sole judgment, are not the right solution for the organization, and to select any submission that, in its sole judgment, is most advantageous to the GCCC. The GCCC has the right to elect not to proceed with the project or to re-open the submission process at any time. Their decision will not solely concern potential costs.
• The GCCC is not responsible for any time or costs incurred by the proponents in preparing and submitting their response to this RFP and/or for any subsequent proposal and/or for attending any interviews or presentations.
• All questions on RFP should be submitted via email to ncurtis@columbiachamber.com. Questions will be answered and sent to all individuals intending to bide on RFP. No phone calls please.

GREATER COLUMBIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BRANDING INFO

CHAMBER VALUE PROPOSITION

Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Value Proposition

The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce is THE voice for business in the Midlands.

We are the:

• Leading advocate for business with government, higher education and military stakeholders
• Marketplace where businesses large and small can serve each other
• Portal for developing leaders, promoting prosperity, and engaging and retaining talent
• Resource provider, offering innovative solutions to help our members grow their businesses

Resulting in a unified region and pro-growth environment where business can flourish.

Define the goals for the new logo. Why is it being created?
Through the re-creation of the new Columbia Chamber logo, we hope to create an image that prospective members, members, community leaders and visitors can relate to and understand.

The new logo should reflect the following concepts:

• Collaborative
• Connected
• Leader
• Welcoming
• Engaging
• Exclusive
• Visionary
• Resourceful
• Energetic

Additional branding information will be shared with selected organization.

Greater Columbia Chamber Of Commerce Welcomes Scott Callison, New Senior Vice President of Operations

The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce announced the addition of Scott Callison as senior vice president of operations for the organization. Callison has been involved in the midlands banking industry for over 29 years.

In his new position, Callison will be responsible for the daily functions of the Columbia Chamber, including all revenue and membership services functions. Callison will supervise all Chamber events, marketing, communication and sales, as well as membership retention and satisfaction.

“We are pleased to welcome Scott Callison to the Chamber’s staff,” said Ike McLeese, president and CEO of the Greater Columbia Chamber. “With the extensive leadership experience that he brings to this position, we are confident that he will bring positive change to the Chamber.”

Prior to joining the Chamber, Callison worked as the vice president and commercial banking officer at Capital Bank for the past four years, the vice president and city executive of First Palmetto Savings Bank for more than ten years, the vice president and commercial loan officer of BB&T/Lexington State Bank for five years, as well as several other corporate leadership positions throughout his career.

Callison has served as a member of the City of Cayce Council, the Town of Lexington Council and the Central Midlands Regional Planning Council. He is a graduate of the first Leadership Lexington County class as well as Leadership Columbia. He is also a founding member, past president, treasurer and board member of the Lexington Area Tennis Association.

Callison attended Clemson University, and banking schools at the University of Oklahoma and University of Vermont.

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

The Graduation Imperative to Host Career Fair & Talent Expo April 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Graduation Imperative is calling all Midlands-area employers to participate in the Famously Hot Career & Talent Expo Thursday, April 11, from 10 a.m – 4 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Eight major colleges and universities in the Greater Columbia area are participating in this effort, including the University of South Carolina, Midlands Technical College, Columbia College, Allen University, Benedict College, South University, Columbia International University and Newberry College.

More than 1,000 attendees from across the region are expected to come seeking part and full-time employment as well as internships and other career opportunities or paths in the Midlands. The employer registration fees are as follows:

• Chamber Members $250 (member in good standing of any Chamber in the Midlands)
• Non-Chamber members $300
• Nonprofit and Government Agencies $150

The Graduation Imperative is an effort led by five partners: the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Navigating From Good to Great Foundation, Central Carolina Community Foundation, Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR) and the South Carolina Higher Education Foundation. The Graduation Imperative is an effort to improve college degree attainment rates in the Midlands in order to have the workers and talent necessary to meet the demands of today’s business industry.

“Educational attainment is a major predictor in a city’s success, but it is also important to keep these talented individuals in our region once they graduate,” said Katherine Swartz, the Greater Columbia Chamber vice president of talent and leadership development. “By creating this collaboration between our institutions of higher learning and local businesses, we hope to build an environment that encourages and cultivates our students toward a successful future in Columbia.”

For more information about the Graduation Imperative Program, visit http://graduationimperative.org/.

To register, click here.

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.

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Good public service is good customer service

By C. Grant Jackson

Senior Vice President/Community Development

Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce

 

Creating an atmosphere and attitude of first class customer service is key to the city of Columbia’s and Richland County’s efforts to attract and retain more businesses and the resulting economic growth.

Improving customer service is the primary recommendation of the joint city, county, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Business Friendly Task Force. The group spent most of the last year studying how both the city and the county can do a better job for business.

While the task force submitted a long list of technical and procedural changes to both the city and the county, “paramount is the adoption of an attitude of customer service. Attitude is fundamental in how city and county business services are perceived by the public,” the group said in issuing its report and recommendations.

“For years, we have been hearing that Richland County and the City of Columbia have been difficult places to do business. Our interviews and surveys with the public who uses these government services confirmed that it was a really difficult process. A number of private businesses leaders met with public leaders from both the county and the city, and concluded that something had to be done,” said task force chair David Brandes, a principal at Genesis Consulting.

“The committee spent a considerable amount of time dissecting the process looking for better ways to meet the needs of the customers. One primary concern we found was customer service. There was a general frustration with the length of the process, the communication for what was being reviewed and approved, and where things stood. We believe we came up with a number of solid, concrete recommendations that will help the county and the city establish a new reputation as good places to do business,” Brandes said.

The task force rolled out its recommendations to the business community in November and presentations have also been made to Richland County Council and Columbia City Council. To both jurisdictions’ credit, some of the procedural recommendations already have begun to be implemented.

The task force believes that customer service is so critical that it has even identified several outside companies that will provide customer service training for free to get the ball rolling.

The customer service recommendations include:

-Establishing a Development Ombudsman, who would be the primary point of contact for the business and development community

-Providing a minimum of 10 hours of customer service training per year per employee

-Developing a customer service training policy for all new employees

-Developing a  telephone, e-mail and letter return policy

-Developing a process to notify interested parties of changes in development procedures.

Most importantly, leadership must come from top elected leaders and administrators advocating for economic development.

To view the complete Business Friendly Task Force Review, visit columbiachamber.com/programs.htm. 

The nine-member task force includes three appointees each from the city, county and chamber.  County appointees were Milton Pope, then Richland County administrator; Stewart Mungo, president of The Mungo Companies and a frequent critic of city and county business practices; and Kelvin Washington, county council chair. City appointees were Ryan Nevius, executive director of Sustainable Midlands; Dana Higgins, city engineer; and Sam Davis, city council member. The chamber appointees were Brandes; Mickey Layden, president, LCK Construction Services; and architect Anthony Lawrence.

The Midlands Business Leadership Group originally initiated the effort and was the organizing force in getting the chamber, the county and the city to the table, Brandes said. The chamber then took up the mantle.

The existing business retention and expansion program launched by the Navigating from Good to Great Foundation helped validate the need. The foundation, which works through the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, teamed with the city of Columbia’s Business in Motion program and has interviewed more than 300 businesses across the region. That study found that both the city and county are not viewed as favorable places in which to locate a business.

During its study, the task force interviewed city and county staff; reviewed all development and business license processes; and held public and private meetings with businesses, developers, engineers, lawyers, real estate agents, and others with an interest in business development.

The group also looked at business services efforts in a group of 11 peer communities, including Largo, Clearwater, Port St. Lucie and Tallahassee, Fla.; Edmond, Okla.; Westchester, N.Y.; Fresno and San Diego, Calif.; Gaston County, N.C.; Henderson, Nevada; and even our own Horry County. Each jurisdiction was either already known as having a business friendly environment, or had launched an effort to make itself more business friendly.

What the city of Columbia and Richland County need to do is pretty simple. Our public servants need to blend Southern hospitality and good manners into great customer service. There needs to be an attitude of: What can I do today to help you get your business open? After all, shouldn’t all public service entail great customer service?

C. Grant Jackson is senior vice president/community development for the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at (803) 733-2513 or at gjackson@columbiachamber.com.

Dr. Louis B. Lynn Receives Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has announced Dr. Louis B. Lynn, president of ENVIRO Ag Science, Inc., as the winner of the 2012 Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award. Dr. Lynn was honored today at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The presentation was part of the annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference. Dr. Lynn was also one of 30 small business owners invited to participate in a December 4 White House Business Council, Minority Business Leaders Briefing about the fiscal cliff.

Inspired by the outstanding leadership of the late U.S. Commerce Secretary Ronald H. Brown, this prestigious award recognizes exceptional leaders who have made great strides in creating diversity in the public or private sector.

“On behalf of all South Carolinians I’m extremely proud of Dr. Lynn,” said U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. “For the last twenty-five years he has worked hard to build a highly successful business. His success is inspiring and should be a model for young people throughout our state and nation. Most importantly, he has shared his success through
many acts of generosity and public service. I cannot think of a more deserving award winner than Dr. Lynn.”

Dr. Lynn has been elected to seven four-year terms on the Clemson Board of Trustees, and serves on the BB&T National Bank Board, as well as the boards of many additional regional and state organizations.

A once-small residential landscaping company, ENVIRO has grown to become what is now one of the largest African American-owned landscape and construction firms in South Carolina. Specializing in construction and project management services, the company was recognized earlier this month as number four of the 25 Fastest Growing Companies in South Carolina. ENVIRO is headquartered in Columbia and has expanded
to Georgia with offices in both Atlanta and Tucker.

Recently, ENVIRO has managed large-scale projects for public schools, municipal buildings and clients in the manufacturing industry. As a SBA HUBZone Certified contractor, the firm has managed several new construction projects for the federal government and is currently under contract with the Department of Defense for repair and renovation services on historic buildings at Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

About ENVIRO AgScience
ENVIRO AgScience, Inc. is a provider of construction, construction management, landscape and design services for a wide range of government and private sector projects. ENVIRO AgScience is a recent graduate of the SBA 8(a) business program and is currently a participant in the SBA HUBZone program. Headquartered on a 12-acre campus in Columbia, S.C., with additional offices in Atlanta and Tucker, Georgia, the company currently has 85 full time employees. For more information, visit enviroags.com.

Nominations Open for 2013 State & National SBA Awards

WHO

Outstanding small business entrepreneurs and small business advocates here in South Carolina

WHAT

Awards for small businesses and small business advocates, including:

• Small Business Person of the Year
• South Carolina Small Exporter of the Year
• South Carolina Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• South Carolina Family Business of the Year
• South Carolina Minority Small Business Advocate
• South Carolina Veteran Entrepreneurship Advocate
• South Carolina Women in Business Advocate

WHERE

Nominations for all awards listed above may be submitted to the South Carolina District Office at 1835 Assembly Street, Suite 1425, Columbia, SC 29201. See the nomination guidelines for additional submission options.

WHEN

The deadline to submit a nomination is January 3, 2013. Winners will be notified in March and formally announced in April.

Nomination Guidelines

The nomination guidelines — which include information on required documents and selection criteria — are available at:

http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/2/3145/news/357591.

(Also see the nomination guidelines for additional SBA awards.)

Questions?

From now until Dec. 3, refer questions to Susan Chavis at susan.chavis@sba.gov. After Dec. 3, refer questions to Anna Huntley at anna.huntley@sba.gov.

Member News | November 26-30

Ways to help The Salvation Army assist local people in need this Christmas season:

Adopt Angels:  Each angel card represents a specific child who lives in poverty in the Midlands. The card lists the first name, age, gender, clothing sizes and requested gifts. Reserve an angel card. Shop for
the child in need. Bring the unwrapped gifts to the Hampton building at the SC State Fairgrounds on December 10 or 11 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Call 309-3244 to reserve angels.

Fill stockings: Groups and individuals can reserve a number of stockings for local children in need. We can provide the stockings and a list of suggested stocking stuffer items. Bring filled stockings to
the Hampton Building at the SC State Fairgrounds on December 10 or 11 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Call 309-3244 to reserve stockings.

Dress Bears: Many younger children enjoy having a stuffed bear. The Salvation Army can provide bears for groups and individuals to dress up in creative ways that will bring joy to little ones on Christmas
morning. Dressed bears should be returned to the Hampton Building at the SC State Fairgrounds on December 10 or 11 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Call 309-3244 to reserve bears.

Monetary donations: Financial gifts are always needed during the Christmas season to help local families in need. Please mail donations to PO Box 2786, Columbia, SC 29202. Volunteer to sort gifts, assemble gift bags and boxes at our Christmas warehouse (Ruff and Hampton
buildings at the SC State Fairgrounds) on December 10—15. This is a great opportunity for individuals and groups. Call 309-3244 to sign up for a shift. Volunteer to help distribute gifts to families in need at our Christmas warehouse (Ruff and Hampton buildings at the SC State Fairgrounds) on December 17—21. This is a great opportunity for individuals and groups. Call 309-3244 to sign up for a shift.

Volunteer to ring the bell: We are asking businesses, churches, service clubs, schools, and other organizations to adopt the kettle for a day (10 a.m.—8 p.m.) and ring the bell to raise funds for The Salvation
Army so we are able to continue helping local people in need. Call 309-3244 to sign up for a shift.

Please visit http://www.doingthemostgood.org/ringthebell

                                    

Twinkling Lights and Grand Luminaries Shine Bright on Lake Carolina for the 9^th Annual Lake Carolina Harborside Lights

December 7, 2012, 6pm – 9pm

COLUMBIA, SC – Experience the holiday magic at Lake Carolina’s 9^th Annual Harborside Lights on Friday, December 7 from 6pm – 9pm.  See the Village Green and Town Center glow with thousands of twinkling lights and luminaries while enjoying delicious treats, dance performances, caroling and more.

Lake Carolina’s Harborside Lights celebration brings holiday tradition and family fun together.  Enjoy musical entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, holiday treats and dozens of decorated trees!   Join the Jeep Rogers Family YMCA of Columbia in their Harborside Lights 5K and Fun Run.  Start the night off with a run through Lake Carolina’s decorated neighborhoods.  To register for the run, click here.

Harborside Lights is a FREE event and open to everyone.  Bring your friends, your family, even your dog and come experience a holiday tradition like no other at Lake Carolina.  Friday, December 7 from 6pm – 9pm.

Lake Carolina is located at 100 Lake Carolina Boulevard, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Complete details can be found Online.  Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for Event Promotions, Giveaways and Holiday Highlights.

                                     

Melissa Azallion Joins McNair Law Firm, P.A.

Columbia, S.C. (Tuesday, November 20, 2012)—McNair is pleased to announce that Melissa Azallion has joined the Firm as a Shareholder.  Melissa will lead the Firm’s Immigration Practice and is based out of the Hilton Head Island office.

Melissa focuses her state-wide practice on business immigration as well as labor and employment and represents individuals and corporate clients in many industries, including higher education, manufacturing, health care, hospitality, government, and technology.  Her prior experience as a Human Resources Administrator and Equal Employment Opportunity Officer for the University of Dayton gave her early exposure to immigration and employment issues.  She  has continued to serve clients in these areas for the past fifteen years in private practice.

“We are very excited to have Melissa join our firm,” said Walter J. Nester, III, Managing Shareholder of McNair’s Hilton Head and Bluffton offices. “Her leadership skills and experience will compliment the growth and expansion of our firm, and we believe will play an important role towards continuing to bring positive results for our clients throughout the Carolinas and beyond.”

Melissa moved a growing legal practice from Dayton, Ohio to South Carolina in 2002 and has since rooted herself within the community.  She is a frequent speaker for community and business organizations on topics including federal and state immigration compliance, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title VII, wage and hour and workers’ compensation issues.  She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, is past chairman of the Lowcountry Workforce Investment Board, and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Melissa graduated from Capital University Law School and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Bowling Green State University.  Melissa is licensed to practice law in South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, and the Federal District Court of South Carolina.

About McNair

McNair Law Firm, P.A., is a full-service law firm serving businesses, government and individuals from ten offices in the Southeast, including eight in South Carolina, one in North Carolina and one in Kentucky. For more information about Melissa Azallion and the firm, see www.mcnair.net.

                                    

Midlands Authority Receives a Number of Recognitions in 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tuesday, November 20, 2012)- Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism (MACST), the governing arm over Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (CMCC), Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Columbia Regional Sports Council (CRSC), has received a number of recognitions this year as a preferred organization and destination for meeting, sport, event and convention planners.

Columbia CVB was recently honored with the 2012 Successful Meetings Pinnacle Award, an award that celebrates excellence in hospitality by identifying convention and visitor bureaus, hotels and conference centers that set the standard for others to follow. Voted on by readers of Successful Meetings Magazine, this industry-driven award reflects peer impressions about the work the organization has done and continues to do.

“The environment throughout the organization is one of drive and passion for selling the region and telling its story,” said Ric Luber, President and CEO of MACST. “From the marketing and communications efforts, to the sales, convention center and event teams, we work seamlessly to draw individuals to this thriving region. Once here, we roll out the red carpet and ensure their time in the Columbia region was well spent and worth many return visits.”

Columbia CVB was also recognized as a 2012 ConventionSouth Reader’s Choice Award recipient. Highlighting the best in meeting sites across the south, this award was nominated and voted on by meeting and convention planners throughout the southeast. The CMCC/CVB has been named to this prestigious list for the fifth year in a row.

In addition to these notable honors, CRSC was recognized earlier this year with the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) 2012 Outstanding Web Presence award for their website and overall social media outreach.

“We are extremely proud of the work we as an organization have done this year to receive such honors,” said Luber. “These awards will be great encouragement to our team as we continue to attract new business and individuals to The New Southern Hot Spot.”

About the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism:
The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is a private, not-for-profit corporation funded primarily by revenue generated by visitors through accommodations taxes and is the parent organization of Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and Columbia Regional Sports Council. The mission of the Midlands Authority is to strengthen the area’s economy by marketing and selling of the entire Columbia region, its accommodations, restaurants, facilities and attractions as a destination for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, special events and leisure travel. For more information, please visit columbiacvb.com.

                                    

Snelling Welcomes New Staff

Lexington, S.C. – November 26, 2012 – Snelling Staffing is excited to welcome Jessica Dolphin to the team as Administrative Support Specialist.  She will handle administrative processing of new applicants and other support functions.  Snelling also congratulates Rosangela Rosa for being named Payroll Specialist.  Rosangela has been with Snelling since 2011 and recently assumed expanded duties to further assist with operational functions.  Both individuals are a valuable addition to the Snelling Team.

About Snelling Staffing Services of the Midlands    
Since 1982,Snelling Staffing Services of the Midlands provides full-service talent management with temporary, temp-to-perm, and career placement services to companies throughout the Greater Columbia area.  Snelling services all sized businesses and industries with candidates that include administrative, industrial, medical, engineering, and various other professionals.  For more information about Snelling Staffing Services of the Midlands, visit www.Snelling.com/Midlandsand to receive tips for business owners and jobseekers, follow them at www.Facebook.com/SnellingMidlands.

                                   

NAI AVANT BROKERS LAND SALE TO BOJANGLES’, COLUMBIA, SC

COLUMBIA, SC (November 29, 2012) Walter Monteith, a member of NAI Avant’s Senior Retail Brokerage Team, recently represented Bojangles’ in the purchase of 1.34 acres off Broad River Road. The property, previously owned by South Carolina Law Enforcement Association sold for $625,000.

About NAI Avant

NAI Avant’s commercial real estate business is one of the largest in the Southeast.  With over 65 professionals, the firm provides comprehensive brokerage, leasing, development, property and project management services.  For nearly three consecutive decades, the group has had more of its brokerage professionals recognized as top producers or recipients of the top awards than any other firm in South Carolina. As a member of the NAI Global Network, NAI Avant is affiliated with over 350 offices and 5,000 professionals in 55 countries across the globe. NAI Global is the largest independent commercial real estate service provider worldwide and a wholly owned subsidiary of C-III Capital Partners. NAI Avant’s Property and Project Management Group currently manages a multi-million square foot portfolio of properties across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Through its Avant Healthcare Division, the firm provides comprehensive services to hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. NAI Avant, founded in 1966, is headquartered in Columbia, SC with an office in Charleston, SC. Find out more about NAI Avant and its services at www.naiavant.com. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @NAI Avant and like us on Facebook.

Contact: Bruce Harper, President and Broker-In-Charge, Columbia Office, 803-744-9805, or bharper@naiavant.com

                                  

Provost Academy to Host Open House

Provost Academy, an online public charter high school that serves SC residents in grades 9-12, will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, December 5^th, 4:30-7pm, at their office located at 400 Arbor Lake Drive, Suite B-800, Columbia, SC 29223.  This event is open to the public who want to find out more information on the school.  You can meet current staff members and students.  You can also learn about college preparation, study skills, student clubs, and more.

Provost Academy is in their fourth year as a state-authorized public school that is free of charge to residents in the state of South Carolina.  Provost Academy offers high school students the choice of a quality online learning experience that is engaging, personalized, and flexible.  Students work toward their regular public high school diploma-recognized by colleges and employers- as they would in a traditional school, but in the convenient, safe environment of their own home, using the internet to connect to the classroom.

More information can be found at www.sc.provostacademy.com   Questions regarding the Open House can be directed to Tesha Byrne, Community Outreach Coordinator at 803-735-9110 or by email tesha.byrne@sc.provostacademy.com

Columbia builds on strong urban core

By C. Grant Jackson

Senior Vice President/Community Development

Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce

A strong urban core makes for a strong region. When the core is strong, especially economically, everything pushes outward, and downtown Columbia is a strong urban core that is getting even stronger.

For those who say why can’t Columbia be more like Greenville, I’m going to suggest that it may not be too long before Greenville wants to be more like Columbia. And if you don’t believe that, I’m also going to suggest that you come downtown and just open your eyes.

Downtown Columbia, South Carolina’s Main Street, has a buzz unlike anything seen in decades. Don’t try to get a table at the Oak Table, the new restaurant in the Tower at Main & Gervais, without a reservation. And that’s for lunch.

Much of the credit for the reinvigoration of downtown goes to the collaborative efforts of organizations such as the City Center Partnership, whose Yellow-Shirt Ambassadors have become a symbol of the new attitude about downtown Columbia. Downtown is now the place to be.

Consider these recent developments:

Agape Senior and Agape Hospice Inc., a major regional provider of senior health care services, announced a week ago that it will take several buildings in the 1600 block of Main Street and create a new headquarters, plus store-front retail associated with the senior market. About 100 jobs will be coming downtown as Agape consolidates its corporate operations. This continues a transformation begun by Mast General Store and the Nickelodeon Theatre on the other side of the street.

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank purchased the Bank of America Plaza at Main and Richland streets. When the bank moves its 380 employees, the tower will be fully occupied and the vacancy rate for Class “A” space downtown will drop to 8.7%, the lowest in 20 years, according to David Lockwood of Colliers International.

Late last month, Duck Creek Technologies, which was acquired by business-services giant Accenture, left the Carolina Research Park, and moved into 1441 Main St. That’s the Wells Fargo building in the heart of downtown. The company brought with it some 100 employees and an expectation that Accenture will continue to grow its Columbia presence.

AllSouth Federal Credit Union held a ground-breaking Nov. 14 for a 60,000 square foot headquarters at Elmwood Avenue and Gadsden Street. Just on the periphery of the central business district, the building will create a stunning visual gateway into the city off I-126. About 100 jobs will come downtown and another 12-15 are expected to be added.

Hotelier Rick Patel is renovating the First National Bank/Republic National Bank building at 1208 Washington St. into The Sheraton Convention Center. Patel transformed the Palmetto Building across the street, at 1400 Main St., into a boutique Sheraton hotel, boasting some of the city’s most spectacular downtown views from its roof-top bar.

Several other large downtown commercial projects are standing in the wings ready to be announced. But the buzz about our urban core is also about the quality of life and the people who have returned to Main Street.

People are living downtown and the demand for housing continues strong. The latest residential project is The Palms on Main. Developer Ben Arnold transformed the old Governor’s House Hotel at Main and Lady streets into a 54-unit urban apartment complex for young professionals. The Palms is now full as are all other apartments and condos in the central business district.

But more is on the way. When utility giant SCANA left downtown for a corporate complex in Cayce, the naysayers declared, prematurely, the death of downtown, as the company took about 900 jobs with it. For a while things were a bit rough as the economy took a nose dive. But we have more than replaced the jobs that SCANA took with it, and the empty building that once housed SCANA is set to become downtown’s newest residence as a plan progresses to transform it into housing for 800 students.

Other new downtown housing is also rumored to be coming. That will put an even greater mass of people downtown creating an even greater demand for goods and services and opening up even more business opportunities, joining several new small retailers that have already opened on Main Street.

Downtown continues to boast an array of amenities that will draw more and more people.

The latest draw is the seasonal ice rink that the city opened last week on Boyd Plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Art. The rink is expected to remain up through the holidays.

Soda City, formerly the All-Local Farmers’ Market on Whaley, opened to great crowds on Saturday morning in the 1500 block of Main Street. Several Main Street merchants have altered their hours to take advantage and others are sure to follow.

Our urban core is strong and getting stronger, and that matters.

C. Grant Jackson is senior vice president/community development for the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at (803) 733-2513 or at gjackson@columbiachamber.com