COR NOW | News of the Week | 12.22.2009

Thank you for supporting Columbia Opportunity Resource COR in our mission to make the Midlands a better place to live, work, learn, play and grow!

Thanks to your support, this year we exceeded our $100,000 community impact goal. In 2010 we'll introduce "COR 2.0," to raise the bar for ourselves, our members and our community.

Until then, all the best this holiday season!

Yours in service,

The COR Board of Directors

info@ourcor.org

Read COR NOW!http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs082/1101856822762/archive/1102896596989.html

Join Our E-mail List

http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101856822762&p=oi

Your Vote Can Help Bring up to $5,000,000 to Columbia to Help Local Charities & Attractions

Chase is giving away $5 million to local charities around the US based on votes received through Facebook. Please take a minute to help bring that money to Columbia by voting for local nonprofits. You have 20 votes in the first round and can only vote for each charity once each round, so make sure to use all your votes and vote for 20 Columbia nonprofits! To vote for local nonprofits, simply click on the link below.

Vote Here:
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving



Following Round 1, Chase will donate $25,000 to each of the 100 Charities receiving the most votes in Round 1. Following Round 2, Chase will donate $1,000,000 to the Round 2 Charity receiving the most votes and will donate $100,000 to the five runners up. The Chase Community Giving Advisory Board will select one or more nominated Charities to receive donations with a combined total of $1,000,000.

Each person receives 20 votes for round one and 5 for round two, and voting is open through December 11, 2009. Once you vote, you can post it to your wall, tweet it and invite your friends.

Here are the complete rules:
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/home/rules

If you need ideas of Columbia nonprofits to vote for, here's a list of several I found in the database and there are hundreds more. Some I searched for weren't in the database because they didn't qualify for some reason or another -- including United Way of the Midlands, American Red Cross of Central South Carolina and Harvest Hope.

Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR)
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/1229419

Home Works
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/220800

Healthy Learners
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/1271323

Project Pet
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/504918

United Way Association of South Carolina
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/1284682

The Nickelodeon Theatre (Run by the Columbia Film Society)
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/294058

Columbia Museum of Art
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/884247

South Carolina State Museum Foundation
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/705520

Riverbanks Zoological Park Society
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/811725

Historic Columbia Foundation
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/437700

EdVenture Children's Museum
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/743275

The River Alliance
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/15305

South Carolina Philharmonic
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/70617

Keep the Midlands Beautiful
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/227330

Friends of Congaree Swamp (Congaree National Park)
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/910696


Columbia Township Auditorium Foundation
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/317708

Renaissance Foundation
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/280813

Columbia City Ballet
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/848778

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia SC
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/740230

Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/437902

Columbia Childrens Theatre
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/1232344

Junior League of Columbia
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/877485

Navigating from Good to Great Foundation
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/234082

South Carolina Hospitality and Tourism Educational Foundation
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/502042

This is by no means a comprehensive list, so please help add to it by posting voting links to other local 501c3 organizations have you found in the database in the comments to this post!

Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week Activities & Press Conference 11/16

United Way of the Midlands
1800 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29201
tel 803.733.7312 or 803.733.5400
www.uway.org

Media Contact:
Joey Wallace
Manager, Communications
803.748.7282
jwallace@uway.org


UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS AND THE MIDLANDS AREA CONSORTIUM FOR THE HOMELESS TO REPORT THE 2009 HOMELESS COUNT RESULTS

What:
United Way of the Midlands and the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) are hosting a press conference to report the results of the 2009 Homeless Count.
All members of the media and the community are welcome to attend this brief presentation for a special announcement about the state of homelessness in our community. Anita Floyd, United Way of the Midlands Vice President of Community Impact, will present the results of the 2009 Homeless Count.

Following the press conference, the Midlands Interfaith Homeless Action Council (MIHAC) will hold a prayer service for people who are homeless.

Who:
Hosted by United Way of the Midlands and MACH
Remarks will be made by
• Donny Supplee, Chair of the Board of Directors for MACH
• Allen Tipping, 2009 MACH Count Coordinator
• Anita Floyd, Vice President Community Impact, United Way of the Midlands

These speakers as well as Jennifer Moore, Director of United Way of the Midlands Financial Stability Council, will be available following the briefing for interviews.

When:
Monday, November 16
11:00 AM

The prayer service sponsored by MIHAC will be held in the Keenan Chapel and will begin at 12:00 PM.

Where:
Trinity Episcopal Church
1100 Sumter St
Columbia, SC 29201

The press conference will be held in Satterlee Hall in the administration building. Enter through the wooden doors from the 1300 block of Sumter Street.

Did you know:
• There are over 1,000 people on a given day literally living on the streets and in shelters
• Many more people experience homelessness during the year or live ‘doubled-up’ with family or friends with no other place to call home
• Homelessness in Richland County has increased 16% in the past two years.
• 1 in 5 homeless adults in the Midlands are veterans.

Another way to lend your hand:
In support of Hunger and Homeless Awareness week November 15-21, United Way of the Midlands and MIHAC are also hosting the Hands for the Homeless Supply Drive. Companies across the Midlands are showing their support by collecting toothpaste, toothbrushes, new socks, new washcloths and other toiletry items that will be used to assemble personal care kits and will be distributed to the homeless during the week of Thanksgiving. (Dates of assembly and distribution are TBD.) There is still time to get involved!

How you can help:
• Collect personal care items until November 25 and drop off completed ‘kits’ in quart or gallon size zip-lock bags.
• Drop off bulk items if you are not able to pre-sort.
• Volunteer to help sort and distribute items.

Donations should be dropped off to Trenholm Road United Methodist Church (3401 Trenholm Road) from November 16-25, Monday-Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM.

Kits will be delivered to the following agencies: Catholic Charities, The Cooperative Ministry, Good Samaritan Clinic, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Lexington Interfaith Community Services, Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc., Oliver Gospel Mission, Salvation Army, Sistercare, The Winter Shelter and others.

If you have questions about anything in this release, please contact Jennifer Moore at jmoore@uway.org or 803.733.5421.

###

About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is the most organized, efficient and accountable system for investing in the community. With over 80 certified partner agencies, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations. For more information, please visit www.uway.org.

There are many promising young leaders in Columbia. Who will you nominate as one of the Top 40?

Know an overachiever under 40? Nominate a Midlands business star making a mark with professional success and community involvement. The nominee must primarily conduct business in the 10 counties of the Midlands* and be under 40 years of age as of January 1, 2010. Deadline for nominations is Friday, October 30, 2009; winners will be published in the Monday, January 25, 2010 edition of The State.

http://www.thestateonline.com/20under40

Get Involved. Join COR. Win an iPhone.

Join or renew your membership to enter to win an iPhone!

How do I enter?
Enter to win an iPhone during Columbia Opportunity Resource’s membership renewal campaign, which runs through September 30, 2009. All you have to do is be one of the first 25 to join or renew your membership before October 1, 2009. We will draw a winner once 25 new members have joined or renewed their membership. For additional information, please contact membership@ourcor.org.

Cost of Membership:
$20 student, $35 individual

Enter today:
http://tinyurl.com/joinCOR

Already a member?
RSVP to the Facebook event and invite your friends and we'll draw a winner for a $50 gift certificate to the Columbia restaurant of their choice!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135540595638

What are we giving away? An actual iPhone or a gift certificate?
We are giving the winner an Apple gift certificate for $199. This can actually be used to purchase any apple good/service that you would like.

COR is dedicated to making Columbia a better place to live, learn, work, and play.

COR Member is Top 10 Finalist at World Public Speaking Championship

Please join us in congratulating Chakisse Newton, who was recognized in The State newspaper for her recent achievement at the World Championship of Public Speaking on August 15, 2009. She was one of 10 finalists from around the world who made it to the competition. Chakisse has been instrumental in helping launch COR's new Table for Six leadership initiative.

Read more about this great honor at thestate.com:
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/904740.html

Read more about the competition at toastmasters.org:
http://www.toastmasters.org/SpeechContestWinners

The State: Stop imagining; start building!

http://www.thestate.com/editorial-columns/story/813405.html

Opinion - Editorial Columns

Thursday, Jun. 04, 2009
Rentz: Stop imagining; start building
By MIKE RENTZ - Guest Columnist

Columbia could go from famously hot to spontaneous combustion if it took advantage of its natural and manmade infrastructure. We have the tools.

We could tell the world to look at us — and become a leading Southern city, one that people want to visit and live in — by developing a mass transit system that really works, and making the rivers fun and useful.

If a city had to start from scratch and develop a mass transit system to tie the whole area together, purchasing the land easements alone would be cost-prohibitive. But in Columbia, the railroad tracks are already in place. All we have to do is use them. I am not talking about long ugly commuter trains, but the new generation of one-, two- and three-car trains like the ones in Jersey City, N.J. We have the opportunity to set the standard for mass transit. This is a rare time in history when all the necessary elements of something special converge and naturally fall in place.

Engineering companies that originated and are headquartered in Columbia are designing the most sophisticated mass transit systems known to man, and setting the standard all over the world.

International leaders in rail technology are right here in the Midlands, with the ability to convert buses and trolleys from rubber to rail, and most anything else that a rail system would need.

We are leading the way with hydrogen fuel technology. We could convert these trains to run on hydrogen fuel. We probably could get the “free” money from Washington to do that.

Of course we would have to work out the logistics and cost of using the existing tracks with the companies that own them. These track owners could be the shining example for all cities with rail systems. They have a chance to maximize the use of their tracks by moving people as well as commodities.

The tracks are laid out much better than the ones in the Northeast, and there is much less traffic on them. Compared to the complexity of the train-based mass transit operations in the Northeast, a Midlands system would be easy. Station stops could be at the intersections of major roads in Five Points, the Vista, the airport, Lake Murray and Irmo, the zoo, USC sports facilities, Northeast Columbia and so on. Think of it: The Garnet army could converge on a sports event on the Garnet Express. The benefits of minimizing auto traffic is obvious. The trains could run on fixed schedules that do not conflict with existing rail traffic. They could pull off of the main lines onto the many existing spurs if an emergency did arise. Special events could have special trains that ran for that event only. Taking the train to the airport from anywhere in the Midlands would be a sure bet.

Let’s start with the rubber-tired trolleys. Convert them to run on rail with hydrogen fuel. Set up a trial run from the Vista to the zoo or from downtown to the airport, and see how it goes. A one- or two-car train could stop and start at intersections just like the busses do now. With the station stops at major street crossings, safety would be enhanced. Regular city buses could run local routes from the train station stops in the areas where we need them. All we need is the will and leadership to do this. Think of the thousands of happy voters when you hear that whistle blow and the trains run on time.

While the trains would be good, the rivers and canal would be great. One hundred sixty years ago, the Midlands used the rivers and canals for travel. We are living the revitalization of these waterways. We should open the river channels that have been abandoned or were destroyed by Sherman on the Saluda, Broad and Congaree rivers. Imagine water shuttles and taxies from Gervais Street to the zoo and Lake Murray, a Garnet navy on the Congaree coming all the way from Charleston. We have an existing three-mile-long canal that allows us to tie the Interstate 20 area at the Broad River all the way to Gervais Street. Imagine the I-20/Broad River area full of hotels and businesses with a quick water shuttle to the Vista. The cars stay at I-20; the people come to the Vista faster than they could drive.

South Carolina has always led, sometimes blindly, but still led. The jobs and economic growth associated with the existing water and rail infrastructure could be tremendous. We can develop these assets quickly. If we all pull in the same direction, we would take a giant step in reclaiming our leadership role in the New South by setting the standard in mass transit. The Empire State Building in New York was built in one year. Let’s require our leaders to do something just as amazing with our infrastructure in one year. Let’s fast-track the trains and open the ambiance of the canal and rivers. Let’s pour some fuel on this hot spot and light up the South from Columbia.

Seriously.

Mr. Rentz is president of Rentz Engineering, a structural engineering consulting company in West Columbia.

SC Lt. Governor Andre Bauer Goes Barefoot! Join Bauer in touching the lives of 46,000 children by kindly making a donation. Every $5 touches a child.

Hope Delivered To South Carolina Families

46,000 children in the state of South Carolina will receive a pair of shoes as part of Lt. Governor Andre Bauer’s partnership with Samaritan’s Feet. The shoe recipients are students who are on free and price-reduced lunch programs.

Thousands of South Carolina residents will have their feet washed, given a new pair of shoes, and touched with a message of hope through a partnership between Samaritan’s Feet, Department of Social Services, United Way, South Carolina Department of Education and churches throughout the state. Samaritan's Feet (www.samaritansfeet.org) is a humanitarian relief organization that puts shoes on kid's feet all around the world. They will partner with hundreds of volunteers to give these children a pair of shoes. The shoe distribution will take place at various locations in all 46 counties in the state.

Keep the Midlands Beautiful | 2009 Volunteer Celebration

Thursday, May 14, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

This is for all of our COR Adopt-A-Street Volunteers!

Riverfront Park (stage area), City of Columbia (access the parking lot from Laurel Street)

All Keep the Midlands Beautiful volunteers are invited to join us in celebrating the completion of the 2009 Midlands Makeover next Thursday at Riverfront Park. The celebration will recognize the hard work of our Adopt-A-Highway, Adopt-A-Waterway, and Midlands Makeover volunteers. Refreshments will be served and entertainment will be provided by Natural Desire. We have some great door prizes to give out, including a 19" Neuton Electric Lawnmower (retail value $489).

In case of rain, the event will take place indoors at Top of Finlay, the structure at the north end of Finlay Park.

For more information, call (803) 733-1139 or email heidi@keepthemidlandsbeautiful.com.

COR Table for Six (TF6) Networking Event

Are you an existing or emerging young leader in our community? Are you looking for ways to build your network and learn from some of the Midlands top executives from business, government, and higher education?

COR creates a variety of opportunities for young professionals to network with prominent industry leaders and experts. However, we've heard many of you would like the opportunity to gain leadership exposure and experience, and the chance to network on a smaller scale with dynamic leaders in our community in a more informal setting. The challenge is how do we break down the barriers to entry for young talented aspiring leaders in our community, and build bridges between the existing leadership and the “next generation” of talent.

Table for Six (TF6) Networking Event is COR's answer to this challenge; an innovative leadership development and social networking event designed to connect emerging leaders with existing leaders on an intimate scale. The conversation possibilities are endless…as are your prospective dining mates. Each dinner will feature prominent executives in our community and will connect them with COR members and young professionals for engaging and quality conversation, Q&A, and networking.

The next COR TF6 Networking Event will be held on Thursday, June 4th at The Blue Marlin, Vista Room beginning at 7:00 pm. The only cost to participate is the cost of your meal. The restaurant will be providing a special menu to suit different tastes. If you are interested in attending, please register clicking on this registration link.
Space is limited, so be sure to register soon!

About The Blue Marlin, Vista Room: Adjacent to The Blue Marlin, one of Columbia’s landmark restaurants, The Vista Room offers the opportunity to select menus from the Award Winning Blue Marlin menu in a private setting. Guests can enjoy Signature dishes like our Low Country Crab Cakes, Charleston Shrimp and Grits, She Crab Soup, Tuna Tartar, Fresh Seafood and Char Broiled Steaks, to name a few. Brian Dukes, Executive Chef and General Manager of The Blue Marlin, was a recent guest chef at the famed James Beard House in New York City.

About COR: Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR) is dedicated to fostering a greater sense of civic and community involvement in the Midlands through social, political and cultural education, communication, development and action. COR inspires and empowers a new generation of Columbians to make our city a better place.

REGISTER HERE

MYPA Cocktails for a Cause at Rhythm & Blooms

Join us at Riverbanks Botanical Garden on Thursday, May 21st from 6:00-9:00 pm and take advantage of this wonderful asset that is right in our very own backyard! Enjoy live music (The Fossil Record), food, wine sampling and local artists all in the beautiful setting of one of the nation’s most inspiring botanical gardens. Tapas and cash bar will be available during the event, or you can reserve a gourmet picnic basket if you order tickets in advance. Admission is $5 for Riverbanks members and $7 for the general public. All YP’s are highly encouraged to donate $5 in addition to admission to contribute to the Zoo’s Conservation Foundation. Help us show that YP’s can make a difference in the community!

Facebook Event

Event Website

FREE EVENT: National Public Gardens Day this Friday

National Public Gardens Day
Friday, May 8
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Seibels House
1601 Richland Street, Columbia, SC

Free Event

Historic Columbia Foundation invites the public to spend a day at the Seibels House & Gardens, 1601 Richland Street as a part of National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 8.

Historic Columbia invites visitors to tour the renovated gardens at the Seibels House from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and enjoy abbreviated guided walking tours of the Robert Mills Historic Garden District at the top of each hour from 10 a.m.- noon. During the day, visitors can obtain information on gardens, suitable water use, historic rentals, and enjoy light refreshments in the garden. In addition, tours will be offered at the gardens of the Governor’s Mansion Complex and the S.C. Memorial Garden at 10:30 and 11:30. A shuttle will be available to take visitors to each site.

National Public Gardens Day takes place annually on Mother’s Day weekend and kicks-off other spring garden activities hosted by Historic Columbia. For more information on Historic Columbia events, please visit our website or call 803.252.1770 ext. 33.

COR Caffeinated Conversations

Please join your fellow COR members for a complimentary cup of joe Wednesday, april 15, 2009 from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Immaculate Consumption (933 Main Street).

We'll show you how to use the COR Web site and update you on the COR Initiatives and upcoming projects and events. Don't miss this exciting monthly opportunity to meet other members of Columbia's "Creative Class." Let's get out there and do something - together!

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Location:
Immaculate Consumption (933 Main Street, Columbia, SC)

Facebook Event:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=74600015823

Contact:
Katie Wilmesherr - membership@ourcor.org

Register Now

Repair Homes & Restore Hope with COR and Home Works

Join Our Team to Make a Difference to Community Members in Need Saturday, April 25 from 7 a.m. - until.

Report site to be announced to volunteer registrants - Greater Columbia Area

This month COR will focus on providing home repairs to homeowners in need. Volunteer adults and teens from churches, schools, civic groups and companies will come together to make repairs and modifications at no charge. Repairs may include:

Wheelchair ramp and grab bars
Smoke detectors and floors
Roofs and walls
Painting and windows
Plumbing and electrical

Since Home Works began in 1996, more than 1,000 homeowners have received home repairs and modifications sparking community revitalization. To that, more than 14,000 teen and adult volunteers have joined together in fellowship, eliminating prejudices and misconceptions. Youths from middle school, high school, college and juvenile arbitration programs learn carpentry, home repairs, social skills and deepen their faith.

Home Works maintains collaborative efforts with local service organizations, city, state and government agencies and serves Georgia. Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Zorritos - Peru and South Carolina.

The mission of Home Works is to show God's love for all through service to others and to assist others in their faith journeys. Home Works activities will focus on providing home repairs to homeowners in need, assisting youth in their development, and empowering communities to meet the needs of their members. Home Works activities are conducted with an ecumenical spirit and with thanks to God for miracle after miracle. Individuals of all faith backgrounds are invited to join and share in this service to others.

FAQs (More Q&A here: http://www.homeworksofamerica.org/get_involved/volunteer_frequently_asked_questions/ )

What if I have little or no experience in home repair?
As long as you come willing to help, you will have no trouble jumping into projects. There is plenty to do and while it's hard work-it's also a lot of fun! There will be more experienced trouble shooters at each site to supervise, instruct, and help.

What about safety?
Every worksite has a First Aid kit, cell phones and/or walkie talkies, safety goggles, gloves, and snacks. Participants must sign a medical release form. Medical facilities are a short distance from every site.

One-Day Blitz Helpful Hints
* Signed Release Forms and Volunteer Application are required when you arrive at the site: http://www.homeworksofamerica.org/public/files/docs/Adult_One_Day_Blitz_6-02-09.pdf
* Arrive at your respective home at 7:00 a.m.
* Wear work clothes, tee shirt, shorts and sneakers or work shoes.
* Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and hat.
* Determine whether you are current with regards to your tetanus shot.
* Lunch, snacks, water and Gatorade are provided.
* If possible bring safety glasses, gloves, and paint brushes.
* If you bring any tools, please label them.
* No personal or portable music players or cell phone use at the home.
* Spend time, sit and chat with the residents of the home.
* A $25 donation per individual is requested, but not required.

COR Contacts:
Chuck LaMark (chucklamark@hotmail.com)
Eric Roberts (eroberts@uway.org)

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=71613985734

Ready to become a leader of COR?

Dear COR members and friends,

Are you ready to become a leader among leaders? A leader of the leading Midlands young and emerging professionals organization?

Check out the project manager and task forces we have open for which we need leaders like YOU. More than 20 different opportunities are available!

Members' Only Access: http://ourcor.org/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=23&func=view&id=141&catid=2

To apply, please submit your resume, along with a paragraph statement of interest about the leadership role and how you believe you can make the difference in COR and the community, to info@ourcor.org. Deadline to apply: Friday, February 20, 2009.

The only caveat...you must be a member of COR. Joining is easy and only $35 for professionals and $20 for students. Your membership dues investment is tax deductible and offers a variety of benefits. Join today at www.ourcor.org or email membership@ourcor.org for more info.

We look forward to your response,
Katherine Swartz
2008-2009 Board Chair
Columbia Opportunity Resource COR
info@ourcor.org

PS - It's been nearly 40 days since you made the New Year's resolution to get involved in the community and further develop your leadership skills. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

Train to Become a Future Board Member

Blueprint for Leadership is United Way of the Midlands’ comprehensive community leadership and board development program. Participants in this program can expect a challenging curriculum that prepares them to assume volunteer leadership roles within the nonprofit sector and helps them achieve their highest potential by working to place them on local boards. Since its inception in 1989, Blueprint for Leadership graduates have served in leading community roles and on nonprofit boards throughout the Midlands.

The Blueprint for Leadership program utilizes a combination of classes and practical experiences to help participants develop leadership skills, increase knowledge of the community and acquire the skills necessary to be successful community leaders. The first class will be held on February 12, and the remaining seven classes will continue on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month through May with graduation in June. Class members are also invited to the Young Leaders Society social on the evening of January 28 at Solstice.

Class topics include:
• Board Membership in Perspective - United Way 101
• Board Member Responsibility - Roles
• Board Member Responsibility - Fundraising
• Board Members and Governance
• Social Service Delivery: Developing Outcome-Based Programs
• Diversity: Expanding the Paradigm of Board, Staff, and Programs
• Emerging Trends in the Nonprofit Sector

Cost:
Corporate sponsorship is $500, public sector (government) and nonprofit sponsorship is $250 per participant. Tuition must be submitted by the time of the first class session.

How to Apply:
Applications may be found at http://www.uway.org and are due to United Way of the Midlands by January 21, 2009. If you are a member of COR, you should submit your scholarship application by January 16, 2009 to info@ourcor.org.

Call for entries for SCPRSA Mercury Awards! (Membership not required)

SCPRSA Mercury Awards | "Ever to Excel"

Did your communications work excel in promoting your cause or getting your message out last year? Then plan on entering your work in the South Carolina Public Relations Society of America's 2009 Mercury Awards | "Ever to Excel."

The Mercury Awards honor creative communication, strategic excellence and individual accomplishments in the public relations field - and you don't have to be a member of SCPRSA to enter. The Call for Entries is now available here:
http://www.scprsa.org/documents/misc_1741_1_mercuryawards_cfe_02_010508.pdf

As you consider what to enter, remember that your program or project must have taken place between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008. Also, if you are curious about what it takes to put together a winning entry, take a look at the Mercury Awards Reading Room:
http://www.scprsa.org/SCPRSAMercurywinners.htm

The entry deadline is Friday, February 6, 2009.

Save the Date!
Mercury Awards Banquet
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Hall, 320 Senate Street
Columbia, South Carolina
6:30 p.m. Cocktails | 7:30 p.m. Dinner & Awards

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Please contact the Mercury committee chairman, Ashley Sherry at (803) 931-1332 or ashley.sherry@firstcitizensonline.com.

We look forward to seeing and showcasing your work at the 2009 Mercury Awards!
Visit Our Blog! http://mercuryawards2009.blogspot.com

Volunteers Needed for the World Beer Festival!

Like beer? Like people? Volunteer today!
The World Beer Festival is coming to Columbia, SC, and we are looking for volunteers to help in putting on the festival. Sign up to volunteer today through COR!

What is the World Beer Festival?
The mission of the World Beer Festival, now in it’s 13th year in Durham, NC and 5th year in Raleigh, NC is the education of the public about beer appreciation and beer quality. In addition, the World Beer Festival is committed to fostering the growth of a positive local beer community. The World Beer Festival features samples of hundreds of different beers from a great variety of breweries from around the country and the world, live music, food from an assortment of restaurants and bars, and educational seminars by leading craft brewing industry insiders.

The World Beer Festival-Columbia will take place at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on January 24th, 2009 in two sessions, 12-4PM and 6-10PM. The festival is produced by Chautauqua, Inc., publisher of All About Beer Magazine, the definitive source of information about craft beer. The company aims to build beer appreciation through information, education, and experiences.

Why volunteer?
You’ll help a good cause - a portion of the proceeds from the WBF go to support two Columbia non-profits, Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR) and The River Alliance.

You’ll make new friends – work in a fun, friendly environment with great people.

You’ll build your wardrobe – every volunteer gets a cool t-shirt.

You’ll enjoy good beer – though you can’t drink beer while working at the festival, volunteers are treated to a volunteer-only party about a week after the event that includes sampling of beers from the festival, tasty food, and a raffle for lots of neat beer stuff.

You’ll learn more about beer – every volunteer receives a complimentary three-issue subscription to All About Beer magazine.

What do volunteers do?
Most volunteers serve as pourers during the festival, pouring samples for festival guests. Some volunteers also work at the entry gates, taking tickets and welcoming guests.

What is required?
You must be at least 21 years of age to volunteer. Volunteers are required to attend an hour-long training session during the week before the event, and work during at least one of the two festival sessions. Besides that, you just need to smile and enjoy!

How do you sign up?
Sign up for all the fun today!!! Sign up using the form on our website:
http://www.ourcor.org/index.php?option=com_dtregister&eventId=62&Itemid=74&task=event_register&type=reg_individual

Contact COR:
General Inquiry: worldbeerfestivalsc@gmail.com
Katie Wilmesherr, COR Membership Chair: membership@ourcor.org
Caroline Fields, COR Marketing Chair: ccarolinefields@aol.com
Katherine Swartz, COR Board Chair: info@ourcor.org


Check us out on Facebook!