"The Drowsy Chaperone" Opens at Town Theatre Friday!

Join Town Theatre for the premiere of their latest program, The Drowsy Chaperon: A Musical Within a Comedy. Show runs May 6-28 and is directed by Scott Banks. Based on the book by Bob Martin and Don McKeller. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Web: www.towntheatre.com/shows/drowsychaperone.html

Southeastern Piano Festival

Join the USC School of Music for the annual Southeastern Piano Festival, one of the largest cultural attractions each summer in Columbia. The festival features a number of the nation's and world's most talented, award-winning young players as they converge on Columbia for a week of master classes and public performances.

When: Sunday, June 12-Saturday, June 18

Where: USC School of Music Recital Hall and the Koger Center for the Performing Arts, 817 Assembly St.

Web: http://sepf.music.sc.edu

Start the Brain Gain: Chernoff Newman Hiring Now

If you're looking for work at an exciting marketing firm in Columbia, Chernoff Newman is seeking a talented strategic thinker with planning and buying experience in both traditional and non-traditional media. Exceptional negotiating and multi-tasking skills desired as well as an ability to work under pressure.

Preferred Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three years experience in all aspects of media, including research, planning, negotiation, placement and reconciliation.

 

Contact: Barbara Hinton

Email: barbara.hinton@chernoffnewman.com

Web: chernoffnewman.com/looking-for-a-media-madman-or-woman

2011 Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

Join the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce for its signature event, the 2011 Golf Tournament. Come enjoy a relaxing day of golf while networking with clients, friends and sponsors. The chamber’s golf tournament is a captain’s choice format with approximately 400 golfers during the tournament. Projected attendance: 400 Golfers, 150 Volunteers & Sponsors.

When: Wednesday, May 4 - Thursday, May 5
Tee Times: 5/4, 1:30pm; 5/5, 8am & 1:30pm
Where: Wildewood Country Club
Web: www.columbiachamber.com
Phone: Shannon Viera, (803) 733-1116

SC Arts Gala @ 701 Whaley

Join the South Carolina Arts Foundation as it celebrates South Carolina's arts community with outstanding arts leaders, celebrated artists, an art auction and sale, delicious food and more! Special guests include recipients of the 2011 Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor's Awards for the Arts including Lifetime Achievement Award honorees Mary A. Jackson and C. Thomas Wyche and the recipient of the 2011 McNair Award Suzette Surkamer.

When: Wednesday, May 4 - 7:30pm
Where: 701 Whaley Street, Columbia, SC
Web: www.SouthCarolinaArts.com
Phone: (803) 734-8696

SC Philharmonic Conert - Saturday, April 30

Join the SC Philharmonic for their final conert of the season as they perform Masterworks 7 - "Fantastique Finale." Program will feature Holst's The Planets; Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3, mvt. III; Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2, mvt. I; and Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. Special guests in the SC Philharmonic Youth Orchestra as they take the stage to perform one his darkest and most exciting pieces, Gustav Holst's classic The Planets, for an exhilarating joint performance.

When: Saturday, April 30; 7:30pm

Where: Koger Center for the Arts

Web: www.scphilharmonic.org 

Tickets: www.capitoltickets.com, (803) 251-2222

Get in the Pink 5k and 10k

The 3rd Annual Get in the Pink is set for Saturday, May 7, 2011. Participants can choose between a 10k and 5k race.  In addition, the popular Stiletto Sprint will place along with the Kids Fun Run!  Register early to take advantage of a discount.

Register online: www.getinthepink.org/register

Keep the Midlands Beautiful Seeks Teens for Advisory Panel

Keep the Midlands Beautiful is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 Student Advisory Board and Student Advisory Board Leadership Council.

The Keep the Midlands Beautiful Student Advisory Board, which is made possible through the support of Waste Management, will work with Keep the Midlands Beautiful to develop increased awareness of environmental issues and pursue community improvement projects in participating students' schools and communities. Students will gain leadership skills and valuable community service experience, while also connecting with like-minded students from other schools.

Applications are required and are due by Saturday, May 7, 2011

Web: www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org

Family Connections SC Annual Benefit and Auction

The evening will feature a silent auction full of exciting vacation destinations, restaurant packages, one of kind artwork, show tickets, and much more! Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided by The Blue Marlin, and the evening will include cocktails and dancing in addition to the great auction items and delicious food! 

Come out and support a great cause!

When: Thursday, April 28, 6-9pm

Where: Saluda River Club's Chickawa Outdoor Center

Web: www.familyconnectionsc.org/annual_benefit

SC eCycles Day

Give your old electronics new life.  South Carolina eCycles Day provides a free, convenient and secure way to dispose of and recycle unwanted residential electronics. As of July 1, 2011, electronic waste such as computers, printers, and TVs will be banned from landfills in South Carolina. You can help to reduce landfill volume and recycle valuable materials by participating in SC eCycles Day. Rules and list of acceptable products for recycling available online.

When: Saturday, April 30, 2011; 8am-2pm

Where: The Midstate Drop-off site
SC State Farmers Market
3483 Charleston Highway (US 321/21/178)
West Columbia, SC 29172

Web: www.ecyclesc.com

South Carolina eCycles Day w/ Keep the Midlands Beautiful

Keep the Midlands Beautiful is seeking volunteers for South Carolina eCycles Day will be Saturday, April 30 from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at The State Farmer's Market. Volunteers may register for either of two shifts: 7am-11am and 11am-2pm.

Sign-Up or Questions

Phone: (803) 733-1139

Email: Heidi@KeeptheMidlandsBeautiful.org

Web: www.ecyclesc.com, www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org

Season 26 @ Trustus Theatre

Get ready for 2 hours of non-stop laughter! Jewtopia, the Longest running comedy in both Off-Broadway and Los Angeles history is finally coming to Columbia! Comedy written by Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson. Directed by Jim Thigpen.

When: May 6-28

Where: Trustus Threatre, 520 Lady Street behind the Gervais St. Publix.

Tickets: Phone or Box Office

Phone: (803) -254-9732

Web: www.trustus.org

Runaway Runway

The Columbia Design League's Runaway Runway event is Columbia's premier fashion show that aims to raise design and environmental awareness through the use of post-consumer materials constructed into wildly fantastic wearables. While the entire world is serious about being green, this event proves that green can be fun, fashionable and funky, too! 

Participants: Enter at entries@runawayrunway.net

When: Friday, April 29; Doors open 6pm, Show starts at 7:30pm

Where: Township Auditorium

Tickets: Township Box Office or www.ticketmaster.com

Web: www.runawayrunway.net

Wine & Oyster Night

Young Professionals,
Join SC Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy at Pearlz Oyster Bar to celebrate the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and to network with other young professionals. Please RSVP to let us know if you can attend or to join our growing list of VIP hosts.

Phone: (803)771-7700
Email: cbanks@teenpregnancysc.org 
Web: http://www.facebook.com/SCCampaign#!/event.php?eid=103889166361961

Rhythm and Blooms/Art in the Garden Series

Unwind with family and friends at Riverbanks Botanical Garden, one of the nation’s most beautiful and inspiring public gardens, during the fourth annual Rhythm and Blooms music and Art in the Garden series, Thursdays in May.
 

Schedule
May 5: Palmetto Master Singers 7:00pm-8:00pm
            David Rodriguez 6:00pm-6:45pm and 8:15pm-9:00pm
May 12: Jon Rooks
May 19: John Wesley Satterfield
May 26: Savannah River Bluegrass

Tickets are $5.00 for Riverbanks members and $7.00 for the general public. A cash bar and tapas will also be available for purchase. For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org.

Downtown Relay for Life with American Cancer Society

Working to rid the world of cancer,  Dirty Lowdowns, Kickback, and Whiskey Tango Revue will crank up the evening air at the SC Fairgrounds as these bands entertain at the American Cancer Society’s Downtown Relay for Life to rock the night away and raise funds for the American Cancer Society.  

Events include opening remarks by Mayor Benjamin and WLTX anchor Andrea Mock, family friendly tailgating, live blues, country, and rockabilly throughout the night, and of course, the 12 hour relay itself.

Check us out on line and get registered now for an evening of fun and fighting as Downtown Columbia joins together to beat ALL types of cancer!

When: Friday May 6th through Saturday May 7th from 7:00pm – 7:00am

Phone: (803) 750-1693

Web: www.relayforlife.org/ColumbiaSC

Special Olympics SC Seeks 400+ Volunteers for Summer Games

Looking to help one of the nation's most successful charities?

Special Olympics South Carolina is looking for 400 volunteers to help at the annual Summer Games on May 6-8, 2011.  Over 1000 athletes from across the state will be competing in athletics, aquatics, bowling, gymnastics/cheerleading, softball and Young Athletes

Register online: www.so-sc.org.  Follow the link on the left column [Summer Games Day-of-Event Volunteer Registration].

Questions? Contact Edwena King Lassiter.

Email: elassiter@so-sc.org

Phone: 803-404-5516.

One Book, One Columbia Kicks Off!

One Book, One Columbia initiative officially kicked off earlier this week. The reading period (April 1-May 15) is now underway. Copies of the book selection, "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters First 100 Years" by Sarah L. Delany and A. Elizabeth Delany with Amy Hill Hearth, are rapidly circulating at the Richland County Public Library.

Special activities in support of the initiative begin this weekend, including a Sunday afternoon movie showing of Having Our Say at the RCPL on Assembly Street and a poetry reading on Saturday. For a detailed list of events, please visit RCPL's One Book, One Columbia site.

Web: www.myrcpl.com/onebook

Celebrate 225 Years of History of Columbia

The City of Columbia is turning 225 years old and we are celebrating!

Mayor Steve Benjamin and the City of Columbia cordially invite you to the 225th Birthday Celebration honoring the City of Columbia presented by the City of Columbia and One Columbia.

When: March 22, 2011 at Noon

Where: 1300 Block of Main Street, Between Lady and Washington

Web: www.columbiachamber.com 

Event is open to public

Celebrate Those Who Teach Our Children

Join the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Midlands Education & Business Alliance, and The Community Relations Council as they recognize 10 District Teachers of the Year from Richland, Lexington, Kershaw, Fairfield, and Newberry counties. Lonnie Moore will speak.

When: Friday, March 11, 2011

Time: 7:00am

Where: The Zone

Web: www.columbiachamber.com

4.7.11: Conversation on High Impact Entrepreneurship

Join New Carolina for a Conversation on High Impact Entrepreneurship on Thursday, April 7 from 10am-4pm. Topics include discussion on USC's latest research on new entrepreneurial enterprises in the state of South Carolina, identifying opportunitiees to promote South Carolina's "home-grown" firms, and defining the next steps in creating a strong entrepreneurial economy. Register at http://newcarolinahighimpact.eventbrite.com.

Friday, April 7 - 10am-4pm

Harbison Theater and Classroom Building

Midlands Technical College - Harbison

newcarolinahighimpact.eventbrite.com

www.newcarolina.org

3.8.11 | EngenuitySC's Science Cafe

Join Engenuity SC at the Capital City Club from 6pm-7:30pm to explore the latest ideas in science and technology over coffee or drinks. Join Dr. Jochen Lauterbach, chair of Strategic Approaches to the Generation of Electricity and professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina, for a discussion on the current state of electricity generation in the US and future alternatives. All ages are welcome and no knowledge of power generation is necessary.

Web & RSVP: http://www.engenuitysc.com/initiatives/sciencecafe.aspx

Stop the Brain Drain: Administrative/Research Assistant

Administrative/Research position available in a solo law/lobbying practice in downtown Columbia. Part-time position (25 hrs/wk) entailing a mix of administrative and research tasks. This position could be attractive to an entry-level professional or someone wanting to return to the working world part-time. Job tasks include: answering phones; scheduling appointments; managing contacts; preparing materials for meetings; attending client meetings; researching legislative developments writing client memoranda. There is the potential (but no guarantee) for this position to become full-time. Position includes paid vacation and sick days, however, healthcare and retirement benefits not available at this time. Pay commensurate with experience.

Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required; Two writing samples required; Administrative experience with strong computer capabilities including Microsoft Office; Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills necessary; Professional personality and professional appearance a must; Strong experience organizing, setting priorities and completing assignments with accuracy and attention to detail; Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Web site: http://www.michellawfirm.com/

E-mail: info@michellawfirm.com

34th Annual USC Bands Clinic and Concert Series

The 34th Annual USC Band Clinic will be held February 17-20 on the University of South Carolina campus at the Koger Center for the Performing Arts and the School of Music. The clinic will include performances by the nation's top high school musicians including South Carolina's own Spring Valley High School Symphonic Band and will feature performances by the USC Wind Ensemble conducted by Dr. Scott Weiss, the USC Symphonic Winds conducted by Dr. Rebecca Phillips, the USC University Band conducted by Mr. Steve McKeithen, and the local Palmetto Concert Band conducted by Professor Emeritus James K. Copenhaver, Dr. William Moody, and Dr. Scott Weiss.

Performances begin Friday, February 18 at 7:00pm with the USC Wind Ensemble premiering Steven Bryant's latest work Concerto for Wind Ensemble and continue throughout the weekend.

All concerts are free and open to the public.

Visit www.carolinaband.org for more details and a complete itinerary of the weekend's events.

USC Symphony Orchestra

The USC Symphony continues its 2010-2011 season with a concert Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 7:30pm at the Koger Center for the Arts under the direction of Dr. Donald Portnoy. The concert will feature violin soloist Katherine ten Hagen, winner of the 2009 Donald Portnoy International Violin Competition.

Schedule:
Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 7:30pm
Violin Concerto No. 2, BB 117 by Bartók featuring Katherin ten Hagen, violin
Pictures at An Exhibition by Musorgsky

Contact:
Koger Center for the Arts
1051 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Symphony Office (803) 777-7500
E-mail: Charl@mailbox.sc.edu
Web: www.facebook.com/USCSymphony or http://www.music.sc.edu/

Tickets:
Phone (Box Office): (803) 251-2222
Web: www.capitoltickets.com

Blueprint for Leadership Program Application Deadline Extended

What: 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 10, and the remaining seven classes will continue on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month through May with graduation in June.

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 www.uway.org and are due to United Way of the Midlands.

Please share this information and consider sponsoring an emerging leader in your company. We appreciate your cooperation and support of the 2011 Blueprint for Leadership program.

Community Citizens Encouraged to Donate Blood and Become Local Lifesavers

Columbia Lifesavers blood drive to take place Feb. 4

What: Mayor Steve Benjamin and the American Red Cross South Carolina Blood Services Region Board of Directors are teaming up for the first annual Columbia Lifesavers blood drive.

Date/Time: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4

Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St.

Why: The Columbia Lifesavers blood drive is being held to raise community awareness about the need for blood and to collect blood for hospital patients undergoing cancer treatments, lifesaving surgeries, and emergency care related to accidents and trauma.

The drive comes at an ideal time to boost blood donations as severe winter weather throughout much of the eastern half of the United States in recent weeks has caused the cancellation of more than 14,000 blood and platelet donations through the American Red Cross, 800 of which were in the South Carolina Region. The severity of the impact has stressed even the Red Cross’ robust national inventory management system, which can move blood products to where they’re needed most, such as when severe weather hits.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The American Red Cross South Carolina Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in 54 hospitals. Approximately 500 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demand.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.

All presenting donors will receive an American Red Cross T-shirt plus a chance to win other prizes including two domestic roundtrip Delta Air Lines tickets through the Red Cross “Take to the Skies!” promotion. Also, the first 100 presenting donors will receive a Chick-fil-A coupon.

More Information: Call 803-331-3629 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code columbialifesavers.

Carpe Opportunitas: COR 2011 Annual Meeting & Give 11 in 2011 Campaigin Kickoff

6:11 p.m. | EdVenture Museum | Complimentary Admission

If you could do one thing to make our community a better place,
what would it be?
Make a difference in your community and the lives of fellow Columbians.

Join forces with COR, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, Columbia City Council,
the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the Navigating from Good to Great Foundation
in the Give 11 in 2011 Campaign.

1. Networking opportunities with like-minded young professionals, area business and non-profit organizations.

2. Relevant information from a series of talks on Community Involvement (given by Mayor Benjamin), the Path to Personal Leadership (given by State Representative Bakari Sellers) and the Power of Personal Branding (given by Doreen Sullivan, president and Owner of Post No Bills).

3. Unique opportunity to join COR and our partnership organizations in the Give 11 in 2011 Campaign.

4. Learn about our community by visiting information tables hosted by COR, the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Midlands, City of Columbia and local advertising and public relations agency Post No Bills.

Advance registration preferred: http://cor2011annualmeeting.eventbrite.com/
Visit www.ourcor.org or www.facebook.com/ColumbiaOpportunityResource for additional information.
Questions? Contact Katherine Swartz at 803.733.1123 or katherine.swartz@ourcor.org

32°, A Yogurt Bar, Opens at Trenholm Plaza with fundraiser benefiting The Nick

32°, A Yogurt Bar, Opens at Trenholm Plaza | MidlandsBiz

COLUMBIA, SC - January 20, 2011 - The coolest frozen yogurt brand to hit the Columbia market, 32°, A Yogurt Bar – has opened at Trenholm Plaza. 32° offers 14 individual flavors of yogurt including fat free, kosher, no sugar added and low sugar selections on a rotating basis. They also specialize in serving the freshest toppings including daily fresh cut fruits, seasonal favorites, and over 40 candy, nut and sauce options.

In addition to their first week in business, a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for January 27. From 5-8 p.m. that same day, guests can enjoy an all you can eat cup of self-serve frozen yogurt and toppings with a $5 donation. All proceeds from the grand opening afternoon event will benefit the Nickelodeon Theater.

"We couldn't be happier about the opportunity to give back to the Columbia community and work with the Nickelodeon Theater," says Jeff Pizitz, President of Pizitz Management Group. "Self serve frozen yogurt is a new concept rapidly growing in the United States and we offer a healthy, tasty product in an updated and contemporary environment."

Located next to The Pilates Studio at Trenholm Plaza, the 1,500 square foot store will provide both interior and exterior seating. 32° is privately owned by Pizitz Management Group, LLC, of Birmingham, AL with three South Carolina locations.

To learn more about 32 Degrees and upcoming promotions and events, visit www.facebook.com/32degreesyogurt or Trenholm Plaza's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/trenholmplaza.

Stop the Brain Drain: SC Coalition of Mayors Seeks Part Time Administrator

The newly created SC Coalition of Mayors is hiring someone part time to do administrative work. The job will be three days a week, 21 hours at $12/hr. The Coalition will be run out of an office in West Columbia. They are thinking this would be a good position for someone just starting out who needs some experience. If you know of anyone who might be interested please ask them to contact Sandy Boozer at 926-3462 or sboozer1@bellsouth.net.

Save the Date for City Center Partnership’s 2011 Urban Tour

When: Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Where: Main Street between Gervais and Laurel Streets in downtown Columbia

City Center Partnership is pleased to announce the 4th annual Urban Tour will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2011. The Urban Tour is a chance to explore and enjoy a self-guided tour of Columbia’s Main Street with special offers and giveaways from retailers and restaurants, samples of food and drink, live entertainment, a glimpse into downtown living, carriage rides and stories behind some of the historic buildings.  The tour runs between Gervais and Laurel Streets and can be started anywhere down Main Street. The tour will end with a concert in the 1200 block of Main Street between Gervais and Lady Streets.

Web: www.citycentercolumbia.sc
Phone: 803-233-0620

Clean Sweep 2011

Next Clean Sweep 2011 Drop Off is Saturday, January 22, 2011 at JLC Headquarters from10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Visit http://www.jlcolumbia.org/?nd=m_clean_sweep_events for additional drop off and bulk pick up dates!

Event #1:

Clean Sweep Preview Party and Silent Auction

The Clean Sweep 2011 Preview Party and Silent Auction will be held Thursday, Feburary 3, 2011 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm in the State Fairgrounds' Cantey Building. Catering will be provided by Hudson's Barbeque and the entertainment will be Bockus and Daniels. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

Purchase Tickets Online: http://www.jlcolumbia.org/?nd=ticket_single&fundraiser_id=11

During the preview party, all rummage items will be sold at twice the price. Up to $100 (twice the price) may be purchased in addition to one large item (anything not displayed on or under a table, such as furniture, strollers, large appliances, large outdoor toys, rugs, fitness equipment, etc.).  All items purchased Thursday evening must be removed from the Americraft-Cantey Building by 10:30 pm on Thursday, or they will be resold.

Event #2:
Clean Sweep 2011
The Thrill of the Hunt
February 5, 2011
Americraft-Cantey Building
SC State Fairgrounds

Sale Hours
Parking Gates Opens: 6:00 am (Parking is $2 a Car)
Doors Open: 8:00 am
Sale Closes for Bag Sale: 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm
Bag Sale ($5): 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Web: www.jlcolumbia.org

Winter Weather Impacts Blood Donations

The American Red Cross South Carolina Blood Services Region canceled and postponed several blood drives across the region earlier this week in response to the inclement weather conditions.

Winter weather often causes delays and cancellations for schools, work and community events.  But it also means cancellations of vitally important blood donation opportunities. Since this Monday, winter weather has forced donation centers to be closed and 21 blood drives to be canceled across the South Carolina Region, which means the Red Cross was not able to collect more than 800 units of blood and platelets it was counting on.

Schedule an appointment to give blood through the American Red Cross today at one of the following blood drives and help save lives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DONATION CENTERS IN YOUR AREA:
Columbia Donation Center
2751 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201

Blood donation hours:
Monday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Platelet donation hours:
Sunday: 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday: 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday: 6 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sumter Donation Center
1155 N Guignard Dr.
Sumter, SC 29150

Blood donation hours:
Monday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday: noon-6:30 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Web: www.centralscredcross.org

Is our State Broke?... Or is our System Broken?

Is our State Broke?... Or is our System Broken?

A presentation on how South Carolina can inmporive our economic competitiveness and funding for essential public services.

Speaker: Michael Fanning, Ph.D

Executive Director at the Olde English Consortium

When: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - 7:30am

Where: The Summit Club, Columbia, SC

Registration is first come, first serve and limited to 200 participants. Event opens to the general public January 7. Email kyon@columbiachamber.com to register.

This even is hosted by the Midlands Business Leadership Group.

This event is sponsored by the Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Web: www.columbiachamber.com

Cultural Council's Color the Arts Fundraiser and Social Seeks COR Volunteers

The Cultural Council's Color the Arts Fundraiser and Social is seeking help from COR volunteers and members in the following two areas:

1. Aid with Art and Experience Silent Auction: Seeking 12-15 items/packages to auction off. Past items have included restaurant and theatre packages; BMW Driving Experience, golf packages;  tickets to a major concert at Phillips Arena in a corporate box (last year was Crosby Stills Nash and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert); mountain and/or beach condo packages.

2.  Aid with Creation of Two Unique Auction Packages:
         

A. Beer for a Year - Seeking distributor/grocer/retailer to donate 52 six-packs of various craft beers.
         

B. Baker's Dozen of Exceptional Wines - Seeking 13 restaurants or retailers willing to donate a high quality wine no longer commercially available.

The Cultural Council would like to avoid sport-related packages, excluding the suggested golf package.

Please contact Andrew Witt, Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties, if you believe you can help.

Email: andy@smartarts.info
Phone: (803) 231-3131
Web: www.smartarts.info

Stop the Brain Drain: Marketing and Public Relations Director Job Posting

Job Posting: Marketing and Public Relations Director, NAI Avant (Columbia); NAI Avant (Charleston); and Avant Healthcare

Reports to: The Chief Executive Officer of the Company

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or Journalism or Public Relations
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• High degree of professionalism, team orientation, and attention to detail
• Must take initiative and be flexible, able to adapt quickly to a fast-paced environment
• Good graphic design taste and facilitation skills
• Proficient in technology
• Experience with post production print management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

General

• Implement company-wide marketing and public relations plan
• Order all printed materials (stationery, envelopes, business cards, invitations, etc.)
• Customized holiday cards and e-blast graphics
• Select, order, and maintain an adequate supply of company promotional gifts.
• Coordinate design and placement of all print advertising
• Manage the “advertising” line item of the company budget
• Support owners in community activity involvement and client entertainment
• Coordinate graphics with Vice President of Research and the Marketing Assistant(s)
• Join and be an active participant in NAI Global Marketing Council.

Conventions/Meetings/Trade Shows

• Reserve and set up booth/displays (Evaluate new display booth re-design)
• Coordinate booth coverage
• Schedule arrangements for client entertainment
• Reserve rooms for Company Officers.

Company Annual Event

• Reserve venue, caterer, photographer, etc.
• Order invitations and coordinate distribution
• Order employee/broker awards
• Oversee layout and set up
• Coordinate preparation of Company presentation
• Plan a company-wide annual, casual social in addition to quarterly Company “Happy Hour”
• Plan and coordinate an annual company-wide charitable theme and effort for Christmas/Holidays.

Website/Social Media

• Update (“In the News) section on a routine basis
• As needed, maintain up-to-date personnel roster and update accompanying bios
• Periodically review all website designs and content issues
• Institute methods to maximize website search positioning.

Marketing Brochures

• A to Z review of all collaterals for re-write and brand/graphic consistency
• Regularly submit press releases on company activities and personnel news
• Maintain ongoing contact and relationship cultivation with publications to ensure maximum opportunities to submit contributions to news articles
• Maintain quality control for any and all marketing/public relations related materials and efforts.

Communications

• Develop an internal company monthly newsletter
• Develop external client communication plan, newsletter, and direct implementation.

Photography

• Maintain current photo bank of all company projects and key assignments
• Ensure up-to-date personnel photos.

Email resume/cover letter to:

Todd Avant
Chief Executive Officer
NAI Avant, LLC

1901 Main Street, Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29201

Email: tavant@naiavant.com
Website: www.naiavant.com

Kick Off the New Year with a Free Visit to the Zoo

Riverbanks Expresses Gratitude for Community Support with Free Fridays
 

Jump start the New Year with a free visit to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Free Fridays for residents of Richland and Lexington counties get underway this Friday, January 7, and continues each Friday through the months of January and February.

Riverbanks is a special purpose district and receives funding each year from the taxpayers of Richland and Lexington counties. To qualify for free admission, Richland and Lexington county residents will be asked to show proof of residency with a valid ID or a copy of their property tax statement. All other visitors will be charged regular admission. There is no limit to the number of Fridays Richland and Lexington county residents can visit during the promotion – they can come one Friday or all eight.

Riverbanks’ winter hours are 9am to 5pm daily. January and February are a great time to visit the Zoo because many of the animals are more active during the cooler winter months. If the weather is chilly, guests can enjoy some indoor animal exhibits including the Birdhouse at Riverbanks, Aquarium Reptile Complex, Gorilla Base Camp and Koala Knockabout.

Web: www.riverbanks.org