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