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.