Plus, be prepared for traffic changes if you use Whaley Street for your commute.
 
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66º | Heavy thunderstorms | 90% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:30 a.m. | Sunset 5:32 p.m.
 

Important Message
Did you know we recently launched WStoday, our sister newsletter in Winston-Salem, NC? From the latest news about developments and restaurants to fun events around town, we’re covering everything you need to know about the Twin City. Subscribe today to stay in the loop.
 

💰 From millions to billions

From $287 million in 2022 to $2.37 billion in 2023, economic growth in Richland County has skyrocketed
Rendering.jpeg
A rendering of the new manufacturing facility off Interstate 77. | Rendering via Scout Motors
So far, 2023 has proven to be a year of record achievements for economic growth in Richland County. The Richland County Economic Development Office (RCEDO) announced capital investments have surged to $2.37 billion, and with them, 4,532 new job opportunities have become available.

Just to put that into perspective — according to the Richland County Economic Development Office’s 2022 report, $287 million was invested + 647 jobs were created last year. That’s a pretty big difference compared to this year.

Try this stat on for size — Between 2011-2022, $2.6 billion was invested in Richland County. We’re only into the eighth month of the year and 2023’s investments alone are creeping up on the total number of investments since RCEDO’s founding in 2011.

Let’s delve into three companies partly responsible for these numbers + that are shaping Richland County’s economic future.

Scout Motors

  • Local investment: ~$2 billion
  • Jobs created: This investment has the potential to create 4,000+ jobs.
  • Project scope: Scout Motors plans to create a manufacturing plant in Richland County + build electric off-road Volkswagons. When operating at full capacity, Scout has the potential to crank out ~200,000 vehicles annually.

Cirba Solutions

  • Local investment: ~$323 million
  • Jobs created: ~300 jobs
  • Project scope: Cirba Solutions — an electric vehicle battery materials facility — is establishing operations in Richland County by building a ~400,000-sqft state-of-the-art, world-class lithium-ion battery recycling + materials facility at Pineview Industrial Park. Watch this video to get the rundown on the project.

FN America, LLC

  • Local investment: ~$18 million
  • Jobs created: ~102 jobs
  • Project scope: The global firearms manufacturer + partner of the US Department of Defense announced plans to expand its operations into Richland County in May by enhancing its SC production site, located close to Old Clemson Road. It plans on adding ~40,000 sqft to enlarge its manufacturing capacity, add office areas, and build a state-of-the-art design center.
Columbia Fireflies
 
Events
Monday, Aug. 14
  • Play Freely: Chess Club | Monday, Aug. 14 | 6-7:45 p.m. | Richland Library St. Andrews, St. Andrews Children’s Area 2916 Broad River Rd., Columbia | Participate in a casual game or a tournament and meet some of the best players in your area.
Tuesday, Aug. 15
  • Smoked Oyster Series | Tuesday, Aug. 15, Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Smoked, 1643 Main St., Columbia | $60 | Learn to appreciate oysters like a fine wine by discovering the nuance of flavor by the climate of origin, taste, texture, and salinity.
Wednesday, Aug. 2
  • The Lunchbox Lift | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | femme x Columbia, 1501 Richland St., Columbia | Grab your lunch box and enjoy time with other women to be inspired and get your midweek boost so you can conquer the rest of the week.
Friday, Aug. 18
  • Friday Night Laser Lights | Fri., Aug. 18 | 6-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $10.00 | Enjoy the last Friday Night Laser Lights of the summer — this special experience features the music of Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Queen, and Prince.*
Saturday, Aug. 12
  • The Market at Icehouse | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St., Lexington | Free | Enjoy a farmer/grower and local artisan market that promotes, supports, and encourages local production, while educating citizens on the benefits of eating local, fresh produce.
More fun calendar events
Click here to have your event featured.
Central Carolina Community Foundation
 
Travel

🌄 Satisfy your summer travel bug with mountain views for two
A couple looking at the Blue Ridge Mountains from the patio of The Omni Grove Park Inn.
Escape to The Omni Grove Park Inn to enjoy stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. | Photo by The Omni Grove Park Inn
Picture this: You’re sitting next to your favorite person with a drink in hand, watching the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s summertime, and the lightning bugs are starting to emerge from the lush Asheville greenery surrounding The Omni Grove Park Inn. Sounds dreamy, right?

This could be you when you take advantage of the resort’s new Mountain View for Two package. From Sunday, Aug. 20-Tuesday, Sept. 26, save 15% on your stay at the serene resort every Sunday to Thursday. Bonus: Late checkout, daily breakfast, and a $50 retail credit are all included.

In addition to enjoying the mountain views, you and your plus one could:
  • Relax in one of the “Top resort spas in the US” (think: therapeutic waterfalls + eucalyptus-infused steam rooms)
  • Hike along the resort’s historic Sunset Trail while taking in the fresh mountain air
  • Dine at the resort’s impressive restaurants featuring locally-sourced ingredients + award-winning wine
Embrace the escape
News Notes
Job
  • SC Biz News revealed SC’s top workplaces, recognizing 111 companies, including local names like Colonial Life + Lexington Medical Center. Selections were based on employee surveys and questionnaires, evaluating leadership, work environment, and engagement.
Real Estate
  • Per last week’s council meeting, Lexington County is developing regulations for short-term rentals. The current ordinance draft includes rules for parking, occupancy, rental age, stay length, and property maintenance. The ordinance will be refined based on council feedback before a final vote. (The Post and Courier)
Transit
  • Be prepared for traffic changes if you use Whaley Street for your commute. CSX railroad is replacing a cantilever near Whaley and Lincoln Streets, leading to the closing of one side of Whaley Street from Wednesday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (WLTX)
Soda Citizen
  • Did you catch a local cameo in the recently released film “Barbie?” Luke Lorick, a former Lexington High + USC student, appears in the movie during a three-second clip after Ken leaves Barbieland. The short clip showcases Luke’s YouTube channel TailgatingChallenge where he reviews the best tailgating projects. (Lexington Chronicle)
Shop
  • Last chance: MANSCAPED’s annual Summer Sale ends in just two days. Now’s your chance to take advantage of 20% off + free shipping site-wide to save big on their best-selling electric trimmers, premium grooming kits, and UltraPremium formulations. Activate your discount.*
 
Transit

🅿️ Your go-to parking guide

How to park in Columbia
Parking pay station in Columbia, SC
Pay station in level one of the P.J. Cannon Parking Deck | Photo by COLAtoday team
If you live in a city, you’re going to use parking, lots. Eh? Get it?

Ok, we may be bad at parking puns, but we are good at parking in Columbia. Here’s a quick go-to parking guide that will help you avoid tickets within city limits.

Metered parking

Different colored meters correspond with different amounts of time allotted for parking.
  • Red meters, thirty minutes
  • Silver meters, one hour
  • Green meters, two hours
  • Blue meters, five-ten hours
Pro tip: Go ahead and download the Passport Parking app. When you’re running behind, the last thing you need is to reach for a sticky quarter in your cup holder.

Garage parking

Click to see 10+ parking options in Columbia that are operated by the City of Columbia + mostly align with metered rules or have visitor parking on lower levels. If all else fails, check this interactive parking map before you drive to your destination.

Click the button below for our top five tips for parking.
5 parking tips
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The Wrap
 
Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam
From the editor
So you’re in the market to buy. What price range + key features are you looking for when it comes to real estate? We are looking to feature hot homes that fit your needs as prospective homebuyers. Let us know what real estate you’re keeping an eye on so we can keep an eye on it too.
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