02.02.2024

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Sunrise 7:21 a.m. | Sunset 5:55 p.m.

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The top industries and employers in the Columbia metro area

A view down Main Street from the state house steps. | Photo by COLAtoday

More than 460,000 people (and thousands of businesses) contribute to the Columbia metro area’s $54 billion economy. But have you ever wondered about the Capital City’s heaviest hitters?

Consider this Columbia Business 101 — your guide to our region’s five key industries and major employers.

Note: When we say Columbia metro area, that refers to the Central SC Region that includes Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Richland counties.

The key industries

There are five key industries represent ~55% of the Columbia metro area’s economy, based on data from Central SC. We’ve listed them in order of employment numbers.
Fun fact: Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC employs over 10,000 people and is the top private employer in the region.

Prisma Health Midlands + Lexington Medical Center together employ over 21,000 individuals. The services in these industries are delivered by trained professionals and include establishments providing medical care, health care, and social assistance.

Downtown Columbia from behind State House — Downtown Columbia from behind the State House. | Photo via @skyhighflyeye

The major players

Now that we’ve established the major industries, we bet you’re curious about some specific names. Whether you’re job hunting (or just “casually prospecting”), here are five major employers — all that employ more than 5,000 workers on average.

State of South Carolina

32,085 employees | Public sector | Search jobs

With Cola being the capital of South Carolina, the city’s largest employer is the state — which helps drive tourism, the economy, business, and local government agencies.

Prisma Health Midlands

15,000 employees | Healthcare | Search jobs

In 2017, Greenville Health + Palmetto Health merged to become Prisma — and became the second-largest employer in Richland County and one of the largest healthcare providers in the region.

This information is derived from the most recent data published by Central SC.

More top employers

City Guide presented by AllSouth Federal Credit Union.

Asked

Which industry do you currently work in or are most interested in?

A. Retail
B. Hospitality
C. Entertainment
D. Marketing/Advertising

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Events

Thursday, Feb. 1

Celebrating Gullah/Geechee Legacy, and Literacy | Thursday, Feb. 1 | 5:30-7 p.m. | South Carolina State Library, 1500 Senate St., Columbia | Free | Queen Quet will provide a histo-musical presentation to open a Gullah/Geechee exhibition curated by De Gullah/Geechee Alkebulan Archive.
Nom Nom Namaste | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Icon on Taylor, 1218 Taylor St., Columbia | $10 | Guests will receive a complimentary small smoothie and a bite to enjoy.

Friday, Feb. 2

Dueling Pianos | Friday, Feb. 2 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | The Venue |1626 on Main, 1626 Main St., Columbia | Free | Get ready for an epic showdown as two pianists go head-to-head, battling it out with their incredible skills and electrifying music.
Vintage Market Days — “Vintage Valentine” | Friday, Feb. 2-Sunday, Feb. 4 | Times vary | South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia | $10-$15 | Browse original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, treats, seasonal plantings, and more.

Saturday, Feb. 3

Motown Ballet by South Carolina Ballet | Saturday, Feb. 3, Saturday, Feb. 3 | Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $35-$60 | Motown Ballet, accompanied by live music directed by Mark Rapp Music, explores the unparalleled Motown sound, tracing the ascent of iconic performers and their timeless recordings.*

Sunday, Feb. 4

Gamecocks WBB vs. Ole Miss Rebels Women’s Basketball | Sunday, Feb. 4 | 2 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $25+ | Watch as the undefeated Gamecocks take on the Ole Miss Rebels inside of Colonial Life Arena.
Cocktail Classroom | Sunday, Feb. 4-Sunday, March 3 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Smoked Restaurant, 1643 Main St., Columbia | $65 | Join Smoked for Cocktail 101: Craft cocktails at home, master shaking vs. stirring, elevate ice’s role, and embrace mixology essentials.

Calendar events here

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News Notes

Number

12 — that’s the number of televised games USC’s softball team will have on ESPN Networks and 36 others on ESPN digital platforms. The schedule kicks off at home (Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field) on Friday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. against Jacksonville State. Grab tickets for upcoming matchups. (Gamecocks Online)

Fun Fact

The most popular dog breeds (in order) for SC are Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Golden Retriever, and Goldendoodle. These findings come from a US News and World Report study analyzing data on pet ownership trends, revealing the preferences of dog owners in each state.

Pets

Looking for love? Columbia Animal Services is offering a special $14 adoption event throughout February. Visit 127 Humane Ln. to adopt a pet. Plus, join Columbia Animal Services at Bierkeller Columbia for its Pups & Pints Speed Dating Edition adoption event, happening on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 12 to 3 p.m.

Arts

City Art — a gallery, art supply store, and venue rental in the Vista — announced new classes. Take a look at the eight classes with prices ranging between $125-$175.

Drink

Azalea Coffee Bar (2700 Devine St.) introduced the “Lavender Haze” to its menu. The Swiftie-inspired drink features Earl Grey tea infused with house vanilla and lavender syrup, combined with steamed milk, and topped with purple sprinkles.

Older Adults

The Cayce Police Department introduced C.A.S.E., a new initiative supporting older adults in the city. Partnering with local organizations, CPD will offer resources including transportation, recreation, mental health support, and more to enhance community safety. Get details on the kick-off luncheon.

Announced

Congratulations to our survey winner, Rachel M., for winning $500. Thank you to everyone who took the time to take our survey. We’re excited to continue providing positive news and events in our free newsletter.

Community

Culture

Our readers’ local love stories

Here’s where you found love around the Soda City. | Graphic by COLAtoday

Have you found love in Columbia? We want to know about it.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re creating a map of places where our readers have made memories around the area. We want to hear about every kind of relationship. Tell us about your meet cute stories, getting advice from a parent, learning to love yourself... we love love stories in all their forms. (But do keep it PG, please.)

Add a story to our map below by clicking the green “add point” button. You have until Friday, Feb. 9 to submit for a chance to be featured in our interactive map (and newsletter).

Tell your love story

The Buy

The Buy 2.02.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

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The Wrap

Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam

From the editor

On Wednesday night, my friends and I went to see San Holo at The Senate (102 Senate St.) and had a blast. I recommend checking out the upcoming shows calendar, grabbing some tickets, and planning a night out in Cola — we went to Menkoi Ramen House on Gervais Street before the show.

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