• Ranking: No. 4,929
• Growth: 75%
• Industry: Engineering
• What they do: roadway/railway development, infrastructure improvements, and water system distribution + collection

• Ranking: No. 4,013
• Growth: 113%
• Industry: Financial Services
• What they do: provides financial strategies and customized, comprehensive financial planning methods during every life stage

• Ranking: No. 2,153
• Growth: 244%
• Industry: Software
• What they do: software development offering clients services like UI/UX design, web application development, skills development + more

• Ranking: No. 670
• Growth: 701%
• Industry: Legal
• What they do: personal injury + worker’s comp. law

• Ranking: No. 2,847
• Growth: 178%
• Industry: Construction
• What they do: fire, water, and storm drainage restoration specialists for commercial + residential

• Ranking: No. 4,138
• Growth: 108%
• Industry: Engineering
• What they do: engineering firm that specializes in steel design and construction

• Plein Air on Boyd Plaza | Tuesday, Aug. 20 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | These drop-in drawing and painting sessions on Boyd Plaza are led by About Face, an artmaking group focusing on portraits and the human figure.
• Mocktails: Learn and Sample | Tuesday, Aug. 20 | 6-7 p.m. | Richland Library North Main | Free | Join Richland Library to sample two mocktails and learn how to make more at home.
• Oyster Series at Smoked | Tuesday, Aug. 20 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Smoked | $60 | Enjoy an intimate evening at Smoked’s oyster bar featuring oyster farms from the East and West Coasts, including an array of gourmet oysters, wine pairings, and educational details.
• Columbia Fireflies vs. Fredricksburg Nationals | Tuesday, Aug. 20 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6-$18 | It’s Prisma Health Night: Join the Fireflies as they swing for the fences and celebrate the workers of Prisma Health.*

• AAF Midlands Membership Kickoff | Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 6-9 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works | Free | Network and mingle with some of the best creative minds the Midlands has to offer.
• Ask the Gardener Happy Hour | Wednesday, Aug. 21-Wednesday, Dec. 18 | Times vary | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Bring your questions, share your experiences, and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.

• Camden Parlor Talk | Thursday, Aug. 22 | 1-3 p.m. | Free | This talk uncovers the history + roots of ethnic music in South Carolina.

• Getting active
• Staying sharp
• Making new friends
• Learning new skills
• Sharing your talents
• Positively impacting our community
• Enjoying a sense of accomplishment

• Last week, the City of West Columbia dedicated a statue at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater honoring the late Judge Tanya Amber Gee — a SC Circuit Court judge who died in 2016. The statue honors her contributions and her love for the riverwalk.

• The first home football game is just a few weeks away and the Gamecocks are favored to win against Old Dominion by 20 points, according to Circa Sports. Check out the the full SEC points spreadsheet for week one games. (The State)

• We can smell the fries already. The SC State Fair announced a flash sale for admission tickets. On Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2:46 p.m. purchase six admission tickets for $46. This year’s theme celebrates the unique culture, heritage, and attractions of SC’s 46 counties.

• Leadership Columbia (LC) is looking for a local nonprofit to partner with for its LC25 Class Project. The selected organization will have a team of ~60 individuals completing a project that contributes to the nonprofit’s mission. Applications are due Friday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. See the Request for Proposal (RFP) guidelines.

• The Greater CWC Chamber and Visitor Programs is hosting a free community expo and career fair on Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stone River. Learn about local businesses, tourism efforts, and programs offered in the community. All vendors offering jobs will have on-site job information.

• Locked On podcast is breaking down South Carolina’s 2024 tight ends. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
  

• 22%. That’s how much auto insurance rates have increased over the last year. Stop overpaying + find a better rate when you get a free, no-obligation quote from Savvy.*

Design highlights

• Geometric shapes suspended from exposed black ceiling structure
• Tiles with an etched pattern that may remind folks of chicken wire
• An interior color palette of Gamecock colors with gold accents and displays of Gamecock Athletics.