The Capgemini offices overlook Segra Park in the BullStreet District. |Photo by Campgemini
Richland County is adopting a new strategy to strengthen the local economy. Councilmembers recently approved transitioning the Richland County Economic Development Office (RCEDO) into a public-private partnership (P3), a model designed to attract businesses, foster private-sector collaboration, and create quality jobs.
Greenville’s success with P3s offers a promising blueprint. The city has become a model for using these partnerships to drive economic development, revitalizing downtown spaces like Fluor Field, and restoring historic landmarks such as the Westin Poinsett Hotel.
Richland County leaders hope to achieve similar success by leveraging private-sector expertise and fostering collaboration with local stakeholders.
The new P3 will officially launch in 2025, with full operation expected by mid-year. A board of directors — comprised of County officials, private-sector representatives, and community leaders — will guide the partnership’s efforts to bring high-value industries, like tech, to the region.
Carolina vs Clemson Blood Drive | Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Several locations across USC’s campus | Free | Your donation could make the difference between life and death for people across SC, all while helping USC claim the coveted blood drive trophy from our friends in orange.
Music Bingo | 7 p.m. | Hazelwood Brewing, Lexington | Free | Test your musical knowledge at music bingo and win prizes.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
P!NK Live 2024 | 7:30 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $62+ | Just giving you a reason to see this rock-influenced pop artist.
Jazzkeller: Mitch Butler | 6-8:30 p.m. | Bierkeller Columbia | Free | Enjoy jazz performances at Columbia’s riverfront brewery and biergarten.
Vista Art Night | 5:30-7 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | Free | This event featuring the work of Janet Swigler precedes Live in the Lobby Jazz: The Music of Miles Davis.
Jelly Roll: Beautifully Broken Tour | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $39.50+ | Head to Colonial Life Arena to see this Tennessee native artists and sing along to songs like “Son of a Sinner” and “Need a Favor.”
Rosetta Stone’s lessons focus on real-world images and scenarios to help users learn faster + retain more. |Photo provided by Rosetta Stone
Whether you’re a travel bug planning your next trip, wanting to connect with another culture, or looking to learn something new, the holidays arethe perfect time to dive into a new language — or 25.
Gift yourself (or a friend) lifetime access to all of Rosetta Stone’s languages with their Lifetime Unlimited plan at Black Friday pricing. With one low payment, you can immerse yourself in engaging language lessons whenever you want, forever.
Kickoff for the Palmetto Bowl is set for 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30. South Carolina (No. 19) heads to Memorial Stadium to take on rival Clemson (No. 17) in the nationally televised clash on ESPN. (Gamecocks Online)
Biz
Scout Motors revealed its retro-inspired truck during the Gamecock halftime show last Saturday. CEO Scott Keogh dubbed the $2 billion Blythewood plant “Scoutland,” highlighting its future economic and cultural impact on SC’s Midlands. (The Post and Courier)
Trending
Milo the koala has joined Riverbanks Zoo’s breeding program with Kirra, supporting efforts to preserve endangered species. As one of only 11 U.S. zoos housing koalas, Riverbanks plays a vital role in their conservation. (The Post and Courier)
Health
Columbia Parks and Recreation is hosting the “Fall for Health” Senior Expo on Thursday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Dutch Square Mall. The event includes free health screenings, workshops, and resources. Register with Brenda Thrope at (803)-920-9973.
Arts
USC’s Student Choreography Showcase happening Tuesday, Dec. 3 through Friday, Dec. 6 at Drayton Hall Theatre, features nine original works, including “Ascension,” inspired by religious rituals, and “From me to you,” a jazz piece on personal growth. Tickets are available online or at the door and showtime is 7 p.m.
History
This is the last call for submissions to our historical marker contest. Submit your nominations by this Tuesday, Dec. 3. for a chance to be featured on our map — and maybe even have your location officially recognized. Make a submission.
Listen
LaMelo Ball fined, Hornets solve Giannis but can’t run From Cavs bigs. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Seasonal
Get ready to jingle all the way with Boston Brass & the Brass All-Stars Big Band at Koger Center for the Arts on Sunday, Dec. 1. Starting at 4 p.m., enjoy a festive concert featuring lively brass arrangements of your favorite holiday classics like “Greensleeves,” “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells,” and more. Sleigh your seat.*
This is the last call to secure your spot in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. Get your giftable product or service in front of 53,000+ potential shoppers before the season ends.
Category
Development
Reimagining Seminary Ridge
Beam Hall is the anchor of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary campus. |Photo by COLAtoday
A historic opportunity awaits on North Main Street: with the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary relocating to Hickory, NC, its 17-acre campus is ready for its next chapter. Established in 1830 and a fixture in Columbia since 1911, the campus is just a five-minute drive from downtown Columbia.
Nestled in the Seminary Ridge neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and the historic Ensor-Keenan House, the campus presents a variety of possibilities. Could it become a hub for education from another local college, an arts district, or a mixed-use development that preserves its legacy while serving Columbia’s future?
Anchored by Beam Hall, a Gothic Revival building designed by noted architect Charles M. Robinson, the site is ripe for adaptive reuse. The campus’ historic character and prime location near downtown make it an intriguing spot for creative redevelopment.
Asked
Asked
What do you envision for the historic 17-acre campus of the former Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary on North Main Street?
This 3-in-1 portable charger. Ditch your knot of clunky charging cords for Anker’s ultra-compact charger that includes a built-in USB-C cord, power bank, and foldable charger.
Godspeed, the pop-up coffee spot from baristas Roger Caughman and Kailey Cunningham, is moving down the street to 711 Saluda Ave. in partnership with GrowCo at the Boyd Innovation Center. The new space, opening in December, will feature expanded seating, updated hours, Wi-Fi, and locally sourced pastries. Follow along on their Instagram for more updates.
