Village Idiot Pizza has been a Five Points institution for over 30 years | Photo provided by Village Idiot Pizza
You spoke, and we listened — here’s the second batch, rounding out 40 local women making waves in Columbia. These leaders are running companies, launching ideas, and shaping our community.
Note: Submissions have been lightly edited for grammar, clarity, and length.
Anne Sinclair, Founder + CEO, Anne Sinclair Consulting | Sinclair has served on the Columbia City Council and is active with Washington Street UMC outreach programs, as well as refugee placement and settlement through Lutheran Family Services.
Lochlan Wooten, COO, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden | Wooten leads a dynamic team at the South’s most visited zoo, ensuring that more than 1.2 million guests each year have a world-class experience — and learn how to protect the planet without leaving Columbia.
Sheldon Paschal, Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement, United Way of the Midlands | Paschal is a United Way leader dedicated to strengthening her hometown. An accomplished artist, she gives back through community projects and the arts. Known for her professionalism and unique spirit, her presence and impact are a true gift to the city. | Nominated by Libby Anne I. + Sharon W. B.
Sumner Bender, Executive Director, The Nickelodeon | Bender has done a fantastic job of making The Nick a community space again. From forums to film talks to the Femme Film Fest, our local historic theatre is something to be proud of. And (!) it’s the only nonprofit art-house theater in South Carolina. | Nominated by Ashley E.
296. That’s how many new jobs AMAROK, LLC’s $69 million Columbia headquarters expansion will create. The 125,000-sqft BullStreet District facility will support the company’s growing perimeter security operations nationwide, with operations expected online by the end of 2028. Interested in open opportunities? Visit the careers page.
Biz
Lexington is revisiting signage rules, and proposed changes could affect how businesses market their storefronts. Business owners can share feedback at a stakeholder input session today, March 30 at Town Hall and virtually, with an 11 a.m.-1 p.m. window specifically set aside for in-town businesses. (The Post and Courier)
Job
Want to be the face of Scout Motors? The company is hiring a Local Engagement Senior Specialist ($110,000-$135,000) to build community and government partnerships, support workforce initiatives, and help this iconic brand make a real regional impact.
Community
The City of Columbia is kicking off public engagement for the 100-acre Congaree Riverfront District. Residents can share ideas on recreation, environment, and connectivity at the first meeting on Wednesday, April 1, helping shape the district’s long-term design and future development.
Plan Ahead
The SC GOP’s first gubernatorial debate is this Wednesday, April 1 at Newberry Opera House. Watch live on WIS NBC 10 or stream digitally. Voters can compare candidates before the primary and follow post-debate discussions with local political reporters.
Civic
The City of Columbia is partnering with Change.org for the “Ideas for Change” initiative, inviting residents to share and build on community-driven solutions online. Selected ideas will be developed into actionable proposals for the Mayor to review, helping shape positive change across the city.
Biz
South Carolina’s $20 billion life sciences industry is the fastest-growing in the region, expanding 5.7% last year. With momentum across manufacturing, research, and universities, companies and investors have new opportunities to partner, hire talent, or supply services in a high-paying, fast-expanding sector, driving statewide economic growth. (SCBiz)
Real Estate
Thinking about adding to your real estate portfolio? Experts say the Lake Norman area, including Mooresville and Cornelius, is a top place to buy a lake house right now. With steady demand, rising home values, and proximity to Charlotte, the region offers a strong mix of lifestyle appeal and investment potential. (Travel and Leisure)
Events
Agenda
Editor’s Pick
Know Your Numbers: The Financial Framework Every Founder Needs | Tuesday, March 31 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Boyd Innovation Center, powered by GrowCo | Free+ | Learn how to build a simple, effective P&L and revenue model to track performance, test assumptions, and plan for growth — no accounting background required.
Can you picture your storefront in a historic Main Street landmark?
Photo by COLAtoday
Retail, for lease
Sylvan Building, 1500 Main St. | 3,500 sqft | $30/sqft/yr | Prime first-floor retail space on Main Street, steps from Soda City Market, restaurants, and offices, set in a historic post–Civil War landmark.
Office, for lease
1608 Taylor St. | 1,800 sqft | $21/sqft/yr | Renovated freestanding space in the heart of downtown Columbia, ideal for office or retail with on-street parking and flexible layout.
720 Lady St. | ~5,476 sqft | $21/sqft/yr | Renovated office space in The Vista, steps from Main Street, USC, and the riverwalk, with private offices, conference rooms, and modern amenities.
Acreage, for sale
0 Emanuel Church Rd. | 4.49 acres | $825,000 | Prime 4.59-acre tract in Three Fountains, ideal for developers or builders, with ID zoning, water/sewer, high visibility, and flexible sale or lease options.
You know who else is iconic? Kimber Carpenter. The Columbia rocker launched AmplifiHer, a new collective celebrating women musicians and artists. The first event at The Art Bar brought together nine local and regional acts, creating a seven-hour night of music, visual art, and community. Follow along @amplifiher_sc + read all about it in the Post and Courier’s article.
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