The United Way’s online Volunteer Center offers year-round volunteer opportunities for 130+ nonprofit agencies across the Midlands. | Photo provided by United Way of the Midlands
Spring is here, and so is one of our favorite traditions: company volunteer days. As a reminder, National Volunteer Week is April 19-25. Where is your company volunteering this year beyond the annual event? We’ll highlight top opportunities soon. In the meantime, check out the United Way of the Midlands for upcoming hands-on projects making a real impact.
Asked
Asked
Where is your company volunteering this year, and what types of opportunities are you looking for?
In 2024, 77% of companies reported increased employee participation in volunteer opportunities compared with the year before, showing workplace service is becoming a bigger part of company culture.
Volunteering isn’t just giving back — it helps businesses build stronger teams, connect with their community, and show clients they care. It can also boost employee satisfaction and attract purpose-driven talent.
News Notes
News Notes
Biz
Columbia City Council has approved moving forward with a Business Improvement District in the Vista, with public hearings and votes scheduled through July. The proposed Vista BID would fund services like cleanliness, safety, and district marketing through property owner fees. (Cola Daily)
Launched
USC has launched a new Nuclear Workforce and Economic Impact Initiative with industry and technical college partners. The program will train South Carolina’s next-generation nuclear workforce and position the state as a national model for nuclear energy innovation. (SCBiz)
Awards
Twenty-one South Carolina farming businesses received grants through the Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness program, a collaboration between SCRA, the Wells Fargo Foundation, the state Department of Agriculture, and the SBDC, to accelerate growth, strengthen operations, and compete in a changing agricultural landscape.
Jobs
South Carolina Research Authority is hiring a Regional Director and Senior Investment Associate in Columbia to support its SC Launch program. The roles focus on mentoring startups, sourcing investment opportunities, leading due diligence, and helping early-stage tech companies prepare for fundraising.
Development
“Vista Depot Hotels & Apartments” is back in Columbia’s spotlight. This Thursday, April 9, the Planning Commission will review site plans for two hotels and a 183-unit apartment building at 700 Gervais St., part of ongoing efforts to grow lodging and residential options near the convention center. (The Post and Courier)
Job
Ready to run campus life? USC Upstate is hiring a Director of Housing and Residential Life. This full-time role pays $76,904-$115,356 and comes with great benefits — lead teams, manage student housing, and help make campus life feel like home.
Announced
Sunbelt Business Brokers recently announced the sale of Elloree Auto Parts to local entrepreneur Timothy Bele. After decades of running the business, Tony and Sherrie Rucker are retiring, passing the reins to Bele, who plans to continue serving the community with the same dedication and passion.
Thought Leadership
Columbia’s BizArts helps small businesses and creatives gain resources, scholarships, and visibility. Founded by Deon Generette in partnership with the City of Columbia, the quarterly events give entrepreneurs a chance to grow, connect, and shine. Check out the initiative’s spotlight in The Post and Courier.
Biz
Brock & Scott PLLC is moving its Columbia office to a 4,358 sqft suite at Crown Pointe in St. Andrews this April, enhancing access for local business and legal professionals while expanding the firm’s Midlands presence. (SCBiz)
Civic
Last week, the city held the first community meeting for its 100-acre Congaree Riverfront District, inviting residents and business professionals to provide input. Feedback will help shape offices, retail, hospitality, and other development along the riverfront, with ongoing engagement guiding the master plan. Submit feedback to ColaRiverfrontExperience@columbiasc.gov. (SCBiz)
Events
Agenda
We’re on the lookout for top networking events each week. If you have any to share, please reply to this email or add your event to our website.
Editor’s Picks
Trade and Diplomacy Forum: The Realignment of Global Trade | Wednesday, April 8 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Darla Moore School of Business | Free, reserve a spot | Join former US Ambassadors Ed McMullen and James Story for a fireside chat and audience Q+A exploring the realignment of global trade.
1520 Main St., Ste. B | $30/sqft/yr | 900 sqft | Retail/office suite for lease in Soda City Market, surrounded by established tenants like law, professional, and service firms, with two dedicated parking spots and downtown visibility.
2740 Devine St. | $15.50/sqft/yr | 580 sqft | Upstairs retail/office available downtown, full-service lease, includes utilities, insurance, CAM, waiting room, meeting room, and private office, with Maple Street views.
Office, for lease
5080 Sunset, Lexington | $4,600/month | 2,5000 sqft | Prime Sunset Blvd commercial property with high traffic, strong growth, and versatile potential near Lake Murray and Lexington Medical Center.
Retail investment, for sale
4350 Augusta Rd. | $675,000 | 5,400 sqft | Prime Augusta Road investment with established tenant El Charro Express and additional income potential in a high-traffic, rapidly growing commercial corridor.
Augusta is calling. Events like the Masters drive tourism, spending, and local buzz. Last year’s final round on CBS drew ~12.7 million viewers, and Rory McIlroy took home $4.2 million. What strategies — menus, watch parties, promotions — is your business using to capitalize on the tournament? Reply to this email. If haven’t made a plan, now’s the time.
}})
