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MARCH 2010

Who is City Center Partnership and the BID?
City Center Partnership (CCP) a private non-profit organization, manages downtown Columbia’s 36-block Business Improvement District (BID), which is bounded by Elmwood, Assembly, Gervais, and Marion Streets. All members of the BID (property owners) contribute to the expense of the supplementary services provided by a special BID or “beautification” fee added to the property tax rate.
Services provided by CCP include maintenance, sanitation, security, promotions, office tenant, resident, retail recruitment and retention, and advocacy for the area at a level above and beyond what is provided by the City and County. CCP distributes this monthly eNewsletter to promote and inform the community on what’s happening in downtown Columbia! |

Grubb & Ellis | Wilson Kibler Adds Two to Their Transaction Services Group

Real estate and investment firm, Grubb & Ellis | Wilson Kibler, is pleased to announce that both Braden Stoneburner and Robert Carter have joined their Transaction Services Group. Stoneburner has many years of experience in every aspect of real estate including brokerage, development, construction, property management and currently focuses on investment properties. Carter’s professional interests include industrial real estate, land acquisition and development. He currently assists in the management of income producing farmland in Nebraska.
Villa Tronco

(803) 256-7677
Lunch Monday - Friday 11 am-3 pm
Dinner Monday - Saturday 5 pm–10 pm
Opera Nights with the Palmetto Opera 1st Thursday of April and May
Monday Nights $8 Pasta Night
Tuesday Nights Discount Wine Night with $10 off any bottle of wine
Thursday Nights
4 Course dinner for $28 per person
Uptown Opens on Saturdays
 In addition to their Monday through Friday hours of 10a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Uptown will now be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop is located at 1201 Main Street near the state house and features on-site personalization, college gear, stationary, hand-made chocolate truffles, and lots of other great gifts for co-workers or friends. Some of their latest merchandise arrivals include things for the Carolina Cup and Easter. Contact Uptown at (803) 661.7651 or uptownsc.com.
Zoes Kitchen Offers Catering & Outdoor Dining

Let Zoes cater your next breakfast, lunch or dinner meeting. As the weather warms up, enjoy dining in or outside on the patio! Zoes Kitchen is located at 1320 Main Street and is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, please call (803)771.0122.
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City Center Partnership: Follow us on Facebook!
Main Street Welcomes McAngus Goudelock & Courie LLC
Columbia's McAngus Goudelock & Courie LLC law firm will move to Main Street from its current Vista location. The firm hopes that the space they occupy in the Meridian Building can earn certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, said managing partner Jay Courie, continuing McAngus' commitment to being protective of the environment. He also believes the new location will mean greater efficiency and better common spaces for firm members and that it puts McAngus near most of the biggest firms in Columbia, in a tower overlooking Main Street. Courie said the ambience on Main Street helped make the move attractive. "Main Street has a lot of energy," he said.
Cabo Café Opening this Month in Downtown Columbia
Downtown Columbia is pleased to welcome Cabo Cafe, opening mid March at 1425 Sumter Street in the former Cravings location across the street from the YMCA. Cabo Cafe will offer breakfast, lunch, takeout and delivery Monday through Friday 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. The cafe will feature creative new lunch choices specializing in unique tacos, burgers and salads. All menu items will feature locally grown and organic produce. Specialty tacos will include grilled Mahi, shrimp tempura and Carolina Barbecue. Vegetarian choices will be available along with wheat and gluten free tortillas. Columbia welcomes back Barton Dumas to the Downtown Columbia restaurant scene. He will operate and manage Cabo Cafe bringing his over 25 years of restaurant experience. His past restaurants are Keg O' Nails, Vista Brewing and Bistro and I.B.'s Sports Bar and Grill. Barton welcomes all friends to come visit Cabo Cafe in downtown Columbia.
Mast General Store Begin Renovations to Lourie’s Building
Mast General Store has begun demolition to the Lourie’s Building on Main Street. The store plans to open its newest “old” location in the summer 2011. Mast Store plans to use the main floor and basement of the 44,000-square-foot building for retail and the upper floors will be renovated and developed into apartments. Plans for the exterior include restoring the façade of the building to its original 1884 look. “There’s a historic element to the building and we hope to bring that back,” said Fred Martin, Mast Store’s vice president of operations.
“The downtown area is the heart and soul of the community,” said Martin, “and it is great to see Columbia revitalizing its historic stature.”
All of Mast Stores are located within historical buildings, which is the ultimate in recycling, Martin said. Part of the company’s employee training is teaching the staff about the historical significance of the building. He expects to employ between 35 and 50 people, many of whom will be full-time employees.
Mast General Stores are located in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Merchandise lining the shelves of this employee-owned retailer includes men’s and women’s traditional clothing, comfortable footwear, cast iron cookware, stone-ground grits and jellies, rocking chairs, outdoor and travel gear and more than 500 different varieties of old-fashioned candy.

Remember to Continue to Shop Proud Shop Columbia
As a resident of Columbia, you choose where and how you spend your hard earned money. Did you know that your choice to spend money at a Columbia based business as opposed to online or out of town can help support your city?
If each employed person in the Columbia area spent $100 each month in a retail business, it would generate more than $32 million in revenue. For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, 68% returns to the community through taxes, payroll, marketing, and other expenditures. Spend that in a national chain located in our community, and at least 43% stays in the local area. Spend it in another city or online and nothing comes home.
Many area businesses are promoting the campaign through word of mouth, decals posted in their shop windows, table tents located at their cash registers and fun merchandise displays that focus on shopping in Columbia.
“At Uptown we are trying to educate our shoppers about the positive economic impact of shopping locally. Some of my customers have indicated they were unaware of the benefits, and I think it is important to give this issue some publicity.” said Martha Studstill, owner of Uptown Gifts on Main Street.
In late 2009, City Center Partnership (downtown business district), Devine Street, Five Points, the Vista and Millwood Avenue announced the kickoff of their collaborative campaign called Shop Proud Shop Columbia. Teams of people hit the streets recognizing and thanking people for shopping in Columbia by giving out “I Shop Columbia” stickers.
While these efforts were a great start, don’t let the initiative stop here. Many times, local businesses offer a level of quality and customer service that is difficult to find when dealing with out of town or online merchants. Help support your friends and neighbors and make shopping Columbia a habit.
For more information on the campaign, to sign the petition to shop local, or to become a sponsor of the Shop Proud Shop Columbia campaign, please visit shopcolumbiasc.com.
Call for Volunteers for the 2010 Urban Tour
Volunteers are needed for the 2010 Urban Tour held on Thursday, May 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. City Center Partnership presents the Urban Tour which is a free event for the whole family, showcasing all that Columbia’s downtown has to offer. The self-guided walking tour includes special offers and giveaways from retailers, live entertainment such as street performers and musicians, local artists, carriage rides, a glimpse into downtown living, stories behind some of our historic buildings, food and discounted drinks all along the way. Volunteers will be asked to attend a pre-tour cocktail meeting on Monday, April 19 at 6:05 p.m. at the new Fox Theater/ Nickelodeon- 1607 Main Street between the former Lourie’s building and Kings Jewelers. If interested, please contact Steve Varholy at (803) 404-5535 or steve@wxryfm.org. Premier sponsors for the event include: First Citizens Bank, M&J Wilkow, Edens & Avant, CarterTodd & Associates, Capitol Places and Budweiser of Columbia. Supporting sponsors include: Scott McElveen, Certified Public Accountants and Service Printing.
NAI Avant Recognized by NAI Global as the Top Firm in U.S. Secondary Markets
NAI Avant, a Columbia-headquartered commercial real estate company located on Main Street, received the prestigious 2010 Eagle Award at the NAI Global International Convention in Las Vegas. The award recognized NAI Avant as the top firm in U.S. secondary markets having demonstrated the highest levels of achievement in their respective markets through a combination of dynamic leadership, capital resources, and commitment to quality and global vision.
US Development Explains why Rediscovering Downtown is a Great Economic Option for the Future
Living downtown saves on infrastructure costs to the government, transportation costs for residents, environmental pollution from commuters, and even supports your health. Living downtown offers benefits to people of all ages and professions. Check out the full story here.
Tony Perricelli, CPA Named Tax Partner, Scott McElveen, LLP Tax Advisory Services
Scott McElveen, L.L.P., a full-service, certified public accounting and business consulting firm on Main Street in downtown Columbia, is honored to announce that Tony Perricelli, CPA has been named Partner, Tax and Advisory Services. Tony has 11 years of experience preparing and reviewing tax returns, assisting business clients with tax and regulatory issues, and consulting on financial matters. He works with a broad range of business clients and is also a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

columbiamuseum.org
Museum Hours
Wednesday through Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
First Friday of every month- 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday - noon - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Monday, Tuesday and major holidays

The Diva Hair Weaver
From Canvas to Runway:
An African-American Hair and Hat Show
Friday, March 5
Doors open at 6 p.m. Show begins at 7 p.m.
Galleries open until 8!
Sharon Robinson, The Diva Hair Weaver, hosts an African-American hair and hat show inspired by the works in the exhibition, The Chemistry of Color. $15 / $10 members, seniors, military / $5 student tickets available at the door. Cash bar provided by The Whig. To purchase tickets, please visit columbiamuseum.org.
Birthday Art Breaks
Tuesday, March 23
Join us on this free admission day to celebrate the Museum’s birthday with Art Breaks! Art Breaks includes refreshments, lively discussion, and a tour of The Chemistry of Color: Contemporary
African-American Artists.
Wadsworth & Friends Concert
Thursday, March 25
7 p.m.
Artistic director and cellist Edward Arron hosts an evening of world-renowned chamber music featuring pianist Gilles Vonsattel,
violinist Yehonatan Berick and clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester performing works by Schumann, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky. $35 / $30 for members. To purchase tickets, please visit columbiamuseum.org or call 803.343.0482.

myrcpl.com
Mayoral Forum on Homelessness
Tuesday, March 16, 7 p.m.
Bostick Auditorium,
1431 Assembly Street
Join the library for a forum focusing on the homeless in Columbia. Find out what is being done and what can be done to combat this ever growing problem. All declared mayoral candidates are invited to attend. This forum is cosponsored by the United Way of the Midlands, Central Carolina Community Foundation and the Midlands Interfaith Homelessness Action Council.
For more information, please call (803) 929.3457.
Southern Writers Series: Pamela Duncan
Thursday, March 18, 6 p.m.
Bostick Auditorium,
1431 Assembly Street
Join the Friends of RCPL for a free book discussion and signing by award winning author Pamela Duncan. Cosponsored by the University of South Carolina Institute for Southern Studies. For more information, please call (803) 929.3475.
Old Tom and Young Bob: Encounters with Two Golfing Legends
Tuesday, March 23, 7 p.m.
Bostick Auditorium,
1431 Assembly Street
Take a swing with RCPL Literary Resident Howard Burnham as he presents a witty explanation of golf. From its misty Scottish origins to the creation of the Augusta National, Burnham will entertain with the adventures of golf legends Tom Morris and Bobby Jones. For more information, please call (803) 929.3457, or visit myRCPL.com.
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nickelodeon.org
Out in the Silence
Saturday, March 13, 7 p.m.
Doors open at
6 p.m.
Presented in partnership with the SC Equality Coalition
Out in the Silence follows the story of a small American town confronting a firestorm of controversy ignited by a same-sex wedding announcement in the local newspaper, this gripping documentary will challenge you to rethink your values and help close the gaps that divide our communities..
Please call the Nickelodeon's movie line at (803) 254.3433 or visit nickelodeon.org for more information.

artofeyewear.com
Super Saturday
63rd Annual Bake Sale



4th Annual St. Baldrick's Event

The St. Baldrick's Foundation, paving the way to conquer kid's cancer, event will be held on Saturday, March 20th from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Jillian's in the Vista. For more information, please visit stbaldricks.com or contact Ivan at (803) 251.2036. Sponsors for the event include Jillian's, Paul Mitchell School, and WilburSmith.
Save the Date for the Urban Tour &
the Spring Main Street Marketplace
Urban Tour 2010
Thursday, May 6
5:30–8:30 p.m.
Along Main Street from Gervais to Laurel Streets
City Center Partnership presents the 2010 Urban Tour, a free event for the whole family showcasing all that Columbia’s downtown has to offer. The self-guided walking tour includes special offers and giveaways from retailers, live entertainment such as street performers and musicians, local artists, carriage rides, a glimpse into downtown living, stories behind some of our historic buildings, food and discounted drinks all along the way. Businesses along the tour will keep their doors open late for the event. Free shuttle and horse carriage rides are available from 5:30 to 9pm to assist pedestrians. The event will take place rain or shine with the entertainment adaptable to street performances or inside designated buildings throughout the tour. Premier sponsors for the event include: First Citizens Bank, M&J Wilkow, Edens & Avant, CarterTodd & Associates, Capitol Places and Budweiser of Columbia. Supporting sponsors include: Scott McElveen, Certified Public Accountants and Service Printing. For more information, please call (803) 779.4005 x 2042..
Spring Main Street Marketplace
1500 Block of Main Street
on Boyd Plaza
Fridays in May and June
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Main Street Marketplace is an open-air market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, photography, unique gifts, local art, books, handmade crafts, and much more. Free admission. To become a vendor please visit citycentercolumbia.sc. For more information contact Alicia Morgan at Alicia@cartertodd.com or (803) 779.4005 ext. 2042.

2010 Fight for Air Climb
1201 Main Street Columbia, SC 29201
25 Floors 479 Steps
Fight for Air Climb/Columbia challenges participants to climb the 25 floors of the Capitol Center building in downtown Columbia. This is a professionally timed and ranked event with start times every 10-20 seconds, giving participants an opportunity to compete against the clock and conquer the tallest building in the city. Whether your goal is to just reach the top or be the first to cross the finish line, you’ll walk away with a newfound respect for your lungs! All proceeds from the climb benefit the American Lung Association’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.
$25 Registration Fee
$100 Fundraising Minimum Required to Climb
Register online at FightforAirClimbColumbia.org or call (803)779-5864 ext. 1811. |
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If you are located in the downtown Business Improvement District (36-block area bounded by Gervais, Elmwood, Assembly and Marion Streets in downtown Columbia) and are offering any specials in April 2010, please email Alicia Morgan at Alicia@cartertodd.com or call 803.779.4005 ext. 2042.
City Center Partnership… Managing the Downtown Business Improvement District, Adding Value to Downtown Property, and Enhancing Quality of Life For All!

1201 Main Street, Suite 150 • Columbia, SC 29201 • 803.233.0620 • fax 803.233.0621 • citycentercolumbia.sc
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