If you’re new to Columbia area business, you’re going to need help plugging into the power set.
We interviewed seven local movers and shakers for tips: Lisa Arnold, owner of Polished Presence image consulting firm; Steven Benjamin, attorney and developer; Beth Bernstein, Columbia attorney; Tameika Isaac Devine, attorney and Columbia City councilwoman; Gene Green, chief operating officer of NAI Avant; Alan Kahn, owner of Kahn Development Co.; and Joel Smith, former Bank of America executive and former USC Moore School of Business dean.
Here, three categories:
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THE MUST-ATTEND EVENTS
Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame banquet: A black-tie event in May that’s almost always sold out. “You tend to see pretty much everybody from the local and statewide business community there,” Smith said.
Urban League’s Equal Opportunity Day Dinner: Usually held in November.
The Junior League of Columbia’s Holiday Market Preview Party. A black-tie event on the Wednesday before the annual art-and-crafts show in December.
The Columbia Museum of Art (most any event): If the museum holds an event, go. Tops on the list are receptions to celebrate new exhibits as well as the Wadsworth Concert Series from September to April.
United Way’s Humanitarian of the Year ceremony: A black-tie affair held each February to honor a leader in philanthropy.
Palmetto Capital City Classic: This annual football game between Benedict College and an opponent from another historically black college is as much a social event as a sporting event.
THE CLUBS AND CIVIC GROUPS TO JOIN
While our sources named these groups or clubs, many said it’s not necessarily what you join but how active you are in the group. “Moving toward a leadership role is more important than what you join,” Green said.
Columbia Chamber of Commerce: Go to its breakfast meetings and after-hours socials. If there’s an opening on a committee, take it.
A private dining club: Whether it’s Capital City, Palmetto or Summit, you need a membership to at least one. Devine belongs to the Capital City Club, where she says a breakfast meeting may put you in the vicinity of former governors, legislators and other names you read in the paper.
Downtown Rotary Club
Forest Lake Country Club
Junior League: The all-women’s organization raises money for Smart Matters, a pre-school readiness program.
THE PLACES TO BE SEEN
When they’re not making business deals or volunteering on a board somewhere, here’s where the powerful go.
Ristorante Divino: Jackets are suggested at this Vista restaurant specializing in food from northern Italy.
Ruth’s Chris: Lobbyists fill the famed steakhouse at lunch time.
Rust: A Vista nightclub that’s become a popular place for political fundraisers.
Garibaldi’s: A Five Points landmark where politicians and businessmen eat supper.
Williams-Brice Stadium’s club level seats: Corporate executives entertain clients during USC football games.
The churches: Trinity Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church, Brookland Baptist Church.
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