Gong honors Chernoff legacy

For years, a miniature brass gong adorned the desk of Marvin Chernoff’s office in Columbia, symbolizing the professional and personal landmarks of a job well done.

The routine sounding of the gong “meant it was time to move on and, usually, it was a positive thing,” Chernoff recalled recently. “The phrase was ‘Marvin gonged it.’ ”

Those celebrated declarations and their larger symbolism haven’t been lost on colleagues. Later this month, coworkers and friends of Chernoff are expected to unveil a large replica of the gong in Columbia’s Vista to honor the well-known retired Columbia businessman who has been battling cancer and who died Wednesday night at age 82.

Gong in the Vista is set to be installed under the canopy at Lincoln and Senate streets, across from the Columbia Convention Center. The 8-foot tall work of art is being designed by local artists Clark Ellefson and Matthew Kramer and features a powder-coated steel frame with a bronze gong.

An exact dedication time has not been announced, but organizers are anticipating the last week of February or the first week of March.

Former employees “wondered what we could do to honor his successes and service permanently in the Vista,” said Lee Ann Kornegay, a former colleague.

Chernoff founded Chernoff/Silver in 1974 and it was later merged into Chernoff/Newman and Associates. He is credited for making the transition from a successful political consultant to the creative force behind one of the most respected and aggressive public relations, public affairs and advertising agencies in the Southeast – all without formal training.

But he is also esteemed for his work in education and his longtime support of the arts.

“One of the many things that Marvin instilled in many of us is an appreciation for the arts, and having a public art installation by two of Marvin's beloved local artists is a magnificent way to honor his legacy,” Kornegay said.

The site for the artwork in The Vista at Lincoln and Senate streets was chosen because of the significant contributions Chernoff and his agency made to the renovation and revitalization of the area, Kornegay said. She said the specific site was chosen because of its proximity to the first office Chernoff/Silver revitalized in the area, which is now Longhorn’s.

“Marvin Chernoff is one of those rare characters in life that touch people, employees, children, grandchildren and citizens with a vision, pride and faith in creativity,” said Libbi Morgan, who also worked with Chernoff.

The artwork cost around $18,000 and is being paid for with private donations.

Organizers hope those who pass by the gong will honor Chernoff’s legacy and their own accomplishments by taking a swing.

“We hope that when people are celebrating, that people will hit the gong,” Kornegay said.

This story was originally published February 11, 2015 at 10:02 PM with the headline "Gong honors Chernoff legacy."