Sitting down with Roxanne Price, USC Alumni Center sales manager, and Ross Bullard, Southern Way director of hospitality
(803) 777-4111
MyCarolina.org
(803) 777-0511
TheSouthernWay.com
What differentiates your business from other hospitality entities in the industry?
While there are numerous venues and caterers in the Midlands, the USC Alumni Center/Southern Way partnership — known as My Carolina Hospitality — offers an unmatched seamless event experience. We understand that creating a successful and memorable meeting or event is not a cookie-cutter process, so we take time with every customer, asking the right questions to ensure we best meet their needs. An event cannot be customized unless you know the customer, and we are truly interested in building long-lasting customer relationships.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about your business?
Customers are often surprised to hear that My Carolina Hospitality executed more than 580 events during its first two years of operation. Southern Way, which recently celebrated its 35th year in business, established an office in the Alumni Center, hired a new classically trained executive chef, and has developed a popular, premium catering menu to help start the menu and event planning process. We strive to provide the highest level of service in everything we do, from setting the perfect floor plan in a beautiful room to serving incredible meals with distinctive Southern style.
What are the latest developments/innovation in your field?
Meeting and social spaces with advanced technology is one trend that is likely to stay. The privately funded Alumni Center was built with this in mind, and it includes presentation technology, large wall monitors, video-conferencing options, and wall screens that can be loaded with customizable content. “Foodies” are also here to stay, and they will continue to demand more innovative dishes and presentations – all of which our hospitality team is prepared to deliver unlike any other in this market.
How has the Columbia community benefitted from your business?
The USC Alumni Center serves as a cornerstone for unparalleled hospitality services in Columbia. It is also in a prime location to connect with members of our community and worldwide, whether they are alumni or not! Financially, the events executed at the Alumni Center have had an economic impact of more than $4 million to date.
