Rufus Carson
Ambient Media
(803) 739-5252
Nowadays, many celebrations are a spectacle in some way. Ambient Media provides expertise in lighting design, A/V, and draping for special events, banquets, wedding receptions, and private parties. A decade ago this odd niche barely existed, and now lighting and effects are everywhere. Each client and event is different, so Ambient Media helps visualize and produce custom design solutions to create their client’s vision. Many popular effects include colorful uplighting, string lighting, drape treatments, chandeliers, video or graphic montages, and themed effects. “The party lighting trend started only a few years ago and has spread everywhere, into every type of party,” says Rufus Carson, owner and Columbia native. “LED technology has opened a warm fuzzy universe. People love the ambiance of great lighting, and that is our passion and pleasure.” The Ambient Media staff provides long-time expertise in stage, theater, and concert production and strives for excellence, artistry, balance, and affordability. Ambient Media will mark its 10th anniversary in April 2019. Shine on, Columbia!
Jennifer Brown
Bliss Massage Therapy
(803) 422-0935
Jen Brown opened the doors to Bliss Massage Therapy five years ago in the Vista, after serving eight years in the United States Air Force as a Fighter Jet Mechanic on F-16s. Massage therapy ended up being Jen’s true calling. As an advocate for continuing education and an alumnus of USC, Jen has earned degrees and certifications in Applied Sciences of Aviation Maintenance Technology, Public Health, Psychology, Personal Training (NASM), Oncology Massage, Prenatal Massage, Reflexive Performance Reset, AED/CPR, Victims Advocacy for Sexual Trauma, early stages of Neuro-Kinetic Therapy, and several forms of other education endeavors. Jen has enjoyed diving deep within the community after moving to South Carolina from Northern Italy, and she has contributed and volunteered to and with the Alzheimer’s Association, Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, Special Olympics, Pawmetto Lifeline, Sherwood Forest SC, the Autism Society, PAALS, and more.
Patricia Richardson
Camden Antiques Market
(803) 432-0818
Camden Antiques Market is enjoying its 25th year in business in the oldest inland city in South Carolina. Why has this shop lasted and thrived when many antique shops have come and gone? One key factor is the fact that more than 130 sellers are represented; it isn’t one person’s taste or interest. The shop is showcasing 18th, 19th, and early 20th century furniture and decorative arts in a climate-controlled, restored building in the heart of Camden’s Historic District. Here’s another thing — it’s only closed two days a year: Thanksgiving and Christmas. “We’re open, and we have plenty of parking,” says Patricia Richardson, owner. “Camden is an easy jaunt from Columbia. Just take I-20 (exit 98), and we’re 2.2 miles on the right. See you soon!”
Heather Thomas Noë
City Art
(803) 252-3613
City Art, located in a 100-plus-year-old warehouse building in Columbia’s historic Vista, is more than just an art gallery. There is a full-line art supply store in the basement level as well as a custom framing design center guided by Heather Noë. Just up the stairs, visitors can discover a main gallery, which features rotating solo exhibitions. Adjacent is the small works gallery featuring 2D and 3D art, and up the staircase to the second level gallery is classroom space and ubiquitous original art. The main gallery’s soaring 14-foot ceiling is used in concert with the side and upper galleries to provide an unmatched space for venue rental. Imagine an event in the warm ambiance of City Art. Visit this family-owned and operated business, founded in 1970, to experience all that City Art has to offer.
Rick Cohn
Cohn Corporation
(803) 699-1325
Richard H. Cohn, Sr., is celebrating 25 years as founder of Cohn Construction Services. He originated the business with the vision of creating a full-service design-build firm known for representing its clients with integrity, quality, and value. To better serve the needs of his clients, the business has expanded into Cohn Corporation, which houses Cohn Construction Services, Cohn Development Services, and Cohn Management Services. Professionally, Richard has more than four decades of experience in the construction, development, and commercial property management industry. The Cohn Brand encompasses external building projects and internal holdings of commercial and industrial properties throughout the eastern United States. Richard is a prominent member of the Midlands community through his civic involvement; he serves as chairman for the City of Columbia Planning Commission as well as maintains an active membership in both the City Center Partnership and the American Arbitration Association. In 2011, he received the Palmetto Patriot award in recognition for his contributions to the state of South Carolina.
David Coker
Comfort Keepers
Columbia-598.ComfortKeepers.com
(803) 462-1808
David Coker saw a need for reliable in-home care options 15 years ago when a very close family member fell ill. He opened Comfort Keepers in 2003 and over the years has provided seniors and their families with outstanding in-home care. Comfort Keepers takes a personal approach to caregiving services by individualizing each plan of care to fit a client’s needs. Caregivers use “interactive caregiving,” which means they engage clients to help keep their minds active while also providing assistance with activities of daily living. Comfort Keepers’ goal is to maintain a person’s independence where they feel the most comfortable: in their own home. Comfort Keepers matches caregivers to clients based on personality and needs to assure that clients are well taken care of by someone they can trust. Comfort Keepers prides itself on exceptional care!
Patrick Hall
Dog Daze
(803) 695-0091
Dog Daze has been providing the Midlands of South Carolina with exceptional doggie daycare and boarding for more than 22 years. In 2006, Dog Daze added dog-training services as well for all breeds and all ages. Offered are one hour, private, one-on-one, on-site lessons as well as board and train programs. Dog Daze has large fenced-in yards for dogs to play in while owners are away on a trip or just when owners are at work and would like their dog to socialize with other friendly dogs. Doggie daycare is offered Monday through Friday and closed on federal holidays. Boarding is offered seven days a week, and is closed for drop off and pick up only on holidays. Each boarding family member will be boarded in their own individual kennel. Multi-pet households do have the option to board together or separately. All pets go outside in large fenced in yards several times a day. Dog Daze looks forward to providing great pet care while you’re away.
Robert Goings
Goings Law Firm, LLC
(803) 350-9230
Goings Law Firm, LLC is a personal injury law firm devoted to legal excellence while protecting the values and representing the interests of South Carolinians. Founded by Robert F. Goings, the team is also comprised of attorneys Jessica L. O’Neill Gooding and Christin E. Boesl. Together, they are focused and experienced, and they’re driven to provide the best legal representation possible to their clients. If you, a family member, or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness, you need to hire an experienced injury attorney that will best advocate for your rights, fight for you, and seek full compensation for your injuries. Let the team at Goings Law Firm, LLC fight for you.
Casey Pash
Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina
(803) 252-1974
Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina has been inspiring the future to succeed in the global economy for the past 50 years, reaching more than 750,000 K-12 students. Through the implementation of volunteer-delivered curricula that educates students about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness, Junior Achievement is dedicated to providing South Carolina’s students with the opportunity to gain a fundamental understanding of the free enterprise system, job readiness skills, and money management before they graduate from high school. JA volunteers, who are role models from the business community, interact with students, motivate them to complete their education, and provide a sense of hope for the future. Volunteers demonstrate how economic concepts are relevant to the students’ lives by using age-appropriate activities. As Junior Achievement is looking to another great 50 years, the organization recognizes that volunteers truly inspire the future! To volunteer with Junior Achievement visit Engage.JA.org.
Rocky Menge
Palmetto Wine Sellers
(803) 714-3320
The holiday season is here, and Palmetto Wine Sellers would like to assist you in finding the perfect wine, sparkling or still, to serve at dinner tables or cocktail parties. Palmetto Wine Sellers can also help you put together unique selections as gift packages for business clients as well as friends and family. Palmetto Wine Sellers prides itself on a carefully cultivated list of offerings and its expert ability to meet any taste and budget. Customers can find excellent selections without an expensive price tag, and Palmetto Wine Sellers’ vendor relationships means vast customer needs are met. Whether seeking a recommendation for a weeknight meal pairing or planning to host a large event, experience the benefit of a personal wine concierge for any occasion.
George Roper
Roper Staffing
(803) 798-8500
George C. Roper is the president/CEO of Roper Staffing. In 1980, he was the corporate personnel director of Shakespeare Corporation. SKP was sold in June of 1980, resulting in massive restructuring. George spent the next year as a human resources consultant for local companies. It did not take long for him to realize that most of the staffing help available for local companies was from out-of-state agencies. He decided to open a staffing company dedicated to the SC Midlands labor market. He developed a business plan and invited his former CEO, Steve Trewhella, to look it over. Steve got very excited about the plan and recommended discussing it with two of SKP’s former board members: Dr. James Kane (dean of USC’s Business School) and Willis Cantey (retired bank CEO and business owner). All became board members. George decided to hit the market in early 1981, and today Roper Staffing serves the Midlands of South Carolina: Newberry, Laurens, Union, Charleston, and Sumter. Roper Staffing has been an exclusive South Carolina staffing company for 36 years.
Adam Vance
Sound & Images, Inc.
(803) 791-3925
Sound & Images, Inc. has been a fixture in the local and statewide commercial audiovisual installation and special event industry for 37 years. S&I is located just three minutes from downtown while also servicing the Midlands and South Carolina. S&I is unique in that it offers so much more than the typical A/V company. Adam Vance leads S&I in four specific areas. Commercial installation of A/V equipment is available in an office, building, or business, featuring Crestron and QSC products among other industry leading manufacturers; plus, there are A/V event production and equipment rentals. Large conferences and conventions, pressers, political, corporate, weddings, and social events are provided with highly trained and experienced A/V technicians so the focus can be on meetings and clients. S&I offers consulting and design prior to building, total event rental equipment, and vendor management. Only one point of contact. Before acquiring S&I, Adam Vance was the GM of the high-volume Columbia location for special event rental equipment company Party Reflections, Inc. Adam and the S&I staff have the experience and relationships to make it happen.
