701 WHALEY
The host with the most, Tom Chinn is manager of historic 701 Whaley, an event space that houses 701 Center for Contemporary Art, live/work loft studios and offices. The All Local Farmers Market is right next door, and combined with all the brides, the downtown church and a variety of parties, receptions, dinners, fundraisers and exhibitions in the hallway/community art gallery, Tom is one busy man. He is always the most gracious host and thrives on making sure everyone’s experience is positive and memorable. “It takes a good bit of patience to balance the operations of the building, but I enjoy meeting all the folks who come here and seeing them have a wonderful experience,” Tom says. “The building sort of has a mind of its own usually in a delightful way!”
Tom Chinn
CAROLINA PAWS
Kimberly Power has always loved working with dogs because they hold a very special place in her heart. After working for several groomers, she decided that the best way to serve her clients and to provide the proper care and attention to their dogs was to open her own shop. On April 1, 2009 her dream became a reality with the opening of Carolina Paws. Despite opening in a troubled economy, business has been great from day one and continues to grow. A great deal of Carolina Paws’s success comes from providing a caring environment where clients know their dogs will be treated with love. Carolina Paws has recently relocated to a larger facility, allowing them to care for more dogs and to better serve their clients. It is all about the dogs and their comfort. Carolina Paws, where loving care matters.
Kimberly Power
COHN CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
Beth Kelly, Cohn Construction Service’s business development coordinator, has maximized the organization’s recognition within local and statewide communities, built relationships with business leaders, negotiated contracts and tracked successful projects. Cohn
Construction Services has a reputation as a construction company of quality and integrity that always exceeds clients’ expectations. The company has extensive experience in projects ranging from design/build commercial, medical and dental and industrial projects to elaborate interior renovations and expansions. Its specialty is working with clients on a design/build approach. This process enables the firm to create a collaborative contractor/client partnership to build what is envisioned. When it’s time to upgrade your business facility or construct a new one, contact Cohn Construction Services and share the experience. If having your project done correctly and built with a commitment to the best in quality is important to you, then Cohn’s business is building yours.
Beth Kelly
COLUMBIA CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Columbia Children’s Theatre, a non-profit organization founded in May 2005, is the Midlands’ premier theatre for families and young audiences. Founded by Jim Litzinger, it is currently the area’s only theatre company dedicated solely to programming designed specifically for the youngest members of the community. They believe that participation in
theatre helps children develop academically, psychologically and socially and have developed three facets to their programming that allow children to participate on several levels. First, they offer five main stage productions each year, featuring professional adult actors in interactive and engaging shows specifically geared for families and young audiences. Second, they produce five YouTheatre shows cast entirely with students in grades one through 12. Third, their education initiatives offer training in aspects of theatre ranging from acting techniques for stage and film to musical theatre and improvisation. For more information, visit http://columbiachildrenstheatre.com.
Jim Litzinger
COLUMBIA CITY BALLET
Over the past 27 years, William Starrett, artistic and executive director of the Columbia City Ballet, has transformed the company into a professional company with 32 dancers and 2,000 season members. Columbia City Ballet has increased its total number of performances to more than 80 per year, reaching more than 51,000 people in a season with an overall economic impact of $2.6 million for the city of Columbia. Under William’s leadership, the Columbia City Ballet produces what critics have described as some of the highest quality cultural entertainment in the Southeast. Now in its 52nd season, the Ballet will travel to six cities in two states and will present 18 one-length performances at the Koger Center. The Ballet also will reach more than 30,000 South Carolina students through the 22nd Annual Columbia City Ballet Educational Outreach Series. Columbia City Ballet’s mission is to offer South Carolina and Southeastern audiences the highest quality ballet. It is one of the strongest and most versatile ballet companies in the Southeast. Since its founding in 1961, Columbia City Ballet has integrated the world of dance within the community as the largest performing arts organization in the state. For more information about the Columbia City Ballet, call (803) 799-7605 or visit www.columbiacityballet.com.
William Starrett
DOCTORS WELLNESS CENTER
Doctors Wellness Center combines the expertise of traditional medicine with the ethereal elements of wellness. With programs utilizing lifestyle as medicine, Doctors Wellness offers solutions to individuals trying to lose weight and improve fitness, patients working to prevent and reverse chronic diseases such as diabetes, and corporations attempting to lower rising healthcare costs and improve employee health. Program design is based on evidence demonstrating that comprehensive lifestyle changes can prevent and reverse chronic diseases such as diabetes. Unlike traditional healthcare, which only addresses symptoms (medications which reduce blood sugar do not treat the underlying cause of diabetes, etc.), Doctors Wellness offers programs that treat the cause of chronic disease. And unlike commercial programs, including Weight Watchers, medical weight loss centers and gyms, Doctors Wellness programs are comprehensive with experts in the fields of exercise physiology, nutrition and physical therapy. Program components include nutritional counseling, behavior modification, supervised exercise and physical therapy.
Doctors Wellness emphasizes total body wellness, and participants receive a holistic approach that produces superior clinical outcomes at a fraction of the cost of traditional healthcare, creating great value. Housed in a family friendly facility with excellent customer service, Doctors Wellness delivers on its motto: “We Make Your Life Better.”
Paul Lomas
FOLLINE VISION CENTERS
Since its opening in 1929, Folline Vision Centers has enjoyed an outstanding reputation for optical excellence, caring professional service and exquisite eyewear. They offer many exclusive eyewear lines normally only found in large cities, including Chanel, Lafont, Oliver Peoples, Tiffany & Co, Gucci and Christian Dior. If you want to look and see fabulous, Folline is the place to go. Jack Folline recognized Columbia’s need for a distinctive look in fashion eyewear more than 50 years ago. Today, his daughters, Emily Mikell and Lanie Epting, carry on the family tradition. Locations include Taylor at Pickens Streets (779-7783), Trenholm Plaza (790-0902), Broad River Road (772-9229) and Camden (432-2573). Eye exams are offered at each location by independent doctors of optometry. Brands vary by location.
Emily Mikell
GARVIN DESIGN GROUP
Garvin Design Group was formed almost a decade ago to strategically fill a void in the building design and delivery process. The firm focuses on creative, client driven design solutions that are guided by sound construction input. Garvin works collaboratively with its construction partners to give clients the best possible value for their investment. “I am fortunate to work with a wonderful group of amazing and talented people who are passionate about their work, and the results speak for themselves,” says Scott Garvin, president. “I have two great business partners in Terry Buchmann and Mark Timbes, and we have been able to complete more than $500,000,000 worth of public and private building projects around the state.” Garvin recently completed the Peace Center for the Performing Arts in Greenville, the Arena and Student Recreation Center at Coastal Carolina, and the Williams Brice Stadium Video Board. Its office is located on Lincoln Street in the Vista in a historic building that the firm renovated and filled with retail tenants including Starbucks, Cupcake, Tutti Frutti, and The Peanut Man.
Scott Garvin
GRACE ANIMAL HOSPITAL & PET LODGE
Dr. Tim Loonam is owner of Grace Animal Hospital and Pet Lodge, a mixed-animal veterinary practice in Lexington that is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. Grace Animal Hospital offers complete medical, dental and surgical services including ultrasound, laser surgery and equine dentistry. Their motto is: “Complete, Compassionate Care From Your Other Family Doctor.” Dr. Loonam, associate veterinarians Dr. Briana Davis and Dr. Jacinda DeRoy, and their award-winning staff are well known for their client education and relationships with referral specialists. Additionally, their dedicated kennel staff offers full-service boarding for your pets.Dr. Loonam had a prior career as an Army officer before the Army sent him to veterinary school. An assignment to Ft. Jackson brought him to the Midlands, and in 2003 he deployed to Iraq for 13 months, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Tim Loonam
HANNAH PIANO COMPANY
Leonard and Lynn Hannah have been in the piano business since the 1970s, and in 2001 they opened their store in the Seven Oaks Shopping Center in Columbia. Their business in Raleigh, N.C. is still going strong. Hannah Piano Company is proud to be the only authorized Yamaha and Kawai Piano dealer in the area. In addition, they sell Pearl River, Story and Clark, player systems, digitals and used pianos of all kinds. Hannah Piano has a very successful piano course for beginning adults called Musical Moments, which offers adults a fun and stress free learning environment where they actually learn to play real piano. It is geared towards folks who always wanted to learn to play and never did. They also offer private piano lessons for children and adults.
Leonard Hannah
LARRY LUCAS, JR.
ChFC, AIC, State Farm Agent & Registered Investment Advisor
Larry has been with State Farm since 1992. He was appointed as an agent in Columbia in 2000. He now provides the insurance and financial services of the top insurer in the country. Because he obtained the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation, he was appointed as an Investment Adviser Representative, allowing him to provide financial planning services, in addition to insurance, for the entire state. Many clients are surprised to know that State Farm offers more than auto and home insurance. Life insurance, health insurance, bank products and even mutual funds are some of the array of unexpected products available from this local office. Planning for the future and preparing for the unexpected are their specialty. Larry and his licensed team members are easily accessible to call, stop by or visit on the web at www.larrylucasagency.com
Larry Lucas
POPE-DAVIS TIRE PROS
Established in 1979, Pope-Davis Tire Pros was built on the principles of quality, service and integrity. They still honor the vision of their founders today to make sure “Everything Rotates Around You.” Pope-Davis Tire Pros has always been locally-owned, and they are committed to giving back to the community through in-store fundraisers that support local organizations throughout the year. In 2012, Pope-Davis Tire Pros has proudly supported the Children’s Miracle Network, with raised funds going to the Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia and Cindy’s Healthy Fitness Zone in Springdale. Now a part of Tire Pros, an exclusive network of independent, family-owned tire dealers committed to the highest industry standards, Pope-Davis Tire Pros is able to offer its customers the nation’s strongest warranty package; Quick Bay – where all things tire-related are guaranteed to be completed in 59 minutes or less; and the best deals on a huge selection of tires. Certified ASE Mechanics can take care of all your automotive service needs, even major repairs, at a fraction of dealership costs. Pope-Davis Tire Pros now has seven locations in the Columbia area, including Discount Tire Pros of West Columbia. They look forward to earning your business.
Ray Bryson
REVENTE
After many years of working in retail as a manager and buyer, Debbie McDaniel started thinking about opening a shop that did not require her to “own” the merchandise. Consignment was relatively new to Columbia, but Debbie did her research, contacted former retail customers, collected their clothing and stored it until a location became available.
Revente opened on May 1, 1992 and has grown over the years from just a single employee (Debbie) to a staff of seven. Two more shops have been added: Sid and Nancy, a buy-trade-sell store, and Revente’s Last Call, a charity resale shop that benefits The Women’s Shelter.
Revente offers women of all ages and sizes the chance to sell their clothing on consignment and shop for popular, boutique and designer label clothing at affordable prices. Frequent buying trips to New York City provide the store with the latest trends in jewelry and accessories.
Debbie McDaniel
SHANDON-WOOD ANIMAL CLINIC & COLUMBIA CAT CLINIC
Shandon-Wood was established in 1978 by Dr. L. Neal Atkinson as a full medical, dental and surgical facility that offers both boarding and grooming for dogs and cats. In 1993, Columbia Cat Clinic was opened in the building next door as Columbia’s first cats-only hospital for clients who prefer a dog-free environment. Currently, they are working on a new modern facility for cats only. It will allow for improved parking, and is expected to be completed in early fall.
In January 2013, Dr. William Otis, III, will join Dr. Atkinson as a partner. They, along with their associates and staff, are committed to offering clients and patients compassionate, convenient care with the same quality medicine and service that has always been provided.
Dr. L. Neal Atkinson
STAYBRIDGE SUITES
Staybridge Suites is one of downtown Columbia’s newest upscale all-suites hotels, managed by Drew Dunston. Located in the Vista at 1913 Huger Street, it features king studio suites, one-bedroom king or two-queen suites and two-bedroom two-bath suites. All suites have a full-size fully equipped kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and hardwood floors.
Some of the things that separate Staybridge Suites from other hotels is the complimentary full hot breakfast buffet each morning and the complimentary full dinner with beer and wine Monday through Thursday. The creative chef puts together amazing dishes that guests enjoy so much they ask for the recipes. Local restaurants are featured several times per month, such as Palmetto Pig, Carolina Ale House and Blue Marlin.
Staybridge Suites is very much a home away from home, whether you are staying one night or three months. It is listed as the number one hotel to stay in downtown Columbia on Trip Advisor. One of the things that makes the hotel great is the staff, who are passionate about providing a friendly comfortable environment where travelers don’t feel like they are in just another hotel.
Staybridge offers complimentary use of Gold’s Gym, as well as an onsite fitness facility, indoor pool and complimentary laundry facilities. Special group, corporate and extended stay rates are available, so make your next stay a suite stay at the new Staybridge Suites downtown.
Drew Dunston
THE MITCHELL HOUSE AND GARDENS
“Exceptional” is the word people use for The Mitchell House and Gardens in Lexington, the first, full-service wedding facility in the Midlands. Established in 1992 by Phyllis James, The Mitchell House is the premiere location for discerning brides and grooms. The historic home opens on to a lush garden featuring a covered pavilion that accommodates 300 people for a wedding, while the Victorian gazebo is a romantic choice for intimate weddings. Aside from its outstanding reputation as a wedding venue, The Mitchell House receives applause as an upscale location for luncheons and receptions, anniversary, birthday or holiday parties, and business events. Guests give rave reviews for service and the delicious selections prepared from the Southern recipe box of the owner and her mother and grandmother. With 28 menu selections, as well as custom menus, The Mitchell House has something for every budget and special occasion. From picture-perfect weddings to parties with panache, The Mitchell House ties the knot with style.
Phyllis James
THE PICTURE PLACE
To Sheree Smith, framing is a craft, one that she has spent the last 30 years perfecting. The Picture Place is an old school frame shop with contemporary ideas. They help design home and office artwork that is both beautiful and functional. They spend a lot of time with their customers to ensure that pictures are loved and cherished for years to come. Their slogan is, “You name it, We frame it.” They love the challenging framing projects that most framers cannot do. They use only conservation quality materials to preserve their clients’ precious treasures. But, mostly they like to have fun. So grab your artwork and have some fun with them and experience framing design in a whole new way.
Sheree Smith
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
Two Men and A Truck has serviced the Columbia area since 1993, when it was established by Roger and Tara Boyer. Today, the company operates with a mission to continuously exceed their customers’ expectations in value and high standard of satisfaction. This is reflected time and again by customers who continue to recommend Two Men and A Truck to friends and family for their home and business moving needs.
Two Men and A Truck desires to be a role model in the industry, and this is reflected in everything the company does. It has established core values to uphold and exemplify in all facets of business. Two Men and A Truck are the “Movers Who Care.” The company takes pride in being named Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s Best of Columbia for 14 years.
Roger Boyer
VISTA WEALTH MANAGEMENT
This past spring, Mary Kennemur joined Vista Wealth Management as executive vice president. “After 30 years in senior management in the financial services industry, I have returned to my first love: working with families and small businesses to help them define, prioritize and achieve their financial goals,” she says. “There is no greater satisfaction.”
A local, independently-owned wealth management firm, Vista Wealth Management provides products and services through the Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network. “I was drawn to three key aspects of Vista Wealth Management, which also seem most attractive to clients: the long-standing reputation of Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network; the top-notch technology we provide our clients; and the client-centered approach to investing that only a small, local business could offer.” Named on Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies list from 2009 to 2011, Wells Fargo & Company is known and respected for its responsible stewardship of its clients’ assets. “At Vista Wealth Management, we believe in a long-term approach, not only as it relates to investing but also as it relates to building long and successful relationships with our clients,” Mary says. Vista Wealth Management is accepting new clients who place as a high priority growing and preserving the wealth they’ve worked hard to create.
Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Vista Wealth Management is a separate entity from WFAFN.
Mary Kennemur
WEDDING 101
Wedding 101 is thrilled to be celebrating its first anniversary in Columbia. The beautiful studio on Main Street – often described as a “real life Pinterest board” – is a wedding resource library and a reliable place for brides and vendors to connect on a daily basis. Owned and operated by Connie Hancock, Wedding 101 takes brides through a step-by-step process that guides them toward the professionals who will make their wedding dreams reality. The best part? Wedding 101 is a totally free service for brides.
Come in and see for yourself — be educated … be inspired. Every vendor you need, every detail you want, all in one place. It really is that simple.
Connie Hancock
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
Whole Foods Market opened its newest location at the intersection of Cross Hill Road and Devine Street at the end of October. For this store, Whole Foods Market has taken the cornerstones of its business – a passion for natural and organic foods, a passion for local products and a passion for the freshest, best tasting foods around – and blended it with things that make Columbia unique and special.
Helmed by Jeff Campbell, one-time Columbia resident and long-time Whole Foods Market leader, the store is fun, fresh and a little bit funky. Jeff has been with Whole Foods Market since 1988, with only a short break in the mid-90s during which he lived in Columbia and became a part of the local music scene. He recently moved back to Columbia with his wife and two young daughters and is excited about becoming a part of the vibrant food community and reconnecting with old friends. You will see this excitement reflected in the store, as Whole Foods Market Columbia dedicates itself to serving Columbia and faithfully giving back to its new community.
Jeff Campbell
YMCA OF COLUMBIA
The YMCA knows that lasting personal and social change comes about when everyone works together. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is their cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. With a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, the Y’s impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good. Today, the YMCA of Columbia includes five branches across the Midlands and the Palmetto Center for Women. From the tens of thousands of children who have been impacted by quality childcare, camps and afterschool programs, to the countless adults whose lives have been strengthened through healthier lifestyles, the Y continues to have a positive impact on the community. Learn more at www.columbiaymca.org.
Bryan Madden
