701 Whaley
Melissa Ligon has been part of the 701 family since the building’s “new beginning” in 2008. She designs all of the marketing materials for the venue, from ads and promotional pieces to the interior building signage. The space at 701 holds a special place in her heart, as she worked there as an artist in the 1990s before the renovation — and heat and air conditioning. Further, from 2009 to 2012, 701 Whaley was home to her freelance graphic design firm, art4money (then known as Crescendo Advertising).
Automotive Cosmetics Group
Brent Brooks is married with three children and has lived in the Midlands all of his life. Brent has extensive experience of more than eight years in the automotive industry and is currently the operations manager of his family’s Automotive Cosmetics Group’s Lexington Service Center. It is located at 4431 Augusta Rd. across from Barn Yard Flea Market.
For more than 10 years, Automotive Cosmetics Group has provided high value, low cost “on-site” paint, interior repair, dent removal and upholstery service to the automotive dealerships throughout South Carolina. As a result of Brent Brooks’ family’s success, in April 2014, they opened a 7,000 square-foot state-of-the-art Service Center which includes a fully functional paint booth that is completely compliant with the new EPA standards, paint and dent repair department and a complete upholstery restoration center. ACG is committed to unparalleled customer service, quality and value for each customer. “Lightning-fast turnaround” means same-day repair and pick up. ACG provides the best value for your car repair dollar.
“If time is money, we’ll save you thousands.”
Cohn Construction Services
Cohn Construction Services originated in 1993 predominately constructing industrial buildings. Harris Cohn joined the family business in 2004 after working several years as a consultant in New York City. Since joining Cohn Construction, he has helped grow the business to specialize in complex healthcare, commercial/retail, industrial manufacturing and distribution projects. As the president of Cohn Construction, Harris directs an expert team of 20 design professionals, superintendents and administrative staff and has successfully led the completion of more than 15 million square feet. Harris coordinates the execution of each project deliverable with owners/tenants, building officials and the design team to ensure flawless execution and timely completion. His attention to detail, responsiveness with clients and vision has moved Cohn Construction to elite status that is noticed statewide. In addition to being a proud husband and father of two, Harris serves on the City of Columbia Design Development Review Commission and St. John’s Episcopal Church Building Committee.
Gibson’s on Devine
Gibson’s gift shop, located on Devine Street, has been the Columbia go-to shop for great gifts, cards, as well as everything home and entertaining related, for 60 years. After 34 years of continuous ownership by Gibson’s second owner, the business has changed hands. New owner, Melissa “Lisa” Armstrong, formerly self-employed as an attorney, intends to continue with the Gibson’s tradition of providing excellent customer service and a wide array of gifts, as well as a full-service bridal registry. Excellent customer service will remain the focus at Gibson’s on Devine, where the philosophy has always been that the customer comes first and their satisfaction is the goal, always! Gibson’s has long been an icon of Columbia, and the new owner is looking forward to continuing and expanding the business for years to come.
Il Giorgione
George’s love for Italy and all things Italian began as a boy growing up in the home of his grandparents in Hoboken, N. J. Their Italian heritage and traditions were an integral part of his childhood. As he grew, so did his interest and passion for Italy. During his college years at the University of South Carolina he studied Italian language, history, literature and film, and spent a summer abroad in Urbino, Italy. Since then he has traveled extensively throughout Italy. He learned that each region is unique, from the people and culture, the weather and landscape, to the amazing food and wine. He and his wife, Monica, are devoted to making your dining experience at Il Giorgione as enjoyable and authentic as some of their favorite places in Italy! Eat at Gio’s — try the homemade mozzarella, enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Italy!
Loosh Culinaire
Loosh Culinaire Fine Catering was established in 2003 to provide catering services to those who are looking for more from their caterer. With Loosh Culinaire, the food and service are the stars of the show. Chef/Owner Crawford Pressley has a background in the highest level of food service, with the Grande Diplome from Le Cordon Bleu in London and experience working in some of the country’s finest restaurants. He has brought his knowledge and command for excellence to the catering business. The result — catering at its finest. From elaborate weddings to corporate events and fundraisers to private in-home wine dinners, Loosh Culinaire is the caterer for lovers of food.
Mashburn Construction
Founded in 1976, Mashburn Construction is a full-service construction company providing preconstruction services, construction management, design-build and general contracting. For nearly four decades, the company has exemplified building with integrity by providing superior service and quality to clients in the healthcare, historical renovation, hospitality, industrial, institutional and church construction markets.
“Our focus is on long-term relationships versus short-term profit,” says Harry Mashburn, CEO. “We have developed business relationships with architects, engineers, subcontractors and vendors. We take our owners’ bold vision for a facility, partner with creative designers, provide open book competitive pricing and deliver quality craftsmanship.”
Headquartered in Columbia, Mashburn also has offices in Charleston and Greenville, S.C.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Adam Suggett, sales director for Events and Hospitality at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, was lured away from dynamic San Francisco based purely on the reputation and core values of Riverbanks Zoo alone. Having lived in England most of his life, Adam started to specialize in sales, marketing and branding after college. After securing a job at London Zoo in 2008, Adam has never looked back on his career promoting private event venues. Today, Adam is tasked with driving private event and corporate ticket sales at Riverbanks Zoo, while creating brand awareness for his newly rejuvenated event sales and culinary team. “Riverbanks Zoo has been one of South Carolina’s best kept secrets in event planning circles, but it’s now time to show Columbia that we’re not just hotdogs and hamburgers, we’re a one-stop-shop for event planning, event management and specialist catering,” he adds. “Every single private event inquiry that comes through the door excites us, whether it’s a boardroom meeting for 20 delegates, a 200 guest wedding in our Botanical Garden or a request to rent out the entire zoo on an evening for 5,000 company employees!”
Roper Staffing
Thirty-two years ago, George Roper had a vision to provide Midlands businesses with innovative staffing solutions that no other service offered. Over the years, he has assembled a team of dedicated employees who average more than 12 years of staffing experience. Roper’s services include traditional staffing, direct hire placements with access to the full labor market and special project work at a business’s own site or at Roper’s location.
“We do not use a cookie cutter method of hiring to fill your openings,” George says. “Each client is unique, and we hire accordingly.”
With offices in Columbia, Sumter, Newberry and Laurens, no staffing need is too small, too large or too unusual. Roper’s solutions go well beyond temporary, and the entire team looks forward to serving you.
The Haven in the Summit
The Haven in the Summit is a unique residential care community focusing totally on memory care. They provide educational programs for health care professionals and two monthly support groups — one for current family members and one for full-time caregivers in their home. They maintain an accessible resource center with information on the variety of issues dealing with dementia. This center is also accessible to local companies providing elder care services. It is important for those who may be dealing with a recent diagnosis of their loved one to not get overwhelmed with care giving issues that can make one forget to take care of oneself. Caregivers’ stress creates an emotional, physical and mental roller coaster effect and it is strongly encouraged to become familiar with various resources that can help through these difficult matters. A short-term stay (Respite Care) can be of great benefit for the main caregiver as a much needed break from the daily responsibilities of care giving.
YMCA of Columbia
As the Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of Columbia, Wendy Broderick’s role ensures that the Y is accessible to all people. A longtime Y professional, Wendy has played an instrumental role in the growth and strategic development of the YMCA of Columbia.
Wendy believes Columbia can be so much more. With Y members, volunteers, staff and partners, she raises funds so the Y can help individuals and families in need participate in programs such as: school readiness, chronic disease prevention, employment skills training, teen leadership programs and so much more right here in the Midlands.
The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause. As a charity, the Y is dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the communities’ health and well being, and giving back to their neighbors.
Visit columbiaymca.org to learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause.
SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
Opening Nov. 21, 2014 at the SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, Paths of Destruction: Sherman’s Final Campaign details Sherman’s last effort to quell the Confederacy in his army’s march through South Carolina. The exhibit focuses on the march’s impact on the people of South Carolina and its significance in the development of the concept of total war and the ethics involved by examining multiple aspects of the campaign. Artifacts include weapons, accoutrements, ammunition, POW pieces, uniforms, excavated relics and flags. Highlights are a life-size diorama depicting Columbia after the burning, audio segments and an interactive map.
Founded in 1896, the SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, focuses on South Carolina’s military history from the Revolutionary War to present. Visit www.crr.sc.gov for more information.
