CAE continues community engagement by hosting second Soar With US small business event
October 30, 2025
Following the success of its first community engagement event in September, which drew over 70 registrants, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) announced the second installment of its outreach initiative, Soar With US — a program designed to deepen community relationships, strengthen transparency, and expand opportunities for small businesses in the region.
Soar with US – Session II will take place Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at CAE, 3250 Airport Boulevard, West Columbia, SC 29170 in the Carolina Room, with a complimentary continental breakfast offering from 8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. All attendees will receive free parking vouchers at the end of the event.
The focus of the event will provide a comprehensive look at “How to Do Business with Columbia Metropolitan Airport,” as well unpack crucial information surrounding the Interim Final Rule on DBE or ACDBE Certification.
To ensure attendees have adequate time to connect with fellow business owners, as well as meet airport staff, tenants and concessionaires, there will be expanded networking sessions throughout the morning, as well as a dynamic panel discussion featuring small business owners who have successfully partnered with the airport.
“At CAE, we’re intentional about creating pathways for local small and minority-owned businesses to thrive,” said Gregg Hornsby, Interim President and CEO/CFO of CAE. “Through initiatives like Soar With US, we are not only meeting our goals but also building lasting relationships that empower our community, support our airport’s initiatives and expand economic opportunity.”
Soar With US reflects CAE’s commitment to:
- Enhancing Public Understanding: The airport has a pivotal role in economic development, job creation and community involvement.
- Incorporating Community Feedback: CAE aims to actively engage local voices in airport planning and key decision-making processes.
- Supporting Workforce Development: Collaborating with local organizations and educational institutions is a top priority of CAE; preparing the next generation for careers in aviation and transportation.
- Improving Transparency: CAE recognizes the importance of gaining and keeping trust through open communication about airport operations and future projects.
The two-part series, developed in collaboration with KRJ Consulting and Ken Weeden & Associates, underscores CAE’s dedication to inclusive engagement and continuous community involvement. Small and minority business owners, as well as those seeking DBE or ACDBE certification, are encouraged to attend and network with airport officials, prime contractors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
To register for this second event, please visit the Soar With US EventBrite page. Space is limited. Registration closes on Monday, November 10, at noon.
About Columbia Metropolitan Airport
Now providing 33+ daily flights with nonstop service to 11 major airports in 10 cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National), Orlando (SFB), and Fort Lauderdale. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), a two-time Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accredited facility, that continues to be a major economic driver for the Midlands region. Welcoming over 1.3 million passengers in 2024, CAE is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air and serves as a regional cargo hub for UPS and served by cargo carrier, FedEx.
