City of Columbia Announces #LoveColumbia 2015 Winners
July 22, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – The #LoveColumbia Photo Challenge is a City initiative that encouraged citizens of Columbia to submit photos via social media of the images they love in the City. Through the photo challenge, citizens were invited to explore our picturesque city.
The City of Columbia Photo Challenge, #LoveColumbia, began in 2014 as a way to increase community engagement, expand public knowledge of the City’s social media sites and increase the use of technology to interact with citizens.
“I enjoy seeing our citizens participate in celebrating Columbia as much as I do,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson. “This contest and the level of participation are exemplary of the pride that our citizens have for their hometown. The city, along with our citizens, business owners and the arts community, are building a world-class city together.”
The #LoveColumbia Photo Challenge was promoted on the City’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter sites during May 2014, where citizens were tasked with submitting images, which included landscapes, structures, buildings, historical monuments and more. Based on the total number of “likes, favorites, retweets, etc.,” there were three photos chosen from each social media account. The voting process was driven by citizen participation, which included the option to vote and comment on the photo of their choice.
“We are thrilled to present an opportunity that allows our citizens to share what they love about Columbia,” stated Public and Media Relations Director Leshia Utsey. “Whether it’s taking a walk at Riverfront Park or watching fireworks on New Year’s Eve, the City of Columbia offers something special for everyone to love.”
With over 400 votes placed online, the participation this year helped make the #LoveColumbia Photo Challenge a success. The contest provided a way for citizens to positively capture the City through photography and the winning photographs highlight that beauty.
The following winners will unveil their images today, July 21, 2015, during the City Council meeting.
- Facebook – Frederick Austin
- Instagram – Tony Claremont
- Twitter – Sally Rickenbacker
The winning photos and biography for each winner will be featured in the City of Columbia’s Report to the Community, the city’s website, in the Public and Media Relations Department’s publications and on display in the Gallery at City Hall.
For more information about the #LoveColumbia Photo Challenge, contact Public and Media Relations at 803-545-4418.
