Congaree Vista Guild Welcomes New Board of Directors
January 23, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – The Congaree Vista Guild, a non-profit, membership-based organization comprising a wide variety of restaurateurs, shop, business and gallery owners, as well as homeowners in Columbia’s Vista, has elected a new Board of Directors for 2015.
Richard Burts, local preservation activist, developer and Vista property owner, will serve as president. Cathy Jansen, Region’s Bank’s market manager for the Midlands, will serve as vice president. Darcy Earhardt, director of marketing and assistant property manager for The Arnold Companies, will serve as secretary. Rick Rowe, resident of Renaissance Plaza, will serve as treasurer.
Vista Guild executive board members will each serve a one-year term.
“Our Board works to foster long-term growth and success in the Vista,” said Congaree Vista Guild Executive Director Sarah Lewis. “We have a variety of experience and expertise on the board that will continue to improve Columbia’s arts and entertainment district, while also ensuring responsible growth and development in our neighborhood.”
Robert Bolchoz and Clark Ellefson will serve as members at large and join Larry Hembree, Mike Evans, Lea Cooper, Merritt McHaffie, Todd Avant, Hal Stevenson and Rick Cohn on the Vista Guild board. Honorary board members include Guy Jones, Rosie Craig and Dale Marshall. Ex Officio board members include Colonial Life Arena’s Chris Asouzu, Columbia Development Corporation’s Fred Delk and the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism’s Kelly Barbrey.
“This historic warehouse district has much to offer in the Midlands,” said Burts. “With 3,000 new residents moving in and $500 million of new development underway, the Vista Guild looks forward to helping steer responsible growth. We’re excited to promote and expand our new businesses why staying focused on our legacy of being a home for arts and culture.”
The Vista has long been Columbia’s creative center, and is now the Midlands’ place to go for nightlife and entertainment. The Congaree Vista Guild board strives to encourage healthy growth in the Vista, while seeing that the Vista is a vibrant symbol of progressive growth in Columbia.
For more information about the Vista Guild, visit www.VistaColumbia.com or contact Sarah Lewis at (803) 269-5946. Follow the Vista Guild on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @VistaGuild.
