Pop-up drive-in movie series selected as What’s Next Midlands project
March 30, 2017
The idea hub What’s Next Midlands (WNM) hosted a voting event at SOCO Bull Street last night to select an idea that would positively impact livability in the region.
The finalists from this round included a pop-up drive-in movie series, a bicycle co-op and bike drive, a trolley on the Gervais Street corridor, and a pet-friendly business campaign.
Andrew Saleeby was one of the Social Investors in attendance, and commented on the dramatic transformation the region has experienced over the last decade. “This transformation doesn’t occur overnight; it takes every single one of us doing our part to ensure our community is fun, safe, and vibrant for people from all walks of life,” said Saleeby. “By listening to the residents and leading the charge on community-minded projects, EngenuitySC and What’s Next Midlands are doing more than their part.”
After an evening of networking, project presentations, and Q&A, the Social Investors cast their votes and a pop-up drive-in movie theatre was announced as the winning idea, with the Gervais Street trolley as runner-up. The pop-up drive-in will be located at the Historic Columbia Speedway in Cayce. The project will be completed with the help of John Banks, Historic Columbia Speedway Manager and Owner of Fun Flicks, and is expected to include a series of showings over this coming summer.
“We’re honored to be selected and even be considered, especially with the other worthy causes,” said Banks. He said that he will work with What’s Next Midlands to sufficiently market and promote the movie series in order to draw large crowds and generate revenue. Banks added, “And please know that revenue will be coming back to this group.”
What’s Next Midlands social investors were excited to see a new idea selected for implementation, even if it wasn’t the one they personally supported.
“Although I didn’t vote for the pop-up drive-in movie theater that won at last night’s voting event, I realize that what I want won’t always have the greatest impact, or affect the most people, and I’m delighted to be a part of something bigger than what any one individual wants,” said Saleeby.
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About What’s Next Midlands
What’s Next Midlands is an idea hub that inspires community action. It rallies the ideas, partners, funds and volunteers needed to bring community projects to life. Visit http://whatsnextmidlands.com to share ideas with the entire community, discover others that share the same vision, and invest in the best ideas.
