Benedict College Hosts 3rd Annual Broadband Conference

The Center of Excellence for the Division of Community Development will host the 3^rd Annual Broadband Conference, Thursday, April 16, 2009 from 8 am to 3 pm at the David H. Swinton Center on the campus of Benedict College.

The theme for this conference is “Broadband on Main Street: Implications for Education, Community, and Economic Development”. The conference features broadband experts from academia and private industry who will discuss the potential for statewide broadband in South Carolina and implications for the $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus funding. Conference participants will explore the role that educational institutions in partnerships with government, community organizations, and the private sector can play in developing and implementing broadband applications.

Panelists will discuss the importance that technology plays in education, community, and economic development and recommend steps that can be taken to ensure that cities and towns all over America, regardless of socio-economic status, have access to broadband technology.

“Benedict has been a leader in smart, green, and sustainable approaches to community development,” says Dr. Jabari Simama, the college’s vice president for community development and conference director. “Our new broadband technology center on Two Notch Rd. and the community web portal will help small businesses and community groups become digitally literate.”

The Center of Excellence for Community Development was established to serve as the research and public service arm of the college. In 1999, the College created the Division of Community Development. The division examines issues affecting children and families, business and economic development, community technology, democracy and government.

The conference registration fee is $75 and scholarships are available to qualifying individuals. For more information of the conference and to register call 803-705-4351 or log on to www.benedict.edu/community.html

Allegiant Air Adds Another Destination From Columbia, SC

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is pleased to announce low cost carrier Allegiant Air will begin service to a second destination from Columbia. Nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida will begin May 27. The airline will fly to Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday and Saturday.

Allegiant Air began flights between Columbia and Orlando in February. They will over introductory fares as low as $29 one-way. Regular fares will average $49 one-way.

Reservations may be made through the company’s website at http://www.allegiantair.com or with the airline’s Reservations Center at 702-505-8888.

Ric Luber, president/CEO of the MACST stated, “The addition of Fort Lauderdale to Allegiant Air’s service from Columbia is a bonus for the city. We now have more destinations that we’re able to reach with nonstop service which should be great news to a meeting planner. So not only is it easier to get here but the city and its amenities are affordable options for that planner on a budget.”

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Homewood Suites by Hilton® Honors Columbia, SC

Brand’s Annual Conference Pays Tribute to Exceptional Service

Columbia, SC – March 2, 2009 – Homewood Suites by Hilton^Ò, the international brand of all-suite, residential-style hotels, announced the list of team members and hotels honored with awards at the brand’s 20^th annual conference in San Diego, Calif. last week. Ninety hotels were recognized in 12 different categories among the brand’s more than 260 hotels for their exemplary customer service, adherence to Homewood Suites values, and leadership within the industry. Homewood Suites by Hilton of Columbia was awarded Complimentary Services Team of the Year, Reservation Team of the Year, and Consistency in Delivery award for 8 “Outstanding” grades for quality assurance evaluations in a row. Last year, this same hotel won Front Desk Team of the Year as well as General Manager of the Year.

The entire staff works diligently to provide friendly and efficient customer service, clean comfortable surroundings, and high-quality accommodations. Our complimentary services staff, lead by Cry Leggett, continues to exceed our customer’s expectations. Her friendly leadership has directed her team to always listen for opportunities to serve our guests.

“In this down economy, top-notch customer service, targeted sales strategies and efficient hotel operations become even more important to the success of our individual hotels and our brand as a whole,” said Bill Duncan, Global Head of Brand Management, Homewood Suites by Hilton. “Homewood Suites takes pride in outrageously pleasing our guests and we congratulate these top performers with our brand’s highest honors.”

The brand’s annual conference gives general managers and sales directors the opportunity to participate in a variety of intensive training programs, including sessions on revenue management, food and beverage, and sales/marketing. Additionally, networking breaks and other team-building activities help to unify the brand voice and allow for individuals to share ideas, express best practices, and learn about unique programs.

Located at 230 Greystone Blvd, Homewood Suites Columbia offers a mix of 81 studio and one bedroom suites designed for the extended-stay traveler. Amenities include complimentary Suite Start hot breakfast buffet daily, Manager’s Welcome Home reception Monday – Thursday, complimentary parking, onsite heated indoor pool and whirlpool, complimentary HSIA, business center, and meeting space for up to 75 people. Nearby attractions include Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, USC, and Government Offices. For more information about rates and specials, call 803-239-4663.

Hot New Hire at the CVB

the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes Brantley Butler as a new Sales Manager. Simons’ major responsibility will include marketing to the medical, scientific, and engineering markets to host their conventions and events in Columbia. She began her new role on Monday, March 2, 2009.

Butler earned her B.S. in Marketing from Clemson University. She has spent several years in the healthcare industry in the capacity of marketing and development. Her additional studies in biology, chemistry, and anatomy will prove to be beneficial to the scientific market. Butler is member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Fraternity and Chi Omega Fraternity and has won many awards including the Helen Brown Service Award in 1998.

On Butler joining the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, President Ric Luber states, “We are very pleased to have Brantley Butler on board. Her proactive approach fits right in with our current staff and her professional background will be useful as our organization taps into new markets.”

Tomorrow is the last day to reserve your spot!

TOMORROW, February 26, is the last day to secure ad placement in Columbia's 2009 Meeting & Event Planner Guide!

For the first time, the Meeting & Event Planner Guide will include a section on Weddings/Reunions/Socials. Each section will be separated by Tabs, the number one navigational tool in the guide and the ultimate opportunity for premium placement. Also new, all display ads purchased in the Accommodation and Unique Venue/Meeting Facility section will receive a complimentary formatted ad of equal size!

Your presence among meeting planners has never been more important than today! Don't miss this opportunity to be front and center among this powerful audience of decision makers and the tourism industry, which is a $1 billion industry for the Columbia region.

Contact Anna Bigham by February 26 to reserve your spot. Advertising opportunities are also available in the Official Visitor Guide and online at http://columbiacvb.com.

Anna Bigham | annab@weaver-group.com | 803.732.3110

Hilton® Columbia Center Voted #1 in North America by Guests

Only a year and a half after its grand opening, the Hilton® Columbia Center, is honored to receive top recognition by being ranked #1 by their guests out of all 287 full-service Hilton® hotels in North America.

According to the Hilton® Brand-Americas Voice of the Customer Survey, the Hilton® Columbia Center received the top ranking as #1 for overall guest services and amenities. Guests are asked to participate in the Voice of the Customer Survey by providing feedback on overall service, plans to return, and if problems occurred during their stay.

Located in the center of the financial, entertainment and historic Vista district, the Hilton® Columbia Center hotel opened in August 2007 and has hosted guests from all over the world. Managed by Hospitality America, the Hilton® Columbia Center has been the choice hotel for distinguished heads of state, such as former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. During the presidential primaries, the Hilton® Columbia Center also welcomed Senator John McCain and hosted press events at the hotel with all the major television networks.

The Hilton® Columbia Center is adjacent to the Columbia Convention Center and Colonial Life Arena. This prime location has made it the premier hotel downtown to see and be seen with celebrities and music artists. The Hilton Columbia Hotel has also been selected as the choice hotel by multiple Hollywood stars, such as James Caan, James Marsden, Kirstie Allie and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Hospitality America oversees 222 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, including 2 Presidential Suites, heated outdoor pool, fitness center by Precor® and 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. The Hilton® Columbia Center offers complimentary wired and wireless high-speed internet access in all areas of the hotel.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, located within the Hilton® Columbia Center, has also been honored as the “Best Steakhouse in Columbia” by patrons and readers of the Freetimes and Columbia Metropolitan Magazine. The restaurant’s on-site location provides guests with fine dining experiences for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Hilton-Columbia Center’s General Manager, Tony Tam, was just recognized as South Carolina's Hotel Manager of the Year by the Hospitality Association of South Carolina. Founded and headquartered in Tennessee, Hospitality America presently operates 11 hotels and 1,423 rooms in Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee. Hospitality America is currently ranked as a Top 10 Hotel Management Company by Occupancy in the Nation by HOTEL BUSINESS’ Annual Rankings.

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Midlands Authority Recognizes 2008 Employee of the Year

The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism (MACST) is pleased to announce Kelly Barbrey as the Employee of the Year Award recipient for 2008. As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Barbrey is responsible for the marketing efforts of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, the Columbia Regional Sports Council and the Columbia Regional Visitors Center. She is also responsible for each entity’s advertising plan as well as overseeing the sales of each department.

Barbrey was incredibly instrumental in Columbia’s latest marketing campaign; Columbia, SC Famously Hot. Her strong leadership skills directed the hiring of the MACST’s newest advertising agency, ADCO, as well working with other community leaders to set the direction of the new campaign. Her expertise in the convention and meetings industry has landed Columbia in premier trade publications with prime locations for targeting meeting planners. In addition, all of the partner services, marketing, and communications for the organization are under her management.

President/CEO for the MACST, Ric Luber, states, “Kelly is an exceptionally smart and sharp professional. She embodies the characteristics of a true leader and has gotten all those under her administration pumped up and aggressive in competing within our industry. She did a fantastic job with spear-heading the efforts of our new marketing campaign and she is just a joy to work with and her creativity is top-notch. We are very proud of her work and accomplishments.”

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