On June 13-14, I had the pleasure of visiting Columbia, South Carolina.  My host was Andy Witt, who runs the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties.  Andy got things off to a good start by making sure I had the regional food specialty of shrimp and grits!  Then it was down to work with a presentation of the economic impact data ($56 million in industry expenditures that support 2,206 jobs) to the Cultural Council's board of directors' an impressive group of business and community leaders. 

The next morning was the press conference which included a high-profile slate of speakers.  Margie Gilbert, whose Central Carolina Community Foundation funded local participation in the study, described this as one of the best investments they've made.  Not only is the AEP3 study good for the arts, but it is also good for the Foundation in their estate giving work.  The Foundation will use the study to provide tangible evidence to potential donors of how their contribution will have a lasting impact on the community. Other speakers at the Columbia press conference included: Ted Speth, Chair Elect, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce; Rep. Jim Harrison, SC Arts Caucus Co-Chair; Representatives from U.S. House of Rep's James Clyburn and Joe Wilson's Offices; Ken May, Deputy Director of the South Carolina Arts Commission; and Greg Pearce from the Richland County Council.

More soon as I take the AEP3 show to the Golden State!