It’s 5 p.m. on a Tuesday night. Young professionals from all walks of life are gathered at the latest Main Street spot to mix, mingle and find their place to make a difference. On Saturday, they will help rebuild a local home damaged by a flood. The week after that, it’s an intimate dinner at a West Columbia eatery with local leaders.

This is what Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR) is all about. Connecting talented professionals in the greater Columbia region to diverse and meaningful networks through leadership development, community service and social opportunities.

Columbia Opportunity Resource connects emerging leaders — like you — in the greater Columbia area to a variety of meaningful networks through leadership development, community service and social opportunities.

Joining the efforts of this vibrant non-profit organization provides you with numerous opportunities to expand your horizons and deepen your engagement in the community. Core activities involve discussing important local topics with community leaders and other COR members, volunteering to build a stronger Columbia, and enjoying exclusive networking events with other professionals interested in the future of our region.

“I moved here five years ago and didn’t know anyone. I was invited to a COR event and since getting involved my view of Columbia has grown immensely. It’s helped me meet some of the most amazing people and develop connections that otherwise would have not existed,” says Briana Bateman, now chair of COR.

Here’s a look at some of COR’s signature activities:

Table for Six – A networking event that transitions to small group dinners, with each table hosted by an established community leader and mentor. Prior hosts have ranged from area mayors to bank presidents, small business leaders, business and trade association directors, non-profit executive directors and other key individuals in the community. Mealtime conversations with local leaders allow for the development of meaningful relationships that go beyond your average networking event.

Activate – Membership mixers are open to the public and designed to connect you to emerging leaders and introduce you to COR. Walk into one of Columbia’s local restaurants or event spaces to discover a welcoming and authentic network. Mingle with other talented professionals and active members who might introduce you to your next business lead, boss or friend.

COR Connections – Networking happy hours for members only (so, make sure you’re on the list!). A great way to meet new friends or business associates – or both.

Volunteerism – Discover how much more you get when you give back to your community. Columbia Opportunity Resource arranges for group volunteer opportunities at area festivals and charitable activities. Among recent volunteer events, support for the Columbia Food and Wine Festival and home repairs for low-income homeowners in conjunction the St. Bernard Project.

Volunteering strengthens the Midlands and provides a feeling of accomplishment to all who participate. Making friends and having fun are just a bonus!

Much more — Columbia Opportunity Resource members do more than serve, lead and connect. In discovering the many hidden treasures of Soda City they become the best cheerleaders for our vibrant and diverse community. Joining COR is a great way to discover the real Southern hotspot and authenticity of the unexpected urban south through social and professional opportunities available to all.

It’s easy to join COR and take advantage of the many exclusive opportunities that identify, develop, nurture and connect the next generation of leaders here in the Midlands. Just go to https://ourcor.org, click on the appropriate button and follow the prompts.
Welcome to Columbia Opportunity Resource!