‘Small Business Week’ Declared in Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, along with Ike McLeese, president and CEO of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, presented a proclamation, declaring May 21st-May 25th Small Business Week in an effort to show leaders’ support of small businesses and encourage customers to shop locally more often. Dozens of merchants, shop owners and independent contractors converged on the steps of the Chamber to witness the proclamation. Leaders say the 14,521 small businesses in the City of Columbia and Richland County do not get the respect and patronage they deserve. Thus, they hope urging residents across the state to support small businesses during Small Business Week and throughout the year, helps to not only boost the local economy but also confidence of local businesses. Chamber officials say collectively, small businesses make up the largest payroll and largest employer in the City of Columbia.