Daniel Rickenmann

Columbia is hosting the Korn Ferry Tour’s Colonial Life Charity Classic golf tournament this weekend at the Woodcreek Club. Earlier this week, I had a chance to check it out with some Gamecock legends.

If you haven’t already, you can get tickets for tee times today through Sunday. Children 15 and under get in free with a ticketed adult and tickets include access to post-round concerts. We’re honored to host this event and support a good cause!

Yesterday, we celebrated the grand opening of Black Dog Pizza!

Black Dog Pizza features classic pies, rotating specials, sandwiches, salads, shareables, and drink specials to pair with the menu. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza or want to try something new, check out Black Dog Pizza today. It’s located in the space beneath Hendrix on Main Street and it’s open Tuesday - Saturday from 11am to 10 pm. Let’s welcome Black Dog Pizza to Columbia and continue supporting local businesses!

Meet Ralph!

Ralph is a medium-energy 2 year old who can be shy, but opens up once he feels safe. Ralph is house/crate trained and knows basic commands. He also enjoys car rides and playing with other dogs.

Right now, Ralph is in a foster home and his foster family says that “watching Ralph open up is truly something special.” If you’re looking for a new friend, please consider adopting Ralph. You can fill out the form below to meet Ralph and give him a well-deserved forever home! Working together, we can continue to provide loving homes for all animals.

Meet & Greet Form: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/250657481340860

Happy Mother’s Day Columbia! I’m grateful for my incredible wife and daughters who inspire me everyday. Thank you to all the moms who give so much to your families and our community!

Last month, I attended the Mayors’ Cohort hosted by the National Medal of Honor Museum’s Griffin Institute as part of the US Conference of Mayors (USCM) in Arlington, Texas.

During the event, we learned practical leadership lessons from Medal of Honor recipients and discussed what solid leadership really means and looks like in practice. As part of the program, we visited Arlington’s Entertainment District and honored the exhibit for Kyle Carpenter. A huge thank you to the USCM and Mayor Jim Ross for hosting this event!

Exciting News: Scout Motors opened its training center!

Earlier this month, leaders from across our state celebrated the opening of the training center that will serve as a hub for onboarding, training, and workforce development. So far, the company has hired over 600 employees and this training center allows Scout Motors to streamline hiring and onboarding efforts as the construction continues.

This center marks another milestone for Scout Motor’s investment in our city and state and we’re looking forward to continued development!

Meet Petal!

Petal is a gentle 4 year old who came to the shelter in September of last year. At first, Petal was very shy, but since her foster family picked her up, Petal has blossomed into a vibrant dog who enjoys car rides, walks, and playing with stuffed toys.

Petal is crate/house trained, knows basic commands, and is good with kids of all ages. If you’re interested, please fill out the meet and greet form below to give Petal her long-awaited and well-deserved forever home!



Meet & Greet Inquiry: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/250657481340860

Earlier this month, CREW Midlands hosted a networking luncheon at Segra Park.

CREW Midlands is a networking and business development organization for commercial real estate professionals in Columbia. During the luncheon, we heard from various professionals about the market and I shared about key economic development wins and new opportunities for growth in our city. Thank you to CREW Midlands and everything y’all do for our community!

Meet Eeyore!

Eeyore is a higher-energy 3 year old who came to the shelter last year as a shy and timid boy. After spending a few months with a foster family, Eeyore has become a playful and affectionate dog who’s ready for his forever family!

Eeyore is house trained and a quick learner. He’s great with other dogs and enjoys being around his people as much as possible. If you’re interested, please fill out the form below to meet Eeyore and give him a well-deserved forever home. Let’s continue loving and caring for all animals!



Meet and Greet Form: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/250657481340860

Last week, I traveled to DC for the day to meet with our Representatives and Senators about the challenges are facing in Columbia to work together on solutions. There is no mistake that they are dedicated to ensuring the Capital City remains on a path for sustainable, smart growth.

We also joined other Mayors from across the country to meet with Federal Agency Intergovernmental Leads to learn about what is and soon will be available to help local governments from the Small Business Administration and Veterans Affairs to Department of Energy and HUD. Overall, we’re grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continued partnership and growth!

Meet Goku!

Goku is a sweet 1 year old who was adopted as a puppy but sadly found his way back to the shelter earlier this year. Now, he is in a foster home and is looking for his second chance with a forever family!

Goku knows basic commands, is great in the car, and is house/crate trained. He can be shy, but with reassurance, he warms up and is great with people and other dogs. If you’re looking for a sweet new friend, fill out the form below to meet Goku today! Let’s continue to provide loving homes for all animals.



Meet and Greet Form: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/250657481340860