(Columbia, SC) — The Columbia Area Development Partnership (CADP) marked its first year as Richland County’s premier economic development authority by honoring longtime Richland County Councilmember Paul Livingston. The breakfast meeting, which convened regional business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders at Central Energy included the release of CADP’s Annual Impact Report for Fiscal Year 2026. Building What’s Next: Powered by Partnership, Measured by Impact highlights CADP’s first full year operating as Richland County’s dedicated public-private economic development engine, and celebrates major capital investments across the county. The event also included the presentation of the inaugural Three Rivers: The Paul Livingston Economic Development Champion Award.
“In our first year operating as a public-private partnership, CADP advanced 15 projects representing more than $1 billion in investment and 585 new jobs. We’re proud of the work we’ve done to build what’s next, and we look forward to continuing that work by supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment and preparing Richland County for future opportunities,” said Jeff Ruble, Chief Executive Officer of CADP.
Councilmember Paul Livingston was honored for his decades of visionary leadership and commitment to the region’s growth with the Inaugural Three Rivers: Paul Livingston Economic Development Champion Award. The annual award, which features the area’s three rivers flowing together as one, will be named after Livingston.
“Since being elected to represent the people of District 4 in 1990, Paul Livingston has been at the forefront of major economic deals, strategic partnerships, and community initiatives that’ve shaped where we work and live today,” said Damon Jeter, Co-Chair of the CADP Board. “His steady leadership has guided the county through transformative projects like Scout Motors and Mark Anthony Brewing.”
During the meeting, CADP CEO Jeff Ruble presented the organization’s FY26 Annual Impact Report, highlighting economic development activity across Richland County. FY 26 results included:
- 15 economic development projects advanced — 5 industrial, 3 expansions of existing companies, and 7 commercial projects
- 585 new jobs announced and more than $1.1 billion in Announced Capital Investment
- Major projects including the Scout Supplier Park, the oLiv redevelopment on Columbia’s Main Street, the Grand Willow Hotel in the BullStreet District, and Eastover Chips, a new wood chipping operation in Eastover.
The annual event featured an interactive project showcase displaying video footage and developments from transformative economic projects across the region, including the Scout Motors Supplier Park, The Ritedose Corporation, Mark Anthony Brewing, AMAROK, oLiv / Core Spaces, and Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union.
Attendees heard directly from the business executives behind several projects changing the county’s economic landscape:
- AMAROK Chief Financial Officer Nathan Leaphart shared updates on the company’s expansion and new headquarters under construction in the BullStreet District.
- oLiv / Core Spaces Director of Acquisitions Austin Pagnotta discussed the company’s $225 million, 720-unit mixed-use development on Main Street.
- Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union President Robert Dozier shared insights into the bank’s decision to invest in a new headquarters in downtown Columbia
Looking ahead, CADP leaders outlined key priorities for the coming year, focused on supporting existing employers, strengthening workforce alignment, expanding Richland County’s inventory of competitive sites and buildings, and pursuing targeted business recruitment opportunities. and sites and buildings. Together, these efforts are designed to build the foundation for continued industrial and commercial investment across the county.
The CADP FY26 Annual Impact Report, Building What’s Next: Powered by Partnership. Measured by Impact isavailable for download online at columbiaareadevelopment.com/
