Mission & History

COR | Columbia Opportunity Resource helps professionals get plugged in to the community, connecting them to opportunities, experiences and diverse networks. Through programs like Table for Six and Crash Course Columbia, COR fosters local pride and boosts talent retention in the greater Columbia, S.C. region.  COR is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Our Vision:

An ever-growing, inclusive group of local champions who together are a vital component to the Greater Columbia region’s advancement.

Our Mission:

COR fosters local pride and boosts talent retention by connecting professionals in the greater Columbia region through insider experiences and engaging opportunities, building meaningful relationships across diverse networks of people.  COR is a volunteer-driven organization with three focus areas: leadership, service and connectivity. We fulfill our mission by:

• Connecting our members with executive mentors, leaders and the developments happening in our region 
  Goal: Ensure a sustainable future for our community through identifying, developing, nurturing and connecting the next generation of leaders.
• Providing and promoting volunteer opportunities
  Goal: Connect the next generation of Columbians to their community through volunteerism, service and philanthropy.
• Serving as a cheerleader for Columbia by promoting Columbia to Columbians
  Goal: Promote and enhance a vibrant and diverse and talent “magnetic” community through measurable and actionable strategies.

COR believes:

• Vibrant networks attract, retain and motivate talented people
• Motivated and talented people create exciting communities
• Exciting communities continually renew their talent pool

History

COR was formed in 2005 through a collaborative partnership between the City of Columbia and a group of impassioned young leaders looking to create positive change by connecting young people into the social, civic, and professional fabric of Columbia. In 2010, a partnership was formed between EngenuitySC, the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the Midlands Authority for Sports, Conventions, and Tourism, and The City of Columbia to establish the Columbia Talent Magnet Project; an initiative to attract, engage, and retain students, recent graduates, recent arrivals, and young professionals in the Greater Columbia region. COR is the Greater Columbia community’s collective investment in the next generation, as the primary vehicle for implementing the goals of the talent magnet project.

Founding Board Members