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Santa's Mailbox Program Brings Christmas Joy to King's Daughters' Students

Issue #291

05 Dec

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia Weather - Sunny with a high of 34 / low of 16

🎅🏻 Santa's Mailbox Program Brings Christmas Joy to King's Daughters' Students

📰 Maury Alliance Marks 100 Years While Celebrating Economic Growth

📌 Columbia’s Most Wonderful Weekend!

👉 Check Out The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun in Maury County & More Here

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, December 5th

Friday, December 6th

Saturday, December 7th

Sunday, December 8th

Santa's Mailbox Program Brings Christmas Joy to King's Daughters' Students

The King's Daughters' School (KDS) collaborates annually with Heritage Bank & Trust to bring holiday joy to disadvantaged students through the Santa's Mailbox Program. This initiative supports KDS students who are in state custody or without a permanent home or family, many of whom remain on the school's campus during the holiday season.

The program invites students to write letters to Santa, listing their Christmas wishes. These letters are then made available at Heritage Bank & Trust branches in Columbia and Mt. Pleasant, where community members can pick them up. Participants shop for gifts based on the students' requests, which often include clothing, toys, and other essentials.

Donated gifts can be dropped off at the Santa's Mailbox area at either bank location. Once all the gifts are received, KDS staff wraps them, preparing them for delivery by Santa on Christmas Eve.

The deadline to donate gifts is Thursday, December 14. The program relies on the generosity of local businesses, Heritage Bank & Trust customers, and the wider community to fulfill the Christmas wishes of these students.

The partnership between KDS and Heritage Bank & Trust highlights a shared commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of children who need it most, ensuring they experience the magic of Christmas despite their challenges.

Maury Alliance Marks 100 Years While Celebrating Economic Growth

Credit: Kenneth Purdom

The Columbia City Council recently received the quarterly update from the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance, coinciding with the organization's celebration of its 100th anniversary. The presentation, delivered during the council's November 14 meeting by Maury Alliance Vice President Travis Groth, highlighted ongoing projects and opportunities for growth in Maury County.

Maury Alliance has reported impressive economic achievements over the past year, including the creation of 1,760 new jobs and $2.4 billion in capital investments. Additionally, the county maintains a cost of living that is 12% below the national average.

The most recent Economic Dashboard shared by the organization provides key data:

  • 17 active capital projects totaling $265.9 million in investments

  • 1,041 potential new jobs in the pipeline

  • October 2024 median home value at $387,772 and rental prices averaging $1,571 per month

  • Unemployment at 3.2% in September, slightly higher than the 2.8% rate from the same period in 2023

Groth highlighted a shift in the nature of investments, with nearly half stemming from the expansion of existing businesses rather than new companies relocating to the area. This contrasts with a historical 80/20 split favoring relocations. He attributed this to refined strategies, including stakeholder feedback and increased reinvestment by businesses already established in the community.

Maury Alliance continues its focus on workforce development, exemplified by its partnership with Maury County Public Schools for Manufacturing Day in October. This event offered 120 high school students hands-on experiences at three local facilities—J.C. Ford, Columbia Machine Works, and Landmark Ceramics—and a tour of Columbia State Community College's systems technology program. Students also learned about funding opportunities through the Tennessee Achieves program, providing pathways to local careers in advanced manufacturing.

Efforts to promote the region have also expanded, with Maury Alliance securing advertisements in state and national publications such as the Tennessee State Economic Development and Nashville Livability magazines. The county also gained visibility in CEO Global Magazine, further enhancing its appeal for tourism and economic growth.

As part of its centennial celebration, Maury Alliance hosted an event on November 12 at its headquarters, reflecting on its legacy of fostering business growth and enhancing quality of life for residents. Founded in 1924 as the Chamber of Commerce Columbia, TN, the organization has evolved over the decades but maintained its mission to support the community. The event included remarks from local leaders and a proclamation acknowledging the Alliance’s significant contributions to Maury County's progress over the past century.

Columbia’s Most Wonderful Weekend

Celebrate the season in historic Columbia, TN! All six of these antique stores are having their Christmas Open House on Dec. 7th. Add the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour to your itinerary for a most WONDERFUL weekend! 

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, December 5th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Mexican Grill, 6-9 PM

Friday, December 6th

Scott Southworth & The Honky Tonk Anonymous Band, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM

Saturday, December 7th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Karli & James, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
World Turning Band, The Mulehouse, 8 PM

Sunday, December 8th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard1-4 PM
County Community Band, Cherry Theater - CSCC, 3 PM
Still Rollin’, The Rebel, 4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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