The River District Association cut the ribbon at its new location at 803 Meeting Street, West Columbia, Oct. 21.

The River District Association is a non-profit organization that will promote the growth and viability of small and independently owned businesses in The River District, from Riverwalk, on the Congaree River, to Triangle City.

Bill Mooneyhan, an organizer of Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting who is working to recharge The River District, said the purpose of The River District Association is to help revitalize The River District group of businesses and he expects the effort to grow.

“We want the businesses in this are to have a strong voice,” said Mooneyhan. “Many of the River District members are solid, long-standing establishments. The backbone of this community. We are also welcoming all of the new, high-profile businesses that are flooding the area. There is a lot of excitement and it’s just going to expand. We are tapping that energy and focusing it on growing together.”

The new office for The River District Association is also the home of the new non-profit Carolina Together, that will present the Gervais Street Bridge Dinner, twice in 2021.

Steve Cohen, who moved Carolina Together to Meeting Street, said The River District will work together as a unit to promote each other via various projects.

Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting drew many dignitaries and River District business owners and association members. Elected officials attending were: state Sen. Nikki Setzler; state Rep. Micah Caskey; West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles; Mayor Pro-Tem Jimmy Brooks; District One Councilman Joseph Dickey, District Eight Councilman David Moye, and Lexington County Councilman Glen Conwell. Many City of West Columbia staff members were also present.

The mission of The River District Association is outlined below:

• To encourage the beautification, historic preservation, and development of the member businesses and properties.
• To work to improve the business climate and foster business opportunities for independent businesses.
• To provide benefits, services, and education to aid in the operation and profitability of its members.
• To promote harmony, good fellowship, and a closer relationship among members and all area business and property owners.
• To urge members and surrounding residents to support local business whenever possible.
• To promote entrepreneurship as a prosperous opportunity for the area.
• River District Association Map
• To encourage and support a high standard of ethics in every business and profession.
• To promote such municipal, state, and federal legislation or regulations that will preserve fair competition and encourage local enterprise and individual initiative.
• To promote and protect independent business and the belief that businesses, substantially owned, managed and controlled by citizens of the community, will bring about a more prosperous community for all citizens.