Campaign tells stories of West Columbia entrepreneurs

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A new campaign is highlighting West Columbia businesses and entrepreneurs by personalizing their stories.

The Real Faces WeCo Places initiative features decorative pole banners with QR codes that lead to a website with more information about the featured individuals and businesses.

“I am so proud of the individuals being honored on the WeCo Faces WeCo Places banners throughout Triangle City and the River District,” West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said in a news release. “These banners will help tell the story of the success of our city and each individual’s great contribution to it.”

The site includes snapshots of Terra owner and head chef Mike Davis, Chayz Lounge owner Chaye Alexander, WECO Bottle & Biergarten owner Phillip Blair and Tamara Brown, owner of JAK’s Essentials. Area residents, students and community volunteers also share what they love about West Columbia.

“The people on this side of the river are so friendly, from the residents to the those in city management who make doing business in West Columbia such a pleasure,” Davis, who opened Terra in 2006, says on the website. “The views of the city are pretty amazing as well.”

Alexander enjoys West Columbia’s small-town sense of community.

“When driving around the neighborhoods, you can absorb the feel of the area and city itself,” she says.

Rob and Kathy Whetzel, owners of Whetzel’s Automotive for more than 20 years, say West Columbia has “a sense of unity. The residents and businesses, everyone welcomes you, like one big family.”