Arts group seeks business members

Columbia County's arts umbrella organization is making plans to increase its membership with a drive beginning Monday.

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"We're recognizing that in order for us to be able to grow and to accomplish both our mission and vision for the Columbia County arts we have to go ahead and grow membership, and then we have to go ahead and grow some programs," said Gordon Renshaw, the chairman-elect for Columbia County Arts Inc.

He said the drive will last until Friday and primarily focus on business membership.

Benefits for business members include a Columbia County Arts membership certificate and involvement in other activities of the organization.

Businesses also will be added to the organization's mailing list, be included in special newspaper ads and listed on the Columbia County Arts Web site.

The cost of a business membership is $125 each year, in addition to a $25 one-time application fee. Cornerstone memberships cost $1,000 and include additional benefits.

Renshaw said he wants to secure at least 50 new business members by the end of the drive.

"We're not asking for them to just give to us as a charity," he said. "It's got to be viewed as an investment and to quality of life in Columbia County. We want to make sure they see value right from the outset."

The organization aims to use the arts in an effort to improve the quality of life in Columbia County and incorporate different groups, such as schools, art organizations, businesses and other communities, within the county.

"I may not be an artist, but I appreciate the arts, and I appreciate what they do and how they build an infrastructure for the community," he said.

For more information about the membership drive, contact Renshaw at (706) 993-6969 or e-mail gordon@humancapitalgroup inc.com.