Columbia Music Festival Association CMFA founded in 1897, as a joint partnership between local government and the private sector continues today as a vital and vibrant arts incubator for the Midlands of South Carolina. Throughout its distinguished history CMFA has undergone many changes in focus; but has never strayed from its original mandate to Educate, Discover, Develop, Train, Assist, Present, Produce and Promote the performing arts among the areas own citizens for the edification of all and to serve as a council and resource for the community.
Established in 1884 as the South Carolina Bar Association, South Carolina Bar is a voluntary organization that offers a variety of legal services. It is comprised of more than 200 employees and serves over 13,000 members through several programs and services. The organization serves and educates the public through projects and initiatives. South Carolina Bar provides law-related education programs, including middle and high school mock trials and other competitions, as well as organizes conferences and teacher workshops. It maintains communication, continuing legal education, finance, membership and public services, and media and technology divisions. The organization offers lawyer referral service by introducing people with legal problems to attorneys. South Carolina Bar administers the Client Assistance Program, which is designed to resolve low-level disputes and misunderstandings between clients and their attorneys. Its publications include South Carolina Lawyer and Lawyers Desk Book. The organization conducts various award and scholarship programs, such as LRE Lawyer of the Year and 2009 School of the Year.
