Around Town with @ColaMayor

Inside Columbia’s Tech Startup Ecosystem: The Boyd Innovation Center with Sam Herskovitz

In this episode of Around Town, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Sam Herskovitz, Executive Director of the Boyd Innovation Center, to talk about how Columbia is supporting founders building scalable, tech-driven companies. The Boyd exists to help ideas turn into real businesses, and the impact is already showing. More than 200 entrepreneurs have been served, over 40 tech companies launched or supported, and more than $1.7 million in investment capital raised. They break down the gap that exists for high-growth startups, why many founders leave to find resources elsewhere, and how Columbia is creating a stronger foundation through community, programming, and early-stage support. If you are building in tech or thinking about it, this episode offers a clear look at what’s possible and what’s already happening here in Columbia. Visit the Boyd here: https://www.boydinnovation.org/ [https://www.boydinnovation.org/]

Finlay Park Is Back: A Behind-the-Scenes with Todd Martin

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Todd Martin, the City Landscape Architect who led the design behind one of the most anticipated public projects in recent memory. With years of experience planning parks and public spaces in Columbia, Todd offers a candid look at what it took to reimagine Finlay Park — from honoring its legacy to building for the next generation. Get the inside story on how the park came back to life.

Local Roots with National Reach: The Flock and Rally Story with Merritt McNeely

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Merritt McNeely, CEO of Flock and Rally, a Columbia-based marketing and communications agency helping clients across the country connect with their communities in meaningful ways. What began as a local mission to support causes and campaigns in the Midlands has grown into a national agency known for creative storytelling, strategic messaging, and purpose-driven results. Merritt shares how her team builds trust, activates audiences, and stays grounded in the values that started it all. Learn more at flockandrally.com [http://flockandrally.com]

The Modern Library: Empowering Columbia Through Access and Opportunity with Tamara King

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Tamara King, newly appointed Executive Director of Richland Library, to explore how this 13-branch system is redefining what a public library can be. From free classes and social work services to kitchen equipment, fabrication studios, and even fresh produce, Richland Library is delivering more than just books — it’s providing real-world support to the Columbia community. Whether you want to launch a small business, learn how to sew, or just grab a sweet potato pie recipe, your library card unlocks far more than you might expect. To discover everything the library has to offer, visit richlandlibrary.com [http://richlandlibrary.com]

Reflecting on Four Years: Progress, Partnerships, and Columbia’s Future with Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and Payton Lang

In this special episode of Around Town, the tables turn as Mayor Daniel Rickenmann takes the guest seat for a candid conversation with his Policy and Programs Advisor, Payton Lang. From housing and public safety to art, business, and the revitalization of Columbia’s downtown, Mayor Rickenmann reflects on his first term and the bold moves that have shaped the city’s momentum. Hear about the city’s growing energy, long-awaited development projects coming to life, and why storytelling is essential to building Columbia’s future. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or just curious about Columbia’s transformation, this episode is packed with insight into where we’ve been—and where we’re headed. Tune in to hear how collaboration, risk-taking, and a passion for people are putting Columbia on the map.