The Congaree Vista Guild, a non-profit, membership-based organization comprising a wide variety of restaurateurs, shop, business and gallery owners in Columbia’s Vista, has elected a new Board of Directors for 2018-19.

Merritt McNeely, vice president of marketing with Flock and Rally, will serve as president. Beth Frost, director of business development at Cohn Construction Services, will serve as vice president. Alexis Lindsay, an attorney, will serve as secretary. Richard Burts, property owner and developer, will serve as treasurer. Vista Guild executive board members will each serve a one-year term.

“Our Board works to foster long-term growth and success in the Vista,” said Congaree Vista Guild Executive Director Meredith Atkinson. “We have a variety of experience and expertise on the board that will continue to improve Columbia’s arts and entertainment district, while also ensuring responsible growth and development in our neighborhood.”

Other board members include: Todd Avant, Kelly Barbrey, Stephen Chesley, Rosie Craig, Ryan Dukes, Clark Ellefson, David Erbacher, Mike Evans, Guy Jones, Dale Marshall, and Hal Stevenson. Fred Delk, of Columbia Development Corporation, serves as an ex-officio board member.

“I am excited to work with such a great group of board members who are passionate about the future of the Vista,” said McNeely. “With new residents moving in each year, more and more visitors and tourists coming to our region and millions of dollars of investments in new development, the Vista Guild looks forward to helping steer responsible growth in our neighborhood. We’re excited to promote and expand our new businesses and welcome growth in the Vista while staying focused on our legacy of being a home for arts and culture.”

The Vista has long been Columbia’s creative center, and is now the Midlands’ place to go for nightlife and entertainment. The Congaree Vista Guild board strives to encourage healthy development in the Vista, while seeing that the Vista is a vibrant symbol of progressive culture in Columbia.

For more information about the Vista, please visit www.VistaColumbia.com or call Meredith Atkinson at (803) 269.5946. Follow the Vista Guild on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook.