The WeCo River District Merchants Association got off the ground in 2021.

“I’m very pleased with the level of participation we attracted this year,” said Steve Cohen, WeCo River District president. The WeCo River District Merchants Association is made up of businesses in an area from the Congaree River to roughly the Ninth Street area of West Columbia.

In 2021, the River District Association held an after hours event at The Carolina Law Group at 824 Meeting St. Other events by the association included a ribbon cutting at Studio 221 Interiors at 536 Meeting St., and a Christmas party at the Brookland Development clubhouse at the corner of State and Meeting streets.

Jennifer Boyd, the River District Association’s secretary, said the Nov. 19 ribbon cutting at Studio 221 Interiors was a success.

“The ribbon-cutting was very well attended,” Boyd said. “We drew a good crowd, and many attendees also bought items from Studio 221 Interiors.”

“At every meeting we’ve had, since August, the vibe has been very positive,” Cohen said. “We’re totally and all about local businesses supporting each other. There is a lot of enthusiasm for all of our members when we get together.”

Cohen said in 2022, the River District Association will move forward.

“Our goal in the new year is to continue the progress we’ve made so far, he said. “We’re going to be proactive in our promotion of local businesses.”

Cohen said events like West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day, held on Meeting and State streets, will give members of the River District Association a chance to participate civically.

“We’ll encourage all of our member businesses to volunteer to help out with Kinetic Derby Day on April 22,” he said. “We believe if we take care of the community, the community will take care of our businesses.”

Boyd said Kinetic Derby Day provides an opportunity for commerce.

“Kinetic Derby Day was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID,” she said, “but we expect a large number of people to come out for Kinetic Derby Day this year. All those people in the River District provide an opportunity for River District businesses to open their doors during Kinetic Derby Day and welcome in lots of patrons.”