What is your name?

Naomi Walton

Where do you work and what is your job title?

Business Recruitment Manager for the City of Columbia

How long have you been in economic development?

5 years

How did you get started in economic development?

My path into economic development began with a focus on creating opportunities for small businesses and people to grow. Through supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders in the Midlands of South Carolina, I saw firsthand how access to resources, relationships, and the right opportunities can truly shape a business positively, and ultimately the community it serves. The experience led me to become increasingly interested in the broader forces that drive investment, talent and growth. That foundation naturally led me into business recruitment, where I now focus on connecting investment and opportunity with Columbia's broader vision for growth.

Tell us how your community is great.

Columbia, South Carolina, is a city with momentum, opportunity, and a genuine sense of community. We are a place where you can live, work, play, and raise a family while being part of a community that is actively investing in its future.

What makes the city especially unique is truly its people. We have a world-class welcoming, relationship-driven business culture. It is a place where people know each other and where relationships matter. Our city is growing, but we are intentional about the growth while preserving the character and quality of life that make Columbia so special.

From our vibrant downtown and Main Street to our rivers, parks, neighborhoods, educational institutions, and growing business districts, Columbia offers all the ingredients to create something special. There is a renewed sense of pride in where we are going, and a shared belief that our best days are still ahead.

Simply put, Columbia, SC, is a place where people can put down roots, build something meaningful and be part of a city that is moving forward together.

How has being a member of SEDC benefited you?

Being a member offers me the opportunity to learn from economic development professionals across the Southeast region and gain a broader perspective on what makes communities successful.

What is something you/your organization has accomplished that you are most proud of?

One accomplishment I'm especially proud of recently is stepping into my role in business recruitment and quickly building those important relationships. I'm quite proud I've been able to take the foundation I developed through my previous work with entrepreneurs and apply it to a broader scale to attract investment and opportunity to Columbia.

Where is your favorite spot in your community and why?

My favorite spot in the community is Main Street on Saturday morning when Soda City is in full swing. There is something special about seeing Main Street come alive with entrepreneurs, families, visitors, artists, food vendors and people simply enjoying their city.

Soda City being named USA Today's #1 Farmers Market in the country in 2025 is appropriate in what it represents. It is a gathering place and a reflection of Columbia's entrepreneurial and welcoming spirit.

What is a current podcast or book you would recommend?

A book I would recommend is All About Love by Bell Hooks. I appreciate the way Hooks challenges us to think about love not just as a fleeting feeling, but as something expressed through action, commitment, care, and community. It's a book that highlights the importance of how we show up for the people around us.

What is your guilty pleasure TV show?

I haven't watched much TV lately, but when I do watch, I love a good storyline with characters you actually become invested in.

What is something you do in your free time?

I love traveling in my free time and creating new experiences with my family. New experiences have been my greatest teacher and reminds me to stay curious about the world in which I exist.

When you were younger, what did you envision yourself being when you grew up?

As a child I was certain I was going to be a veterinarian. I loved animals and little me knew I wanted to help. But it took growing up to realize the deeper desire was not necessarily to become a vet, but it was to make a difference in helping others. That desire has followed me in everything I do, just in a different form.

Who is on your Economic Development Mount Rushmore?

My mom would certainly be on it for teaching me the importance of hard work, resilience and showing up for others. All the small business owners I've worked with would have a spot because they taught me what opportunity actually means on the ground. The leaders who have trusted me with opportunities before I felt completely ready would also be there because they showed me the power of opening a door for someone else. So maybe my Mount Rushmore is not four famous names, but rather those who taught me how to leave something better a little bit better than I found it.