West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton and other dignitaries will formally kick off the 2010 Census in West Columbia and five South Carolina counties at a one–hour ribbon–cutting ceremony to open the West Columbia Local Census Office Monday, January 11, 2010, at 11 am at 425B Sunset Blvd., in the Capitol Square Shopping Center.

Mayor Horton will deliver keynote remarks. Bobby Bowers, director of research for the State Budget and Control Board, and Jeanie Presto, assistant regional census manager of the U.S. Census Bureau, will also speak. S.C. Sen. Nikki Setzler and S.C. Rep. Bill Clyburn, will represent their districts. The Brookland– Cayce High School ROTC will present the Colors. The Swansea High School Jazz Ensemble will perform the National Anthem, and students from Saluda High School will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The S.C. Census Quilt will be on display.