Main St., In Climate Controlled Comfort

We were just perusing the Mall's events calendar and were struck at how the sprawling shopping emporium continues to serve as Columbia's town square, or at least a commercialized version of one.

First there is an Oct. 20 career event:

These challenging economic times have forced many people to re-think their career paths. The Mall in Columbia and BmoreJobs.com have partnered to host a Career Entrepreneur Expo, which will offer job seekers a relaxed environment to interact with more than 35 employers and the opportunity to become their own boss!

In a relaxed, but professional environment, BmoreJobs.com will bring together Baltimore’s best employers with qualified job applicants. Positions offered will include administrative, sales, customer service, healthcare, engineering, retail and more. Workforce Development Specialists from Baltimore County, Howard County, and the Mayor of Baltimore’s office will be in attendance – ready to assist job seekers with their employment search. In addition, participants can apply for open positions available with retailers located in The Mall in Columbia.

The Expo will introduce an array of products and specialized services to help entrepreneur’s control their own destiny by becoming owners of businesses that operate in shopping malls. Learn about dozens of small business opportunities – and become your own boss – with merchandise startup costs as low as $2,000. The Business Development team at General Growth Properties will be available to help entrepreneurs identify locations for their specialty retail businesses. In addition, there will be a representative from S.C.O.R.E. (a resource through the Small Business Administration Office) on site for free counseling.


Then there's Halloween (while supplies last!):

The Mall in Columbia will host a mall-wide* Trick-or-Treat event on Saturday, October 31st from 6pm-8pm while supplies last.

For Kids 12 and under

*Select retailers

TIME: 6pm-8pm (while supplies last)


There's a benefit to support nonprofits:

Lord & Taylor at the Mall in Columbia invites you to participate in their Fall 2009 Benefit Bash, which will take place on Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

Benefit Bash is a private day of shopping in support of not-for-profit organizations in the Columbia area. Each organization is asked to sell tickets at $5 each, and your organization will retain all proceeds from ticket sales. Participation is free.

Lord & Taylor will award two bonus donation checks of $1,000 each. In addition, two special shopping incentives are attached to each ticket: a 20% coupon that can be used on one item, and a 15% savings pass that can be used throughout the store on almost anything including Cosmetics and Fragrances only on the day of Benefit Bash. Buy four tickets, and receive the fifth ticket for FREE!

To receive an application, please visit Lord & Taylor’s website at www.lordandtaylor.com/benefit to download. You may also stop by the Executive Office at Lord & Taylor at the Mall in Columbia.

And finally, Santa's coming! An experience the mall likes to refer to as "Santastic." We love the over-the-top marketing.

The holiday experience unlike anything you’ve ever dreamed returns to The Mall in Columbia beginning November 13th!

Prepare To Be Astonished With:

* The Magical Mailbox – be sure to have your letter to Santa ready
* The Naughty or Nice Meter – you still have time to be good
* North Pole weather effects – the forecast calls for daily snow showers
* … and many more magical surprises!

Join us as we create a holiday experience that you and your family deserve!