By Bob Holmes
Columbia International University thanked dozens of business leaders from around the Columbia area at luncheon featuring one of South Carolina’s leading research economists, Dr. Joseph Von Nessen.
The businesses represented at the luncheon are key supporters of CIU’s annual Leadership Summit featuring bestselling author Jon Gordon.
In attendance was Anthony Bryant, the leadership training director at Grimaud Enterprises, the Presenting Sponsor of the Leadership Summit. The company services over 100 Precision Tune locations in the United States.
Bryant, who earned a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership at CIU in 2024, says his company is “Christian based” and “believes in the mission of CIU.”
“We model off of biblical principles,” Bryant said. “The partnership with CIU is definitely in line with our beliefs.”
Bryant also appreciated hearing from Von Nessen, who is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the University of South Carolina’s annual statewide economic forecast.
“We’re in the car business,” Bryant said. “It’s great to know where the economy is going throughout the U.S., especially here in South Carolina. We definitely need to see the trends and ebbs and flows of what’s going on because it does impact our business.”
As for Von Nessen, he also has a link to CIU. His grandfather, The Rev. Harold Von Nessen Sr. graduated with a ministerial degree from CIU in 1965, when it was known as Columbia Bible College.
The next CIU Leadership Summit with Jon Gordon, is scheduled for March 5, 2026. Register at CIU.edu/Leadership.
Photo caption: Anthony Bryant of Grimaud Enterprises chats with other business leaders at the CIU luncheon.
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