We had a great crowd of over 100 in attendance to listen to Freshman U.S. Congressman Trey Gowdy give an update from Washington, D.C. yesterday as part of the Chamber's Public Policy luncheon series.

Among several issues discussed, was the importance of the Port of Charleston dredging project and funding. With over 60 percent of business for the Port coming from the Upstate, Congressman Gowdy stressed the importance of this project for the Upstate business community. Congressman Gowdy, along with the other members from South Carolina, have all committed to finding a way to ensure the study and project are completed.  

You're Invited to Salute to Quality April 28th from 4-6pm at the Chamber!

We asked Eddie to help us create an invitation for our upcoming
Salute to Quality event. To our surprise and delight, he utilized one of our program's Quality Tools - an If... Then Chart* - to relay the message!
 
Eddie Zahiu is a third grade student engaged in the Greenville Chamber's Carolina First Center for Excellence program at partner school Ellen Woodside Elementary. 
 
 

Turbulent markets, an aging workforce and changing rules have spurred many plan sponsors to take a closer look at their defined contribution plan: its design, fee structure, investment lineup and how its communications program educates participants. Please join us for an engaging seminar where we will discuss how you can capitalize on recent legislative changes and industry trends.

The Greenville County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) will begin receiving applications on April 6, 2011 for the Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Program, funded through the Federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-220). IWT provides funding for training needed in current businesses due to expansion, new technology, retooling, new services/product lines and new organizational structuring or as part of a layoff aversion strategy. IWT may also fund training in new businesses if those jobs are ineligible for assistance through ReadySC. This year's IWT solicitation will give priority consideration to the following in-demand, high growth areas:

• Aviation/Aerospace
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Energy
• Life Sciences
• Chemicals and Films
• Automotive

To obtain a copy of the IWT application, contact Katie Falconer at Greenville County Workforce Development, 864-467-7381,TTY: 711 or kfalconer@greenvillecounty.org or go to

http://www.greenvillewib.com. Applications are due by 3:00 pm on May 5, 2011. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Applications can also be accessed here: http://www.greenvillewib.com/notices.asp

Help Celebrate the Upstate's Diversity Champions on May 3rd!

Celebrate Upstate organizations and individuals who demonstrate leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion as an important mission.

The Upstate Diversity Leadership Award Winners will be announced at the 7th Dinner on Tuesday, May 3rd at the Carolina First Center.

Click here to register.

Have You Reserved Your Booth for GROW EXPO on May 17th? 

GROW EXPO is the Greenville Chamber's salute to regional businesses and celebration of National Small Business Week!

It's the region's largest business-to-business trade show with hundreds of members exhibiting and more than a thousand attendees.  

Click here for exhibitor and sponsorship information!

Want to Ensure that Your Facility is in Compliance with the Latest Safety Standards?

The Chamber's Manufacturers Roundtable, in partnership with SC OSHA, will be providing a luncheon session on Hazardous Communications Standards on May 17th.

Van Henson, Training & Education Supervisor, will provide the training.

Cost to attend is only $10, which includes lunch.
Click here to register or contact hhyatt@greenvillechamber.org for additional information.

Help Celebrate International Companies Investing in the Upstate!
Sponsor the 19th Annual International Luncheon on May 24th!

GE Energy will receive the 2011 International Economic Development Award at the Chamber's 19th Annual International Luncheon on Tuesday, May, 24 at the Marriott Greenville.

Click here for information about sponsoring and/or attending this important event to recognize the investment and employment by international companies in the Upstate!

Leadership Greenville Alumni recognizes an outstanding graduate of the Leadership Greenville Program for their outstanding civic and community contributions each year. Past winners include Dr. Baxter M. Wynn, Ann M. Wright and

C. Dan Joyner. Click here to learn more and download a nomination form.

Buildling a talent pipeline is critical to the success of manufacturing in our region. Dream It! Do It! will be hosting a Career Day at McAlister Square on Thursday, May 5th to introduce high school students pursuing manufacturing-related educational programs to leading area manufacturers. If your firm would like to participate (at no cost) or to find out more details, contact jblankenship@scpathways.org. 

Are You Saving Your Company Money with the Chamber's SmartBuys Programs?

The bottom line is this: Your company wants to save money. And to help our members do this, the Greenville Chamber has selected the best discount offerings for health insurance, office supplies, and  telecommunications that we could find. Our SmartBuys partners are BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Office Depot, and Windstream Communications. 

Click here to start saving money today with SmartBuys!

Are You Hiring? Post Your Local Jobs for FREE at NationJob!

Greenville Chamber Members can post local job listings for FREE at NationJob! Take advantage of this valuable benefit by E-mailing the job description to njlistings@nationjob.com and note that you are a Greenville Chamber member, or call 888-256-0919 for further details. 

Mark Your Calendars for May's Greenville Chamber Events!

Click here to see the Greenville Chamber's Events Calendar!

           Building one of the premier business communities in the world!