Ensuring that every interested resident of the Upstate has an opportunity to share their vision for the future is a challenge for this grass roots local effort. Unlike the recent U.S. Census process that included an intense advertising campaign and printed surveys sent to every address, the Shared Upstate Vision survey is relying on donated media and word of mouth to spread the word across the Upstate.

So far, a number of key local media partners have stepped up to help increase community awareness through advertising donations. Current media partners include GSA Business, Entercom Radio, the Greenville News, the Anderson Independent Mail, the Spartanburg Herald Journal, WYFF-TV, Fox Carolina and Fairway Outdoors. Other media organizations across the region have supported the project through placement of editorial content.

In addition, numerous community organizations, schools, businesses, hospitals and local governments have assisted in spreading the word through e-mail communications, web site advertising and circulating the printed version of the survey.

"The assistance we have received across the region has been tremendous," said Ten at the Top Executive Director Dean Hybl. "Every organization we have talked to has been more than willing to help spread the word.

"Every voice matters in creating a vision for the future that is representative of all residents of the region, so the more help we have in getting the word out the better."