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Ten at the Top
Upstate News
October 3, 2011 - Vol 2, Issue 12 |
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UPCOMING SCHEDULE
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TASK FORCE MEETINGS
All Task Force Meetings are currently being held at the University Center (225 S. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville)
Oct. 5 - Community Vibrancy 3-4:30 p.m.
Oct. 6 - Human Potential
9:30-11 a.m.
Oct. 7 - Sustainable Growth
10-11:30 am
Oct. 10 - Natural Beauty & Resources
3:30-5 p.m.
October 11 - TATT Executive Committee Meeting 124 Verdae Blvd., Suite 202 - 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Oct. 19 - Economic & Entrepreneurial Vitality Sub-Committee Meeting
Spartanburg CC - Tyger River Campus - 2:00-3:30 p.m.
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CONTACT US
| Dean Hybl
Executive Director
Ten at the Top
Email: dhybl@tenatthetop.org
Phone: 864.283.2315
Jacquelyn Fehler
Program Manager
Ten at the Top
Email: jfehler@tenatthetop.org
Phone: 864.283.2313
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VISION TASK FORCE MEETINGS THIS WEEK
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The first ten days of October will be busy for the Our Upstate Vision Task Forces as there are four meetings scheduled to help develop Regional Action Plans in the driver areas of the Our Upstate Vision.
Currently more than 225 Upstate residents have volunteered to serve on one of the five task forces. Each task force is charged with developing a regional action plan that identifies opportunities for collaboration and partnerships in that particular area of the vision. Below is a list of each Task Force and the date of its next meeting (full task force meetings are being held at the University Center in Greenville): Human Potential: Next Meeting: Thursday: October 6, 2011 - 9:30-11 a.m. Sustainable Growth: Next Meeting: Friday, October 7, 2011 - 10-11:30 a.m. Natural Beauty & Resources: Next Meeting: Monday, October 10, 2011 - 3:30-5 p.m. Community Vibrancy: Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 - 3:00-4:30 p.m. Economic & Entrepreneurial Vitality: Web Site Sub-Committee: Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - 2:00-3:30 p.m. Spartanburg Community College Tyger River Campus It is not too late to join one of the Our Upstate Vision Task Forces and membership is open to any interested resident. If you have a specific professional or personal passion in one of the five driver areas, please contact Jacquelyn Fehler, TATT Program Manager, for more information or to join a task force. |
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LOOKING FOR A PROGRAM SPEAKER? CALL TATT
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During the month of September, Ten at the Top Executive Director Dean Hybl did nine presentations for groups across the Upstate including local civic clubs, college administrations and government organizations sharing with them information about the Our Upstate Vision and the value of working together and planning for future growth in the region.
Since joining TATT in early 2010, Hybl has conducted nearly 70 presentations to organizations, businesses and governments across the region with a total audience of more than 2,500 residents.
If your organizations, business or community is looking for a program that focuses on what is happening across the Upstate, you need look no further than Hybl and TATT. Typical presentations are 20-30 minutes and can be customized to include data and information about a specific county as well as regional information. Presentations are currently being scheduled for the remainder of 2011 and into 2012, so if you are interested in discussing a possible presentation, please contact Dean Hybl either by e-mail at dhybl@tenatthetop.org or by telephone at 864.283.2315.
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SCDOT LOOKING FOR YOUR FEEDBACK
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The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is seeking comment from the public on the proposed 2012 Federal Aid Pavement Improvement Program.
A link to the 2012 Federal Aid Pavement Improvement Program document, which lists the roads selected for resurfacing in each county with location maps, are available for public review and comment until October 5, 2011 on the world web at: http://www.scdot.org/inside/public_comment.shtml
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GREENWOOD COUNTY HOLDING FREE PERSONAL DOCUMENT/PAPER SHREDDING EVENT
|  Residents of Greenwood County will have an opportunity to help prevent identity theft by ensuring that personal documents are disposed of properly during a free shredding event on October 29th from 9 am-noon in the Lowe's Parking Lot at 513 Bypass 72 NW in Greenwood.
There is no limit on how much old personal information, bills and other papers individuals can bring to have shredded. Local businesses are limited to five boxes.
In addition, to help residents comply with the recent law that bans disposing of computers and other electronic devices in local landfills, organizers will also be collecting unwanted electronic items including personal computers, televisions, cell phones and printers (everything with a cord except major appliances).
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| GREENLINK TO HOLD FOOTLOOSE INITIATIVE | |
Greenlink will offer a free "Park and Ride" during St. Francis Fall for Greenville as part of Footloose, an annual initiative celebrated in October and designed to raise awareness of the joys and challenges of walking, biking and riding transit in our community.
"Park and Ride" participants can drive, bike or walk to the parking garage at CUICAR and ride Greenlink for free to the downtown Transit Center, located on McBee Avenue in the heart of the Fall for Greenville festivities. The shuttle will operate at half hour intervals on Friday, October 14 from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. and on Saturday, October 15 from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. No service is planned on Sunday.
Greenlink will also host Family Free Saturday on October 22, which will offer Greenville families an opportunity to ride Greenlink to the Transit Center to visit downtown attractions such as museums, parks and the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Maps will be available online and at the Transit Center that feature suggested walking routes and approximate walk times from the Transit Center to Heritage Green, Falls Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail, to name a few. All routes will be free that day.
According to Greenville Transit Authority board member Pat Dilger, Footloose will introduce new riders to Greenlink's newly renovated Transit Center, new buses and award winning service. "The goal of Footloose is to showcase Greenlink as a complement to the wonderful amenities that Greenville has to offer," said Dilger. "We hope families will try it for a new experience and then begin to feel more comfortable with transit."
Greenlink will also host an open house for the Transit Center in October (date TBD). For more information about Greenlink, visit www.ridegreenlink.com.
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SOUTH CAROLINA HISPANIC CHAMBER GALA SET FOR NOVEMBER 12TH
|  The 3rd Annual South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Gala will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 6 pm at the Embassy Suites off Verdae Road in Greenville.
The theme for the 2011 SCHCC Gala is "Celebrate South Carolina's Vibrant International Business Community." For more information about SCHCC or to obtain tickets for the 2011 Gala: call 864.643.7261 or e-mail gala@schcc.org.
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CREDABILITY PROVIDES CREDIT COUNSELING FOR UPSTATE RESIDENTS
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About half a dozen times each month a CredAbility counselor pays a visit to a small and highly engaged audience in the Upstate South Carolina area to teach practical lessons in financial literacy.
CredAbility, also known as The Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Upstate South Carolina, is well known for its counseling services. But you may not be as aware of the nonprofit agency's educational outreach in the Upstate region. CredAbility educators just wrapped up a busy summer teaching classes in the community, from advising people how to tackle debt problems to helping prospective homeowners prepare for success.
Here is a sampling of the agency's educational efforts in the Upstate in recent months:
Brent Bishop, a counselor in Spartanburg, taught a class about credit scores called "Why Am I a 678?" to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Upstate Parent Group.
Among her outreach efforts, Tammy Keesee, a counselor in Greenwood, teaches classes to women in transition, including "Where Does My Money Go?" and "Where Do I Want to Be in Five Years?"
Edris Tucker, a counselor in Greenville, taught the class "How Do I Get Out of Debt" to a group at the Allen Temple Community Economic Development Corp. She also presented an eight-hour class with Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County to help prospective homebuyers prepare for the responsibilities of ownership.
CredAbility counselors will stay busy teaching classes this fall to audiences at both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. In some cases the classes can be sponsored by a local agency, such as United Way.
For more information about financial education offerings in Upstate South Carolina, please call the CredAbility office near your area. You can also visit us on the Web at: www.CredAbility.org.
Greenville - 864.292.8726
Greenwood - 864.223.8694
Spartanburg - 864.583.7680
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COALITION OF TOURISM REPRESENTATIVES IN PICKENS COUNTY HOLDS WORKSHOP
TO ADDRESS CULTURAL & HERITAGE TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES
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Over 40 representatives from the city of Pickens, county cultural and heritage attractions, the arts, businesses, regional and state heritage organizations, Pickens County council, and public lands, met Sept 13 and 14 to learn how to position upper Pickens County as a destination for natural and cultural heritage tourism and outdoor recreation. The emphasis was on the difference in sustainable cuutural and heritage tourism, and how it differes from traditional tourism. National trends show people are seeking an experience related to place, and the history of that place. The workshop demonstrated how sustainable tourism can maximize economic opportunities while protecting community character.
The workshop was designed by The Conservation Fund, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and facilitated by their staff. Regional and state heritage tourism organizations participated in presentations. The setting for the workshop, The Lodge at Table Rock State Park, reminded all of the natural beauty of upper Pickens County. A key presenter was Linda Caldwell, Executive Director of the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association, a three-county partnershop in southeast Tennessee, with a similar community profile as Pickens. Over the years the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association has: ˇ Increased visitation to the region ˇ Served as an educational tool for the area ˇ Acted as a catalyst for economic development ˇ Strengthenen local capacity, including improving the quality of life of residents A session covered how the City of Pickens and upper Pickens County can create a more welcoming community to attract and nuture businesses and entrepreneurs related to sustainable tourism. Other national and local funders included the Appalachian Regional Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, Pickens County Vison 2025, the City of Pickens, Discover Upcountry, and the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. Follow up actions include implementing several projects in partnership with existing cultural and heritage organizations. For more information, contact Gerald Sweitzer at 864-850-3025 or at gerald4822@gmail.com.
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GREENVILLE FORWARD LAUNCHES MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM:
"YOUR VOICE, YOUR GREENVILLE, JOIN THE VISION"
|  Greenville Forward is moving forward with the launch of an accessible and community-oriented membership program which was launched with a celebration on September 15, at the Runway Café Hangar at the Greenville Downtown Airport.
The membership campaign, "Your Voice, Your Greenville: Join the Vision," is the first of its kind for Greenville Forward. Since Vision 2025 is a community-driven plan, the nonprofit felt it is vital to directly include citizens who live in Greenville County. Memberships start at just $50 per year ($75 for a family), with corporate memberships starting at $250 per year for small businesses.
Membership benefits include discounted member rates for Greenville Forward events, access to special events, and advanced notice to programs, events, study releases, and special announcements. To join, go to www.greenvilleforward.com/join.
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UPSTATE ALLIANCE FOUNDATION TO HOST FORUM ABOUT
THE EMERGING PIEDMONT ATLANTIC MEGA-REGION
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Sponsored by the Upstate Alliance Foundation, the reimagined issues series, now known as the Upstate Forum, is taking aim at the emerging mega-region between Charlotte and Atlanta - championing discussions and networking opportunities that unite regions through education and ideas.
Scheduled for November 1, 2011 from 3-6 p.m. at the BMW Zentrum, the event will feature a presentation by Ted Abernathy of the Southern Growth Policies Board and a panel discussion with regional economic development executives. It also will feature a networking reception.
The Upstate Forum will provide key insights and identify opportunities to grow business within the emerging Southern I-85 mega-region. Uniting individuals and organizations, the event is designed to expose and connect - building the regional network to excel in a globally competitive environment.
Cost to attend the forum is $25. Click Here for more information and to register.
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FINALISTS SELECTED FOR FIRST DICK AND TUNKY RILEY
WHATWORKSSC AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
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Photo Credit: Riley Papers, South Carolina Political Collections, University of South Carolina Libraries
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Three finalists have been selected for the first annual Dick and Tunky Riley WhatWorksSC Award for Excellence. The winner will be announced at the South Carolina Archives and History Center in Columbia on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 4:30 p.m.
The award will be presented as the capstone event for the annual South Carolina Public Education Partners meeting, and will be followed by a reception that is free and open to the public. The event is made possible by BB&T, SCASA and Colonial Life, Childs & Halligan, P.A., and SCETV. The award is named for former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley and his late wife, Tunky. The award recognizes an outstanding education initiative in South Carolina, and is presented by Furman's Richard W. Riley Institute of Government, Politics, and Public Leadership and South Carolina Future Minds, in conjunction with the South Carolina Board of Education and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. A $10,000 cash prize, sponsored by BB&T, will be awarded for enhancement of the winning program. The finalists are: ˇ American Reading Company's 100 Book Challenge, Clinton Elementary School, Lancaster ˇ Reading Recovery Training Center, Clemson University ˇ South Carolina Teaching Fellows, administered by Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement (CERRA) Candidates were selected from initiatives now in the Riley Institute's WhatWorksSC clearinghouse, a web-based resource for educators, students, the community and policy makers. For more information about the award or to submit information about an education initiative that is working in South Carolina, contact Courtenay Williams at the Riley Institute, 864-294-3541 or visit http://riley.furman.edu/.
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PFLAG SPARTANBURG PUBLIC FORUM SET FOR OCTOBER 13
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Clayton Whisnant, Associate Professor of European History at Wofford College, will share his extensive knowledge of gay history in Germany during Nazi rule and post WWII during a public forum on October 13th hosted by PFLAG ( Parents, Families, Friends, of Lesbians and Gays) Spartanburg. Dr. Whisnant has done extensive research, writing and speaking on these topics and will supplement his talk with slides. A question and answer period will follow the 45 minute presentation. Thursday, October 13th - 7:00 p.m. Barrett Room at the Spartanburg County Public Library Headquarters 151 South Church Street Spartanburg, SC The public is invited to this interesting and informative session.
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2011 LIBERTY FELLOWSHIP SUMMIT ON NOVEMBER 30TH
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Join Liberty Fellowship for the 2011 Summit and meet with other South Carolinians committed to real, transformative change in South Carolina!
November 30, 2011, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia SC
Registration Cost: $75
Keynote speaker Walter Isaacson will speak on Transcending Tribalism - moving past barriers that have been holding back South Carolina for too long. A writer and biographer, Isaacson is president and CEO of the Aspen Institute and former Chairman and CEO of CNN and editor of TIME magazine.
During the afternoon, participants will focus on solutions through Forum break-out sessions where national experts will speak on Transcending Tribalism as it relates to the Forum topics: Health, Environment, Economic Development, Education and Public Policy.
Click Here for more information and to register.
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HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT SET FOR NOVEMBER 14-16
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Make plans now to participate in the 2011 Heritage Development Summit, which will be hosted by the South Carolina Heritage Corridor November 14-16, 2011 at Clemson.
The three-day program will include innovative speakers and interactive programs that will focus on a wide number of topics including fundraising, marketing, social media, tourism measurement, non-profit development, custom service and interpretation.
Participants will learn the latest trends, new tricks and tips and get real world expertise from the leaders in the state and nation. For more information or to reserve your spot, check out the Summit web site. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available by contacting Michelle McCollum at mmccollum@scprt.com or (864) 338-4841.
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FUNDING PARTNERS HELP SUPPORT REGIONAL VISION AND COLLABORATION
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Over the last year and a half, more than 80 organizations and individuals from across the Upstate have helped support the mission of Ten at the Top to promote collaboration and planning in the Upstate by donating funds or services as either a continuing funding partner (commitment of at least three years), annual funding partner or event sponsor.
Each month we will be highlighting some of these organizations that recognize the value of regional collaboration, planning and partnerships across the 10-county Upstate region as we work together to ensure that the Upstate remains a great place to live, learn, do business and raise a family for generations to come.
Below are the Continuing Funding Partners at the Regional Sponsor and Regional Advocate levels:
Regional Sponsor: Elliott Davis, Erwin Maddrey, Hughes Investments,Sealevel Systems, Minor Shaw
Regional Advocate: Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Upstate Carolina Medical Center, Barnet Development Corporation, BMW Manufacturing Co., Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, Furman Company, Craig Brown, World Acceptance Corporation
You can read the entire list of TATT Funding Partners on our web site.
If your organization recognizes the value of regional collaboration, planning and partnerships and would like to become part of this prestigious group of local champions, please contact Dean Hybl (dhybl@tenatthetop.org) or go to the web site to download our pledge form.
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| SHARE YOUR UPSTATE NEWS |  If your city, county or organization has news you want to share or an event you want to promote with people across the 10-county Upstate Region, send it to us and we will include it in the next Ten at the Top e-newsletter.
The TATT newsletter is typically distributed the first Monday of each month (with special editions as information warrants) to more than 6,500 residents across the Upstate. The deadline for submitting information is the Thursday prior to the first Monday of the month.
Send information about an upcoming event, special recognition or anything else you think is of regional interest to Dean Hybl. |
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Stay Connected at TenattheTop.org
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