Garrett Stern Furman University Center for Innovative Leadership
Furman University has launched a new strategic initiative to serve as a “front porch” for engagement with South Carolina’s professionals and organizations. The initiative addresses several critical challenges:
Rapid Technological Change: The rise of AI and advanced manufacturing is outpacing traditional organizational adaptation.
The “Silver Tsunami”: A massive leadership turnover as baby boomers retire, coupled with a lack of robust succession plans.
Continuous Learning: The traditional degree is being re-evaluated, shifting focus toward “durable skills” like systems thinking and synthesis.
Key Programs and Services
The Innovation Lab consolidates Furman’s institutes (Entrepreneurship, Riley, Community Health, and Sustainable Communities) to offer:
Professional Education: Certificates in leadership, innovation, and digital transformation.
The Catalyst Program: A low-cost membership designed to give smaller organizations access to high-quality leadership development.
Experiential Learning: Unique programs like the BMW Executive Leadership Lab, which uses track driving to teach strategic performance.
Corporate Partnerships: Custom “innovation sprints” and internal startup support, as seen in their work with Michelin and T&S Brass.
Building the Ecosystem
Furman University is:
Establishing new certificate programs
Building pathways to graduate credentials for local companies
Partnering with other learning institutions
Integrating into the existing innovation ecosystem
Providing services and benefits to local organizations
Goals
Cultivate human center problem solvers who build a better world through leadership innovation, and digital transformation.
Community & Events Update
BMW Pro-Am (June 1–7): A major charity event featuring celebrities like Bill Murray and YouTuber Grant Horvat. It includes golf clinics, a “Dog and Jog,” and street fairs, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.
Upstate Connect (June 3): A meeting at Feed and Seed in Greenville focusing on food insecurity
Clinton was the April stop in Ten at the Top’s Upstate Downtown Academy (UDA) series. UDAs are focused on downtown revitalization, starting with a panel of city representatives, followed by a walking revitalization tour, then dinner at a local restaurant.
Panelists for the Clinton UDA were Jim Spry, Clinton’s Main Street Director, Joey Meadors from the City of Clinton, Danny Smith from eXp Realty, Susan Tallman from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner/The Musgrove Market, Joseph Dyches from Canebrake Engineering + Surveying, and Marvin Moss from the City of Clinton. The panel was moderated by Dean Hybl from Ten at the Top and Jonathan Irick from Main Street South Carolina.
Clinton is experiencing a surge in economic growth, with $125 million in capital investment and 250 new jobs recorded in 2025. That momentum has accelerated in 2026, with year-to-date figures already reaching $582 million and 1,109 jobs.
Major business relocations and job creation efforts are underway across the community, alongside a proposed multi-field baseball complex that could further boost local activity. At the same time, new housing developments are emerging to accommodate a growing population.
Downtown is also poised for transformation. Projects such as the Lumberyard, Millhouse, and Pebbles—along with planned restaurants and apartment developments—are expected to significantly reshape the area in the near future.
With investment rising, new residents arriving, and development accelerating, Clinton is positioned for substantial change in the years ahead. Local business owners and investors are taking notice, signaling confidence in the city’s upward trajectory.
On April 16, young professionals from across Upstate South Carolina gathered for PIQUE 2026, Ten at the Top’s annual conference designed to connect, develop, and inspire emerging leaders. Hosted at Milliken & Company in Spartanburg, the event delivered a dynamic afternoon of learning, conversation, and meaningful connection.
The opening networking session in the atrium—complete with an interactive expo and LinkedIn Lounge—created immediate opportunities to build relationships and strengthen professional presence. Rather than easing into the day, participants were encouraged to jump right into conversation, setting the tone for a highly engaging experience.
The first session, “From Application to Impact,” featured alumni of Upstate Leadership Programs who shared how leadership development translates into real-world results. Panelists offered candid perspectives on growth, challenges, and the importance of applying what you learn in tangible ways—setting a practical, action-oriented tone for the rest of the day.
From there, attendees explored a variety of sessions tailored to different aspects of professional growth. The panel “Mapping Your Professional Growth” guided participants through navigating career paths, setting goals, and embracing change in an evolving workplace. For those looking to build specific skills, workshops like “Executive Courage” focused on communicating with confidence and leading with clarity, while “Maximizing Wellness” emphasized sustainable success and personal well-being.
A standout feature of PIQUE 2026 was the opportunity for direct interaction with experienced leaders. Executive roundtables created space for smaller, more personal conversations, giving attendees the chance to ask questions, gain insight, and build meaningful connections with professionals across industries.
The conference concluded with a networking reception, where conversations continued and new connections were solidified. Attendees left not only with fresh insights and practical tools, but also with a stronger sense of community and purpose.
PIQUE 2026 reinforced a simple but powerful idea: professional growth doesn’t happen in isolation. By bringing together emerging leaders and experienced voices in an interactive, intentional setting, the event empowered participants to take the next step in their careers—and to play an active role in shaping the future of the Upstate.
Organized by Together SC, the annual Nonprofits at the Statehouse will take place on April 22 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Blatt Building in Columbia, S.C.
This is a great opportunity for anyone involved in the nonprofit sector to meet with state lawmakers, celebrate community service, and network with other nonprofit professionals. Engaging directly with legislators enables nonprofits to highlight their community’s needs and potentially secure support for their efforts.
This event is open to the public and sponsored by several companies including TATT Visionary Partner BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Special ticket pricing is available for members of Together SC.
For more information about the annual Nonprofits at the Statehouse event, visit the link below.
April 22 is Earth Day, a time to raise awareness about environmental issues like pollution and climate change. It is also a great time to take action.
You could plant native flowers & trees, volunteer to clean up a stream or river, participate in a community garden, and much more.
There are also several Earth Day festivities happening across the Upstate. Spartanburg Area Conservancy is holding their Earth Day Festival on April 18 at Glendale Shoals Preserve. This event will feature music, outdoor yoga, art, food, and much more. On April 22, Upstate Forever is holding an Earth Day volunteer workday where they will be removing invasive shrubs from the Glendale Property at Lawsons Fork Creek. The removal of invasive species helps protect the natural habitat of native plants and animals.
Earth Day inspires us to take meaningful steps toward protecting our planet every day. Together, small actions can lead to a healthier, greener future for generations to come.
CommunityWorks is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution that works with various resources to contribute to affordable housing, local development, small business growth and more.
Recently, they have launched their Emerging Developer Bootcamp aimed at addressing affordable housing in the Upstate. This weeklong course equips landowners with the training needed to carry out residential development initiatives within their community. The initial cohort included 13 experts from various fields and focused on single and multi-family living as well as investment into community infrastructure.
CommunityWorks has several training events scheduled for 2026. If you would like to attend a training session, or learn more about CommunityWorks, please visit the link below.
Our recent TATT Chat featured an inspiring deep dive into SC250, the state’s official commission dedicated to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. We were joined by Molly Fortune, Heather Hawkins, and Libby Imbody, who shared how South Carolina—and specifically our Upstate counties—played a pivotal role in winning American independence.
The mission of SC250 is clear: to celebrate and promote South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution by educating and inspiring both residents and visitors. With a strategic focus on discovering significant people, places, and principles, the commission is working to make Revolutionary scholarship accessible to all.
This isn’t just about history books; it’s about heritage tourism and economic development. To date, the commission has seen significant state investment, including $10.9 million in funding for FY 2026 alone. This funding supports:
46 County Committees working on local commemorations.
Over 76 sites preserved and interpreted across the state.
40 publications commissioned to tell our state’s stories from many points of view.
Upstate Successes
The Upstate is leading the charge in this commemorative effort. Our region’s counties—including Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Oconee, Abbeville, Pickens, Laurens, Cherokee, and Union—have been highly active in securing grant funding and organizing local committees . From the battlefields of the backcountry to the strategic hubs of the Revolutionary era, the Upstate’s impact is being rediscovered and celebrated.
Looking Ahead: Carolina Days 2026
Mark your calendars! One of the most anticipated upcoming events is Carolina Days, scheduled for June 27 – July 5, 2026. This week-long celebration will include:
Carolina Day (June 28): Commemorating the Battle of Sullivan’s Island.
Explore Carolina (June 29): Highlighting our state’s trails and rivers.
Independence Day (July 4): Recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Get Involved
Whether you are an educator, a local leader, or a history enthusiast, there are resources available for you at southcarolina250.com. You can access educational tools, visitor planning guides, and information on grant funding to bring Revolutionary history to life in your own community.
Over 1 million people in the United States have Parkinson’s Disease (PD). April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to reduce stigma and provide support. The Greenville Area Parkinson’s Society (GAPS) is holding a series of events this month to support those affected.
Goodbye, winter! Spring has sprung. Now is the time to get outdoors and enjoy the lakes, rivers, mountains, and over 100 waterfalls in Upstate South Carolina. From scenic outdoor dining to “pick your own” farms, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
The Oconee County Humane Society handles adoptions, foster care, and spay/neuter programs. They also operate “Well Pet,” a community veterinary clinic. They are currently looking for volunteers and donations to help the 1,600+ pets they assist annually.
