Libby Imbody Announced as Facilitator of the Upstate Downtown Academy

Libby Imbody Announced as Facilitator of the Upstate Downtown Academy

[Greenville, SCFebruary 7, 2025] Ten at the Top is pleased to announce that Libby Imbody of AuthentiCiTY Brand Strategies will take over as facilitator of the Upstate Downtown Academy. This role was previously held by Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem facilitator Craig Scharton.

Libby Imbody is an Upstate SC-based branding and marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience dedicated to empowering clients to discover and express their authentic narratives. As the Principal of AuthentiCiTY Brand Strategies, she blends her expertise in branding with a strong foundation in community development, inspiring communities and the organizations that serve them to enhance engagement and unlock economic potential. Driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to equity, collaboration, and trust, Libby believes in the transformative power of communities to thrive. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, she also served as a Main Street Executive Director in her adopted hometown of Walhalla SC, enriching her approach to drive downtown revitalization through strategic branding.

“It is often the small details that make a town unique and reveal its authentic story. This is what makes our diverse upstate communities truly special. I am thrilled to highlight the impactful work being done to preserve and revitalize our upstate downtowns. Partnering with Ten at the Top through the Upstate Downtown Academy, I look forward to building a vibrant network of individuals from various backgrounds, coming together over a downtown walk and a good meal to share ideas and inspire one another.”

Initially created as part of the now completed Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem initiative, the Upstate Downtown Academy takes participants to downtowns in each of the 10 counties of the Upstate, and explores various topics related to downtown revitalization efforts. See the full 2024-2025 UDA schedule below.

TATT CHAT Recap – January 9, 2025

Guest Speakers:

Matt Wills – Upstate Chamber Coalition

Resource Update:

Victoria Novak – Greenville Literacy Association

View the presentation here.

To view a recording of the TATT CHAT, click here.

TATT CHAT Recap – December 12, 2024

Guest Speakers:

Chunsta Miller – Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina

Yolanda Campusano-Pilarte – Miracle Hill Ministries

Major Christine Harris – Salvation Army

View the presentation here.

To view a recording of the TATT CHAT, click here.

2024 Celebrating Upstate Successes Recap

2024 Celebrating Upstate Successes Recap

Celebrating Upstate Successes

On Tuesday November 19, Ten at the Top hosted our annual Celebrating Upstate Successes event at the Greenville Convention Center. We welcomed over 200 regional leaders, partners, and friends for a morning of celebration as we enjoyed Elevate Upstate grant finalist presentations, the recognition of our annual leadership awards, and finally the announcement of the 2024 Elevate Upstate and Bridgeway Station grants.

2024 Elevate Upstate Grant Recipients

Please Play Me Pianos

Please Play Me Pianos seeks to bring music to the masses with donated pianos vibrantly painted by local artists. The instruments are placed in notable locations around Greenville, and encourage passersby to sit down and play! This project will bring the magic of music, connection, and art to our community. Be sure to share a photo when you see one!

Envision Williamston Talent Show

In an effort to bridge the racial divide in their communities, “Envision Williamston” will produce a community-wide talent show hosted by the Caroline Community Center, a space that was historically used as a school for black children in Williamston. Envision Williamston looks forward to creating an annual tradition that will bring together individuals of all backgrounds for an evening of family fun!

2024 Bridgeway Station Grant Recipient

Girl Scouts of SC B3 Bridging Ceremony

The Girl Scouts of SC (Mountains to Midlands) are excited to hold a “Bridging Ceremony” at Bridgeway Station this year! This time honored tradition celebrates girl scouts as they graduate and move into their next season of life. This ceremony will feature a crossing of the bridge at Bridgeway Station, a live stream for friends and family unable to attend, and an unforgettable atmosphere for the girl scouts being honored. 

Burdette Leadership Award

Anne J. Thayer

Former Representative Anne J. Thayer is this year’s recipient of the Burdette Leadership Award, and award given in recognition of outstanding female leaders in our region. For 14 years, Anne served the citizens of Anderson County’s District 9 in the SC House of Representatives. A deeply involved community leader, Anne embodies the spirit of regional and local collaboration. She has served on countless boards including Anderson Interfaith Ministries and is a volunteer coordinator for T.L. Hanna High School.  We are honored and fortunate to serve alongside her in the Upstate!

Welling Award for Regional Collaboration

BMW Manufacturing

This year’s Welling Award for Regional Collaboration was presented to BMW Manufacturing, received by Max Metcalf. Employing over 11,000 people at their 8 million square foot campus, BMW has been a mainstay of collaboration in our Upstate region for 30 years. In the past 20 years, they have provided more than $40 million to support various civic, cultural, and educational programs. We look forward to the next 30 years, and are thankful for their dedication to cross-regional collaboration and support!

Celebrating 15 Years of TATT!

TATT CHAT Recap – November 14

Guest Speaker

Ryan Fraught – Milo’s Tea

Resource Update

Linda Doherty – SC Child Care Resource and Referral

View the presentation here.

To view a recording of the TATT CHAT, click here.