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Apr 8, 2016 | News
By Dean Hybl
The first time I ever remember hearing about the United Way was as a kid watching NFL Games on television and seeing my NFL heroes tell us that “thanks to you, it works for all of us, the United Way.” (check out one of the old videos)
In communities all over the country, the United Way has played a valuable role for generations in ensuring that all people have opportunities to reach their human potential.
Here in the Upstate region we are fortunate to have seven United Ways that all play an important role in enhancing our communities.
In 2012, the seven United Ways decided to form a regional partnership around an issue that is important to all communities, early childhood learning.
The creation of Born Learning Upstate marked the first time that the United Ways in the Upstate came together collectively to develop an initiative at a regional scale. Each United Way contributed financial support as well as staff time for the effort.
Since the official campaign kickoff in October 2013, the campaign has included a comprehensive web site, public service announcements on local television, consistent messaging of material for doctor’s offices and born learning trails.
The partnership is still going strong and on April 8th the Upstate United Ways announced a new partnership with local Subway shops in the Upstate that is designed to increase awareness of and help measure the usage and impact of the more than 40 Born Learning Trails in the region. The Born Learning trails are interactive opportunities for parents and children to learn, talk and explore while enjoying an outdoor activity.
Working collaboratively to grow the message that every day moments can be learning moments for young children is an important message for parents and young children across our region. By working collectively, the seven United Ways in the Upstate are helping enhance the opportunity for success for all Upstate children.
Dean serves as the Executive Director of Ten at the Top
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Apr 1, 2016 | News
By Dean Hybl
We just finished celebrating “International Month” here in the Upstate. While our region has an international flavor all year round, the special designation every March helps remind us that one of our greatest strengths is that we are a place where people with different backgrounds, cultures and philosophies can come together to build a special place to live, learn, do business and raise a family.
Supporting diverse ideas, viewpoints and cultures is something that is crucial to the mission of Ten at the Top, to foster an Upstate region where collaboration and partnerships help us work collectively to address issues that impact economic vitality and quality of life.
With a regional population of 1.4 million people, all with their own unique history and background, we are not always going to agree or address issues from the same viewpoint. The key is to understand that sometimes our differences are a strength and having differing opinions can actually become an advantage.
Like different ingredients in a recipe or players at different positions on an athletic team, everyone has a role in building collective success. What we must guard against is the tendency to only work with or listen to people who have a similar idea or opinion to our own.
Most especially in today’s climate where divisiveness and hate are available in mass, respectively listening to all opinions and ideas and then collectively working for the best solution is generally the right approach. Even when others want to pull us towards the fray, we must stay strong and refuse to take the path of least resistance if it ultimately does nothing more than increase polarization, hate and distrust.
As a region, we must continue to thrive to set the example as a place where different ideas, backgrounds and opinions are welcome and essential to growing our collective success. Because, ultimately, we are stronger together.
Dean serves as the Executive Director of Ten at the Top
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Mar 30, 2016 | News
In 2015 over 600 individuals, representing 372 businesses, organizations and local governments, were engaged with Ten at the Top as committee/task force members, board members and/or funding partners. I want to thank you for your commitment as one of those individuals.
You are receiving theTATT Insider because we believe that regular, direct, and strategic communication with those who form the core of TATT efforts is crucial as we continue moving forward in our collaborative efforts to connect stakeholders from across the region while enhancing economic vitality and quality of life in the Upstate.
This bi-weekly briefing (starting in April, it will be sent on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month) will be different from the monthly Ten at the Top
e-newsletter that is sent to more than 8,000 people on our mailing list. The
TATT Insider is exclusive to current task force/committee members, current and founding board members, and funding partners and will include specific insight into current initiatives and brief details on what you need to know right now.
In addition, we are also starting a regular blog, Staying On Top, and are recruiting interested stakeholders to share your ideas and insights. There is more information on how to become involved in that effort below.
The strides made through Ten at the Top over the last six years have been quite impressive. You have played a valuable role in helping to foster efforts that are growing capacity and collaboration across the Upstate. It is our expectation that the TATT Insider will increase your awareness of what is happening across the five driver areas and the 25 committees and work groups to help build even greater cohesiveness and collaboration in the future.
Thanks for your continued dedication and support of Ten at the Top and the Upstate Region.
Sincerely,
Hank McCullough
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Mar 15, 2016 | News
By Ashley Downing
“How can I make an impact as a young professional?” That important question was asked and answered during a recent young professionals event held in the Upstate.
“It’s all about attitude of service,” said Todd Horne, Vice President of Clayton Construction Company, to a crowd of more than 280 young professionals during the PIQUE: Young Leaders Elevating the Upstate, an inaugural event hosted by Ten at the Top on Monday March 7, 2016 in downtown Greenville. “If you give something all you’ve got, it doesn’t matter how much experience you have… young professionals have a right to be at the table.”
The population of young professionals (ages 18-39) in the Upstate of South Carolina is growing at a rapid rate and it is important for our generation to gather regularly, share ideas, and discuss how to work together as we become the future leaders of the region. The PIQUE included personal and professional development workshops, networking opportunities with seasoned executives, and discussions on the impact we can make in our communities now.
The Upstate is home to numerous organized young professional groups that are dedicated to fostering innovative ideas and the desire to be engaged personally and professionally. The PIQUE intentionally brought those groups together to help build relationships and begin the dialogue on how young professionals can collectively make a difference across the Upstate both today and into the future.
It’s easy to box ourselves into our own corners of the world, but by breaking down barriers and thinking regionally, we can do more by including all the counties that make up the Upstate. We have a common goal: make the Upstate a great place to live, learn, do business, and raise a family. So why not work together? The PIQUE has opened doors for emerging young leaders to connect and collaborate to ensure the entire region continues to grow. As young professionals, we have an opportunity and we have to take it.
Our generation is known for being bold, innovative, and bursting with energy and passion. THAT is how we make an impact. New ideas and new perspectives are vital to moving our region forward. Take Brandy Amidon, for example, who has not settled for just a career. Brandy is a Travelers Rest native, a CPA with her own company and she has branded herself as “the trusted money lady.” She is now the mayor pro tem of Travelers Rest and is serving as a member of City Council for her third term. By leading initiatives such as the “Before I Die Wall” community vibrancy project and also being a dedicated member of Let’s Keep TR Beautiful, Brandy is a young wife and mother who is on fire for her community.
According to John Lummus, President and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance, who participated in the PIQUE panel discussion, “There are plenty of opportunities for young professionals, from leadership programs, to city and county council, to chambers of commerce, to non-profit board of directors… there are opportunities, you just have to do it.” By showing up, by showing initiative and a willingness to speak up, we prove our worth. Network, volunteer, make yourself known and you will be remembered. The 280+ young professionals that attended the PIQUE, have taken the first step, will you?
The bottom line, young professionals have passion. We may not be able to bring traditional support to the table, but we can bring creative ideas and devotion. Ten at the Top Chairman Hank McCullough says, “The best thing you can do is find your passion. If you find your passion, you will find a way to make a difference.”
The first-ever PIQUE would not have been complete without a networking reception that allowed attendees to enjoy local foods and craft beers while meeting other young professionals from across the Upstate. Special thanks to Growler Haus for coordinating an exceptional beer testing from five Upstate breweries and to Feed & Seed and Papi’s Tacos for providing excellent food for the evening.
The energy, excitement, and understanding that individually and collectively young professionals can make an impact in our community was a clear takeaway from the PIQUE. Plans are already underway to make #thePIQUE17 even better, so stay tuned.
Ashley Downing is a Greenville native and Clemson graduate. She serves as the Communications Manager for Ten at the Top.
Mar 9, 2016 | News
Greenville, SC [March 8, 2016] – Ten at the Top (TATT) hosted the PIQUE: Young Leaders Elevating the Upstate on March 7th. More than 300 young professionals and executives from across the Upstate participated in this inaugural event that focused on the collaboration and connection of young professionals in the ten county Upstate. The March 7th program, was held in downtown Greenville and featured both personal and professional development workshops and panel discussions.
The millennial generation (ages 21-39) is quickly surpassing the Baby-Boomer generation and they will soon be our leaders. The PIQUE opened the doors of opportunity for future leaders of the Upstate to gather in one place to share ideas and discuss how to work collaboratively for the future.
The “Executive Networking” workshop allowed attendees to gain valuable knowledge and wisdom to better their personal careers from more than thirty (30) of the Upstate’s most well-known executives. The “How to Market Yourself on Social Media” workshop, led by the team at Engenius, taught attendees the importance of creating a personal brand and sticking to it. “How to Serve on a Board of Directors,” led by Chris Steed, Executive Director of the Fullerton Foundation, shared with attendees the value they could bring to a board of directors for an Upstate nonprofit organization. To close out the day, the Elevating the Upstate Panel Discussion allowed for an interactive look into where the Upstate region has been, where it is going, and how young professionals can make a difference by getting involved now.
Following the workshops and panel discussion, attendees were invited to stay for a reception that featured an exceptional craft beer tasting, provided by the Growler Haus featuring five of the Upstate’s breweries, Brewery 85, Birds Fly South, RJ Rockers, Thomas Creek Brewery, and Quest Brewing Co. A whiskey tasting provided by Dark Corner Distillery featured four of their most popular whiskey’s. Hors d’oeuvres were catered by Feed & Seed, a local organization dedicated to providing the Upstate with fresh and local goods. Papi’s Tacos also provided traveling tacos. The reception allowed for continued networking and collaboration for the future leaders of the Upstate.
The PIQUE would not have been successful without the dedication and hard work of many individuals and businesses. Ten at the Top would like to extend a grateful thank you to our sponsors, Piedmont Natural Gas, Greenville Technical College, The Fullerton Foundation, Engenius, The Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, Seamon Whiteside & Associates, Baptist Easley Hospital, WGTK-FM, Growler Haus, and Feed & Seed.
The event is planned to be annual and in different counties across the Upstate.
About Ten at the Top
Comprised of public, private and civic leaders from across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, Ten at the Top was created to connect and encourage regional collaboration through data-driven research and regular convening of leaders and citizens to address key issues facing the region. Ten at the Top works with regional partners to foster collaboration and strategic planning to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for Upstate residents both today and as the region continues to grow. For more information, visit www.tenatthetop.org.
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Feb 26, 2016 | News
Upstate Organizations and Leaders Invited to Participate in Regional Conversations
Greenville, S.C. – Ten at the Top has issued a call for presenters for this fall’s 2016 Upstate Regional Summit “Creating a Leading Region,” taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the TD Convention Center. Presenters will have the opportunity to share during one of the Summit’s five breakout sessions, each centered around one of Ten at the Top’s five Driver Areas: Human Potential, Economic and Entrepreneurial Vitality, Natural Beauty and Resources, Community Vibrancy, and Sustainable Growth. The submission deadline is April 15, 2016.
The 2016 Upstate Regional Summit carries the theme “Creating a Leading Region” and will provide a unique opportunity for business, community and civic leaders, as well as interested stakeholders and engaged citizens from across the region, to collaborate and network with the ultimate purpose of enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life in the Upstate.
Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina, the 2016 Upstate Regional Summit will begin with a B2B Expo and morning panel of and Q&A with CEOs from across the Upstate, followed by breakout sessions. The half-day event will culminate with a Keynote Luncheon, featuring award-winning thinker, author, broadcaster and speaker Geoff Colvin, who serves as Senior Editor-at-Large of Fortune magazine.
Presenters at the 2016 Summit will focus presentations on one of Ten at the Top’s five Driver Areas: Community Vibrancy, Economic and Entrepreneurial Vitality, Human Potential, Natural Beauty & Resources and Sustainable Growth. Each breakout session will highlight local initiatives conducted by governments, businesses or community organizations. Sessions will begin with three groups providing a five-minute overview of their initiative followed by a facilitated question and answer session.
Interested groups and presenters are asked to completed a brief proposal outlining their presentations to Ashley Downing at adowning@tenatthetop.com, with an explanation of how that effort is helping to create a leading region. The deadline for presentation proposals is April 15, and presenters will be notified in June. Ten at the Top asks the Executive Director or Project Lead for all organization submitting a proposal to be available to participate in the Upstate Regional Summit. Presenting organizations will have the ability to set up a display table, as well as provide materials to attendees during the breakout session.
Ten at the Top thanks its current sponsors of the Summit’s Vision Driver Areas Breakout Sessions, organizations that include Piedmont Natural Gas, TD Bank, and Pacolet Milliken, with Driver Area Support sponsorship from Duke Energy, Mavin Construction, Limestone College, Erskine College, Trehel Corporation, and Southern Wesleyan University. Those interested in sponsorship of the Summit may contact Ashley Downing at adowning@tenatthetop.org, or by calling (864) 283-2317. Ten at the Top expects the 2016 Upstate Regional Summit to draw more than 800 attendees from across the Upstate, and to receive similar participation and support among Upstate leaders as the sold-out 2014 Upstate Regional Summit.
About Ten at the Top
Formed in 2009, Ten at the Top envisions an Upstate region where collaboration, coordination and cooperation across communities and business sectors are hallmarks. It fosters partnerships and cooperation amongst the ten counties that form South Carolina’s Upstate, and encourages these diverse communities to work together to enhance the Upstate’s economic vitality and quality of life. To date, Ten at the Top has hosted more than 500 meetings, programs, workshops and forums that have informed and engaged 25,000+ participants. To learn more, visit www.tenatthetop.org.
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By Dean Hybl
