One-day Summit featuring Best-Selling Author, Richard Florida, will Move to May 2021
Greenville, SC | June 2, 2020 – Due to ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19, Ten at the Top’s Upstate Summit originally scheduled for Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020, has been postponed to Wednesday, May 5th, 2021. The health and safety of the community has always been of the utmost importance to Ten at the Top and it is critical to play a responsible role that reflects the organization’s mission to make the Upstate region stronger together. Given the large number of attendees at this biennial event, it was clear that deferring the event to a later date was the most optimal decision to make and implement moving forward.
“We are certainly living in unique and unprecedented times. Given the importance of taking precautions to further prevent the spread of this virus, moving the event date was ultimately the best decision to make for our attendees, supporters, and the Upstate region as a whole,” said Dean Hybl, Executive Director of Ten at the Top. “This date change will allow us to enhance the overall event experience and dive deeper into Richard Florida’s focus on ‘The New Urban Crisis,’ by waiting until a more appropriate time to host a large-scale event.”
The one-day summit held at the Greenville Convention Center currently plans to maintain the focus on the “The New Urban Crisis”, as best-selling author, Richard Florida, will remain the keynote speaker. Richard Florida’s book The New Urban Crisis: How Our Cities Are Increasing Inequality, Deepening Segregation and Failing the Middle Class—and What We Can Do About It, explores the recent trend of the young, educated, and affluent flooding back into living in American cities, reversing past trends of suburban flight and urban decline. The TATT Summit Committee, made up of members from the Board of Directors, will continue to monitor the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and could implement minor changes to the program if it seems warranted.
“Winning the Future” theme will infuse Opening Session, Workshops, and Keynote Address
GREENVILLE, S.C.— Winning the Future, the 2018 Upstate Summit hosted by Ten at the Top and presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, has confirmed more than three dozen regional leaders to speak, representing a vibrant cross-section of the Upstate’s corporate and civic community. The 2018 Regional Summit is scheduled for Tuesday, September 25 at the TD Convention Center, from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. Tickets are available via Eventbrite via tenatthetop.org for $65 per person (corporate) and $45 per person (non-profit). Registration ends September 14, 2018.
“The 2018 Upstate Summit will provide a unique opportunity for business, community and civic leaders, as well as interested stakeholders from across the region, to share ideas and discuss how to work collaboratively to ensure our region continues to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for all residents,” said Dean Hybl, Executive Director of Ten at the Top. “We expect between 800 and 900 to attend, and are looking forward to a great event.”
Doors open at 7:30 am with the Summit’s B2B Expo sponsored by ScanSource, providing networking and continental breakfast until the Opening Session begins at 9:00 am.
Opening Session Panel
The Opening Session of the 2018 Upstate Regional Summit, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, is entitled “Is South Carolina and the Upstate Well Positioned to ‘Win the Future’ in Economic Development and Job Creation?” Speakers are set to include:
Frank Davis, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd
Beth Land, Site Selection Group
Nelson Lindsay, South Carolina Department of Commerce
Trey Pennington, CBRE
Moderators: Amy Wood, WSPA-TV; and John Lummus, Upstate SC Alliance
Breakout Sessions
The Summit will continue with breakout sessions involving presentations by and discussions with Upstate leaders through the lens of Ten at the Top’s five Regional Driver areas: Winning the Future Around Education and Workforce Development; Winning the Future Around Mobility and Connectivity; Winning the Future Around Innovation and Technology; and Winning the Future Around Creating Vibrant Communities. Each Summit participant chooses two of the four breakout sessions. Each breakout sessions lasts 45 minutes with a short break in between.
Winning the Future Around Innovation and Technology
Speakers are set to include:
Susan Brami, Spectrum
Glen McManus, ReWa
Lelia King, Build Carolina & Carolina Code School
Moderator: Rob Krulac, CU-ICAR
Winning the Future Around Creating Vibrant Communities
Speakers are set to include:
Phil Hughes, Hughes Investments
Jil Littlejohn, Greenville City Council & the Urban League of the Upstate
Blake Sanders, City of Easley and Town of West Pelzer
Nancy Whitworth, City of Greenville
Moderator: Jennifer Evins, Chapman Cultural Center
Winning the Future Around Mobility and Connectivity
Winning the Future Around Education and Workforce Development
Speakers are set to include:
Joanne Avery, Anderson School District Four
Ronnie Booth, Tri-County Technical College
Brendan Kelly, USC Upstate
Carlos Phillips, Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce
Moderator: Ansel Sanders, Public Education Partners
Connections Corner
New to the Summit experience this year, participants may visit Connections Corner during the Breakout period. Connections Corner, sponsored by GSA Business Report and Limestone College, allows Summit participants to engage in conversation with community leaders around specific topics of interest, as a way of cultivating more and deeper connections and collaborations among those who share areas of passion, interest, or industry.
During Session One, the topics and confirmed conversationalists in Connections Corner are as follows:
Future of K-12 Education Dr. Burke Royster, Greenville County School District Dr. Richard Rosenberger, Anderson County School District 2
Role of Technical Colleges in Reducing the “Skills Gap” for Manufacturing Henry Giles, Spartanburg Community College Dr. Jermaine Whirl, Greenville Technical College
Importance of Higher Education and Advanced Degrees for Future Workforce Dr. George Petersen, Clemson University College of Education Dr. Paul LeFrancois, Limestone College
Promoting Multi-Modal Transportation and Mobility in the Upstate Keith Brockington, Greenville Pickens Area Transportation Study Ty Houck, Greenville County Trails Director
How can we promote Sustainable Growth in the Upstate? Sue Schneider, Spartanburg Water Lisa Hallo, Upstate Forever
During Session Two, the topics and confirmed conversationalists in Connections Corner are as follows:
Providing for the Needs of Our Growing Senior Population Catriona Carlisle, Meals on Wheels of Greenville James Bennett, Upstate Home Health
Creating an Ecosystem to Support Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses in Your Community Erin Ouzts, Spartanburg Angel Network Dave Eldridge, Tri-County Entrepreneurial Development Corp
What is on the Horizon for Economic Development in the Upstate? Heather Jones, Greenwood Partnership Alliance Patty Bock, City of Spartanburg
Development Trends and Challenges in the Upstate David Feild, Colliers International Todd Horne, Clayton Construction
How do we recruit future talent to the Upstate? John Lummus, Upstate SC Alliance Allen Smith, Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce
Keynote Address
The Summit will culminate with the Summit Keynote Address sponsored by Greenville Business Magazine. Ten at The Top is excited to welcome Polly LaBarre as the 2018 Upstate Summit Keynote Speaker. Polly LaBarre is the Co-author of Mavericks at Work, Co-founder of Management Lab and Founding Writer at Fast Company. For more than 20 years, LaBarre has used her writing, business consulting, and speaking to help organizations unleash and organize human potential in ever more powerful ways.
More than 70 organizations across the Upstate support the 2018 Upstate Summit as sponsors and make the event possible, including BlueCrossBlueShield of South Carolina, Spartanburg Water, Fluor, WSPA-TV, Greenville Business Magazine, Skyline Exhibits & Design, Palmetto Technology Group, USC Upstate, Piedmont Natural Gas, ScanSource, GSA Business Report, Limestone College, Upstate Business Journal, Hughes Investments and In the Know 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.
Registration is now open for “Winning the Future,” the 2018 Upstate Regional Summit hosted by Ten at the Top (TATT) and presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina. The event will be held on Tuesday, September 25 at the TD Convention Center, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets cost $60 per person and may be purchased here: https://www.tenatthetop.org/2018-upstate-regional-summit/
“I encourage all of our region’s leaders to attend the Upstate Regional Summit. Historically, the Summit has been a much-valued opportunity to come together and collectively discuss the opportunities before us as well as the unique challenges we face as a 10-county region – from economic development to quality of life,” Sue Schneider, board chair of Ten at the Top, said.
The 2018 Upstate Regional Summit will provide a unique opportunity for business, community and civic leaders, as well as interested stakeholders from across the region to share ideas and discuss how to work collaboratively to ensure the Upstate region continues to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for all residents.
Due to past demand generating a sell-out event in both 2014 and 2016 (the event is held every other year), Ten at the Top encourages organizations and individuals with a desire to register early. Seating at the Summit is limited, so to guarantee tickets, Ten at the Top is encouraging companies to purchase a table for 10 as a Table Sponsor. The sponsorship deadline is July 20 to be included in the Summit’s major print promotional materials. Table sponsorships can also be purchased through the TATT website.
What to Expect for Attendees: “Winning the Future”
The 2018 Upstate Regional Summit hosted by Ten at the Top and presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina begins with a morning panel session: “Is South Carolina and the Upstate Well Positioned to “Win the Future’ in Economic Development and Job Creation?”
Following the Morning Session, the Summit will continue with breakout sessions involving presentations by and discussions with Upstate leaders through the lens of Ten at the Top’s five Regional Driver areas:
• Winning the Future: Education & Workforce Development • Winning the Future: Mobility & Connectivity • Winning the Future: Innovation & Technology • Winning the Future: Creating Vibrant Communities.
Located near the breakout sessions, new this year, the Summit will also feature Connections Corner, sponsored by GSA Business and Limestone College, where guests can speak with Upstate Leaders on variety of topics in a more personal and casual environment. Amy Wood, Emmy award-winning interactive news anchor for WSPA will be emceeing the 2018 Summit.
The Summit will culminate with a seated luncheon featuring keynote speaker Polly LaBarre. Ms. LaBarre is the co-author of Mavericks at Work, co-founder of Management Lab (MLab) and founding writer at Fast Company. For more than 20 years, LaBarre has used her writing, business consulting, and speaking to help organizations unleash and organize human potential in ever more powerful ways.
The 2016 Upstate Regional Summit brought together more than 850 business, community and civic leaders from across the Upstate in a sold-out event sponsored by more than 70 organizations to discuss key issues impacting current and future growth and the importance of regional collaboration. Ten at the Top expects the 2018 Upstate Regional Summit to draw a similarly large attendance, participation and support among Upstate leadership.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2018 Regional Summit. A table for ten at the Summit is available for $750. A table for ten with added exposure in the Summit’s networking expo is available for $1,250. There are additional exclusive sponsorships available at various pricing levels. All questions and inquiries regarding sponsorships can be directed to Caroline Gross at sponsor@tenatthetop.org or by calling 864-360-1015.
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.
Related Resources: • Ten at the Top 2018 Upstate Summit logos | Available Here • 2018 Upstate Summit Sponsorship Packet | Available Here
Building on the successful 2016 Upstate Regional Summit: Creating a Leading Region, Ten at the Top is pleased to announce its 2018 Upstate Regional Summit – “Winning the Future” – will take place on Thursday, September 25 at the TD Convention Center.
The 2018 Summit will provide a unique opportunity for business, community and civic leaders, as well as interested stakeholders from across the region to share ideas and discuss how to work collaboratively to ensure the Upstate region continues to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for all residents.
“Ten at the Top is an organization that is focused on redefining our future as a collaborative Upstate,” Sue Schneider, Ten at the Top’s Board Chairman, said. “But a future to match our vision requires lots of work in the present tense. We’ve named our next summit ‘Winning the Future’ for that very reason. We’re focused on success and the work we must do today to achieve our vision for tomorrow.
The 2018 Upstate Regional Summit, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina, begins with a morning panel session: “Is South Carolina and the Upstate Well Positioned to “Win the Future’ in Economic Development and Job Creation?”. The Summit will continue with breakout sessions involving presentations by and discussions with Upstate leaders through the lens of Ten at the Top’s five Regional Driver areas: Winning the Future Around Education & Workforce Development, Winning the Future Around Mobility & Connectivity, Winning the Future Around Innovation & Technology and Winning the Future Around Creating Vibrant Communities.
The Summit will culminate with the Summit Keynote Luncheon.
Polly LaBarre, 2018 Upstate Summit Keynote Speaker Ten at The Top is excited to welcome Polly LaBarre as the 2018 Upstate Summit Keynote Speaker. Polly LaBarre is the Co-author of Mavericks at Work, Co-founder of Management Lab and Founding Writer at Fast Company. For more than 20 years, LaBarre has used her writing, business consulting, and speaking to help organizations unleash and organize human potential in ever more powerful ways.
As co-founder of the Management Lab, a “think-and-do” tank dedicated to rebooting management for the 21st century. Along with her partners at MLab (pronounced “M-Lab”), Polly has developed a pioneering method and platform for changing how large organizations change. They run large-scale, real-world experiments in “hacking management” to build the deep organizational capabilities crucial for thriving in a creative, disruptive world: adaptability, innovation and inspiration.
Polly has traveled the world to study and work with the courageous contrarians, management mavericks, and pioneering progressives who are inventing the future of organizations and business.
Early in her career, Polly was part of the founding team of Fast Company magazine. There she played a central role in the remarkable success of a magazine that recast the conventional wisdom on power, competition, work, leadership, innovation and change. The magazine introduced the world to a new universe of organizations and leaders whose management models were as distinctive as their business models were disruptive.
Polly is the co-author of the award-winning book Mavericks at Work: Why the Most Original Minds in Business Win, which was a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek bestseller. Published in over 20 territories, Mavericks was a “Business Book of the Year” for the Financial Times, the Miami Herald and The Economist, which called the book “a pivotal work in the tradition of In Search of Excellence and Good to Great.” CNN, CNBC and GMA all created series around the book.
Polly’s writing has appeared in a variety of publications, including Fast Company, The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review online, Fortune.com, the McKinsey Quarterly and she has served as business and innovation correspondent for CNN.
“We’re excited that Polly LaBarre will be our keynote speaker for ‘Winning the Future’,” Schneider said. “Her experience developing a pioneering method and platform for changing how large organizations change will be an inspiration to the leaders in the room who are interested in helping the Upstate thrive in fast-changing and disruptive world. Polly’s message is simple but profound: It takes adaptability, innovation, and inspiration.”
How to Get Involved The 2016 Upstate Regional Summit brought together more than 850 community and business leaders from across the Upstate in a sold-out event sponsored by more than 45 organizations to discuss key issues impacting current and future growth and the importance of regional collaboration. Ten at the Top expects the 2018 Upstate Regional Summit to draw a similarly large attendance, participation and support among Upstate leadership.
Sponsorship opportunities are currently available for the 2018 Regional Summit. A table for ten at the Summit is available for $750. A table for ten with added exposure in the Summit’s networking expo is available for $1,250. There are additional exclusive sponsorships available at various pricing levels. All questions and inquiries regarding sponsorships can be directed to Caroline Gross at sponsor@tenatthetop.org or by calling 864-360-1015.
Individual Summit tickets will be available for purchase beginning in July based on available space. Due to past demand, Ten at the Top encourages organizations and individuals with a desire to get involved to commit early. Seating at the Summit is limited, so to guarantee tickets, TATT is encouraging companies to join as a sponsor. The sponsorship deadline is June 30 to be included in major Summit print materials.
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.
Greenville, S.C. – Ten at the Top has announced the presenters for the breakout sessions of the Upstate Regional Summit presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, to be held September 13 at the TD Convention Center. A total of 18 Upstate leaders will highlight initiatives that are helping make the region a leading place to live, learn, do business and raise a family. Five of the sessions will focus specifically on initiatives within one of the driver areas for the Our Upstate Vision (Community Vibrancy, Economic & Entrepreneurial Vitality, Human Potential, Natural Beauty & Resources, and Sustainable Growth), and one session will specifically focus on successful collaborative partnership initiatives.
During each 45-minute breakout session, three Upstate leaders will share details about their initiative, followed by a moderated panel discussion. Summit registrants will be able to select two sessions to attend. The following initiatives will be featured:
SESSION ONE Community Vibrancy • Moderated by Torance Inman and R.P. Rama, and commentated by Abe Goldberg • Featured initiatives: o Taylors Town Square presented by Alex Reynolds, President, Taylors Town Square o Laurens Finally Friday presented by Jonathan Irick, Main Street Coordinator, City of Laurens o Culture Counts presented by Jennifer Evins, President/CEO, Chapman Cultural Center Natural Beauty & Resources: Time to Environmentally “Grow-up” • Moderated by Dyke Spencer • Featured initiatives: o ReWa Reedy River Quality Initiative presented by Graham W. Rich, Executive Director, ReWa o Breathe Better No-Idling School Program presented by Sandra Yudice, Ph.D., Assistant to the Greenville County Administrator o Human Impact on Natural Resources presented by Rebecca West, Chief Operations Officer, Greenville Water Collaboration is the New Competition • Moderated by John Lummus • Featured initiatives: o Spartanburg Northside Development presented by Bill Barnet, Chairman, Spartanburg Northside Development Group o Bosch of Anderson Workforce Development Partnership presented by Randy Bunch, Director of Human Resources, Bosch-Anderson o Greenville Health System Clinical University presented by Dr. Brenda Thames, Vice President of Academic & Faculty Affairs, Greenville Health System
SESSION TWO Economic & Entrepreneurial Vitality • Moderated by Jim Price and Erin Ouzts, and commentated by Jordana Megonigal • Featured initiatives: o Community Works Financial Stability Program presented by Deborah McKetty, Executive Director, Community Works o SC Fire Fighters Youth Program presented by Bryan Riebe, Recruitment & Retention Coordinator, SC Fire Fighters Association o City of Simpsonville Entrepreneurial Friendly Tool Kit Program presented by Allison McGarity, President/CEO, Simpsonville Chamber of Commerce Human Potential • Moderated by Paul Corbeil and Karen Burgess • Featured initiatives: o Greenville County Schools Graduation Plus presented by Burke Royster, Superintendent, Greenville County Schools o Aid Joy Ask Directions Initiative presented by Jonathan Shanin, Executive Director, AidJoy o Warrior Fellowship Academy presented by Charlie Hall, Executive Director, Upstate Warrior Solution Sustainable Growth • Moderated by Phil Lindler and Michael Forman • Featured initiatives: o American Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Program presented by Ann Wright, Executive Director, Red Cross of the Upstate o Shaping Our Future Scenario Planning Initiative presented by Lisa Hallo, Sustainable Growth Director, Upstate Forever o Glendale Shoals Complete Streets and Connectivity Project presented by Sherry Dull, Senior Transportation Planner, SPATS
Centered on the theme “Creating a Leading Region,” the 2016 Upstate Regional Summit will provide a unique opportunity for business, community and civic leaders to share ideas and discuss how to work collaboratively to ensure the Upstate continues to be a leading region. The Summit will begin with a continental breakfast courtesy of GSA Business Report, B2B Expo sponsored by ScanSource, and morning Upstate Leadership Panel discussion sponsored by Converse College, followed by the breakout sessions. The half-day event will culminate over lunch with a keynote address sponsored by Clemson University, featuring award-winning thinker, author, broadcaster and speaker Geoff Colvin, who serves as Senior Editor-at-Large of Fortune Magazine.
There are a limited number of table sponsorships and tickets available for the Summit. Early bird ticket pricing is available through July 31. For more information, please visit www.tenatthetop.org or call 864.283.2317.
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 575 meetings, programs, workshops and forums that have informed and engaged 28,000+ participants. To learn more, visit www.tenatthetop.org.
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.
