Apr 30, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Welcome by Terence Roberts, TATT Chairman
Special Guest Speaker
Jeff Brown, Vice President-Marketing, Greenville Drive – Baseball is Back!
Watch meeting video recap here.
County Updates
Cherokee – Jim Cook, Cherokee County Economic Development
New DHL building going in for a 3rd party automotive supplier (not yet announced)
$93,000,000 third party logistics deal creating 249 jobs
The building will be 1.3 million square feet on a 100-acre site
More projects being discussed
Oconee – Alex Butterbaugh, Keowee Brewing Company
Open nine months before COVID shutdown and used down time to update outdoor area, covered patio for winter
Business now is good
Hosted a live music fundraiser for tornado relief in 2020
The community has been wonderful and Keowee Brewing continues to give back
Apr 20, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.
With apologies to Charles Dickens, that pretty much sums up all of 2020 for the Greenville Drive.
The year started with such promise as our 15th anniversary season was all set to spring into action. Events, celebrations, stadium upgrades were all planned and ready to go.
And then March came and, well, you know the rest.
But now it’s 2021. And baseball is back. Let’s say that again. Baseball is back. And we couldn’t be more excited.
Now, given the pandemic, the 2021 Drive season won’t be 100% as they were, at least to start. Initially, we’ll operate Fluor Field at a 50% capacity consistent with South Carolina guidelines. The hope is that this number grows as the vaccine gets into more arms and the virus diminishes. Like the rest of Major & Minor League baseball, masks will be required and social distancing rules in place.
We’ll also introduce a cool new app – sEATz – that allows you to order food and drinks from your seat and have your order delivered right to you. No more waiting in line while the guy in front of you debates the merits of Cracker Jacks versus popcorn.
We’ve added a new chicken concession called the Fowl Pole so that your chicken cravings can be satisfied deliciously.
We’ll offer plenty of hand sanitizing stations and you can rest assured that the stadium will remain sparkling clean. That’s been important to us since Opening Day in 2006, and anyone’s who’s ever visited the stadium understands that cleanliness is a creed we adhere to.
But here’s what we want you to know more than anything else. Since Day 1, the Greenville Drive and the Upstate community have been there for each other. As far as the team goes, we’ve done our best to contribute to many of our community’s most important causes, from education to health care, to job growth and training, to our hometown heroes, to so much more.
And we’ve tried to make you proud by offering the Upstate a first-class, award-winning facility that is the envy of towns our size—and even larger—throughout the country. We’ve contributed to the revitalization of our amazing downtown and it couldn’t make us prouder to have played that role.
Since our inception, you’ve shown up in droves. You’ve filled the stadium with your loyalty, your spirit, your cheers, your passion and your appreciation. We’ve noticed. Oh, how we’ve noticed. From so many of you wearing Drive gear around town, to the number of season ticket holders we have, to those of you who come to 5 or 6 games a year, we’ve noticed. Even last year with no baseball season, you stuck with us and showed your support in so many meaningful ways.
There’s a recurring phrase in the movie, “The Field of Dreams.”
“If you build it, they will come.”
Well, we didn’t want to just build it, we wanted to build it beautifully and purposefully, and with the long-term in mind. And guess what? You came. And now we’re celebrating our 15th season with you.
Even though last year was, well, last year, we know you’ll be back because nothing can keep a wonderful place like the Upstate of South Carolina down. Not a virus. Not anything. We know you’ll be there for us again, and it’s something we’ll never take for granted.
Baseball is back.
Opening Night at Fluor Field on Tuesday May 4th.
Apr 7, 2021 | UpstateVibe365
Special Event to be Hosted on April 15 Celebrating the Release of Upstate Business Leader’s Book
Upstate native and sales expert, John Sterling, is excited to officially announce the release of his book, Sales for Noobs: Everything Sales Rookies Need to Know to Crush Quota, Get Promoted, and Kick A$$. A book launch and signing will be held at The Lazy Goat on Thursday, April 15th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. This event is open to the public and books will be available for purchase and author signing onsite.
As a sales trainer, manager, and serial entrepreneur, John is known for mentoring sales reps with zero business experience, so they become high-six- and seven-figure salespeople. John helped build software startup DataStream into a publicly traded company that sold to Infor for over $200 million. As Vice President of Sales, John and his team managed acquisitions in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Singapore, and Australia, becoming the biggest technology company in South Carolina. During that time, John hired and trained over 150 sales reps, sixty of whom are now business owners, CEOs, or Sales VPs. Currently, John is owner of and investor in technology companies in the Southern United States and consults with business owners and their sales teams to crush quota.
“Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed being a mentor to help new salespeople take the time to pick the best sales job for them and get started in the right way,” said, John Sterling, Author of Sales for Noobs. “This book was written specifically to give essential advice to everyone considering a sales career so they can get started like a rocket ship versus “limping in” to the sales arena.”
In Sales for Noobs: Everything Sale Rookies Need to Know to Crush Quota, Get Promoted, and Kick A$$, John shares the essential advice every sales “noob” or newbie needs to know to make sales a rewarding profession. Whether someone is going into sales right out of school, pivoting from another industry, or getting back into the workforce, Sales for Noobs teaches readers a proven process to build a profitable career they can enjoy.
Sales for Noobs: Everything Sale Rookies Need to Know to Crush Quota, Get Promoted, and Kick A$$, is available for online purchase directly through Amazon.
ABOUT SALES FOR NOOBS | John Sterling is the world’s foremost expert in transforming sales noobs into seasoned pros. As a sales trainer, manager, and serial entrepreneur, John is known for mentoring sales reps with zero business experience, so they become high six and seven figure salespeople. Take your sales team from noobs to pros at www.SalesTrainingforNoobs.com
To RSVP for this event, please email RSVP@smoakpr.com!
Apr 1, 2021 | UpstateVibe365
Jessica Varney, Executive Assistant to the Administrator, Pickens County
By Jessica Varney, Executive Assistant to the Administrator, Pickens County
“Are you thinking about killing yourself?” This question may seem inappropriate or uncomfortable to you (and a shocking way to begin an article in a newsletter); however, asking this difficult question has the potential to save a life. Studies show that the question itself does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts. Experts in the field of mental health recommend asking directly about suicide. Put another way, if you’ve noticed warning signs, don’t ignore them. Caring enough to ask and being prepared to connect the individual with the proper care can make a big difference. The question is, what care options are available?
Identifying resources, gaps, and opportunities in our crisis care system is one of the objectives of the Crisis Intercept Map process. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and its Service Members, Veterans, and Families (SMVF) Technical Assistance (TA) Center at Policy Research Associates, Inc. designed and developed the Crisis Intercept Mapping process for SMVF Suicide Prevention to help communities strengthen the delivery of evidence-based suicide prevention policies and practices during the time period surrounding an episode of acute care when the risk of suicide is higher. Pickens County has been selected as one of 10 sites from across the country to participate in SAMHSA’s SMVF TA Center’s Crisis Intercept Mapping project this spring and is the first county in South Carolina to be chosen.
The Pickens County team consists of members in leadership at the local, regional, and state level and both military and civilian participants. Individuals on the team represent Prisma Health Baptist Easley, AnMed Health Cannon Hospital, Anderson-Oconee-Pickens Mental Health Clinic, Pickens County Behavioral Health, Samaritan’s Health Clinic, Pickens County Sheriff Office, Pickens County Emergency Services, Pickens County Veterans Affairs, American Legion Post 11, Upstate Warrior Solutions, Mental Health of America Greenville County, Clemson University, Easley First Baptist Church, National Alliance on Mental Illness, SC National Guard, South Carolina Department of Mental Health, and South Carolina Department of Veteran’s Affairs. We are honored to have the SC Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs, Major General William Grimsley, serving on our team. The South Carolina Governor’s Challenge Team to Prevent Suicide among SMVF is also supportive of this initiative, and several individuals serve on both teams. The Pickens County Council passed Resolution #2020-12 in support of suicide prevention among SMVF in September 2020 and is supportive of this process, with our County Council Chairman Chris Bowers serving on the team in a dual capacity since he is also a leader in the medical field.
According to the CDC, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death statewide. It is the third leading cause of death for ages 10-24, second leading cause of death for ages 25-34, and fourth leading cause of death for ages 35-44. We know that the military suicide rate is higher than the non-military suicide rate. The issue of suicide prevention is of high importance for Pickens County in particular. According to the latest data from SCDHEC, Pickens County has the highest combined five-year suicide death rate per 100,000 population in the state. Additional data provided by the South Carolina Violent Death Reporting System for 2003-2018 shows that in Pickens County a physical health problem was identified as the circumstance for 40.8% of the suicides among our military population, while a physical health problem was identified as the circumstance in 20.2% on our non-military population. A mental health problem was identified as the circumstance in 34.7% of military suicides and 38.9% on non-military suicides. Other circumstances identified include depressed mood, alcohol problem, intimate relationship issues, history of or current recipient of behavioral health treatment, non-alcohol-related substance abuse, civil legal problem, or other crisis. Military suicide deaths occurred by firearm in 67.4% of cases, by poisoning in 16.3%, and by hanging in 10.2%, compared to non-military suicide deaths by firearm in 51.6% of cases, by poisoning in 25.4%, and by hanging in 17.1%. Also, 28.6% of suicides with known military status disclosed intent within 30 days prior to injury. Implementing the elements of effective suicide prevention: screening, safety planning, lethal means safety, and supportive contacts, are vital to making a difference.
Within a community crisis system, there are four key “intercept points” that provide opportunities for diverting at-risk SMVF to appropriate and effective prevention and support services: First Contact, Acute Care, Care Transitions, and Ongoing Treatment and Recovery Support. Most military veterans do not receive health care through the VA system and instead seek care in community care settings. Unfortunately, many community providers do not consider themselves culturally competent about military and veteran populations. This program seeks to strengthen the partnerships among military and civilian stakeholders for optimal crisis care coordination between various services. Our CIM team is looking forward to seeing the completed Crisis Intercept Map for our community and how we will collaboratively implement our plan moving forward.
While the Crisis Intercept Map is focused on suicide prevention among SMVF, I am hopeful the progress made through this initiative will make our County even more prepared to address the need for suicide prevention for all of our citizens. Additionally, my very involvement in the SMVF CIM for suicide prevention is a testament to the fact that everyone can be part of the solution to the problem of suicide. I do not have a military background, and I do not have a medical background. Yet, here I am serving as the team lead for this project. I’m just a person who cares, and lots of caring people are needed to bridge these gaps and reach the people who are hurting or lonely. I invite you to access the resources available online from the SCDMH Office of Suicide Prevention, SAMHSA, NAMI, or other trusted sources to educate yourself so that you can also be an advocate for suicide prevention. Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicides. You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to care.
Mar 24, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Sandy Abdelnabi, Ten at the Top Intern
Living in a global pandemic, times look much different for us all. None of us are or will ever be fully adapted to this new and distanced world and the effects it has had on our everyday lives. Whether it’s the way we speak to friends, the way a fun outing looks, or even a work/school setting. But, these changes have opened many doors to new and exciting opportunities!
People have been able to experience things they never thought they would. For example, students have the opportunity to participate in their classes from the comfort of their own home rather than in a physical school setting, most businesses now consist of a staff of remote workers encouraging them to make a “home office”, and people are motivated to create fun and exciting activities in their homes. For me, one of the most beneficial and memorable outcomes of this pandemic was being able to work for a company that dealt with the virus directly.
Beginning March 25th, 2020, I started working at a medical facility located in Greenville, SC called Vessel Medical. Founded in 1991 Vessel Medical originally put together surgical trays, sent them to sterilize, then shipped them off to surgeons around South Carolina.
During the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, Vessel medical, like many companies, switched gears in what they were producing and they began putting together at-home COVID-19 testing kits. In a white conditioned room, we dressed in lab coats, hairnets, and shoe liners and began packing. We would fill seven-foot racks with almost 1000 kits each. Because little was known about the virus, the testing kits looked much different than they do now. The kits consisted of a specimen cup, catheter, and a syringe filled halfway with saline. The kits were sent off to people and certain companies with a set of instructions that walked them through the process.
One had to put the catheter on to the tip of the syringe, put the specimen cup under the empty nostril and push the saline solution through one nostril out the other and into the specimen cup. They would then ship the sample back to the Vessel Lab where it would be tested for COVID. After enough kits were prepared (almost 10,000 a day) we switched back to the trays. Although, with a spike in cases, this did not last long.
The second time we switched back we were putting together swab test kits as they had proven to be more efficient. These kits consisted of a singularly wrapped swab and a tube filled with saline. The company slowly created a testing tent in front of the facility to process rapid results and ensure the employees had a safe, convenient, and affordable place to test as often as needed. They also began training nurses to travel around to universities in the upstate and provide testing for students.
Helping put together testing kits made me feel as though I was able to make a hands-on difference with the cases in SC in a time where one can’t do much besides mask up, social distance, and stay safe. I was able to learn more about the virus and ways to prevent it to keep myself and others safe.
It was an amazing experience seeing this company quickly adjust and grow in order to combat the swiftly adapting virus. What began as an unknown business has now bloomed into an entire community of people working to stop the spread of COVID-19. I was extremely thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this community and I am proud to share this experience with others. To learn more about Vessel Medical visit https://vesselmedical.com/about/.
Mar 24, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Scott Carr, VP Commercial Business & Communications, GSP Airport District
The one-year anniversary of the declaration of COVID-19 as a national emergency was on March 11, 2021. Passenger numbers at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) declined by 96% at the peak of the pandemic and remained down 60% from pre-pandemic levels throughout 2020. However, as coronavirus cases continue to decline, more people are vaccinated, and restrictions around the country are lifted, we are seeing more passengers returning to the skies and airlines increasing flights to popular destinations.
On November 5, 2020, Southwest Airlines began new nonstop service to Houston, TX and on March 11, 2021, Silver Airways launched new flights to Jacksonville, FL, Orlando, FL, and Tampa, FL. At the same time, airlines that had suspended service due to COVID restrictions have started restoring those flights from GSP. American Airlines reestablished nonstop service to Miami, FL and Washington, D.C. United restored nonstop flights to Denver, CO. Delta brought back service to Detroit, MI. All six of our airlines have increased frequencies on current routes and GSP now serves 21 nonstop cities, which is the most in the airport’s history.
To accommodate returning passengers, we have reopened restaurants and retail stores in the terminal building. The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Baskin Robbins, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin Donuts, Flatwood Grill, Hudson, Tech On-The-Go, and Palmetto Distillery are all open for business. We anticipate the MAG Escape Lounge to reopen in the second half of 2021. Thomas Creek Grill and RJ Rockers Flight Room will reopen when passenger demand warrants. However, most likely, that won’t be until sometime in 2022. In addition, we plan to open a totally new restaurant concept in the Grand Hall during the second half of 2021. Stay tuned for more details on that exciting announcement.
While passenger numbers have been reduced during the pandemic, we are experiencing a significant increase in cargo activity; particularly to and from GSP and international destinations. In 2020, cargo activity at GSP increased by 12%, setting a record for cargo tonnage at the airport. In fact, GSP now ranks #20 in the U.S. in terms of international freight and accounts for $4.37 billion in trade value. Over the past few months, GSP has welcomed a number of new cargo airlines to the region including British Airways, TUI, Mas Air, and more.
To ensure that the airport remained positioned to serve the region’s needs once air travel demand returned, work continued on several significant capital improvement projects during the pandemic. In November 2020, we opened a new Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility and we expect to take delivery of two new ARFF trucks in April 2021.
Enhancements to the airport entrance road and work to relieve roadway congestion at the airport also concluded during the first quarter of 2021. The improvements included the construction of a new 1,500-space economy parking lot and upgraded roadway signage. This summer, we will launch a new program allowing travelers to pre-book airport parking on our website. This program will provide customers with discounts on parking, rewards points, and a way to guarantee a space in their lot of choice for their trip.
Maintaining a high level of safety, convenience, and efficiency has been and continues to be our priority. Our goal is to always provide a better airport experience for our customers. That is why we were so honored to be recognized as the “Best Airport in North America” serving 2-5 million passengers annually by Airports Council International. This recognition represents the highest accolade that an airport can achieve, as it is based on feedback gathered from customers using the airport over the past 12 months. Receiving this award is a high benchmark any time. However, receiving this recognition during a global pandemic speaks volumes for the support we enjoy from our passengers and the Upstate SC region.
It may be a few years before we are again reaching our pre-pandemic passenger activity levels. However, rest assured that GSP remains committed to providing the region with a safe, clean, efficient, and modern airport offering convenient air service to the people and places that matter most to them. Thank you for supporting GSP during this unprecedented time and we look forward to serving you on your next flight from your hometown airport.
Please join us for an upcoming TATT Chat on April 15th, 2021 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. for “Latest News from GSP Airport” with guest speaker, Scott Carr! Register here.
