Jun 27, 2022 | Staying on Top
Upstate Connect
June 24, 2022
Ten at the Top and the Urban League of the Upstate hosted Upstate Connect at the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce on June 24 to discuss “Tackling Litter in the Upstate.”
Courtney Stonell, Coordinator for Keep Laurens County Beautiful and Amber Nappier, Litter Prevention Coordinator for Greenwood County were topic leaders. Several environmental enforcement officers from Spartanburg and Pickens were in attendance and shared information on litter enforcement programs and systems to prevent litter. Community leaders also shared their work in litter prevention, clean-up, and early.
Jun 22, 2022 | Staying on Top, Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem
Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem
Upstate Connector Meeting
June 21, 2022
The Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem met to connect and learn about some of the new resource platforms in the Upstate.
Jennifer Sutton of Bright + Co. shared the recently launched GVLInnovates, a curated ezine with resources for entrepreneurs. Brian Brady and Sam Cooper from the USC Upstate Johnson College of Business and Economics presented the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s Resource Portal and the many community resources included. Ecomap’s Kevin Carter joined us virtually to train us on enhanced search and filtering features on StartGrowUpstate.com, and how to create profiles and lists of preferred resources. Click here for a recording of Kevin’s tour of the new features.
A copy of the slide deck is available here.
Jun 16, 2022 | Creating a Safer Upstate, Safer Upstate
A Law Enforcement and Community Leader Forum was held on June 14, 2022 at the Blue Ridge Community Center in Seneca in conjunction with Tri-County Technical College
Law enforcement officers were in attendance to share information on police use of technology, general policing policies, community engagement, and police recruiting & training. As we learn time and again, education is key to creating trust. Community leaders shared their concerns about transparency in policing and the importance of cultural competency.
Jun 16, 2022 | Staying on Top
Roper Mountain Science Center (RMSC) plays a vital role in the future of our young people and economic vitality of the Upstate. You can be a part of the excitement over the next few months when you visit our Summer Adventure, Friday Starry Nights, and Laser Days of Summer.
Our economy is growing rapidly, fueled by companies looking for workers trained in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM). Roper Mountain meets that need. By giving young people education, experiences and skills for their careers, their lives are shaped, and our community thrives.
Each year, more than 50,000 students, 4,000 teachers, and 50,000 families and adults visit RMSC. We also impact an additional 30,000 students each year through our various outreach programs. Our students are ethnically diverse and come from 45 different school districts in 23 counties and 3 states. Approximately one-half of them come from families living in poverty. 
Roper Mountain Science Center is owned and operated by Greenville County Schools and models a unique public-private partnership with added support generated by the Roper Mountain Science Center Association. At Roper Mountain, we know science is the key to a better life for us all, and that hands-on learning is the best way to ignite the natural curiosity of all learners.
We invite your involvement, advice and generosity as we shape our world together. Learn more at www.ropermountain.org
Michael Weeks, Director
Jun 16, 2022 | Staying on Top
Nearly 60,000 residents in Greenville County residents are Hispanic or Latino, and in the ten counties of Upstate South Carolina, over 100,000 individuals identified as either Hispanic or Latino, according to the 2020 US Census. And these numbers are growing! South Carolina is experiencing an exciting period of growth in the Hispanic Community, and the Hispanic Alliance strives to make the Upstate of South Carolina an inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and Hispanic families from many nationalities can thrive, share their culture, and actively elevate the community.
The Hispanic Alliance exists to build bridges toward a better future for everyone in our community. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Hispanic Alliance fosters collaboration and connectivity among people, resources, and cultures to build thriving communities. Started as a grassroots effort of local Hispanic residents in 2005, the Hispanic Alliance (HA) continues to grow and serve the Hispanic citizens of the Upstate with a network of partner agencies, school systems, government organizations, and local businesses united by a common purpose – to give all individuals access to the American Dream.
Community Teams Meetings
The Hispanic Alliance ensures that the Hispanic and Latino community has equitable access to the best resources in the areas of health, education, financial stability, and legal services. In these Four Community Teams, multicultural grassroots volunteers help individuals overcome barriers to vital resources that address the language and cultural needs of our local community. They identify the gaps between needs and resources, avoid duplication of services and build collective capacity to serve the community. These are spaces of inspiration, innovation, and support. If you possess compassionate care for the lives in your proximity, learn how our community teams can magnify your efforts and make a greater difference. More information about community teams meetings can be found at: https://www.hispanicalliancesc.com/teams
The HA Network
Before the Hispanic Alliance was a non-profit organization, it was born as a network of people within and around the Hispanic community with a desire to nurture and protect its members. After more than a decade of evolution, the Hispanic Alliance continues to focus on serving the most vulnerable citizens, nurturing each other, and extending welcome to the entire Upstate community. The HA Network is over 3,000 members strong, but it is also a family. Connect with the HA Network on the 2nd Wednesday of every month to share resources, get connected, and serve your community. To join the HA Network, please visit: https://www.hispanicalliancesc.com/ha-network
Student DREAMers Alliance Leadership Accelerator
The Student DREAMers Alliance (SDA) is an award-winning leadership development program created to empower Hispanic high school students while offering support and guidance as they transition from high school to college and career. Most are the first generation in their families to pursue a college degree. In 2018, Student DREAMers Alliance was one of only six organizations globally to receive the McNulty Catalyst Fund award from the Aspen Institute. The SDA program is designed to empower and magnify the voices of DREAMers, to increase awareness of education inequity, and to advocate for changes in state legislation to achieve equal access to public, post-secondary education for all youth. SDA is the first strategy towards achieving the broader goal of addressing a critical need for diverse leadership that can champion and accelerate access to opportunities for the growing Hispanic population in South Carolina.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the myriad of cultures within Latin and Spanish-speaking countries and the contributions of those peoples to our community. The United States has the second-largest Spanish-speaking population of any country in the world, smaller only than Mexico. Every year, National Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is observed by Americans across the United States, and between September 15 and October 15, the Hispanic Alliance facilitates a multicultural celebration across the Upstate. More information and a calendar of events will be made available soon! Be sure to check out HispanicHeritageMonth.com for more information!
Jun 15, 2022 | Creating a Safer Upstate, Safer Upstate, Staying on Top
Beyond the Shield Workshop
Use of Analytics to Drive Policing
June 13, 2022
The Use of Analytics to Drive Policing Workshop was held via Zoom on June 13, 2022 with presenters Dr. Lee Hunt, PhD, from the Greenville City Police Department, and Dr. Michele Covington, PhD, from the USC Upstate Crime Analysis Center (UCAC).
Crime analysis assists in evidence-based policing, is efficient and resourceful, and ensures that decision-making is strategic and fair. Ultimately crime analysis holds accountable those who commit crime, provides assistance for victims, and enhances crime prevention.
UCAC provides training, resources, and support; analytical expertise for law enforcement agencies; problem analysis assistance; and public training on problem-solving strategies.
Dr. Hunt shared the Greenville Police Department’s 2021 Year-End Statistics Report to show how Greenville PD uses predictive policing with local data to analyze historical crime data, predict future crimes, and efficiently deploy law enforcement with the goal of reducing violent crime without imprisonment.
The presentations are available here and the recording of the workshop is here.
Jun 10, 2022 | Staying on Top
Welcome
• David Feild, TATT Chairman
• Guest Speaker
Chad Hardaway, University of South Carolina
Click here for the recording.
Click here for the presentation.
Resource Update
Amanda Munyan, Laurens County Chamber of Commerce — The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce has recently become a “Keep America beautiful” affiliate. They will be hosting the Upstate Connect on June 24th, regarding litter in the Upstate. Also, they have gathered their 250th Revolutionary War committee, working towards their event that will take place in 2026. Finally, the groundbreaking just took place for the new walking trail, which will serve as the beginning of the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Laurens County.
Mary Lynn Tollison, Family Promise of Laurens County — Family Promise of Laurens County is a shelter for families experiencing homelessness or housing instability in LaurensCounty, with an average of about 14 calls a week. The organization has received multiple grants and funding to help with their mission recently. Family Promise sustains their clients for up to a year following their discharge from the program.
Adjourn
David Feild
Save the Date!
TATT CHAT July 14, 2022 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker: James Chappell, President & CEO, SC Bio
Jun 9, 2022 | Staying on Top
Laurens County Chamber of Commerce
Laurens County (LC), SC is on the move and the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce is proudly promoting and supporting the tremendous impact across the County. With a mission to serve as the unified voice to promote, strengthen and develop the County by connecting organizations, supporting businesses, and building community, the recent develops enhance the Chamber’s success. The Chamber has traditionally and continues to support local, small business and the success of entrepreneurs through educational workshops, grants, marketing campaigns, and promotions, often working in tandem with County officials, Main Street organizations within the County, and their city officials. There are many other focus areas, like Agribusiness, Government Affairs, Workforce Development, Leadership, Non-profit support, Beautification, and acting as the Tourism arm of the County. But this is not all we do!
The LC Chamber is celebrating some huge accomplishments with the County, impacting the Chamber mission work, businesses, residents and visitors. Over the past year, the Chamber hired their fourth full time team member, the Keep Laurens County Beautiful Affiliate (KLCB) Coordinator, an official LC American Revolution 250th Sestercentennial Committee was approved, Capital Project Sales Tax projects are underway, and Laurens County Council allocated $5 million in ARPA funds, to non-profits and for infrastructure projects across the County. Read on for details…
One June 22, 2022, LC Council, the City of Clinton, City of Fountain Inn, and City of Laurens, in partnership with the LC Chamber of Commerce, the LC Development Corporation and the LC Sheriff’s Office celebrated the passing of individual, yet matching, litter control ordinances and resolutions to blanket the County. These partners funded a new position under the Chamber umbrella and on April 22, 2022, Earth Day, Laurens County officially became the 36th Keep SC Beautiful Affiliate, joining more than 700 Keep America Beautiful affiliates. The new KLCB Affiliate Coordinator, Courtney Stonell, is in position with exciting results for the first quarter of 2022. Over 46, 515 lbs. of litter collected, over 2,828 supplies distributed (bags, vest, gloves, grabbers) through the partnership with Palmetto Pride, and Lt. Governor, Pamela Evette, kicked off her annual Grab A Bag event in County. LC now has a focus and goal to engage the public in county-wide litter, recycling, and beautification efforts through impact, education, and enforcement.
Year 2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War. LC has over 112 notable Revolutionary War engagements, according to a local Battlefield Preservationist, Durant Ashmore. In September 2021, LC Council appointed the official committee, to represent the County and oversee the celebration planning, working with the SC250 Commission (www.southcarolina250.com). This committee has recognized fourteen historic sites across the County to highlight through a driving tour and a partnered cycling trail, through the LC Trails Association. Some sites will be on the Liberty Trail, stretching across South Carolina (www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/libertytrail) and all sites will be a preserved piece of history once the archaeology studies are complete and the plan is in place. LC looks forward to welcoming visitors and residents to enjoy the history and character of this amazing County.
The LC Capital Project Sales Tax was approved, through vote by LC citizens on November 3, 2020 (58%/42%). This is a 1% sales tax on goods and services (with the exception of unprepared food, pharmaceuticals and fuel), funding $35 million to 16 building and improvement projects all around the County. One project is the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Loop Trail, hosted by the LC Trails Association and LC Parks and Recreation Commission. The groundbreaking for this 1.7-mile walking and biking trail was held on Friday, June 3, 2022. This is just the beginning to a multi-year project and plan for future trail development across LC.
LC County Council recently allocated $5 million to infrastructure and non-profit projects from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The fund requests were reviewed by Council through an application process. $2.5 million was allocated to non-profits (34 community grant applications received) and $2.5 million to infrastructure projects (5 infrastructure applications received). Decisions were based on how each organization was impacted by the pandemic. These funds will be a great boost to the agencies and organizations receiving them, helping them better serve clients across Laurens County.
Like Ten at the Top envisioning an Upstate region where collaboration, coordination, and cooperation across communities and business sectors creates a stronger upstate, this also creates a stronger County. The LC Chamber is proud of the work being done across the County, especially due to the leadership and partnerships from municipalities, businesses, non-profits, and individuals, working together for overall success.
Jun 8, 2022 | Staying on Top
National Night Out Info Session
June 6, 2022
As part of Ten at the Top’s Creating a Safer Upstate Initiative, a virtual information session was held on June 6 featuring National Night Out (NNO) Executive Director, Matt Peskin.
2022 is the 39th year of NNO community events. More than 16,400 communities in the country will celebrate on August 2 with community events to promote police-community partnerships, crime, drug, and violence prevention, and neighborhood unity. Events range in size from block parties to larger centralized events. NNO has national sponsors, including Starbucks, AT&T, Renewal by Anderson, Academy Sports, and Ring. Information about the benefits of registering an event may be found on the NNO website, as well as tips and tricks to plan, promote, and run events.
A recording of the information session is available online here.
Jun 8, 2022 | Staying on Top
We welcome you to Family Promise of Laurens County. When you walk into these doors, we hope you recognize right away the Promise we make to families each day for safe and stable housing. When you walk into these doors for services, we hope you see the love of Christ firsthand.
Family Promise of Laurens County provides three levels of care at our Center located at 205 Church Street in Laurens, South Carolina. We provide prevention services by assisting families to keep their current housing. Secondly, we provide sheltering services where families come in-house and join the rotation of churches who provide shelter and meals. Finally, we provide sustainability services for up to one year. We follow our families for a lengthy period of time to assure they are stable and following financial guidelines and planning designed for long term success. We are glad to service the citizens of Laurens County who need our services.
Our framework is a promise to families: PROMISE
- P=Passion to care for families
- R=Rapport by training and learning how to best serve our families
- O=Optimism is important for families going through difficult times in their lives
- M=Mission minded
- I=Impact the community for greater change
- S=Sensitive to the needs of our families
- E=Empathy through seeking our volunteers and others who have empathy and care and understand that homelessness can happen to anyone
