Jun 1, 2022 | Staying on Top
Greenville, SC | May 26, 2022 – The Upstate Mobility Alliance is excited to announce GP Mcleer as their new Executive Director. Born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina, GP has been an active member in his community for years and was recently named one of the “50 Most influential People” by Greenville Business Magazine, and one of Greenville’s “Best and Brightest 35 & Under”.
Made up of more than 40 public, private, and civic leaders across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, the Upstate Mobility Alliance was created to advance efforts that make the region more vibrant and connected, encourage investments in needed and innovative transportation policy and infrastructure, promote sustainable development, and support economic prosperity for all residents and businesses.
As Director of the Upstate Mobility Alliance, Mcleer will work to advance transportation solutions across ten counties in the Upstate of South Carolina. These transportation solutions include public transit, vehicular innovations, walkability trails, and other methods of connectivity. In addition to being the Director of Upstate Mobility Alliance, GP also is the co-founder of Pecan Public Relations LLC, which focuses on advocacy, communications, and governance for nonprofits across the state.
GP Mcleer holds a BA in Arts Management from the College of Charleston, where he has been recognized with the university’s 250th Anniversary Young Alumnus Award in 2020. With a passion for arts, GP previously served as the Executive Director of the SC Arts Alliance, where he led advocacy efforts to increase public support for the arts at the state and federal level.
As mentioned previously, GP is extremely active in his community and has served on numerous boards and committees across the Upstate. Elected in 2019, he is also the Mayor of Fountain Inn and serves as the Chair of Keep Laurens County Beautiful, a member of the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s Legislative Committee, and a member of the Greenville- Pickens Area Transportation Study Policy Committee.
ABOUT UPSTATE MOBILITY ALLIANCE
Made up of more than 40 public, private, and civic leaders across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, Upstate Mobility Alliance was created to make the region vibrant and connected, where transportation policy and investments promote innovation, sustainable development, and economic prosperity for all residents and businesses. www.upstatemobilityalliance.org
May 16, 2022 | Staying on Top
Welcome David Feild, TATT Chairman
Guest Speaker
Brooke A. Brittain, Clemson University Associate Director, Food and Nutrition Security
Mary Hipp, Feed & Seed
Link to presentation
here.
Resource Update
Jacqueline Gilchrest, Greenwood Chamber of Commerce— The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce is actively promoting public transportation with a pilot vanpool program, working with Enterprise and Upstate Mobility Alliance. They are also working to address the urgent need for workers to fill open positions, launching a new software program called JobsEQ, which lists all open positions in Greenwood County. They continue to plan job fairs including one inJune. Upcoming is a Housing Summit, in partnership with Greenwood Together, to look at pocket neighborhoods to bring to the city. They recently held the annual Women’s Leadership Upstate Conference with 200 women in attendance.
Alice Hodges, Meg’s House— The goal of Meg’s House is to respond to the emotional and physical needs of those experiencing domestic violence and chronic homelessness. They offer residential services (an emergency shelter with 26 beds), a 24/7 crisis line, legal advocacy, support groups/ counseling, homeless services, and a prevention program.
Adjourn
David Feild
Save the Date!
TATT CHAT June 9, 2022 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Chad Hardaway from the University of South Carolina
May 12, 2022 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Come out and join us at the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX tournament taking place June 9-12 at Thornblade Club in Greer and The Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg. We will have a fun line up of celebrities ranging from professional athletes, actors, golf influencers, and musicians. Some of the celebrities attending include Country Music Artist George Birge as well as Country Pop Musician Jay DeMarcus from the Rascal Flatts, Comedian Larry the Cable Guy, Television Actors Andy Buckley and Brian Baumgarter from the Office, and Anthony Anderson from Black-ish, as well as Professional Boxer Canelo Álvarez, and LPGA Hall of Famer, Amy Alcott. So even if golf is not your thing, come out to see your favorite celebrities, and/or sign up to volunteer at the Carolina Country club!
The tournament will include many fun events for the community such as A Night with The Marshall Tucker Band presented by The Johnson Group in Daniel Morgan Square on Tuesday, June 7th. There will also be many other exciting events to engage with during and leading up to the tournament such as the First Tee of the Upstate Junior Golf Clinic presented by Pacolet Milliken at The Carolina Country Club driving range on Monday, June 6th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. The South Carolina Junior Golf Association Junior Golf Clinic presented by Pacolet Milliken on Tuesday, June 7th at 5:00 p.m at Thornblade Country club. As well as the Spanish Speaking Junior Golf Clinic presented by Pacolet Milliken at The Carolina Country Club driving range on Wednesday, June 8th at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday there will also be a Women’s Golf Clinic and Luncheon at The Carolina Country Club with Amy Alcott and Friends from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m which will include all of the tournament’s female celebrities, a golf clinic, lunch, speakers, and lots of awesome local shops and vendors.
June 9th from 7:30-10:30 p.m. there will be a Thursday Night Shootout with live music and entertainment at 3’s Greenville Golf & Grill. And June 10th there will be the Friday Night Concert presented by MAGNA featuring Generation Radio: Deen Castronovo (Journey), Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) and Jason Scheff (Chicago) at Camperdown Plaza in Greenville.
If you are interested there are a limited number of VIP ticket experiences and sponsorship opportunities are available for purchase for the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evening events and the Wednesday Ladies Clinic. Please visit www.bmwcharitygolf.com or contact the tournament office to reserve tickets or inquire about sponsorships.
All the funds raised during the 2022 BMW Charity Pro-Am will benefit our incredible five featured charities: Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, Roper Mountain Science Center, Cancer Society of Greenville County, Meyer Center for Special Children and Gibbs Cancer Center and Research Institute. The community is also invited to take part in the tournament’s annual Birdies for Charity program, which will continue to raise dollars by enabling individual donors to make a one-time flat donation or pledge one cent or more per birdie during the tournament.
We would love for you to come out and join in on all the fun community events, sign up to volunteer, and contribute to the incredible local charities that do so much for the Upstate area. To learn more about this year’s volunteer opportunities visit here or email cassadzandi@sccharities.org. To learn more or to purchase tickets to the 2022 tournament, visit BMWCharityGolf.com.
May 12, 2022 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Since 1922 South Carolinians have been coming together to serve the Palmetto State through Lions Clubs, first in Columbia, Spartanburg, Orangeburg, Anderson, and Greenville, then in communities statewide. In 1925 their focus became vision and hearing services following Helen Keller’s challenge to be “Knights of the Blind” in the crusade against darkness at the International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio. For over a century Lions have continued to help the blind and visually impaired in South Carolina and advocate for them at a time when public perception and prejudices viewed them as incapable, but there was a need to do more.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of South Carolina’s first Lions Clubs, including three in the Upstate: Anderson, Greenville, and Spartanburg. The Anderson and Spartanburg Clubs have announced plans to celebrate the milestone with a commemorative event in their respective communities. The Spartanburg Lions Club will host Lions Club International President Douglas X. Alexander of Brooklyn, New York at the 1881 Event Hall on Saturday, May 14, 2022. One of South Carolina’s own Upstate members is presently serving on the International Board of Directors, Dr. Dianne J. Pitts of the Greenwood Lions Club. The Spartanburg Lions Club is also home to Past International Director Dr. Eugene Spiess, who is a retired college administrator and instructor.
Through the years South Carolina Lions have helped respond to countless natural disasters by securing funding from the Lions Clubs International Foundation, managed an annual International Youth Exchange with students from dozens of foreign countries, provided hundreds of affordable eye surgeries to low-income families through their state charity known as Lions Vision Services, built a new accessible playground for the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, funded two floors of the expanded Storm Eye Institute at MUSC to conduct research on blindness, provided tens of thousands of free vision screenings to South Carolina students, and conduct fishing tournaments and camps for the blind across the state, just to name a few.
Today Lions Clubs serve the community through programs addressing diabetes, the environment, hunger, vision, and childhood cancer. There are more than 3,000 Lions Club members and 124 Clubs across the state, which are part of a global network of more than 1.4 million volunteers worldwide serving in over 200 countries and geographic areas. Visit lionsclubs.org to learn more and to find the local Lions Club in your community today!
May 11, 2022 | Staying on Top
VisionGreenwood: Advancing Greenwood as a Community of Choice
VisionGreenwood is a community partner with a proven track record for providing leadership to enhance the quality of life in Greenwood through strategic long-term vision and collaborative community development initiatives. The non-profit, which evolved from the Foundation for a Greater Greenwood County, Inc., created more than 20 years ago to support the former Greenwood Partnership Alliance’s charitable operations. After thoughtful consideration, the board of directors rebranded the foundation last year to better reflect the organization’s purpose.
“By intent and design, VisionGreenwood continues to be a community partner that is focused on Greenwood’s future and its economic growth and development. We are more determined than ever to see that Greenwood emerges as one of the top living and working communities in South Carolina,” said Kay Self, Executive Director for VisionGreenwood.
What is now VisionGreenwood has invested more than $2.9 million into the community by supporting initiatives that provide economic prosperity and enhance the growth and success of Greenwood.
Vision: To make Greenwood the best community to live, work, and raise a family.
Mission: Providing leadership to enhance the quality of life in Greenwood through strategic long-term vision and collaborative community development initiatives.
Above all, VisionGreenwood exists to make Greenwood a community of choice.
What We Do
VisionGreenwood focuses on identifying opportunities and supporting community development initiatives that are not currently being met — championing solutions for the gaps and shortfalls. By leveraging the progress that has been made over the past 20 years with fresh ideas for the future, VisionGreenwood is working to ensure that Greenwood will continue to provide the quality of life and community vibrancy needed to attract and retain residents and businesses.
“Quality of life is the cornerstone of VisionGreenwood’s plan of work,” said Self. “We are committed to supporting the development of neighborhoods that provide entertainment, shopping, and dining, along with quality healthcare, world-class education, and employment – all necessary attributes for a thriving community.”
VisionGreenwood recognizes the importance of positioning Greenwood for continued growth. What is now VisionGreenwood funded the Buxton Retail Study in 2019 to support retail development in Greenwood. VisionGreenwood continues to pursue “matches” generated by the Buxton Retail Study and values its partnership with Uptown Greenwood.
Key Areas of Focus
To carry out its mission, VisionGreenwood’s Board has identified core areas of focus, all of which entail developing alliances, renewing plans, focusing on key opportunities, identifying resources, and investing in the community through distinct initiatives fueled by private-public collaboration. These focus areas are Technology and Innovation, Education, Community Development, Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Medical Innovation District and Site Option Agreements to support economic opportunities in Greenwood. Each area of focus has its own distinct initiatives.
Expanding Broadband Connectivity
VisionGreenwood is leading the way in closing the gap on digital infrastructure — a priority that the Greenwood community cannot afford to fall behind in an ever-changing global economy.
With the help of a dedicated Broadband Task Force, VisionGreenwood rolled out an initiative in 2021 to expand broadband connectivity to the rural and underserved areas in Greenwood County. This started with the introduction of a “Closing the Gap” Speed Test accessible from VisionGreenwood’s website. Real-time internet speed data is being collected from Greenwood County residents and VisionGreenwood continues to encourage residents from across the county to take the Speed Test. With enough data in hand, VisionGreenwood will be able to apply for state and federal grants to help fund local internet infrastructure improvements.
Expanded broadband capacity will foster technology innovation through educational outreach into the community. Broadband connectivity will provide rural entrepreneurship to flourish. Tapping into areas that have potential is where VisionGreenwood sees opportunities for entrepreneurism growth. The organization is deeply involved with Technology education.
Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
In 2021 VisionGreenwood implemented a new entrepreneurial program called “The Brew” to bring new business ideas that will provide economic development opportunities for Greenwood. Part of a larger Upstate program developed to promote job growth through entrepreneurism, The Brew provides a venue for entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, and craftsmen to get community feedback about their business plans, challenges, and accomplishments. Some entrepreneurs already have something in motion, others are just thinking about starting a venture. VisionGreenwood launched the Greenwood chapter of “The Brew” in collaboration with Uptown Greenwood and the Greenwood Area Small Business Development Center.
The Brew is free and open to the public – and is ideal for networking. The Brew provides entrepreneurs a community platform to interact with the community. This builds interest, creates excitement, and also gives them visibility. Having a formal, established program provides a springboard for creativity.
“One idea may turn into something cool and unique. I want to see Greenwood tap into that creativity. The question is: How do we reach and encourage people who have ideas for a business or an invention to take that next step or leap of faith and turn their idea into a reality? Entrepreneurs create businesses that create jobs, that fill empty buildings and provide a strong tax base for our local government,” said Self.
Before launching The Brew last May, many conversations in the entrepreneurial ecosystem helped VisionGreenwood lay the foundation for the program. Now it’s a part of a regional program that includes Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, Greer. Since Greenwood’s launch of The Brew, community leaders in Laurens and Abbeville have started their own “Brews.”
Closing Education Gaps for Career Advancement
VisionGreenwood is leading several key educational initiatives that support career advancement opportunities in our community through partnerships. For example, the organization is partnering with SC Codes to serve as a partner site location, providing FREE coding classes and mentoring for those interested in exploring a career in programming.
Most recently, VisionGreenwood hosted an outreach program to 10th grade high school students to show how robotics, artificial intelligence and quantum computing will impact their futures.
VisionGreenwood is enhancing construction workforce education through a Tiny House project to address the critical shortage of experienced workers in nearly every tier of the construction industry. High school students are learning skilled trades by building a Tiny House with the goal of increasing the number of construction students at the G. Frank Russell Technology Center.
Additionally, VisionGreenwood is providing gap funding for “stop-out students” at Lander University to complete their degrees. These are students in good academic standing who have discontinued their education due to financial reasons.
Greenwood Genetic Center & SCBIO
Helping strategic partnerships continue to flourish is central to VisionGreenwood’s vision. From an entrepreneurial perspective, there is so much potential for growth in this arena.
VisionGreenwood is involved in helping the community capitalize on this competitive edge by continuing its support the Greenwood Genetic Center and by identifying opportunities through its relationship with SCBIO and other centers of influence in the life sciences.
How You Can Help VisionGreenwood Make a Difference
Last year, VisionGreenwood rolled out a refreshed website showcasing the many ways in which the organization is working to better the community. To learn more, visit www.VisionGreenwood.org and be sure to follow @VisionGreenwoodSC on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
May 4, 2022 | Staying on Top, Uncategorized, Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem
UEE Partner Workshop (May 3, 2022)
How’s Business…Really? – The Story Behind the Numbers
The “How’s Business…Really” series continued with The Story Behind the Numbers: Translating Numbers into Financial Goals, presented by Jerry Smith of Piedmont SCORE. This is part the 2002 virtual Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem Partner Workshop Series.
Jerry discussed what financial goals are, why business owners set goals, the importance of development a written plan, and covered setting up a start-up budget, sales forecasts, break-even analysis, profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and the importance of making a plan so that your goals drive your numbers.
Click here to watch a recording of the workshop and here to view the presentation.
Cash Flow Worksheet
Break Even Analysis
Financials & Common Ratio Worksheets
The SC Small Business Development Center, the Women’s Business Center of CommunityWorks, and Piedmont SCORE are offering this series to provide tools and tips for you to assess the financial health of your small business. See previous workshops from the series below:
Workshop #1 – Show Me the Paper Trail! Identifying Important Financial Data with Ana Parra of Community Works Women’s Business Center – recap, video and presentation.
Workshop #2 – Numbers Don’t Lie – Organizing the Numbers with Earl Gregorich of SC Small Business Development Center – recap, video, and presentation.
Apr 26, 2022 | Staying on Top
The mission of Meg’s House is to provide housing and supportive services that reduce the impact of domestic violence and chronic homelessness in the communities we serve.
Meg’s House has been incorporated by the state of South Carolina as a not-for-profit organization since 1990. The organization’s 24/7 toll free hotline utilizes trained advocates to respond to calls. The organization’s service area is Greenwood, Edgefield, and McCormick counties.
The organizational structure includes a Board of Directors, an Executive Director, a Director of Finance, Director of Housing, and staff that are certified as victim service providers.
Domestic violence (DV) is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children, and the need for safe and affordable housing is one of the most pressing concerns for survivors of violence and abuse. For instance, 80% of women with children experiencing homelessness have also experienced domestic violence (Aratani, Y., 2010). Additionally, 57% of all women experiencing homelessness report domestic violence as the immediate cause of their homelessness (National Center for Homelessness & Health Care for the Homeless Clinicians’ Network (2019).
Meg’s House responds to the emotional and physical needs of those experiencing domestic violence by providing shelter, transitional housing options, food, legal advocacy, and counseling services. Meg’s House responds to primary and secondary victims of crime and those experiencing homelessness to stabilize their lives by providing assistance to gain long-term permanent housing and employment skills training. Meg’s House partners with other local non-profits to assists those experiencing domestic violence and homelessness to regain control of their lives through supportive services and referrals.
Domestic Violence Facts:
- SC currently ranks 6th in the nation for women killed by an intimate partner (Violence Policy Center, 2021).
- SC is among the top 10 states for rate of female homicides.
- During the year 2019, 57 females in South Carolina were killed in SC by an intimate partner.
- 92 percent of female victims (49 out of 53) were murdered by someone they knew.
- In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that 56% of battered women arrived to work late 5 times a month and 74% are harassed at work by their abusers.
- The economic impact of domestic violence in SC is over 358 million (Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage, 2020).
Our organizational activities include programs that are based upon national best practices and include:
- Residential Services
- Legal Advocacy
- Individual Counseling
- 24-Hour Crisis Call System
- Support Groups
- Homeless Services
- Prevention Programs
Programs at the organization seek to address and help remedy the issue of domestic violence and its detrimental impact on families seeking affordable housing and to live free from a dangerous domestic violence situation. Domestic violence is about power and control and is clearly a problem in our service area. The abuser wants to dominate the victim/survivor and wants all the power in the relationship and uses violence in order to establish and maintain authority and power. Perpetrators of domestic violence are usually not sick or deranged, but have learned abusive, manipulative techniques and behaviors that allow them to dominate and control others to obtain the responses they desire. This type of power and control is often a reason that victims feel powerless in the justice system and often are hesitant to cooperate with the prosecution. Therefore, our legal advocacy program is designed to help victims navigate the judicial system and feel supported.
What makes Meg’s House special and conducive to positive outcomes for program participants is that we follow our humanistic core values (trust, respect, compassion, inclusion, honesty, transparency, accountability, and flexibility) in the decision-making process. Every decision is based upon our core values which are in the best interest of the program participant.
Upcoming Events:
“Nine at Nite” Golf Fundraiser
- Date: September 9, 2022
- Registration: 6:30pm to 6:45pm
- Time: 7:00pm-9:30pm
- Location: The Links at Stoney Point 709 Swing About, Greenwood, SC 29649
- For more information about our Nine at Nite Golf Fundraiser, contact:
“Feet 2 The Street” Homeless Awareness 5k Run/Walk
- Date: Saturday November 19, 2022
- Start Time: 9:00am
- End Time: 11:00am
- Location: Greenwood SC
- For more information about our Feet 2 The Street Awareness 5K Run/ Walk, contact:
Organization website: www.megshouse.org
Apr 15, 2022 | Staying on Top
TATT CHAT RECAP:
Link to Presentation, here.
Link to Recording, here.
- David Feild, TATT Chairman
- Guest Speaker
- Katherine O’Neill, Chief Economic Development Officer for OneSpartanburg, Inc.
Questions for Katherine:
- How is Spartanburg County managing the necessary infrastructure needed to meet the demands of the rapid growth? This has been a big issue in Greenville County. – One thing that Spartanburg has had in its favor, due to industrial growth, a lot of the road infrastructure was already in place. They’re focusing on the SW corridor of the county for the amount of industry coming in. Now there’s a focus on road widening, sewer water expansion projects, working with SSSD to guide growth and performance-based zoning in the SW area of the county to drive industry and infrastructure in that area.
- What is the one thing, as you look into the next 3-5 years, that you have to be focused on moving forward? – Educational attainment. Recruiting business is great to get into the area, but in order to diversify, educational attainment has to be a priority.
- Has anyone heard of any prospects for the Belk Distribution Center in Union County? Due to time, this question was not answered.
- Are there plans to widen Reidville Rd west of Hwy 290 to meet residential and industrial expansion? Due to time, this question was not answered.
Resource Update
Liz Seman, Chief of Staff to the President at Furman University – FU has shown to be a highly vaccinated campus which has helped campus life get back to normal. Celebrating first Joseph Vaughn Day (first African-American graduate), co-host men’s NCAA March Madness 1st and 2nd round, Furman Engaged event to display their talents, and now they’re rolling toward the end of the semester. Check out their website for more ongoings at Furman.
Andrea Cooper, Upstate Forever – UF is a conservation organization that covers the 10 Upstate counties and the main initiative is clean water. The Upstate population is growing rapidly and the issue is how to accommodate this growth. There is a Historic and Natural Resources Trust initiative that is a focus currently. It leverages local dollars to attract state and federal support for conservation. There are many ways to get involved so please visit their website to see what’s best for you.
Adjourn- David Feild
Apr 14, 2022 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Meet the Upstarters Making the Most of the Upstate
Abundance of jobs & advancement opportunities drive region’s magnetism
Cherry blossoms blooming, green returning to trees, and temperatures rising combine to make spring one of the best times to live it up in the Upstate.
And our secret’s catching on: with an average of 34 people per day moving to the Upstate and South Carolina ranked the 2nd most popular moving destination in 2020, there’s a magnetism to our region.
So what’s attracting people to move up, make more and build their best lives in the Upstate? Boundless career opportunities — 260,000+ unique job postings from 11,330+ employers — mixed with superb quality of life.
Move Up, an initiative of the Upstate SC Alliance created to connect employers and talent, has a job board to help you tap into Upstate career opportunities from creative services to manufacturing and engineering.
Looking for inspiration or stories to tell your friends? Read on to meet the Upstarters making the most of life in the Upstate.
‘Opportunities to make an impact’: Michael Judice
Michael Judice, a Virginia native, loves the sense of community he’s found in Spartanburg since moving here a few years ago.
It’s a contrast to his 13 years spent in New York City, Philadelphia and Charlotte, where Michael gained experience with world-renowned architecture firms though felt the lifestyle was too expensive and “a hustle all the time.” Today, he works with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture’s Community Studio, helping to design projects like a parking garage, police operations building and massive redevelopment sites.
Looking for a location to grow their family and make a community impact, Michael and wife Cathryn moved to her native Spartanburg, where Michael’s applied his design love into renovating a craftsman bungalow. And they find life is the right speed here: walkable to downtown Spartanburg and a Happy Hollow Park, where they love to unwind with their three boys.
With the return of farmer’s markets, you can catch him planning recipes at the Hub City Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings — a perfect pairing of hobby and passion, as he serves on the Hub City Farmer’s Market Board of Directors.
“What I really like about the Upstate is that there are better opportunities here to make an impact in the local community. It’s small enough to actually effect change, and to get involved.”
Setting roots in Seneca: Allison Pursley Moran
Allison Pursley Moran, a Seneca native, never imagined building her life in the Upstate.
Six years after returning from the University of Alabama, she’s deepening her roots here and progressing through her company’s ranks.
As branch manager for the Greenville office of ECS Limited, Allison leads a team of 25 engineers, project managers and field technicians who perform due diligence, testing and ongoing code and specification review for construction sites.
“It blows my mind when I think about what I’ve been able to work up to within six years,” she adds, noting that the firm propelled her advancement from field technician through engineering certificate training and pursuing her Professional Engineer license.
“As long as you give back to a company that’s investing in you, you’re going to keep moving up,” she adds.
Allison and her husband, Andrew, welcomed a baby boy in December 2021, and they find the Upstate a perfect place to grow their family.
The pair loves to make the most of the scenic outdoors with their dog Sancho – taking in the dense concentration of waterfalls during hikes in Oconee County, or enjoying days on the water at Lake Keowee or Lake Hartwell.
“We’re so close to the mountains, we could hit anywhere from four to 10 waterfalls in a day,” she says.
A sweet spot for creatives: Jehan Wills
If you put Jehan Willls’ previous residences on a spectrum, you’d find a charming, Southern small Kentucky town at one end and the tree-lined streets of the nation’s capital at the other.
In between, you’ll find Mauldin, South Carolina, the supportive, “right size” atmosphere Jehan now calls home.
And what a journey she’s had: since moving to downtown Greenville in 2019, she and her husband purchased a home and welcomed twin boys. Shortly after, Jehan was promoted to Senior Marketing Manager with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture.
A marketing and communications pro with diverse experience, Jehan honed her skills working in commercial real estate in Charlotte before moving to Washington, D.C., as a Marketing Coordinator for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), a global architecture firm known for projects like the Burj Khalifa. There, she handled business development, proposals, and qualification efforts.
A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a B.A. in Corporate Communication, Jehan has always been interested in the intersection of marketing, business development, and communication— the sweet spot where she applies her creative energy today.
“I feel very fortunate to work with an understanding and collaborative team. I look forward to exploring my new role—both professionally and personally.”
In her off time, Jehan and family love to make the most of Greenville’s amenities, from outdoor eateries like Gather GVL to strolling Falls Park to visiting the Greenville Zoo with their one-year-old boys.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re interested in finding a job in Upstate SC or telling all your friends to make the move up and experience more in Upstate SC, you, too can join the movement.
Find a Job: Big names in business, technology and financial services maintain major headquarters operations in the Upstate, which means a range of open positions, including in marketing and sales, human resources, IT and much more. Explore the Move Up job board to find a job in Upstate SC today.
Get Social: share how you’re living your best life in Upstate SC by tagging #MoveUpSC and #UpstateVibe365 on social. Are you up for it?
Apr 14, 2022 | Staying on Top
The BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX has big goals for sustainability! In 2021 it became a zero-waste event, diverting 100% of all waste from landfills. They were able to set baselines in many other areas as well, such as WtE, carbon footprint, water consumption and more.
Even more, is happening in 2022. The tournament is working on becoming a carbon-neutral event. Thanks to the support of Milliken & Co., Rabble Wine Co., and IAC Group the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX has partnered with TreesUpstate to do multiple tree giveaways throughout the year.
The first Tree Giveaway in honor of Arbor Day:
- Date: Saturday, April 30
- Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Location: Roger Milliken Center – 920 Milliken Road, Spartanburg, SC
- For more information visit: TreesUpstate.org/BMWCharityGolf
The tournament has also partnered with the Hispanic Alliance, so you will see some changes in signage and social media this year. We are working on becoming an inclusive event and ensuring everyone feels welcomed. There will be bilingual volunteers, updates to the website featuring a Spanish section, and the signage at the tournament will be in Spanish and English.
We are also working with One Acorn to ensure outreach in the community! They want to reach ALL communities and ensure access to everyone that is interested.
There are many other great things happening before the tournament as well.
In partnership with Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful, we will be hosting a litter cleanup. Last year the tournament was able to help clean up 2260 pounds of litter!
In honor of Earth Day, we will be cleaning up a section of roadway in Spartanburg.
- Date: Friday, April 22
- Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Location: J. Verne Smith between 101 and 290
- For more information email Kari Snyder at Ksnyder@sccharities.org
There is much more happening with sustainability leading up to the tournament and during the tournament. If you are interested in helping in any way, please reach out to us to let us know! There are many sponsorship opportunities within sustainability, volunteer opportunities, and other partnership opportunities…together we can make a difference.
Visit bmwcharitygolf.com for more information or sign up for the newsletter to stay in the know!
