Ten at the Top Upstate News
August 2, 2021 | Volume 12, Issue 8
Join Us on August 30th for the
Blues, Brews & BBQ Networking Extravaganza;
Individual Tickets Now Available
Make plans now to join us on August 30th at the GSP International Airport for the Blues, Brews & BBQ Outdoor Networking Extravaganza. This end of summer event is an opportunity for TATT partners and Upstate stakeholders to connect while also enjoying some of the music and food that make the Upstate special.

The event will include a networking expo where you will have the opportunity to engage with TATT funding partners & board members as well as a number of community organizations.

The event will also feature BBQ, desserts and beverages from across the Upstate region. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Brooks Dixon Band and Mac Arnold and Plate Full O' Blues.

All current TATT partners have been contacted regarding your complimentary tickets to the event.

If you are not a current TATT funding partner, you can purchase tickets to attend the event for $30 per ticket. This includes food, beverages, networking and entertainment.

Hughes Investments Elevate Upstate Vibrancy Grant Program is Back for 2021!
Interest Forms Due By August 13th
After not awarding the Hughes Investments Elevate Upstate Grants in 2020 due to the pandemic, we are delighted to announce that the grants program is open again in 2021. Since 2013, this program has awarded nearly $100,000 in funds to 30 local communities to fund community vibrancy initiatives.

The 2021 grant period opened on June 1st with an initial interest form due by August 13th and the completed applications due by September 17th. Click here for a link to the applications.

A grant workshop was held on July 14th for organizations interested in learning more about the grant and application process. Here is a direct link to the presentations from the workshop.

Thanks to Hughes Investments for their generous support of these community vibrancy initiatives throughout the Upstate!
Join TATT to ReConnect:
Friday Morning Small Groups in August
As we start returning to in-person gatherings, TATT is hosting a series of Friday morning informal "ReConnect" events where a small group of participants get together to reconnect with others from across the Upstate. Session are limited to no more than 30 attendees and are being held in locations that have plenty of space for appropriate distancing.

Each session is being hosted by TATT Board members and funding partners with topical discussion as well as time for mingling and getting to meet new people and renew relationships with others.

Below is the schedule for the two sessions in August:

August 13 – 9:00-10:15 a.m.
Park 37 Community Room – 250 Executive Center Dr., Greenville, SC 29615
Topic: Workplace Focus: Employee Benefits & COVID-19 Protocols
Hosts: George Shira, Milliken; Jim Shew, Marsh & McLennan Agency
 
August 20 – 9:00-10:15 a.m.
Break on the Lake, 300 Lake Greenwood Boulevard, Greenwood, SC 29649
Topic: Lake Greenwood Collaboration
Partners & Hosts: Laurens County Chamber of Commerce; Greenwood Chamber of Commerce
 
Senior Issues Group Explores
Transportation Challenges
The Senior Issues Group met on July 19, 2021 at Senior Action in Greenville to hear from a panel of transportation experts about seniors and mobility. The panel was moderated by Upstate Mobility Alliance Director, Michael Hildebrand. Panelists were Dr. Johnell Brooks, PhD, Associate Professor, Clemson University College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Science & Clinical Research Faculty, Department of Medicine at Greenville Medical Center, Nicole McAden, Marketing and Public Affairs Manager, GreenLink, and Andrea Smith, CEO/President of Senior Action.

Panelists shared their wisdom about transportation options, ways to continue driving safely, and some of the ways they are working together to increase mobility in the Upstate and keep conversations going about mobility moving forward into actions that will improve the lives of seniors in the Upstate.

Dr. Brooks invited everyone to complete this survey for the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CUICAR).

There was much discussion about Greenlink transportation options and starting to utilize these services before we are no longer driving. Nicole shared links for passenger orientation. Virtual orientations may also be scheduled by contacting Nicole at [email protected] or by calling 864-298-2756.

Thank you to our host, Senior Action, and to Andrea Smith for all of her work to provide transportation options for seniors throughout the Upstate. For more information on programs and transportation provided by Senior Action, please visit their website, or call 864-467-3660.

Thank you to Seniors Issues Group sponsors, AARP, Better Business Bureau of the Upstate, and Upstate Home Care Solutions.

Creating a Safer Upstate Committee
Conducts Outreach Survey;
New Virtual Workshop Series to Begin in August
The Creating a Safer Upstate Committee has been working since the beginning of the year on efforts to create a safer and more united Upstate Region where all law enforcement stakeholders work collaboratively with community leaders to foster a culture that respects and values the lives of officers and all residents.

In an attempt to understand and highlight best-practice efforts by law enforcement agencies around community outreach, the committee recently conducted a survey of law enforcement agencies in the region. A total of 32 (out of 57) agencies provided feedback on their community outreach efforts. You can read the results through this link.

During an update on the Creating a Safer Upstate initiative during the July 29th TATT CHAT, the committee announced a new virtual workshop series called "Beyond the Shield" that will look at specific "hot button" law enforcement topics. Each session will include a panel of law enforcement officials as well as community leaders from across the region.

The first session will be held on Wednesday, August 25th, at 10:00 a.m. around the topics of Use of Force and Pursuit Policies. Here is a direct link to register for the virtual workshop.

Have Time for a Chat?
While we have not been able to connect in-person as much over the last year as we would like, TATT is still making sure we can stay connected virtually through our regular TATT CHAT.

Be sure and join us every-other-Thursday as we discuss key issues with leaders from across the region and state. The pre-event networking starts at 2:40 pm and the TATT CHAT starts at 3 pm. In addition to our keynote speaker, we also receive updates from organizations and communities across the region.




Below is the upcoming schedule:

August 12: Beware of the Latest Scams
Guest Speaker: Vee Daniel, Executive Director, Better Business Bureau of the Upstate

August 26: How SCRA Supports Economic Development in South Carolina
Guest Speakers: SCRA Staff to be announced

You can see the upcoming TATT CHAT schedule and watch previous chats on the TATT CHAT page.
Join the Upstate Mobility Alliance for the
 Next Connecting the Dots Virtual Conversation
Check Out Upstate Resources
Leadership Level Partners
Ten at the Top is fortunate to have many great funding supporters and appreciate all who help ensure the current and future success of the organization. Our highest partnership level is the Leadership Level, with companies or organizations investing $10,000 or more annually to support TATT.
Support Ten at the Top
Ten at the Top funding partners and event sponsors are the backbone of the organization.

If your company or organization is not already a TATT partner, we invite you to join us. Here is a direct link to partnership opportunities for 2021 and the 2021 Commitment Form.

In addition, TATT is continuing to accept support for our Ignition Fund Campaign. This effort is a long-term funding program designed to help TATT to continue to ignite initiatives across the Upstate. Click Here for more details.

If you have questions about TATT partnership and sponsorship opportunities or would like to set up a personal meeting, please contact Dean Hybl for questions or more information.
Ten at the Top is a regional non-profit organization with the mission of fostering collaboration and partnerships across the Upstate around issues that impact economic vitality and quality of life.
Ten at the Top | 864-283-0346 | [email protected]| www.tenatthetop.org