January 28, 2021, Vol. 11, Issue 2
TEN COUNTIES | ONE UPSTATE | STRONGER TOGETHER
FOCUS ON THE FUTURE - KEY TOPICS FOR 2021

Written By: Focus on the Future Panelists

What is something within your area of focus you are particularly paying attention to heading into 2021? Why?

As a legislator, I have been focused on education. Covid has consumed much of my attention in 2020. It has also only highlighted the issues within education in SC. The states that are able to capitalize off the disruption will improve relative to other states. The states that cannot will suffer. – Neal Collins

Pundits and consultants are now saying that mid-size communities like Greenville will actually benefit from the ‘de-urbanization’ trend initiated by COVID 19. We were already growing at an historic rate and these projections may create an even greater demand from folks fleeing the density of bigger cities in favor of places like the Upstate. The need for consistent and sustainable land use planning is critical. If we do not develop more reasonable land use patterns, we will jeopardize the very quality of life that we now enjoy and others find attractive. – Mark Farris

I am curious about various organization’s return to office space and what changes may occur with floorplans going forward. Adoption of at-home work, in part or 100%, how does open space change, furniture needs change, wellness minded improvements at the office, focus on cleanliness and all the cost associated with these changes are all very interesting to me. – David Feild

For obvious reasons, we are paying attention to what is happening with the virus spread and the intensity of the cases. This impacts our business from many avenues including a claims standpoint, providers ability to treat our members, as well as our groups ability to continue to grow and remain a viable business. Throughout the pandemic it has become apparent that the need to have access to telehealth will remain and this could be an area of growth for our providers, as patients and providers find the convenience of this method of care distribution to be easier and allows the access to be greater. – Angie Gossett
BBB WARNS TAX SEASON IS HERE, BUT SO ARE SCAMMERS

Written By: Vee Daniel, BBB of the Upstate President/CEO 

The United States’ tax season is here, and so are the scammers. Con artists use the Social Security numbers of unsuspecting Americans to file phony tax returns and steal refunds. On way to protect this information is to use an Identity Protection PIN issued by the IRS. In fact, a number may have been issues to you last year if you file a return online. Be aware of online identity theft with these tips.

The scam works when online filers that go through the IRS website usually expect a refund. Instead, a written IRS notice arrives in the mail, stating that more than one tax return was filed using their Social Security number.

What happened, Scammers got hold of personal information, typically the account holder’s Social Security, number, address, and birth date. They filed your return early and received your refund before you even got around to filing. Tax ID theft is a particularly sneaky con, because victims don’t realize they’ve been targeted until they file their taxes.
Now - February 7 | Various Restaurants
Greenwood, SC

JANUARY 29 | 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Virtual Event

JANUARY 29 | 7:05 PM
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
FEBRUARY 4 | 3:00 to 4:00 PM

GUEST SPEAKER | Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Davis, President, Furman University

TATT board members and partners, business and community leaders, and county representatives are gathering virtually twice each month for local updates that help us stay connected even when we can't meet in person.
GIVE HELP

MAULDIN CULTURAL CENTER
Theatre Fundraising Dinner
(GREENVILLE COUNTY)

NEW FOUNDATIONS HOME
FOR CHILDREN
Help Children in Foster Care
(ANDERSON COUNTY)

UNITED CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES (UCMAC) - ABBEVILLE COUNTY
Volunteers Needed
(ABBEVILLE COUNTY)
Ten at the Top has created a web repository of links to key information on COVID-19. With schools, organizations, businesses and many others canceling events and altering schedules due to the COVID-19 virus, having access to reliable and timely information as well as details about available resources is critical. 
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A lot of people are facing food insecurity, perhaps for the first time, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our Upstate Food Access Map lists food resources across the Upstate.
The Upstate has plenty of natural resources for you to explore and still maintain your distance—you can find them on our Outdoor Activity and Recreation Interactive Map.