Ten at the Top Hosts Regional Vision Summit

Attendees to Share Their Vision for the Future of the Upstate

   
UPSTATE, SC – September 28, 2010 – Ten at the Top (TATT), an organizationcreated to foster collaboration and planning in the Upstate region, will host a Regional Vision Summit on September 28, 2010 to facilitate adialogue between residents, business and community leaders and electedofficials from across the 10-county region about the future growth ofSouth Carolina’s Upstate.  The Summit is a part of a year-longinitiative by TATT to create a Shared Regional Growth Vision andimplementation strategy for the Upstate.  The event will take place atthe Carolina First Center from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and is open to thepublic, though attendees must pre-register to participate. 

The Upstate is projected to add more than 250,000 residents and 200,000new jobs over the next 20 years. In preparation for this growth, leaders and decision makers within the region must have an understanding ofwhat people value about the region today and what they see as priorities for the future in order to maintain and enhance the quality of lifethat makes the Upstate a wonderful place to live. 

To date, more than 7,000 Upstate residents have provided input throughthe Shared Upstate Growth Vision Survey distributed by TATT earlier this summer, as well as through other elements of the initiative. Throughthe survey, residents from across the Upstate were asked to share “whatmatters most to you” as we look toward future growth in the region.  The results of that survey will be shared at the Summit, and attendees will have the opportunity to offer input and help prioritize the draftvision statement and vision principles that have been developed based on the initial community input. 

 “To build a vision for the future that is truly reflective of whatmatters to the residents of the Upstate, it is crucial to involve asmany people as possible,” said Dean Hybl, executive director of TATT.“The Regional Vision Summit is an important step in this process.  It is very clear just how passionate people are about the future of ourregion, and we encourage them to become engaged to make sure theirvoices are being heard.”

Following the Summit, Ten at the Top will be hosting a series of 12Community Forums, with at least one in each county, during the months of October and November.  These forums will provide residents withadditional opportunities to provide input into the development of theregional vision.  A schedule of when and where these forums will takeplace can be found at www.sharedupstatevision.org.

“Community involvement is the backbone of creating a Shared GrowthVision for the region,” Hybl added. “We are striving to include as muchof the community as possible by holding this public Summit andindividual community forums in each Upstate county.  We hope everyresident that is interested will participate in our future outreachbecause every voice is important.”

In addition to the community outreach, this fall two graduate studioclasses at Clemson University will be working with TATT to create theland use model and a regional tool kit that will help communitiesimplement elements of the regional vision that fit for their localcommunity.  A second summit will be held in the spring where the finalShared Upstate Growth Vision and Implementation Strategy will beunveiled.

About Ten at the Top
Comprised of public, private and civic leaders across the ten-countyUpstate South Carolina Region, Ten at the Top was created to buildregional trust and consensus through data-driven research and regularconvening of leaders and citizens to address key issues facing theregion.  Ten at the Top works with regional partners to encouragequality growth and enhance the economic vitality, natural and culturalresources and quality of life for Upstate residents both today and asthe region continues to grow.  www.tenatthetop.org.

Ten at the Top Regional VisionSummit

September 28, 2010

CarolinaFirstCenter

8:30-9:00 a.m. — Registration and Networking

9:00-9:30 a.m. — Welcome – The Continuing Journey to Create a Shared Upstate

                           Growth Vision

9:30-10:00 a.m. — Where Are We Now?

                        10:00-10:30 a.m. — How Are Other Communities Creating and Implementing Regional

                                                       Visions? Shelley Lauten, President, myregion.org

10:30-11:15 a.m. — Table Discussions – Crafting a Regional Vision

11:15-11:45 a.m. — Roundtable Discussion – How Do We Move From Vision to Action?

11:45 – noon — Wrap-upand Dismissal 

This event is open to the public, butattendees must pre-register at www.tenatthetop.orgby September 20, 2010 to be able to attend.