The Upstate’s Young Professionals connect with regional leaders at PIQUE

March 28, 2018

Ten at the Top (TATT) hosted the third annual PIQUE: Young Professionals Elevating the Upstate Summit, presented by ScanSource at Taylors Mill on Thursday, March 22. Over 220 young professionals from across the Upstate region attended and over 50 speakers and panelists representing Upstate businesses, local governments and community organizations provided key insights and thought leadership.

“The PIQUE was a huge success this year” Todd Horne, Vice President of Business Development for Clayton Construction Company, Inc., said. “We saw young professionals from across our region come together to help build relations and begin conversations on how the next generation can collectively make a difference across the Upstate both today and in the future. The event included personal and professional development workshops, networking opportunities with seasoned executives, and discussion on the impact we can make in our communities. The PIQUE is one of many reasons that I am proud to serve on the board of Ten at the Top.”

Focusing on the collaboration of young professionals (ages 21-40) in the ten counties comprising the Upstate community, Ten at the Top’s PIQUE aimed to create an opportunity for young professionals to connect with one another across the Upstate, engage with Upstate business and community leaders and gain valuable personal and professional development opportunities as they will soon become regional leaders.

“Upstate South Carolina is growing rapidly, and it’s no secret Greenville and the surrounding areas have become some of the best places in the country to work and play,” Madison Skinner, Human Resources Manager at ScanSource, said. “ScanSource is so excited to be a partner with Ten at the Top and was honored to sponsor this year’s PIQUE young professionals event. Today’s Upstate young professionals are the leaders of tomorrow, and they have such an important influence in driving the direction of our region. We’re proud to play a part in the movement to cultivate and elevate these future leaders.”

PIQUE ‘18 featured four workshops, including Networking and Building Professional Relationships, Driving Innovation Through Engagement & Inclusion, Navigating Workplace Politics, Structures & Cultures, and Young Professionals Development & Success. The Summit also included a panel on global leadership in the Upstate, an executive roundtable and a networking reception with opportunities to connect with Upstate business and community leaders.

“At PIQUE I met young professionals like myself and learned to excel in a multigenerational business culture,” CK Baker, from Corley Pros, said. “The presenters shared experience and insight that bears directly on my work.”

Following the event programming, 13 Stripes Brewery hosted the networking reception presented by Denny’s and catered by Cribb’s Catering. JDew emceed the reception with a variety of games and added a playful element to the event.

“I thought the event was awesome,” Becca McAlphin, PIQUE attendee, said. “As a new young professional to South Carolina, the opportunity to connect with other like-minded peers and C-Suite level executives in the Upstate, is priceless. The sessions were both educational and motivating. The venue was perfect. The beer was both cold and delicious and the night was a success.”

 

About Ten at the Top

Comprised of public, private and civic leaders from across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, Ten at the Top was created to connect and encourage regional collaboration through data-driven research and regular convening of leaders and citizens to address key issues facing the region. Ten at the Top works with regional partners to foster collaboration and strategic planning to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for Upstate residents both today and as the region continues to grow. For more information, visit www.tenatthetop.org.