Upstate Elected Officials Provided an Update on the Region

UPSTATE, SC – March 31, 2011 – Elected leaders from the cities and counties within the 10-county Upstate, as well as members of the Upstate legislative delegation, once again assembled to discuss region-wide issues and opportunities to strengthen the economic vitality and enhance the quality of life of Upstate South Carolina. 

This Upstate Elected Officials Update was held at the BMW Zentrum in Spartanburg County and was hosted by the Appalachian Council of Governments, Catawba Regional Council of Governments, Ten at the Top, Upper Savannah Regional Council of Governments, Upstate Chamber Coalition, Upstate Forever and the Upstate SC Alliance.

During the 90-minute meeting, each regional group provided a brief update on their organizational mission, current activities and overall role within the Upstate.  Hal Johnson, President and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance, served as the key-note speaker and discussed the “Realities of Bringing Business to the Upstate,” with an emphasis on the strengths and challenges of economic development in the Upstate and how it relates to local communities within the region.

Following the presentations, a forum was provided in order for County/City leadership to interact and discuss ways to build on the strengths of the region, foster collaboration, and enhance the quality of life in the Upstate.

“There are many issues that impact all communities in the region and that have opportunities for collaboration and partnerships,” said Dean Hybl, Executive Director of Ten at the Top. “These regional elected officials meetings provide a great forum for leaders from across the Upstate to come together and talk about some of the challenges and how we can address them in a cohesive and collaborative way.”