forum.jpg

Home Campus Events Upstate Talent Forum
Campus Events

Shaping the Future

image001.jpg

Closing the Talent gap

Join USC Upstate for the Upstate Talent Forum – a groundbreaking, live event uniting business leaders to shape the region's workforce future. Collaborate with education and industry to bridge talent gaps in the Upstate, driving strategic investments via The Upstate Talent Pledge. Admission is free, but registration is required. Don't miss this transformative opportunity!

 

Wednesday

October 11, 2023

8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

USC Upstate Olin B. Sansbury, Jr. Campus Life Center Ballroom 

Admission is free, but registration is required.

This is an in-person event.

Secure your spot at the Upstate Talent Forum by completing the registration form below!

Register Today

 

A Message from our chancellor

Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D., serves as USC Upstate's fifth chancellor, where he fulfills his purpose to inspire and develop young people to change the world. He believes higher education offers opportunities for people to experience possibilities and achieve their greatest aspirations. Dr. Harris is committed to creating life-changing opportunities for citizens of the Upstate region and beyond.

Read More ...

What to Expect

  • Engaging Speakers - Hear from respected leaders in education and industry talk about talent, trends and solutions.
  • Collaborative Breakout Sessions - Participate in interactive sessions to brainstorm strategies for enhancing the connection between education and business, and learn best practices from your peers.
  • Networking Opportunities - Connect with fellow business leaders, educators and community stakeholders to build lasting partnerships.
  • Pledge Your Support - Be a leader in shaping the region's pipeline from education to employment by ensuring the Upstate's talent has the necessary skills and experience to thrive.

Thanks to Our Co-Conveners

Collaboration is essential to ensuring the success of The Upstate Talent Pledge and the prosperity of our region. We are so grateful for our co-conveners Allen Smith, president and CEO of OneSpartanburg Inc., and Carlos Phillips, president and CEO of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

Allen Smith

President and CEO

OneSpartanburg Inc.

 

Carlos Phillips

President and CEO

Greenville Chamber

 

 

Event Schedule

8:00 a.m.

Breakfast and Registration

8:30 a.m.

Higher Education Commitment to Talent Development

  • Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D., Chancellor, USC Upstate 

8:40 a.m.

South Carolina Leadership and Talent Development Priorities

  • Honorable Henry D. McMaster, Governor, South Carolina (Invited)
  • Honorable William Timmons, U.S. Representative, South Carolina 4th Congressional District

9:00-9:40 a.m.

A View From The Top (Industry and Legislative Perspectives of The Future)

1st Panel Discussion: The Industry Perspective on The Future of Work

  • Anu Agarwal, President, Operations and Innovation, American Credit Acceptance
  • David Lominack, S.C. Market President, TD Bank
  • Phil Feisal, President, Spartanburg Medical Center
  • Sara Hazzard, President and CEO, S.C. Manufacturers Alliance (Invited)
  • BMW North America
  • Facilitator: Carlos Phillips, President and CEO, Greenville Chamber 

9:40-10:10 a.m.

2nd Panel Discussion: The Legislative Lens: The State of South Carolina Leading The Way: Preparing South Carolina College Students for the Workforce of the Future

  • Russell Booker, CEO, Spartanburg Academic Movement
  • Rusty Monhollon, President and Executive Director, S.C. Commission on Higher Education
  • William Floyd, Executive Director, S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce
  • Shannon Erickson, Chairman, House Education and Public Works Committee (Invited)
  • Facilitator: Allen Smith, President and CEO, OneSpartanburg Inc.

10:15 a.m.

Lightcast Presentation on the Current Talent Landscape and Pre-Forum Engagement

10:40-11:20 a.m.

Bluesky Collaboratives Between Industry and Post Secondary Education Partners

(Attendees each will participate in two tabletop exercises where they will discover success stories of business-education partnerships and explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration to address skill gaps in the Upstate.

Block A:

  • Discussion 1 (Bridging the Skills Gap)
  • Discussion 2 (Business/Education Partnership Opportunities)
  • Discussion 3 (Building Effective Mentorship Programs)
  • Discussion 4 (Creating Inclusive Work Environments)
  • Discussion 5 (The Future of Continuing Education)
  • Discussion 6 (How to Make On The Job Training More Effective)

11:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

Block B:

  • Discussion 1 (Bridging the Skills Gap)
  • Discussion 2 (Business/Education Partnership Opportunities)
  • Discussion 3 (Building Effective Mentorship Programs)
  • Discussion 4 (Creating Inclusive Work Environments)
  • Discussion 5 (The Future of Continuing Education)
  • Discussion 6 (How to Make On The Job Training More Effective)

12:10-1:00 p.m.

Lunch and Presentation of Discussion Outcomes and Recommendations
Closing Remarks and Call to Action on the Upstate Talent Pledge