County Tourism Action Plan Nears Completion—Last week, consultants for the County’s Tourism Action Plan met with the 30-member steering committee to review the final recommendations to be made to Spartanburg County Council on April 19^th.  These recommendations are to include strategies for organizational structure, marketing and branding, product development and visitor support.  This strategic plan is to be used as the blueprint for the Spartanburg Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s (CVB) marketing programs for the next several years.  The celebration of the County Tourism Action Plan is scheduled for May 7^th…more details to follow.

Junior Leadership Spartanburg visits Spartanburg Regional Hospital, focusing on health & human services—Last week, Junior Leadership Spartanburg was hosted by Spartanburg Regional Hospital as they explored the day’s topic of health and human services.  Junior Leadership participants had the opportunity to explore the hospital’s Emergency Center, the Gibbs Cancer Center, Rehabilitative Services and the Regional Hospice House where they were treated to a number of speakers.  Prior to their arrival at the hospital, SRHS chartered provided 3 buses so that the students could deliver Mobile Meals to area residents in need.  The graduation for the 2009-2010 Junior Leadership Class is to be held on May 18^th.  The deadline for application submission for the 2010-2011 JLS class is June 10^th.

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Diversity Committee seeks to Build Database of Minority and Women-Owned Businesses—To respond to opportunities and to supply both government and private industry, the Chamber’s Diversity Committee is seeking to build its database of companies in the Spartanburg County area.   Several upcoming programs will provide business development for minority and women-owned firms.  For more information, contact Yvonne Harper at (864)594-5032 or email here.

Meetings Continue on Low-Cost Air Service—Chamber staff members are continuing their involvement in seeking low fare air service for the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP).  A meeting was held recently with the members of the Upstate Legislative delegation to discuss further details on what it will take to successfully land a new carrier.  Currently,  more than half of air travelers in our area travel to airports in North Carolina or Georgia, lured by lower rates.  The economic benefits of a low-fare carrier at GSP is estimated at over $50Million annually.

Annual Landscape Evaluation Tour Set for May 1^st—The Chamber, in partnership with the Spartanburg Men’s Garden Club, is to host the 50^th Annual Landscape Evaluation Tour.  On May 1^st, the Men’s Garden Club will visit all participating Chamber member businesses and evaluate their beautification efforts based on a number of criteria, providing feedback and tips for improvement for the businesses involved.  Last year’s event had over 40 member business participants.  If you are interested in learning more or registering for this event, visit our homepage at www.spartanburgchamber.com or call us at (864)594-5000.

member NEWS

United Way to Place 15 Summer Associates United Way of the Piedmont VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program has the opportunity to place 15 individuals (high school graduates and college students) for the Summer Associate Program. Applicants must be 18 by June 1, 2010.  The program allows for existing VISTA sponsors to supplement their anti-poverty activities with an infusion of “hands-on volunteers” during the summer months.  These college students and high school graduates will be utilized for 10 weeks for 40 hours per week working in an agency dealing with poverty. The student receives a modest allowance and gets a $1,000 scholarship at the end of the 10 weeks.

Scott Moore and Sarah Hemmings Appointed as Dixon Hughes Directors  Dixon Hughes recently announced the appointment of Scott Moore and Sarah Hemmings as Dixon Hughes Directors. Both Moore and Hemmings have long standing leadership roles within the firm that have contributed to its advancement.

Five District 7 Schools Earn Palmetto Gold, Silver Achievement Awards—The  State Department of Education and the Education Oversight Committee (EOC) have announced that five schools in School District 7 have been awarded a state Palmetto Award. The Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards program honors schools for attaining high levels of absolute performance and high rates of growth. E.P. Todd Elementary and Pine Street Elementary received Palmetto Gold and Chapman Elementary and Daniel Morgan Technology Center, Palmetto Silver. With this award, these schools will receive a certificate, a monetary award, and a flag to be displayed at the school.