Spartanburg, S.C. – Spartanburg Community College Corporate & Community Education Division (SCC CCE) is offering two free Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) certification programs: Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) and Certified Production Technician (CPT). Funding for these programs is made possible through grants provided by AdvanceSC and covers all tuition, books, materials and testing fees.
 
“In an effort to provide local manufacturers the skilled employees they need to fill positions, the nationwide MSSC System is a nationally recognized certificate that is based on industry-defined and federally endorsed national standards. It offers both entry-level and incumbent workers the opportunity to demonstrate that they have acquired the skills increasingly needed in the technology-intensive jobs of the 21st century,” explains Ty Wright, SCC CCE operations administrator.
 
The MSSC Certified Logistics Technician Program is accepting 35 students into the 78-hour course. These students will gain foundational knowledge to be competent entry-level, front-line material handlers in facilities such as factories, warehouses, distribution centers and transporters.  Upon completion of this course and successful passing of course assessments, students will earn the CLT credential plus a forklift certification.
 
The MSSC Certified Production Technician Program certifies that an individual has both the technical and academic skills needed to work in manufacturing. The 26 individuals accepted into the program will receive training in quality practices and measurement; safety awareness; maintenance awareness; and manufacturing processes and production. They will also gain the credentials, foundational skills and core competencies needed to be a trainable worker who can keep pace with technological changes.
 
Both MSSC programs provide individuals with increased potential for hiring, career advancement opportunities and earnings, and improved job security through documented certification of proven skills. Well known manufacturing companies like The Timken Company, Hamrick Mills, SEW-Eurodrive Inc., Schaeffler Group USA, Inc., Benteler Automotive, and Rochling Automotive are all seeking to recruit candidates who are MSSC certified.
 
“Earning these MSSC credentials document an individuals skills with a national certificate that is recognized by industry,” said Rebecca Clusserath, SCC CCE program manager. “We have tremendous support for this training from area manufacturers, and logistics and distribution companies, and look forward to offering this training opportunity.”
 
Individuals seeking to enter these programs are required to register online and attend the program’s orientation session listed below:

MSSC Certified Production Technician Orientation
A high school diploma or GED is required for participation. Attending the orientation does not guarantee acceptance into the program and qualification will be determined after orientation.
Thursday, September 6, 2012, 10am – 12pm
BMW Center Room 311, SCC Tyger River Campus -1875 East Main Street (HWY 290), Duncan, SC
Register online at www.gonetoclass.com/mssc. Registration is required to attend orientation.

MSSC Certified Logistics Technician Orientation
A high school diploma or GED is required for participation. Attending the orientation does not guarantee acceptance into the program and qualification will be determined after orientation.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012, 2 – 3:30pm
Room 354, SCC Tyger River Campus - 1875 East Main Street (HWY 290), Duncan, SC
Register online at www.gonetoclass.com/logistics. Registration is required to attend orientation.

The annual Women in Business Conference – presented by Spartanburg Water and conducted on the beautiful campus of Converse College on Tuesday, August 7th  – was an outstanding success with the largest number of attendees in the event’s history. The conference, organized by the Diversity Committee of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, was established to celebrate, recognize, educate and encourage the roles of women in business, entrepreneurship, government and civic organizations. In addition to Spartanburg Water, sponsors of the event recognizing and encouraging women’s leadership roles included: Nexsen Pruet, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Converse College and Denny’s.

Highlights of this year’s conference included inspiring words from a wide variety of guest speakers, including: Pamela Lackey, President, AT&T South Carolina Operations; Jennifer Noel, Director, Global Business Development Division, South Carolina Department of Commerce; Janet Christy, SC Women's Business Center; Andrea Wilcox, Senior Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers; Representative Rita Allison, SC House District 36; Linda Dogan, Spartanburg City Council Member; Donna Wood, GOP Candidate for SC House District 37; Stephanie Monroe Tillerson, Woodruff City Manager; Jessica Coggins, Program Manager NC/SC, Greater Women's Business Council ; Kim Nelson, Owner, Daisy Cakes; and Elizabeth A. Fleming, Ph.D., President, Converse College. In addition to the guest speakers, participants were welcomed by Sue Schneider, General Manager, Spartanburg Water, and Karen Knuckles, Owner, Express Employment Professionals. As an added treat participants enjoyed selections of spoken-word artist Markeisha Nesbitt (also known as "One Love") a poet from Spartanburg, SC. Additionally, Kim Day with Spartanburg Methodist College, Beth Cecil with First Presbyterian Church and retired educator Mary Ann Deku were recognized with “Noise Maker” awards for the work they do in the community.

Evaluations from participants indicated an overwhelming positive response to the event and included such comments as:

"I love how empowering today was!"

 "Every speaker engaged the group and spoke about topics that each person here could relate to and apply in their lives."

"Loved the networking! So many inspiring women."

Liked "everything! Awesome event. Great presenters and topics - need more of these types of forums. Kim Nelson/Daisy Cakes was a great treat...VERY inspiring and empowering."

"Very inspiring day...especially for young women!"

"Lively. Informative. Wonderful topics. Excellent useful information."

"Real life examples of women supporting women."

"Fresh new ideas. I LOVED it!"

"Very impressed with all of the speakers; enjoyed diversity of topics."

"Speakers were relative and entertaining."

The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to all of the sponsors, Board of Directors, speakers, facilitators, Diversity Committee, volunteers and conference attendees for an outstanding event. With the great turnout of attendees, inspiring speakers and networking connections, the Chamber looks forward to building on this foundation in the year ahead and for next year’s event.

2012 Legislative Session Recap from the Upstate Chamber Coalition
 
Historically, whenever every member of the General Assembly is up for reelection, not a tremendous amount gets done. While several important issues were resolved this legislative year, election year politics once again played a role at the statehouse. Here’s a brief overview of what happened to impact Upstate businesses:
 
Elections: Statewide turnout was less than 12% for the June primaries. Many blame the confusion of nearly 200 can¬didates being kicked off the ballots as a reason for the dismal turnout. The Upstate will have at least three new Senators in 2013. Statewide, the Senate will look much different next year with six Senators retiring. The House will see changes, but with the GOP holding 75 out of 124 seats, not much should change in terms of power.
Budget: After a month-long stalemate over a small business tax cut proposal, the legislature finally passed a $6.7 billion budget on June 28th.

Bill Wylie Entrepreneurship Act: 26 states, including North Carolina and Georgia, currently have angel in¬vestment programs to help provide necessary capital to startups within their states. This bill would have provided a tax credit to accredited SC investors investing in qualified SC startup companies. It stalled in the Senate and time ran out before it was given third reading. It will be reintroduced early in 2013.

Comprehensive Tax Reform: Seven pieces of legislation were drafted from the recommendations of the House GOP Caucus Tax Study Committee (chaired by Rep. Tommy Stringer of Greer). Three of the seven bills passed the House, but none made it through the Senate. It is likely that comprehensive tax reform will be revisited in 2013.

Data Center Incentives: More than 25 data centers located to North Carolina over the past few years, creating high-paying jobs and large capital investments. This bill was approved to provide sales tax exemptions on electricity, computer equipment and software, enabling us to better compete with both North Carolina and Georgia.

Department of Administration: Proposed legislation would have eliminated the SC Budget and Control Board and created a new Department of Administration. The bill did not make it through the Senate in time and will be revisited again next year.
Pollution Control Act: This initiative was one of the top business priorities of the legislative session. As a result of a 2011 SC Supreme Court ruling (Smith Land Case), any emission or discharge into the environ¬ment would require a permit, even if one did not exist. The ruling also created a private right of action for any citizen or group of citizens to file suit against anyone deemed in “violation” of the Pollution Control Act. Advocates for the business community worked together to find a solution to protect our businesses from frivolous lawsuits as a result of this ruling by allowing environmental groups to petition SCDHEC rather than allowing private right of action. Governor Haley has signed the legislation.
Port Funding: Sending the message that deepening the Port of Charleston is our state’s top economic development priority, both the House and Senate agreed to put $300 million in the 2012-13 budget for the creation of a Harbor Deepening Reserve Fund. This exceeds the state’s share of the project cost, and if the federal government stalls in paying its portion, SC is will still be prepared to move forward quickly.

Right to Work Act 2012: This legislation clarifies language in SC’s existing Right to Work Act. The bill pro¬hibits state and local governments from requiring or prohibiting contractual union worker quotas when awarding government contracts, incentives or tax credits, ensuring a level playing field.

Small Business Tax Relief: This tax cut agreement gives $20 million in tax relief each year until the 2014- 15 fiscal year, reaching the $60 million that the House wanted. Small business owners who report their earnings as personal income will see their tax rate reduced from five to three percent.

State Retirement System Reform: Because SC’s current system has over $13 billion in unfunded liabilities, the General Assembly passed reform legislation this year that will require state workers to pay more for their retirement benefits, and work more years before claiming them.

State Unemployment Tax (SUTA): There is currently $77 million allocated in the budget for SUTA relief to all SC businesses. The General Assembly has now provided $223 million in tax relief to employers over the last two fiscal years to help pay down the federal debt that nearly reached $1 billion in 2010.

Unemployment Benefits: Almost $50 million was paid to workers who were fired for misconduct in 2011. New legislation passed will eliminate state unemployment benefits if a worker is fired for misconduct.

For more information on these issues or the 2012 legislative session, please contact Jim Thomas with Government Relations athe the Spartanburg Area Chamber at 864-594-5020.

ATLANTA, Ga. (March 27, 2012)  Amy Phillips, Marketing & Communications Manager for the Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) has earned certification as a “Travel Marketing Professional” (TMP) after completing the three-year program of the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College.

Phillips was one of 78 new TMPs recognized at the STS spring meeting in Tunica, Miss.  STS Marketing College started in 1992, and 706 people have earned TMP certification.   The STS Marketing College is a professional development program that for one week each summer turns the facilities of North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, Ga., into a laboratory to teach tourism marketing.   Instructors are working professionals in the travel industry such as convention and visitors bureau executives, public relations practitioners, sales and marketing consultants and research experts.

“This is not another program like ours in the country; we are the envy of travel professionals in other regions,” said Bill Hardman, president and chief executive officer of STS.

Tourism ranks as the first, second or third-largest industry in the 12 STS states that stretch from Virginia to Louisiana.

Course topics include special events marketing, media relations, tourism advertising, vacation research, crisis management, heritage tourism and community/rural tourism. After the classroom work, students also must complete a project that relates to their employment.

“We are very proud of Amy’s achievement,” said Chris Jennings, executive director of the SCVB.  “Her marketing and communications work is being recognized by one of the top tourism groups in the U.S.  And now Amy is making Spartanburg a revolutionary tourism destination!”

SPARTANBURG, SC--- The Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) proudly announces that Spartanburg will be hosting the Teach Them Diligently Convention March 15-17, 2012. The convention will be held at the Spartanburg Expo & Event Center off I-26 at New Cut Road.

According to the event’s organizer, David Nunnery, this will be the first year the convention has been held. The Teach Them Diligently Convention came from a recognized need for more events celebrating the focus of Christian home school families.  The convention will focus on missions, discipleship, and parenting, as well as the normal home school focus on teaching techniques and use of curriculum.

“Our company has an international platform and voice, and we chose Spartanburg for several reasons:  a nice concentration of homeschooling families in the area, plus ideal weather in March, and also because Spartanburg has really opened their arms to our convention.  Spartanburg has made it known that they want us here,” said Nunnery.  He said they are expecting over 2,000 homeschooling families from all over the country to attend.

The convention will bring noted speakers such as Ken Ham of Answer in Genesis, Voddie Baucham, Jr., of Voddie Baucham Ministries, Doug Phillips of Vision Forum, Stephen Kendrick, writer and producer of such films as Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Courageous, as well as notable legislative leaders on the local, state, and federal level.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to host this inaugural convention here in Spartanburg,” said Patricia Byrd, Sales Manager for the SCVB.  “We expect more than 900 room nights from this convention, and we look forward to welcoming people from across the country to our community.”

 

If you are interested in attending the event or would like more information, visit www.teachthemdiligently.net.

SPARTANBURG, SC-February 2, 2012— Karen Parkin, Vice President of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (North America) for the adidas group is scheduled to speak at the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting on Monday, March 5, 2012 at the Spartanburg Marriott.  The Annual Meeting, presented by Denny’s, is the Chamber’s most prestigious event of the year, celebrating the many accomplishments of the Upstate business community.

Karen Parkin began her career with the adidas-Group 15 years ago in the United Kingdom, within the Sales division.  Throughout her adidas career Karen has worked in many different functions of the business, including; Sales, Marketing, Logistics Operations and Supply Chain Management.  Prior to her 2005 arrival to the United States as the VP of Business Development, Karen served in offices around the world including the adidas global headquarters of Herzogenaurach, Germany.  In 2008 Karen moved into her current role as VP of Supply Chain for North America; where she is responsible for all logistical operations for the adidas-Group North America. 

The recent recipient of adidas CEO Herbert Heiner’s Chairman’s Award, Karen is a noted role model for effective project management and team effort within the adidas Group.  Mrs. Parkin currently resides in Portland, OR (home to the adidas US headquarters) with her husband and daughter. 

About the 94^th Annual Meeting of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce
A cocktail reception will be held from 5:00-6:15pm in the Azalea Ballroom of the Spartanburg Marriott.  The dinner meeting and awards reception will begin at 6:30pm in the Heritage Ballroom.  Tickets are $75 per person, with reserved tables of 10 available for $750.  

To register, contact Chris Shealy at (864)594-5014 or at cshealy@spartanburgchamber.com or click here for secure online registration.

We know that many Chamber members join our Chamber to meet other members and expand their professional networks. As you know, word-of-mouth is one of the least expensive, easiest and most effective ways to grow your business.

And that's why we're excited to introduce a new Chamber program: ConnectForLunch. It's a unique opportunity to build personal business relationships which will give you more influence and recognition in your business community, and more access to new clients and referrals.

As often as each week, you can have a private lunch with just two or three different Chamber members at a local Chamber restaurant – one group per restaurant.  You'll be the only person in your profession, and you'll be able to create new business relationships and deepen existing relationships with up to 100 business people over the course of a year!

Our ConnectForLunch program takes care of everything for you: Just click "Yes" in an email when you want to go to lunch, and the program selects your lunch partners, selects the restaurant, provides you with directions to the restaurant, and even makes the restaurant reservations for you. All you have to do is show up at the restaurant.  How's that for easy relationship-building!

For the next two months, the Chamber is offering you a free introductory subscription to try out this new program (you pay only for your lunch). During that time, you can attend up to 3 lunches and see for yourself how effective it is. After your introductory period, you can continue at the nominal fee of only $11.95 for 2 lunches per month.

To learn more, simply go to: www.ConnectForLunch.com/spartanburgchamber.

And here's something else to consider: As you make more and more personal connections using ConnectForLunch, you'll become even more comfortable and effective at other Chamber events.

Your first ConnectForLunch invitation will be arriving Tuesday, February 7th. We hope you enjoy the program and look forward to your feedback.

Often times when salespeople hear the word “workshop” the same images come to mind….lots of people sitting at tables and taking notes while a speaker goes on and on through a powerpoint presentation.  Many times events that are billed as “workshops” are anything but…with no work required of participants they should be called “listening and absorption opportunities” instead.

On February 15^th (that’s right, the day after Valentine’s Day) the Chamber’s Strategic Sales Development Committee invites Chamber members to a different kind of workshop…one in which everyone is expected to work together for the benefit of all that attend.  By far, one of the greatest benefits of Chamber membership is the opportunity to meet and work alongside fellow businesspeople.  The commaradery shared between small business owners, business development representatives and even technicians has a value that cannot be quantified.  To be able to share ideas and best practices, stories of past experiences and even pitfalls can make a huge difference in whether or not a business can weather a tough economy and stay diligent in tough times.  At the SSD’s first ever Idea Exchange Workshop, Chamber members will have an opportunity to do just that.

Upon registration, all attendees will be asked to bring with them their best practices, tips and advice for tackling some of the toughest stages of the sales process, including: prospecting, qualifying leads, closing the sale and follow-up.  At the event, each participant will be assigned to a group to share these ideas where they can take notes, ask questions and engage in purposeful discussion with fellow attendees.  At the end of the discussion time, each group will be asked to have a representative share the “best of the best” with all attendees so that everyone can come away with great tangible ideas and action steps to improving their sales efforts.

“Many sales professionals have certain techniques that work for them, says Meric Gambel, Director of Business Develop­ment for the Spartan­burg Area Chamber. “The idea exchange workshop is an interactive and fun way to learn these techniques in various aspects of the sales process.”

The greatest part about this first-time event is that is it ABSOLUTELY FREE and open to any Chamber members.  Boxed lunches will be available (as always) on site for $7.50 per person on a first-come, first-served basis and lunch and networking will begin prior to the event in order to avoid any food flying around when the discussion gets underway.  Seating is limited so all registrations must be received no later than Friday, February 10^th. 

For details and to register online, click here.