O’Neal Engineering Director of Marketing Presents to Greenville REC Advisory Board

Brian Gallagher, Director of Marketing for O’Neal, Inc. served as the guest speaker at the December 9th meeting of the Greenville REC Advisory Board. Mr. Gallagher shared with the board information on O’Neal Inc., Concrete Industry Management and the partnership with the Greenville Regional Education Center of Personal Pathways to Success.

Brian Gallagher has served in executive level marketing positions with industry leading engineering, construction and manufacturing organizations. In his roles with O’Neal, Inc, Structural Group and Williams Scotsman, Gallagher has provided strategic leadership to the sales and marketing teams. He frequently writes and speaks on marketing, leadership and human resource topics.

For 35 years, O’Neal has been successfully delivering capital projects. O’Neal focuses on the Business of Project Delivery - integrating overall project planning, design, and construction to create cost-effective capital solutions. With all design and construction professionals in-house, our clients benefit from a true collaboration of disciplines. O’Neal’s experience and due diligence in the Pre-Construction process gives us the ability to guarantee a cost for total project delivery. To learn more about O’Neal, Inc. please visit their website at www.onealinc.com.

The board would also like to thank O'Neal, Inc. for hosting the meeting at their Greenville location.

State Superintendent-elect praises Greenville Tech Charter High for National Blue Ribbon Award

Not that they didn’t already know it, but hearing it from the state’s newly elected superintendent of education and a high-ranking official of the U.S. Department of Education drove the point home to students: Greenville Tech Charter High is an awesome school.

General Mick Zais, State Superintendent of Education, Elect

The school, which won a National Blue Ribbon Award earlier this year for its high academic achievements, celebrated the accomplishment Monday with a visit from Mick Zais, the state superintendent of education-elect, and Denis Bega

of the U.S. Department of Education’s Southeast Regional office. More information on the event can be found in the December 7, 2010 Greenville News.

JAG Student Installation Services at Carolina High School

 

 

The JAG program at Carolina high school installed their first class on Thursday, November 4, 2010



The Greenville Society for Human Resource Management (GSHRM) Workforce Readiness Council Wins a 2010 SHRM Pinnacle Award

The Greenville Society for Human Resource Management (GSHRM) Workforce Readiness Council awarded the 2010 SHRM Pinnacle Award from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). The Work Readiness Council was created by the Greenville Society of Human Resource Management to assist the Greenville Region of Personal Pathways to Success in our efforts to provide career awareness and work readiness skills for students and adults in Greenville County. The collaboration of partners in this effort are definitely making a difference in the lives of students and adults in Greenville County.

Upstate Direct Connect

Upstate Direct Connect is a new agreement that will allow students to complete two years of studies at Greenville Technical College before transferring to USC Upstate. The program provides a clear connection and plenty of support as students move from one educational step to the next.

Job Corps South Carolina

South Carolina Collaborative Partnership on the Move!

On September 15, 2010, the Job Corps Bamberg Center hosted a partnership meeting with local and statewide agencies and organizations. The event provided those in attendance with information about Job Corps South Carolina and the services that they provide at their Bamberg Campus.Participants included the Mayor of Bamberg, and a vast number of community and faithbased organizations. Also in attendance were representatives from area Workforce Investment Boards and  regional representatives of Personal Pathways to Success.

Greenville and Spartanburg Regions to Kick Off Dream It Do It Initiative

Please join us to learn about a manufacturing workforce initiative Dream It Do It, (DIDI) that will strengthen our manufacturing sector in the Upstate. Learn from local DIDI leaders and The Institute of Manufacturing on how DIDI will help to engage, educate and employ people in manufacturing careers.


Tuesday, October 12, 2010

8:00 - 10:00 am

Light breakfast will be served


Greenville Marriott

Interstate 85, Exit 54

Upstate Legislative Caucus Workforce Summit

The session will include presentations by Upstate workforce development partnerships on new approaches to meet the new challenges, input from local industry on successful strategies to identify and retain productive employees, and discussion on methods the Upstate can implement to build a workforce that feeds industry competitiveness. The Upstate Legislative Caucus represents legislators from the ten-county Upstate region.

Friday, October 1, 2010


9:30am – 11:45am

CU – ICAR

Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. Graduate Engineering Center

Greenville Regional Educational Center Hosts Personal Pathways to Success, Teacher Education EEDA Implementation Seminar



Dr. Brian Carruthers, Dean of Education, BJU



On Tuesday, September 21, 2010, the Greenville Regional Educational Center hosted Personal Pathways to Success, Teacher Education EEDA Implementation Seminar. The seminar was held to provide information and resources to teacher education faculty primarily in three of the private universities located in Greenville (Bob Jones University, Furman University and North Greenville University) along with USC Upstate in and effort to provide the institutions of higher education with resources and information to implement EEDA at their universities.

The seminar consisted of presentations from Dr. Don Stowe and Dr. Damara Hightower-Davis from the Office of Educator Preparation, Support, and Assessment , Dr. Marjorie Dowd, Greenville County Schools Career Specialist; Michele Brinn, Carolina Center of Excellence, Dianne Lee, Kuder and Jay Blankenship, Coordinator, Personal Pathways to Success Greenville Region. The topics covered were EEDA Implementation, Kuder IGP and Kuder Journey, Implementation of EEDA in Greenville County Schools, Continuous Quality Improvement, Learning Focus, and PAS-T teacher evaluation system and an overview of the Greenville Regional Education Center.

It was an excellent seminar and the university representatives felt that the event was informative, needed and timely.


Beverly Tate, Chair, GREC





Dr. Don Stowe

New Carolina was awarded $600,000 to develop small business within South Carolina's Nuclear Cluster

New Carolina was awarded $600,000 to develop small business within South Carolina's nuclear cluster. The award can be renewed for a second year.


New Carolina's partner in this endeavor is SCRA, which will manage the project and work with new businesses to assist in the transition of nuclear R&D technologies through their SC Launch program. To learn more about New Carolina, please visit their web site at http://www.newcarolina.org/.

REC Coordinator to Serve as the Youth Council Coordinator for the Greenville Workforce Investment Board Youth Council

Jay Blankenship, Greenville REC Coordinator will serve as the Coordinator for the Greenville Workforce Investment Board Youth Council. As the Coordinator, Jay will assist the council in increasing the number of enrolled participants, number of service providers and employment opportunities for youth. He will also work with the Youth Council Board Chair and WIA Director on a strategic plan for the council.

Greenville Workforce Investment Board Administrator Presents to the Regional Education Center Coordinator Alliance

Dean Jones, WIB Administrator for the Greenville Workforce System served as a presenter at the August 17th statewide meeting of the Regional Education Center Coordinators Alliance. Mr. Jones shared with the coordinators strategies to build partnerships with the local workforce investment boards.

To learn more about the Greenville One Stop System, please visit their web site at http://www.greenvillewib.com

Jobs for America’s Graduates to Operate at Carolina High School

The JAG-SC program, high school dropout prevention program, is currently in 20 schools across South Carolina and continues to post stellar achievements. Last year, the program graduated its first class of students having been in the program for a full four years with a 94 percent graduation rate. A portion of the funding for the program was provided by the Greenville Workforce Investment Board. The Greenville Region of Personal Pathways to Success coordinated and facilitated the effort.

Grant to help prepare boomers for encore careers in nursing

Greenville Technical College has been awarded an Encore Career Grant today to launch a new program for experienced adults who want to retrain for encore careers in nursing. The grants are provided by The Deerbrook Charitable Trust and Civic Ventures, a think tank on boomers, work and social purpose.

The recent downturn in the economy is forcing some retirees to return to the workforce to supplement their retirement income. Greenville Tech will develop and incorporate three Preparatory Nurse Re-Entry modules into the existing Nurse Re-entry course for the purpose of augmenting the 50+ nurse’s re-entry in the workforce of 2011. The modules will focus on computer skills, successful approaches to online learning, manipulation and practice of sophisticated equipment, and employment strategies.

Fifteen colleges in nine states were awarded the $25,000 grants to train boomers in their communities to become adjunct faculty, community health workers, pharmacist technicians and more.

Greenville Regional Education Center Participates in Back to School Festival

The Greenville Youth Council, 107-3 JAMZ and HOT 98-1 brought old school and new school together for the 2010 Back to School Event at the Haywood Mall during Tax Free weekend! The event was held on Saturday, August 7th from 12pm-4pm.

The Back to School Festival,connected students with local resources,gave parents and students a chance to win back to school prizes,created awareness and a local platform for retail sales and services.

Greenville Regional Education Center Advisory Board Selects New Board Chair

Beverly Tate, Human Resource Manager for Gordon Food Service has been selected as the new Chair for the Greenville Regional Education Center Advisory Board. Beverly began her term as Chair on July 1, 2010.

REC Coordinator Accepts Donation from the Kiwanis Club on Behalf of Junior Achievement of the Upstate

On Thursday, June 17, 2010, Jay Blankenship, Greenville REC Coordinator, represented the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of the Upstate at the Kiwanis Club meeting that was held at the Poinsett Club of Greenville. On behalf of Junior Achievement of the Upstate, Mr. Blankenship received a financial donation from the Club that will be used to support the Kiwanis Club’s “Terrific Kid” program at Welcome Elementary School.

REC Coordinator Selected as Statewide Partnership Chair

On Tuesday, May 18, 2010, Jay Blankenship, Greenville REC Coordinator was selected by his peers to serve as the Statewide Partnership Chair for the REC Coordinator Alliance. As the chair, Mr. Blankenship will focus on building strategic partnerships for Personal Pathways to Success on a regional and statewide level.

The alliance is comprised of the 12 REC Coordinators.
Dr. Kaye Shaw, Coordinator of the Midlands REC served as previous chair.

Shine the Light on Your Nonprofit

Debbie Nelson & Associates (DNA) is hosting a series of monthly marketing seminars to help Upstate nonprofits with their communications efforts. The seminars will be held at the University Center of Greenville. Mid-day sessions will include lunch. Morning sessions will include light refreshments.

For more information or to register for a session logon to their web site at http://www.dnacc.com/results.php.

Upstate Alliance President & CEO Presents to REC Advisory Board

Hal Johnson, President and CEO of the Upstate Alliance served as the guest speaker at the May 27th meeting of the Greenville REC Advisory Board. Mr. Johnson shared with the board the latest economic information from the Upstate Alliance. The board would like to thank the Upstate Alliance for hosting the meeting.

Formed in 2000, the Upstate SC Alliance is a public/private regional economic development organization designed to market the dynamic 10-county Upstate region to the world. The 10 counties of the Alliance represent the commerce-rich northwestern corner of South Carolina. To learn more about the Upstate Alliance, please visit their website at www.upstatescalliance.com.

REC Coordinator Presents at Upstate Alliance Coffee and Conversation Series

On Wednesday, May 26, 2010, Jay Blankenship, Greenville REC Coordinator for Personal Pathways to Success, served as the guest speaker for the Upstate Alliance Coffee and Conversation event. The event was well attended by over 30 leaders representing various industries and organizations in the Upstate. Mr. Blankenship’s topic focused on the importance of providing educational learning opportunities to students and career specialists.

Formed in 2000, the Upstate SC Alliance is a public/private regional economic development organization designed to market the dynamic 10-county Upstate region to the world. The 10 counties of the Alliance represent the commerce-rich northwestern corner of South Carolina. To learn more about the Upstate Alliance, please visit their website at www.upstatescalliance.com.

Greenville RECAB Member Recognized as 2011 SC Superintendent of the Year

Greenville County Schools Superintendent Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher possesses a gift for inspiring and motivating staff. This gift is one reason Dr. Fisher has been recognized as the 2011 South Carolina Superintendent of the Year. For more information, please visit the school district web site at http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us.

Greenville Personal Pathways to Promote Dream It! Do It!

The Greenville Regional Education Center is partnering with TechReadySC to promote the Dream It! Do It! Program. TechReadySC has received a new AdvanceSC grant to implement this program in the Upstate. The goal of Dream It! Do It! is to provide awareness to students and adults about careers in the manufacturing industry.

Greenville Chamber VP of Economic Development Presents to the REC Advisory Board

Hank Hyatt, Vice President of Economic Development for the Greenville Chamber of Commerce was guest presenter at the April 22nd meeting of the Greenville REC Advisory Board. Mr. Hyatt shared with the board the latest information from the Greater Greenville Regional Economic Scorecard, which is an initiative to focus community attention on drivers of per capita income specific to the Greenville region.

The board would like to thank the Greenville Chamber for hosting the meeting. To learn more about the chamber, please visit their website at www.greenvillechamber.org.

GE Aviation Opens Facility in Greenville

The GE Aviation Greenville facility produces high-pressure turbine blades that are used in commercial aircraft engines produced by GE Aviation, and currently employs more than 140 people. The new facility will enable GE Aviation to reduce production time for turbine blades by 50 percent (from about 15 days to one week) and boost its production capacity.

• New 150,000-square-foot facility located in the Matrix Industrial Park
• Has committed to add 100 jobs and invest $30 million by 2013

Greenville Personal Pathways to Sponsor Ethics Event

The Greenville REC in collaboration with the Rutland Institute For Ethics at Clemson University will host “Elevating Ethics in Upstate Business and Education” on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Clemson at the Falls located at 55 East Camperdown Way in Greenville, SC.

Participants will hold discussions to identify:

• Needs of Business and Education
• Current Successful Initiatives
• Opportunities to synergize and innovate through collaboration

Clemson University Rutland Institute Associate Director of Business Outreach Presents to Regional Education Center Advisory Board

Mrs. Linda Gallicchio, Clemson University Rutland Institute Associate Director of Business Outreach was guest presenter at the March 25th meeting of the Greenville REC Advisory Board. Mrs. Gallicchio encouraged the board to support ethics. The board was also informed about the scheduled May 26th “Elevating Ethics in Upstate Business and Education” event that is sponsored by the Greenville Regional Educational Center.

The Board would like to thank the Rutland Institute
for hosting the meeting. To learn more about the
Rutland Institute, visit their website at http://www.clemson.edu/ethics/.

REC Coordinator Speaks at 2010 Children's Conference of Jack and Jill of America

Jay Blankenship, Greenville REC Coordinator for Personal Pathways to Success, served as one of the keynote speakers at the 2010 Childrens' Conference held by the Mid-Atlantic Region of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Over 300 parents and students from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia participated in the event on Saturday, March 20th at North Greenville Elementary School. The theme of the Children's Conference was "American Heritage Trail." Mr. Blankenship's presentation included these topics:

• What is Personal Pathways to Success?
• Importance of getting an education
• Community parenting

To learn more about Jack and Jill of America, please visit their website at http://www.jack-and-jill.org.

Wade Hampton High School Students Tour South Carolina State University

On March 12, 2010, a group of 11th and 12th grade students from Wade Hampton High School toured South Carolina State University. The students were provided with an opportunity to view a campus dorm room and have lunch in Washington Dining Hall. They also met and talked with several college students attending the university including an honor student, athlete, and a freshman who graduated from Greenville High School. The Department of Admissions provided the students with an informational session on the admissions process, scholarships, campus life, and Greek fraternities and sororities. The highlight of the day was the Nuclear Engineering information session held for the high school students. They viewed a video on Nuclear Engineering and were provided with information about careers in this industry including educational requirements and salaries earned.

Tanglewood Middle School Students Participate in ScanSource Shadowing Day

On February 16, 2010, a group of 8th graders from Tanglewood Middle School were provided with an opportunity to participate in a Job Shadowing Day at ScanSource, Inc. The students were allowed to tour various stations setup to introduce them to a job task that an employee would perform in the areas of sales, customer service, distribution, Point-of-Sale (POS) and Finance. According to Tanglewood Middle School’s Career Specialist, Aretha Barnes, “the day gave students the opportunity to gain specific knowledge about the career areas that were discussed.” The event was invaluable to the learning and inspiration of the students; it was also informative and entertaining. Several of the 8th graders asked when they would get an opportunity to visit again.

Personal Pathways to Partner with Furman University’s Bridges to a Brighter Future Program

The Greenville Regional Education Center and Furman University’s Bridges to a Brighter Future Program will collaborate on initiatives, projects and activities that are beneficial to both organizations. Bridges to a Brighter Future is a pre-college academic enrichment program for Greenville County ninth-through-twelfth-grade high school students who have academic and leadership potential but whose family income is below the poverty level and many of whom are living in difficult and seriously challenging circumstances. To learn more visit their website at http://www.furman.edu/bridges.

Personal Pathways to Partner with Upstate Alliance

The Greenville Regional Education Center and the Upstate Alliance will collaborate on initiatives, projects and activities that are beneficial to both organizations. Formed in 2000, the Upstate South Carolina Alliance is a public/private regional economic development organization designed to market the dynamic 10-county Upstate region to the world. The 10 counties of the Alliance represent the commerce-rich northwestern corner of South Carolina.

The Upstate SC Alliance's vision is to "Position and market the Upstate SC region to successfully compete for business investment globally." The Alliance's goal is to spearhead an aggressive, innovative and comprehensive global marketing strategy to attract new investment to the Upstate region. By creating a powerful brand and image for the region, increased opportunities will ultimately lead to greater investment, enhancing the prosperity and quality of life for the entire Upstate. To learn more visit their website at http://www.upstatealliance.com.

Personal Pathways to Partner with Clemson University Rutland Institute for Ethics

The Greenville Regional Education Center and the Clemson University Rutland Institute for Ethics will collaborate on initiatives, projects and activities that are beneficial to both organizations. The Rutland Institute for Ethics serves the Clemson University campus and the community. Campus activities focus on three groups: students, faculty and staff while community programs are designed to reach as much of the community as possible, with special attention directed to the business, education and professional sectors. To learn more visit their website at http://www.clemson.edu/ethics/.

February 27th College Goal Sunday

The Greenville Regional Education Center in collaboration with the S.C. Commission on Higher Education and Greenville Technical College present College Goal Sunday. This event was created to offer students and their families free help completing the FAFSA. Financial aid experts will be available for assistance. College Goal Sunday will be held on the campus of Greenville Technical College on Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 10:00am to 1:00pm. For more information on the FAFSA assistance sessions go to www.collegegoalsundaysc.org.

New Carolina’s Executive Director Presents to the REC Advisory Board

Mr. George Fletcher, Executive Director of New Carolina, was the guest presenter at the January 28th meeting of the Greenville REC Advisory Board. Fletcher also serves as a board member of the RECAB. New Carolina – also known as SC’s Council on Competitiveness – is a public-private partnership working to increase per capita income and enhance South Carolina’s economic competitiveness through a cluster development strategy. The number one goal of this partnership is to facilitate cluster growth and development. It also works collaboratively across sectors, steering task forces to enhance education and workforce development, increase support for innovation and entrepreneurship and tackle issues in distressed areas. To learn more visit their website at www.NewCarolina.org.

Greenville Works Celebrates South Carolina Industry Appreciation Week

The week of January 25-29, 2010 will mark the State’s 19th annual observance of South Carolina Industry Appreciation Week. Industry Appreciation Week is an opportunity to say “thank you” to area companies for their many contributions to our communities, as well as a chance to build awareness among the citizens of South Carolina that existing business is a fundamental driver of both the local and State economy.

The twelve partners of the organization salute the members of local industry for their numerous business, economic, civic and charitable contributions to making Upstate, South Carolina a great place to live and do business.

New Board Member Appointed to Greenville RECAB

The Greenville County Legislative Delegation at their Monday, January 4th meeting approved Mrs. Lynda Watson to serve on the Greenville RECAB. Mrs. Watson’s term will be for three years and she will serve as the PTA membership representative.