Growing a Greater Greenville by the Greenville Chamber

Ever wondered how our city became such a hot spot for visitors? In this episode, Carlos Phillips chats with Heath Dillard from Visit Greenville SC to give you the inside scoop. You'll learn about the incredible economic impact of tourism and how it supports our local businesses and creates jobs. Plus, get excited as they dish on some of the major events coming our way, like the record-breaking bowling championships in 2028! Discover how Visit Greenville SC and the Greenville Chamber work hand-in-hand to make our community an awesome place to live, work, and play.

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Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and First National Bank.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Want to stay ahead of the curve in today's competitive talent market? Tune in as Rita Revels, CEO of Employers Network, shares her insights with the Greenville Chamber. You'll learn how to attract top candidates, retain your best employees, and navigate hot topics like remote work and AI. Plus, get the scoop on valuable surveys and events to keep your finger on the pulse. Press play now and discover how this dynamic partnership is growing a greater Greenville!

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Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and First National Bank.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Konduros, the President and CEO of the Greenville Economic Development Corporation, to discuss how you can tap into the city's explosive growth. Sam shares his insights on the key industries driving innovation, the resources available to entrepreneurs, and the collaborative spirit that sets Greenville apart. Whether you're a startup founder or an established executive, you'll walk away with actionable strategies for success in one of America's most dynamic cities. So grab a coffee, settle in, and join us as we explore the exciting future of business in Greenville!

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Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and First National Bank.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Discover how Greenville's soccer clubs are scoring big goals beyond the field! In this episode of Growing a Greater Greenville, we chat with Doug Erwin, Vice Chair and Chief Brand Officer, and Megan Kolak, Senior Vice President of the Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty. 

Doug and Megan share the story behind the clubs' inception and their mission to create joy and unite the community through soccer. Explore:

• Triumph and Liberty's unique approach to community partnerships
• How the clubs are driving economic impact and fostering civic pride
• Creative initiatives like mobile food pantries and women's empowerment events
• The legacy of the Erwin family's commitment to Greenville's growth
• Advice for businesses seeking to make a positive impact in the community

Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or a business leader looking to make a difference, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of sports in bringing a community together. Discover how Triumph and Liberty are redefining success both on and off the field.

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Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and First National Bank.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Discover how the Greenville Drive is hitting home runs both on and off the field. Join Greenville Chamber CEO Carlos Phillips as he sits down with Jeffrey Brown, President of the Greenville Drive, to explore the team's impact on the business community and the city as a whole.

In this conversation, Jeffrey shares how the Drive has become a vital part of Greenville's identity, serving as the "front porch of the community." From unique partnerships and events to economic development and community engagement, Jeffrey reveals the strategies behind the Drive's success.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of using the ballpark as a platform for community impact
• How the Drive collaborates with the Chamber and other organizations to support local businesses
• The role of creativity and innovation in developing engaging fan experiences
• Lessons learned from navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic
• The Drive's vision for the future of Greenville's thriving entertainment district

Whether you're a baseball fan, business leader, or community advocate, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of partnerships and the importance of giving back. Tune in now to discover how the Greenville Drive is knocking it out of the park and helping to grow a greater Greenville!

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Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and First National Bank.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Is your Greenville business struggling to find skilled workers in today's tight labor market? Discover how tapping into foreign talent pools could be the solution you need in this eye-opening episode of the Growing a Greater Greenville podcast.

Join host Carlos Phillips, Greenville Chamber CEO, as he sits down with Karin Borchert, CEO of BDV Solutions, to discuss the critical role of immigration in addressing workforce shortages. With extensive experience helping businesses navigate the complexities of visa sponsorship, Karin shares:

• Insights on the severity of labor shortages in South Carolina and across the U.S.
• Overview of visa options like EB-3, H-2B, and TN for hiring foreign talent
• Success stories of Greenville companies leveraging BDV's immigration solutions
• Expert advice for employers considering sponsoring foreign workers
• Trends and developments in the immigration landscape impacting Greenville businesses

Whether you're a manufacturer, healthcare provider, or hospitality business, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you bridge talent gaps and drive growth.

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Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and First National Bank.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Ever wondered how the Upstate region of South Carolina has become a magnet for international businesses and manufacturing powerhouses? In this episode of the Greenville Chamber's "Growing a Greater Greenville" podcast, we sit down with John Lummis, President and CEO of Upstate SC Alliance, to uncover the secrets behind the region's economic success. John shares invaluable insights into the Upstate's economic development strategies and the power of collaboration. 

Discover:

• How the Upstate attracted $11 billion in new investment and created 27,000 jobs in just five years
• The region's unique selling points, including its strong workforce and strategic location
• The importance of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth
• Strategies for increasing educational attainment to boost per capita income
• The role of international companies in strengthening the local economy

Whether you're a business leader, economic development professional, or simply curious about Greenville's growth, this episode looks at the collaborative efforts shaping our region's future.

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Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and First National Bank.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Stephanie DeFresse currently serves as the Vice President of Sales for the Group and Individual Division at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, where she is also a valued member of the Greenville Chamber board. Mike Harris holds the position of Vice President of Sales for Major Group, Chamber, Associations, and Student Health Plans at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Together, they are driving innovative health insurance solutions and fostering impactful partnerships to support businesses and communities across the state.

Discussed in this Episode:

• The comprehensive health insurance offerings BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina provides to meet the diverse needs of businesses of all sizes
• How the Greenville Chamber and BlueCross BlueShield collaborate to deliver valuable resources, education, and support to the business community
• Strategies for helping small and medium-sized businesses navigate the unique challenges of providing comprehensive health benefits to employees
• The far-reaching benefits businesses can gain from partnering with BlueCross BlueShield, beyond cost savings alone
• BlueCross BlueShield's unwavering commitment to community engagement, service, and improving health outcomes across South Carolina

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Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and First National Bank.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

In this episode, we sit down with Representative Wendell Jones, a distinguished leader whose work spans the realms of business, politics, and community development. Through our conversation, we explore his journey from banking to entrepreneurship and his pivotal role in the Minority Business Accelerator Program, designed to empower minority entrepreneurs across the state. Wendell shares invaluable insights on setting personal and business goals, the importance of daily involvement in your business, and the power of community partnerships in fostering growth. We also discuss how his faith and dedication to service shape his approach to leadership and policy-making. Join us as we illuminate the pathways to economic mobility and community stability.

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Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and First National Bank.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Explore the dynamic landscape of education in Greenville County with us as we journey through insightful conversations with Dr. Burke Royster, Superintendent of Greenville County Schools. Discover Dr. Royster's remarkable path from humble beginnings to his pivotal role in leading one of the nation's largest school districts. Gain valuable insights into the challenges and preparations needed to accommodate Greenville's projected population growth by 2040. Learn how innovative initiatives like LaunchGVL are shaping the future workforce through work-based learning opportunities for high school students. Join us as we uncover the collaborative efforts between schools and the business community, ensuring students are equipped for success in a rapidly evolving world.

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Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and First National Bank.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.