Experts will discuss impact on Upstate economy, education and culture
It may be a small world after all, but in the age of globalization, the future is only getting bigger.
Erik Peterson, Senior Vice President of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, will be the featured speaker for “Upstate Together:Small World, Big Future,” a comprehensive program on the issues surrounding globalization and its impact on the Upstate. The event, to be held November 2 at the Marriott Spartanburg at Renaissance Park, will also feature a panel discussion among representatives of the local business community.
The rise of the global economy has already had a profound effect on Upstate South Carolina: there is more per capita foreign investment in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson metropolitan area than anywhere else in the United States. As international business activity grows, many have questions about what lies ahead for the region, the local economy and the people who call the Upstate home.
Erik Peterson leads the Seven Revolutions Initiative, an internationally recognized effort to identify and project global trends out to the year 2025. While the goal of the event is to engage participants in a future-focused discussion about globalization’s impact on the Upstate, Peterson’s insight on international realities will be especially valuable for context and perspective on local issues.
Several local panelists will discuss the impact of globalization on Upstate education, business and culture, including Dr. Andrew Sorensen, president of the University of South Carolina, Sky Foster of BMW and Bern McPheely of Hartness International. Mayor William Barnet, III, of Spartanburg will serve as moderator.
Registration will begin at 3:45 on November 2, with presentations and a reception immediately following. Seating will be limited at this free event. Those who wish to attend may RSVP by calling 864-503-5555.
Upstate Together: small world/big future is a program from the Leadership Development Issues Series, a host of balanced educational events addressing issues and topics of significance for the community. The events enable participants to make educated decisions about the issue or topic and to take action or motivate others to become engaged in the issue; thereby building a community of leaders.
This program is presented by USC Upstate, the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Local sponsors include BellSouth, BMW, Duke Energy and The Greenville News.
