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Welcome to the Greenville Chamber’s Young Professional Resource Guide. We hope that you find it to be a valuable asset.

Sep 21, 2022 04:33PM ● By Dr. Cheryl Garrison

Earlier this year, the Greenville Chamber announced several staff updates, including that Tami Miller would retire from her role as Leadership Development Director in the summer of 2023 and I would transition into a new role as executive director of the Greenville Chamber Foundation and director of talent, education, and leadership. 

Longtime Greenville Chamber Engagement Manager Rionne Ridgeway has taken on a new role as Senior programs manager for the Greenville Chamber Foundation and Leadership Development Programs. As such, Rionne and I will work closely together in support of the leadership development suite of services. 

For nearly 15 years, Tami has been the face of the Chamber’s Leadership Development programs and has helped hundreds of individuals grow in their professional endeavors. Tami has led the programs through significant transitions and has been a stalwart champion for the transformational power of leadership development opportunities. 

During this exciting time of transition, we commit to upholding this legacy of excellence and working closely with our stakeholders to continue strategic growth of these impactful programs. We are excited about the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with some of the Upstate’s most passionate leaders, including through the Greenville Chamber’s Young Professionals (GCYP) program.

GCYP has helped Upstate young professionals develop and build meaningful connections since 2005. The program connects young professionals with others as they build their personal network and develop lasting relationships. In addition to many networking opportunities offered throughout the year, programs including Pacesetters mentoring and Leadership Lunches connect YPs with proven leaders to provide resources needed for growth and development. 

GCYP is a powerful tool to attract and retain young professional talent. Young professionals care increasingly more about building authentic connections, engaging in meaningful work and being afforded opportunities to learn and grow. In fact, Springtide Research Institute study found that 86 percent of young professionals believe supervisors should offer them opportunities to grow, whether through a mentor program for young adults or other avenues. Greenville Chamber Young Professionals provides such opportunities and more. 

Business leaders continue to report talent attraction and development as a top priority. We encourage our region’s employers and young professionals alike to take advantage of the life-changing opportunities that the Greenville Chamber Young Professionals program affords. Learn more about how to engage at www.greenvillechamber.org.

Dr. Cheryl Garrison is Executive Director of the Greenville Chamber Foundation and Director of Talent, Education, and Leadership.