Join the community for a showing of the family friendly Christmas movie, Elf. Bring blankets and fuzzy slippers and enjoy popcorn, hot cocoa and visits from a local cast of holiday characters that bring the film to life.

Join World Affairs Council Upstate’s Beyond the Headlines Speaker Series for an engaging discussion with Dr. Sixta Rinehart, Political Science professor at Palmetto College. This thought-provoking event will explore how terrorist organizations like ISIS, al-Qaeda, and regional militant groups impact U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to Russia and Israel.

Dr. Rinehart will examine how these nonstate actors complicate American counterterrorism efforts, influence geopolitical alliances, and shape diplomatic priorities—especially regarding Russia’s involvement in Syria and Israel’s security concerns. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain deeper insight into the complex global security challenges policymakers face today.

European American Chamber of Commerce (EACC) & Upstate International (UI)

We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with EACC, bringing you even more engaging speakers and exciting networking opportunities. About four times a year, we’ll host informal after-work gatherings at Old Europe Coffee at Bridge Way Station in Mauldin. These relaxed events will feature experts discussing current topics, all while you enjoy a coffee or wine.

The goal is to bring together the expat community—who often live in separate environments—and locals, fostering connections between international and American attendees. Whether you’re looking to learn a new language, find new friends or clients, or just have fun, there’s something for everyone.

These events are open to all, providing a fantastic chance to meet new people and exchange ideas. As a member, you can bring up to two guests at the member price. And if you bring two new faces, your entry and a glass of wine are on us!

*Membership Price: $10 (Please Email Tracie Frese ([email protected]), UI’s Executive Director, for UI’s Member Discount Code)

Non-Member Price: $20

We’re also inviting members to become speakers at future “Global Connections” events. First up, Ogletree will discuss the important and timely topic of the visa environment for both employers and employees. If you’re interested in speaking at a future event, feel free to share your ideas with us!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Ben Greer is an author, poet, and educator who was born and raised in Glenn Springs. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and Hollins University. He published his first novel, Slammer, at 26 to rave reviews and went on to publish 4 others. His first book of poetry was published at 59. His latest book of poetry is called Naked Prince: New & Selected Poems.

Ben has also written three plays, including Little Tin Gods, produced by Theatre South in 2008. Having taught at the University of South Carolina for 33 years, he is retired and lives in Columbia.

Join us at the Old Stone Church on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7:00pm to hear Ben’s stories and memories of growing up in Glenn Springs. This event is free and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

NOMA Square. 220 North Main Street.

Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive presented by Spectrum benefiting Metropolitan Arts Council, kicks off the weekend every Thursday night with music at NOMA Square on Main Street. FREE ADMISSION. More than 45,000 people attend this event annually. The event serves as the single largest fundraiser for the Metropolitan Arts Council. Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m. Bands play two sets at 5:50 p.m. and 7:20 p.m

NOMA Square. 220 North Main Street.

Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive presented by Spectrum benefiting Metropolitan Arts Council, kicks off the weekend every Thursday night with music at NOMA Square on Main Street. FREE ADMISSION. More than 45,000 people attend this event annually. The event serves as the single largest fundraiser for the Metropolitan Arts Council. Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m. Bands play two sets at 5:50 p.m. and 7:20 p.m

NOMA Square. 220 North Main Street.

Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive presented by Spectrum benefiting Metropolitan Arts Council, kicks off the weekend every Thursday night with music at NOMA Square on Main Street. FREE ADMISSION. More than 45,000 people attend this event annually. The event serves as the single largest fundraiser for the Metropolitan Arts Council. Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m. Bands play two sets at 5:50 p.m. and 7:20 p.m

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Women United, Women Make a Difference Summit and Luncheon on April 29th, 2025. Join United Way of Greenville County for our second Women United Summit—including our annual Women Make a Difference Luncheon featuring bestselling author and speaker Angela Garbes. This inspiring event celebrates the power of women to create change in our community. Join us to connect, learn and empower the next generation of women to lead the way in Greenville County.  In addition to our luncheon with Angela Garbes, our Women United Summit offers powerful, expert-led workshops on a variety of exciting topics and a curated vendor fair featuring women-owned and women-focused organizations and resources. Together, let’s inspire change and celebrate the remarkable influence of Greenville County women.

Event Date: April 29th, 2025

Agenda:

7:30 a.m. | Registration Opens
7:30–8:15 a.m. | Breakfast, Networking & Vendor Exhibition
8:15–9:15 a.m. | Morning Plenary
9:30–10:30 a.m. | Workshop Session #1
10:50–11:50 a.m. | Workshop Session #2
12:15–1:30 p.m. | Lunch Presentation, Keynote and Q&A with Angela Garbes
1:30–2:00 p.m. | Networking & Vendor Exhibition

In a world where data flows faster than ever, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s personal. From your phone to your finances, the risks are real and increasingly global. But what can you do to protect yourself and your community?

Join us for the second session of our new Global Connections series: Global Threats, Local Risks – Protecting Your Data in a Connected World, led by Michael Sylvester, Chief Strategy Officer at AT-NET. With decades of experience at the intersection of technology and security, Michael will break down today’s digital threats in a way that’s clear, actionable, and relevant to your everyday life.

Following the successful kickoff of this quarterly series, this session continues our mission to explore complex global issues in a welcoming, down-to-earth setting. Hosted by Upstate International and the European American Chamber of Commerce, Global Connections brings together expats and locals for expert-led conversations—paired with a glass of wine or a cup of artisan coffee at Old Europe Coffee in Simpsonville.

Whether you’re concerned about cybercrime, curious about how international threats affect your own backyard, or just looking to connect with globally minded neighbors, this event is for you. Come for the insights, stay for the community.

Let’s turn complex global issues into meaningful local conversations—one cup at a time.

Building Connections, Building Your Network!

The 6th annual NASPA-SC Drive-In conference will be Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the University of South Carolina-Upstate located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Our conference theme will be “Building Connections, Building Your Network!”. Our aim is to offer a conference filled with resourceful breakout sessions, guest speakers and engagement opportunities for higher education professionals to discover resources and insights that can be beneficial now as well as in the future.

Join us on May 28th, 2025, for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Form x Function Wellness, Chiropractic and Nutrition! The celebration kicks off at noon with a ribbon cutting, followed by a drop-in event until 3 PM featuring office tours, giveaways, and a chance to meet our team. We’re proud to serve our community—especially first responders and postpartum moms—with personalized chiropractic and wellness care

This event is a discussion, not an in-character performance.

Erma Bombeck captured with paring-knife-sharp humor the daily life of a new post-WWII American phenomenon: the suburban housewife. Having figured out from her own personal experience that if you can laugh at it you can live with it, she chronicled the housewife’s daily struggles in her column “At Wit’s End” from 1965 to 1996, eventually appearing in more than over 900 newspapers across the country. She also shared both poignant and hilarious observations in 12 books, including the best sellers The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank and If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits? Bombeck brought to American awareness the lives of homemakers whose efforts often felt invisible and taken for granted. Erma poked fun at kids, diets, husbands, housework and, especially, herself. She let women across America know: you are not alone. In fact, we number in the millions. I, too, am an American housewife and I will laugh by your side.