Dear Chamber Members,

There are moments when we’re reminded just how critical our role is in shaping the future of this region- and the What’s Upstate Experience is one of them.

At its core, this initiative is about talent retention- one of the most pressing challenges facing our business community today. We invest time, resources, and energy into attracting interns and early-career professionals to our companies, yet too often, they leave without ever fully experiencing what it means to live here. When that happens, we’re not just losing people- we’re losing future employees, future leaders, and long-term economic growth.

The What’s Upstate Experience was created to change that.

By offering curated, intentional experiences for summer interns and young professionals, this program connects them to something bigger than their job. It introduces them to our downtowns, our outdoor assets, our small businesses, and- most importantly- our community. Because when people feel connected to a place, they’re far more likely to stay.

This isn’t just a “nice to have” initiative- it’s a workforce strategy.

For our businesses, the return is real: stronger talent pipelines, higher retention, and a more vibrant, competitive region. But its success depends on all of us.

There are a few ways you can be part of this effort:

• Sponsor the program to help expand these experiences and reach more young professionals
• Join the committee and play a direct role in shaping how we showcase our region
• Engage your interns by encouraging them to participate and explore everything Upstate has to offer

Retaining talent doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by design. And this is one of the ways we can design a future where people don’t just come here to work…they choose to stay.

Kari