Upstate International continues throughout March
Residents from more than 100 countries make their homes in the Upstate, and there are more than 240 international companies with a presence here, according to the Greenville Area Development Corporation.
Throughout the year, the International Center supports international residents who relocate with these companies and also works to increase awareness and foster international diversity and harmony.
Throughout March, the International Center is helping to spearhead Upstate International, a monthlong series of events to celebrate the Upstate’s diverse culture.
Beyond the art exhibits, performances and lectures, multiple events focus on international business, its impact in the area and global finance.
This week, the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business hosts a panel discussion on International Business Month. Professor Douglas P. Woodard of USC, Didi Caldwell of Global Location Strategies and Janet Krupka, director of recruiting at Michelin North America, will discuss the impact of international business on the Upstate and the future.
Twice each month, the International Center of the Upstate hosts lunch-and-learn programs, which feature discussions on the global economy in March.
Many international companies have become involved, said International Center director Whitney Walters, as the center has extended its reach for the second annual event. “We’ve had a lot more awareness and participation,” she said, adding that more businesses have stepped forward to host events.
The center is not organizing events, but is serving as the information hub, said Walters. Upstate companies have organized events ranging from globally themed lunches to one multinational company holding an employee celebration.
New this year is the Clemson University International Center for Automobile Research (CU-ICAR) hosting the Millennium Drive on March 22, a parade featuring the future of transportation, she said. Michelin is also sponsoring an art contest, which will award $5,000 for a charity, school or nonprofit in recognition of a work incorporating four scrapped tires.
In addition, the Greenville Chamber will present the International Economic Development Award at its Annual International Event on March 25.
Walters said highlighting different cultures and their impact beyond the monthlong celebration is not only educational; it’s good for business. Being sensitive to the customs of international employees is beneficial – something as simple as how you offer water at a meeting can make a difference, she said. “For Americans, it’s always ice water. But for most people in the world, it’s no ice at all. For Asian cultures, they expect hot water.”
That type of awareness is “going to make your employees realize that you care, you understand cultural differences and you are making the effort to do something about them and make them feel welcome,” said Walters.
She conceded that water is a small example, but being aware is “really important in today’s global economy and the climate we live in, especially in the Upstate because there are so many nationalities here.”
Consideration of international customs is not something just for the diversity representative or event planner, she said, but should come from the top leadership down. “If the people at the top are relying on one person or one department to make it happen, it’s not going to happen.”
To see all the Upstate International events, visit upstateinternational.org.
