Field Trips & Events

Upstate Forever Wins Statewide Advocacy Award

     Upstate Forever was named South Carolina’s Outstanding Planning Advocate of 2004 by the S.C. Chapter of the American Planning Association (SCAPA) for its efforts and achievements in promoting land use practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection.

We were nominated for the award by Dr. James B. London of Clemson University’s graduate program in City and Regional Planning. Dr. London said, “Upstate Forever has been a strong advocate for sensible growth in the region by broadening the dialogue and offering a more balanced development strategy. In a region not accustomed to proactive planning initiatives, Upstate Forever is making inroads, not only asking questions but offering viable solutions that are positively affecting the planning process in the region.” Dr. London is also a member of the Pickens County Council.

SCAPA Awards Committee Chair Rick Green explained why we received the award: “The overall quality of the organization and their body of work are excellent.  Projects developed by Upstate Forever have a consistently high visual as well as professional quality. The committee liked the potential of transferability of these quality products to other parts of the state.  Upstate Forever is willing to look beyond municipal and county lines to find solutions that benefit entire regions. Innovation was also an important factor.  Upstate Forever truly thinks ‘outside the box’ in studying issues and proposing solutions. The committee found Upstate Forever to be an important friend and ally of planners in their ongoing effort to improve the quality of life in South Carolina.”

We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from the state’s premier planning organization. It is gratifying to have the support of the very professionals who write and enforce the policies and ordinances for which we advocate.

The award was presented at SCAPA’s annual conference at Hilton Head in November

Upstate Forever Annual Meeting

Despite the fog and cold weather, we had a great turnout for the 2004 Annual Meeting at Caesar’s Head Community Lodge. Here Upstate Forever Treasurer Tom Kester presents the financial report.

    At its Annual Meeting Upstate Forever presents three awards recognizing firms or individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the quality of life in the Upstate. The 2004 winners are:

Jeff Randolph
Innovator of the Year

Jeff Randolph (on right), Innovator of the Year, with Upstate Forever Executive Director Brad Wyche.

    The Innovator of the Year Award recognizes an individual or firm for innovation and leadership in the field of design and development. This year’s winner is Jeff Randolph.

Jeff is the principal of The Randolph Group, an award winning residential development and marketing company specializing in creating imaginative places for people to live, play, and work. Jeff has been a pioneer in bringing innovative residential development to the Upstate. 

Jeff favors enhancing his developments with ample green spaces and trails.  In his Verdmont development, for example, every resident is within a five-minute walk of a trail or community park. Jeff also played a key role in the spectacular revitalization of the Viola community in downtown Greenville.

Graham Rich
Public Servant of the Year

Jeff Randolph (on right), Innovator of the Year, with Upstate Forever Executive Director Brad Wyche.

    The Public Servant of the Year Award recognizes an employee or commissioner of a federal, state or local government agency for service “beyond the call of duty” in promoting conservation and improved development practices. This year’s winner is Graham Rich.

As General Manager of the Spartanburg Water System, Graham has provided extraordinary vision and leadership in conserving land and water resources in the Upstate. Because of Graham’s hard work and initiatives, the Water System has generously supported educational programs at both the K-12 and college levels and has been proactive in protecting important lands in its watersheds.

Carolyne Groves
Volunteer of the Year

Carolyne Groves, Volunteer of the Year, with Upstate Forever Board Member and Treasurer Tom Kester

     The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a person who has done exceptional work as a volunteer for Upstate Forever. Our 2004 winner is Carolyne Groves.

A retired CPA with experience in both private and public accounting, Carolyne handled all of Upstate Forever’s financial records and accounts until Peggy O’Donoghue recently joined our staff as Financial Manager. This involved spending many hours in the office each week, paying bills, keeping records on over 15 separate funds, and preparing summary financial statements for the Board and management. Carolyne continues to work closely with our independent auditors on the annual financial audit.