The Alliance for Regional Stewardship has selected Ten at the Top (TATT) as one of three finalists for their prestigious Organizational Champion Award, which is given annually to a regional organization that displays overall excellence and commitment to the principles of regional stewardship. The 2011 award winner will be recognized during an awards banquet during the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Convention on Aug. 4.

Ten at the Top – named for the 10 counties which make up South Carolina’s Upstate – was created to foster collaboration and planning in the region. TATT strives to enhance the following vision elements and guiding principles while the Upstate continues to experience substantial growth:

• Human Potential — creating opportunities for all Upstate residents to succeed
• Entrepreneurial Vision — growing the competitiveness of the Upstate in the Global Economy
• Sustainable Growth — encouraging future growth in locations by means that enhance livability in the Upstate
• Natural Beauty and Resources — serving as reliable stewards of natural environment and resources
• Community Vibrancy — embracing the importance and heritage of the Upstate’s urban areas and small towns

In addition to TATT, the other organizations recognized are the Chamber Leadership Initiative for Northwest Kentucky (C-LINK) and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

“This is a great honor not just for Ten at the Top, but for the entire Upstate,” said Dean Hybl, Executive Director of Ten at the Top. “It shows that others across the country are seeing the commitment to collaboration and regional partnerships that has been growing across the Upstate for quite some time.”

A panel of judges from across the country evaluated each award entry based on the four principles of regional stewardship: innovative economy, livable communities, social inclusion, and a collaborative style of governance. Scores were awarded based on five criteria: context, innovation and excellence, performance, cohesiveness, and replicability. The three submissions from this year’s competitive field that received the highest cumulative scores were named finalists.