There’s no underestimating the power of good ideas. Ten at the Top, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among stakeholders in the ten-county Upstate South Carolina region, challenged Hughes Agency to help increase participation in the development of a 20-year regional vision that was being created based on data and ideas generated from community surveys, town hall forums and meetings of
area leaders.

Challenge
Raise awareness of Ten at the Top and its mission. Prompt individual participation in a multi-county survey to collect data. Unveil the vision at an event attended by influencers including area government and business leaders. Execute a high-impact, cost-effective advertising and word-of-mouth strategy to further the organization’s mission.

Strategy
Hughes Agency organized media tours with all media outlets throughout the ten-county region to tell the organization’s story. We promoted community meetings and secured the involvement of local organizations and leaders. We produced a newsworthy unveiling event. We designed an advertising campaign and negotiated sponsorships for placement.

Results
Hughes Agency helped drive the participation of nearly 10,000 Upstate residents in a year-long process to develop a Shared Upstate Growth Vision (known as the Our Upstate Vision). We generated close to 100 press clippings, attracted more than 450 individuals to the unveiling event and ultimately raised the profile of the organization while creating a high level of awareness across the region.

“Hughes Agency demonstrated an ability to understand our goals and quickly
execute several tactics to increase public participation. They have the experience
and relationships to deal with press and publicity throughout
this market on every level. Their work is thorough and strategic.”
– Dean Hybl, Executive Director
Ten at the Top