Register Now for the YP/Chamber Lunch & Learn: Fair Labor Standards Act

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Don’t forget to join us for an exciting and informative upcoming Lunch & Learn- Preparing for the New Fair Labor Standards Act.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016
12pm-1:30pm
Florence County Library (Stukes Meeting Room)

The Young Professionals of Florence, Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and Willcox, Buyck and Williams, P.A. will host a Lunch & Learn program to explain the new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA,) which will take effect on December 1, 2016. If you want to know how this ruling will affect your business or organization, you need to register.

Did you know the new final rule will:

– Increase by slightly more than double, the minimum salary level for exempt “white collar” employees from $455/week ($23,660/year) to $913/week ($47,476/year)

– Automatically update every three years: 1) the minimum salary level to the 40th percentile of full-time salaried workers in the lowest income region of the country; and (2) the HCE threshold to the 90th percentile of full-time salaried workers nationally.
Raise the highly compensated employee (“HCE”) threshold from $100,000 to $134,004.

No exception to the rules is made for small businesses. The final rule does not make any changes to the duties tests for executive, administrative & professional employees.
The final rule allows for up to 10 percent of the minimum salary level for non-HCE employees to be met by non-discretionary bonuses, incentives, or commissions, if these payments are made on at least a quarterly basis.

COST
Young Professionals/Chamber Members ($15)
Non-Members ($20)
Non-Profit Organizations ($15)

For more information visit:

Facebook Event Page

Hotel Florence Wins National Recognition in its Field

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(image courtesy: Raines Hospitality)

Congratulations Chamber member Hotel Florence on another big win- its recent recognition as the 2016 Hotel of the Year!

See below for the full details of the recognition, courtesy of a press release from Raines Hospitality:

Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s leading hotel companies, named Hotel Florence, a member of the upscale Ascend Hotel Collection, the winner of the Ascend Hotel Collection brand’s 2016 Hotel of the Year Award.

“With it’s distinctive charm, Hotel Florence truly captures the essence of the Ascend Hotel Collection. The property exemplifies the attributes of the Ascend Hotel Collection not only through its unique urban elegance, but service excellence as well,” said Janis Cannon, Senior Vice President of upscale brands for Choice Hotels. “Since joining the membership collection in 2013, this property has helped to strengthen the appeal of the Ascend Hotel Collection while serving as an anchor for the revitalization of historic downtown Florence. We are proud to support Hotel Florence as it continues to flourish and are so pleased to recognize them with this prestigious Hotel of the Year award.”

Choice Hotels International’s Hotel of the Year Award winners are selected by the Choice Hotels Owners Council and are presented to properties that demonstrate lodging excellence and offer guest experiences that set the standard for the industry.

Nominees are all ranked at the top of hotels within their brand. Raines Hospitality receiving the 2016 Hotel of the Year Award presented by Steve Joyce, Pat Pacious, and Janis Cannon In addition, Raines Hospitality also received the 2016 Developer of the Year award from Choice Hotels International in the Ascend Collection tier of brands category at the company’s 62nd annual convention.

President of Raines Hospitality, Grey Raines, attended the awards gala and accepted the award on behalf of the company. The Developer of the Year recognizes the best developers in the Choice Hotels system. One winner is named for each tier of core brands, extended stay and Cambria Suites. “We are so honored to receive these awards,” said Matthew Grey Raines, president of Raines Hospitality. “Our hardworking team is committed to serving guests and providing them with a memorable experience. The Ascend Hotel Collection has been essential to our success by giving us a worldwide platform with powerful resources. These include access to more than 26 million loyalty members through the Choice Privileges program and the latest advancements in lodging technology, all while allowing us to stay true to who we are – innkeepers who love to share southern warmth and hospitality.”

 

10 Steps to Start Your Own Small Business

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Feeling inspired to start your own small business but have absolutely no idea where to start?
Here at the Florence Chamber, we’re passionate about helping businesses grow and connect and part of that means having a plan in place.
So, here’s where you start- with the 10 steps to starting your own business, courtesy of the Small Business Administration:

10 Steps to Starting a Business

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities. These 10 easy steps can help you plan, prepare and manage your business.

Step 1: Write a Business Plan

Use available SBA tools and resources to create a business plan. A written guide will help you map out how you will start and run your business successfully.

Step 2: Get Business Assistance and Training

Take advantage of free training and counseling services, from preparing a business plan and securing financing, to expanding or relocating a business.

Step 3: Choose a Business Location

Get advice on how to select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws.

Step 4: Finance Your Business

Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started.

Step 5: Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business

Decide which form of ownership is best for you: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative.

Step 6: Register a Business Name (“Doing Business As”)

Register your business name with your state government.

Learn which tax identification number you’ll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency.

Step 7: Register for State and Local Taxes

Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance.

Step 8: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business.

Step 9: Understand Employer Responsibilities

Learn the legal steps you need to take to hire employees.

Step 10: Find Local Assistance

Contact your local SBA office to learn more about how SBA can help.

Startup Resources

There are a number of available programs to assist startups, micro businesses, and underserved or disadvantaged groups. The following resources provide information to help specialized audiences start their own businesses.

You can save money when starting or expanding your business by using government surplus. From commercial real estate and cars, to furniture, computers and office equipment, find what you need for your business in one place.

To read the entire article and for more links and information, click below:

Florence RedWolves Baseball and Fireworks Set for Saturday Evening

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(image courtesy: Florence RedWolves)

Join the Florence RedWolves THIS Saturday evening for a fun night of patriotic baseball and fireworks!

Gates for fans will open at 5:00 P.M. and first pitch between the Wolves and Petersburg is set for 7:00 P.M.

There will be a pre-game concert for fans with Mid-Life Crisis performing, courtesy of Dedicated Community Bank.

There will also be a Carbis Solutions’ Kids Zone!

Get all the details by clicking below:

Florence RedWolves Baseball and Fireworks

Roche Carolina to Close by End of 2019; Buyer Still Sought for Facility

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(image courtesy:enviroags.com)

Roche Carolina officials have now given a date as to when the plant will close- 2019.

Business and production will continue until that point and company workers and area economic development officials say the process of trying to find a buyer for the facility will continue.

Read more in this article from the Morning News:

SCnow.com web article- Roche Carolina