SCDOT awarded PDRTA with 2018 Transit Provider of the Year Award

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Congratulations to our Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority team.

At the annual Transportation Association of South Carolina Conference last week, SCDOT awarded the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority with the 2018 Transit Provider of the Year Award for outstanding transit services to the general public. PDRTA was recognized in part for their compliance with financial reporting and ability to introduce new cost effective services. PDRTA Executive Director Chuck MacNeil accepted the award and offered praise and thanks to many involved in the recognition. “This award has been earned by our Board, our hard working employees, and community leaders throughout the Pee Dee who have supported our efforts to provide safe and cost effective public transportation service for our citizens. We are truly honored “, he said.

PDRTA Bus Driver Albert McClain won the SCDOT award for “2018 Operator of the Year” in the Demand Response category. The State Bus “Roadeo” competition on March 17 in Myrtle Beach was part of the conference when bus operators from around South Carolina competed on a skills course to demonstrate their abilities. Ms. Sandra Cokley from PDRTA came in third place out of 29 contestants in the small “cut-away” bus division.

Florence Chamber hosts diversity summit

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By: Tonya Brown, WPDE

Florence, S.C. (WPDE) — More than 60 people took part in the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 “Building Bridges Diversity Summit” Monday at the Floyd Conference Center on the campus of Carolinas Hospital.

This year’s event featured a day-long group experience on racial and cultural diversity and competence.

The keynote speaker was President of Claflin University Dr. Henry N. Tisdale.

Panelists included Toyinda Smith with Leadership Strategy and Consulting, LLC, Octavia Williams-Blake with McLeod Health and Florence City Council, Dr. Erica James with Francis Marion University, Doris Lockhart with AccuStaff and Michele Pridgen with Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc.

The topics of discussion included racial and cultural sensitivity issues and women in the workplace.

Dr. Tisdale also talked about the impact of inclusive leadership in the business community across the state of South Carolina.

Chamber officials said “Building Bridges” serves as the premier diversity and inclusion program in the Pee Dee region and allowed for more in-depth discussions focused in a one-day event, rather than a multi-week program as in years’ past.

“With practical solutions that we are offering in this training, we feel very confident that this will go a long way in actual practical use,” said Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce Director, Community and Minority Enterprise Les Echols.

WPDE Web Article – Florence Chamber hosts diversity summit

City leaders plan new entertainment venue in Florence

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FLORENCE, SC (WMBF) – Florence city officials recently revealed potential redevelopment plans for the old Carolina Theatre in Florence as the city continues to revamp its downtown scene.

The last time the 750-seat facility on South Dargan Street was used as a theatre was in the 1970s. After that, the building was used for church services until the 1980s.

Ray Reich, director of downtown development, said financing the renovations has been the setback.

“It’s always been that people have wonderful ideas, but being able to go out and be able to do a project that was, you know, one-and-a-half to $2 million is always a stumbling block,” Reich said.

Those renovations include doing away with the theatre and turning it into a multi-purpose event facility, something Reich said the city has been trying to do for several years.

After sending out proposals to developers across the country, the city has finally found their perfect match.

Reich said he can’t say who the developers are until plans are finalized. However, he revealed the company wants to redevelop the theatre to be primarily used for concerts. It will also have a bar and even add on the abandoned pharmacy next door for extra space.

“That’s really critical to downtown revitalization because you got to look at the future of downtown and that is our people that are in their 20s and 30s today,” Reich said.

Now, with the potential developer, Reich hopes reviving the old theatre will add more nighttime vibrancy to the downtown scene.

“We think it’s exciting and will bring some additional vitality to what goes on downtown,” Reich said. “When you add an entertainment like this that takes it up to the next level, so we think that’s a real important thing.”

Reich said he expects to know whether the company will finalize their plans within the next three to six months. He added he’s been speaking with a few outside developers on additional apartment complexes and hopes to announce a new apartment project in a few months.

SCNow Web Article – City leaders plan new entertainment venue in Florence

Same business, new brand for Florence family

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By: Andrew Boardwine, Morning News

FLORENCE, S.C. — Martin’s Lawn Care & Landscaping Irrigation is rebranding after many years of service in the Pee Dee.

On Monday, the business joined the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its decision.

Derrick Martin, owner of Martin’s Lawn care & Landscaping, said joining the chamber was an important move for the business.

“Since we’ve been in business, we’ve pretty much gone by word of mouth,” Martin said. “Joining the chamber gives us a chance to network and kind of rebrand. I have six kids altogether and some of them may be taking over the business and I want to put them in the very best position as possible.”

Martin’s Lawn care & Landscaping has been in business since 1993. Prior to opening the business, Martin graduated from South Florence High School in 1988 and then served three and a half years in the U.S. Army.

“I’m actually a second-generation landscaper,” Martin said. “I learned everything I know from my dad and I hope to pass that down to my kids.”

Martin said he looks at his business as a chance to bond with his family.

“My son and my daughters help me in the summer time and with different projects,” Martin said. “That’s why I’m trying to build it up so people will recognize it. The goal is to make it one more generation.”

Martin’s Lawn care & Landscaping offers a full range of landscaping design, construction, irrigation design and installation, and maintenance.

Martin said the business does lawn care, landscaping, irrigation, drainage, tree work, pressure washing, hedge trims, and other services.

“Our slogan is ‘we do it all,’” Martin said. “Anything you can think of, we offer.”

For more information, contact Martin’s Lawn care & Landscaping at 843-409-1683 or at martinslawncareusa@yahoo.com. The business also has a website at martinslawncareusa1.com.

“My dad always told me if you’re not going to do it right, don’t do it at all,” Martin said. “Everything we do, we try to make sure the customer is 100 percent satisfied when we leave. I make sure that I’m involved in all the business operations and we put our best foot forward in everything that we do.”

SCNow Web Article – Same business, new brand for Florence family

Pacing for Pieces draws more than 500 to Florence streets

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FLORENCE, S.C. — More than 500 participants hit the streets Saturday morning to raise money for All 4 Autism in the a Pacing for Pieces 5K Run/Walk and Half Marathon.

The largest of Florence’s annual races, it is the only fundraiser for the Pee Dee’s only autism resource center, said Amy Pennington, outreach coordinator for All 4 Autism and race director of Pacing for Pieces.

“This is the only fundraiser for us. We wanted to put all our effort into one so that we could pay more attention to this one and keep it simple,” Pennington said.

Saturday’s half marathon started across from the organization’s offices at 183 S. Coit St. and the course included neighborhoods between Evans and Palmetto streets as well as between Evans and Darlington streets.

The 5K course looped around King and Gregg avenues and both races ended downtown with the Piece Jam festival.

“We would love to surpass 500 participants and raise awareness for everyone about autism and raise more funds,” Pennington said.

To have the city’s largest race after six years is a great thing, Pennington said.

“It feels wonderful, makes me feel loved and that we can do anything to make a difference here in Florence,” she said.

The center serves as a resource for families with an autistic member.

“Families come to us and we walk them through step by step for their individual who has ASD,” Pennington said.

Brittni Branton, her son, Dylan, and her daughter, Gracey, use the services offered by the center.

“She goes to the sibling support group and he went to summer camp this year for the first time,” she said as Dylan, 7, sat in a stroller ahead of the start of the 5K — the family’s fourth Pacing for Pieces race. “He had a lot of fun. He went dancing, he had snow cones and crabs.”

The services offered for Dylan, who attends St. John’s Elementary in Darlington, and the family are invaluable, she said.

“The support you get from the marriage classes to the different resources that you don’t know are out there to the sibling support group. It’s just really beneficial for her to talk to other siblings who can relate to her,” Branton said.

Saturday’s overall half marathon was won by Matthew Ferguson with a time of 1:26:57 while Steffen Husum won the 5K with a time of 18:50.

 SCNow Web Article – Pacing for Pieces draws more than 500 to Florence streets

Interstate 95 Pee Dee River bridge work expected to end six-days ahead of schedule

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FLORENCE, S.C. — Traffic should flow freely in both lanes of Interstate 95 north bound through northern Florence County starting Saturday afternoon.

One lane over the Great Pee Dee River north-bound has been closed since Jan. 9 while crews work to rehabilitate the bridge deck and that has, at times, backed traffic up past the SC 327 exit.

That construction project is projected to be completed Saturday afternoon — six days ahead of schedule, according to a release issued by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

“SCDOT wishes to thank motorists for their patience during this rehabilitation project,” spokesman Robert Kudelka wrote in the release.

2018 Outlook Luncheon set for March 20th in Florence

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FLORENCE, S.C. – Business leaders can hear all about the state of the city of Florence and Florence County at noon on Tuesday, March 20.

That’s when the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2018 Outlook Luncheon at the Florence Center.

A crowd of 500-plus people is expected.

Florence County Council Chairman Kent Caudle will speak about growth in the county.

Florence Mayor Stephen Wukela will discuss the ongoing progress in the city.

The 2018 Small Business Person of the Year will be recognized by Dedicated Community Bank. “This is a great opportunity to hear our local leaders talk about accomplishments on improving our quality of life and what is on the horizon that will foster continued growth in our region of South Carolina,” Chamber President Michael Miller said.

Ticket are $30 for chamber members and $40 for nonmembers.

Register at flochamber.com or by calling 843-665-0515.

SCNow Web Article – 2018 Outlook Luncheon set for March 20th in Florence

Florence Wine & Food

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SIP AND SAVOR WINE STROLL TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE for purchase in the Greater Florence Chamber Office located at 100 W. Evans (Corner of W. Evans and Dargan Streets) AND the Florence Downtown Development Office located at 324 W. Evans Street, 2nd Floor. Stop by in person and pick up your event tickets today for Sip and Savor!

Ticket prices include a souvenir tasting glass, sampling 24 unique wines from Rick Havekost’s Micky Finn’s, sampling six craft beers made downtown at Local Motive Brewing, and complimentary dessert and coffee at the James Allen Plaza featuring live music by The Tim Clark Band.

Would you rather purchase your tickets online? Get them here:www.florencewineandfood.com

Residence Inn in Florence shows off renovations

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FLORENCE, S.C. – Employees and executives of the Residence Inn at 2660 Hospitality Blvd. joined ambassadors from the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce on Thursday to hold a Business After Hours event to celebrate renovations to the hotel.

Brittney Edwards, Corporate Director for Sales and Marketing at Raines Hospitality, said she was excited to unveil some of the new features of the hotel.

“We’re proud to be partnering with the Chamber for this event,” Edwards said. “They’ve done a great job and we’re really excited for everyone to see the renovations that have been done and, hopefully, welcome guests to come stay with us.”

Guests were treated to the musical stylings of SideSwiped and checked out the newly updated facility.

Edwards said the entire hotel was renovated, including the lobby, meeting room and guest rooms. The facility added new furniture, fixtures, flooring and many other features to revamp its overall look.

Edwards attributed the renewal of the hotel, in part, to the growth of the Florence community and the need for more hotels in the area.

“I think Florence in general is growing,” Edwards said. “We’re seeing great success with many organizations in the community with more businesses coming in and that’s helping us as a result. I’m from Florence originally, so it’s very exciting to see.”

Edwards said the Florence Chamber has been a great partnership for Raines Hospitality, which is a local business that oversees the Residence Inn, Springhill Suites and several other hotels around the area and state.

“The Chamber is a huge partner for us,” Edwards said. “They’re very supportive of everything going on in the community and they do an excellent job. We love partnering with them and they’re absolutely amazing.”

Edwards said the best part about being in the hospitality industry is being able to meet new people from all parts of the world.

“I’m such a people person,” Edwards said. “I’m a people pleaser and I love being able to get out there and interact with folks from all over.”

Jets can now fly into, out of Florence Regional Airport

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By Audrey Biesk, WMBF News

FLORENCE COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – The Florence Regional Airport will soon see a full fleet of jets.

The larger aircraft are already flying in and out of the airport, and for the first time the older planes won’t be used at all anymore.

Dash 8 turboprops will transition out and 50 new regional passenger jets will transition in.

Ultimately there’s three key impacts Florence leaders said the transition will have on the region – convenience, recruiting more industry, and better reliability.

Jet service at the Florence Regional Airport is something the community has been working toward for quite some time.

“We would have loved to have had them two years ago is probably the answer, and I’m sure the airport would tell you the exact same,” Mike Miller, president of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, said. “The delays that we’ve had because of worn equipment and Piedmont Airlines and American know that there was a transition on this, and everybody in town would have liked to have seen it sooner, but we’re just happy the transition has started.”

The hope is that by getting rid of the Dash 8 turboprops and transitioning to all jets, issues like unreliability will go away.

There’s been a lot of conversations with American Airlines to get Florence on the schedule to cycle the old planes out of the market. Connie Anderson, executive director of the Florence Regional Airport, said it’s been rewarding to see all the hard work pay off.

According to Anderson, American Airlines is offering support and took care of all personnel staff training months in advance, in anticipation of this change.

“From a recruitment standpoint, jet service makes all the difference in the world,” Miller said. “When you’re a business and flying people in and out of here – particularly your large Hondas and Otis elevator, QVC – they all want jet service and they will actually drive to have the service and then drive into Florence from the closest airport.”

Rich Spivey, assistant vice president for Honda South Carolina, said he flies in and out of Florence for business two to three times a month.

“We’ve definitely been looking for more reliability, on-time service, and this is a great plus for the Pee Dee region, Florence, Honda as a company,” Spivey said. “We do have a lot of associates that travel on a daily basis getting to Charlotte and all points elsewhere from Charlotte.”

Miller said the transition will help in bringing in more events and conventions to the region.

“That’s a requirement for these folks,” he said. “They want to know one thing; do we have road access, which Florence is blessed to have, but from an airport standpoint we didn’t have the jet service that most all of them really, really want to have conventions and so forth here, so that’s a big step for us.”

The airport expects a formal announcement in mid-April once the transition is complete.