Resurrection Restoration Joins The Florence Chamber

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Since 2004, Resurrection Center for the Homeless has opened its doors to homeless individuals and families with the greatest needs. Among those helped by the mission are homeless veterans, mentally ill, disabled and displaced. RRCH has taken in people that were not accepted by other programs. The director recalls a time when the founders even took a struggling family into their home for several days until placement could be found for them.

RRCH has partnered with the local health facilities, VA, schools, churches, other homeless shelters and agencies to place families and individuals with special needs.

To read the full story, click here.

Otis Florence Factory Receives Zero Waste to Landfill Certification

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Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS) achieved Gold-level TRUE (Total Resource and Use Efficiency) certification for zero waste efforts at its manufacturing facility in Florence, S.C. The Otis plant is the first in the elevator industry to be TRUE certified. It is also the first building-infrastructure facility to be certified in South Carolina.

As part of its previously announced ESG targets, Otis aims to have all its factories eligible for zero-waste-to-landfill certification by 2025. Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the rigorous TRUE rating system requires facilities to divert at least 90% of non-hazardous solid waste from landfill, incineration (waste-to-energy), and the environment through the adoption of sustainable waste management and reduction practices.

“Achieving this milestone is a testament to the commitment and passion of our colleagues in Florence toward contributing to our overall Otis ESG targets and building a more sustainable future for all,” said Rob Gokey, Executive Director, Otis North America Operations.

The Florence facility keeps nearly 98% of all site-generated waste out of landfills or incinerators. The plant recycled 6.62 million pounds of sheet metal from August 2021 to July 2022, and it reduced the overall amount of sheet metal used by 1.2 million pounds from its 2019 baseline.

To read the full story, click here.

Francis Marion University Plans Building Renovation and New Construction in 2023

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Francis Marion University plans building renovation and new construction as well as curriculum upgrades in 2023.

“In the fall, we will solicit proposals for the construction of our Environmental Sciences and Forestry Building. If we bid that out in the fall of 2023, They would start construction on that in spring of 2024. That would take about 18 months, and should be finished sometime in 2025,” University President Fred Carter said.

Last year, the state legislature appropriated $18 million in capital funding for the research and classroom building which will be located near Francis Marion Highway across from the main campus. The university is going to put a lake in front of this as well.

Florence After Five Announces 2023 Dates

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The Florence After Five series has officially been announced to return for this spring in Downtown Florence!

2023 Band Line-up

Friday, May 26 – too MUCH SyLviA

Friday, June 30 – Spare Change

Friday, July 28 – Julio and the Saltines

Friday, August 25 – CC & Company BAND (Chocolate Chip & Company Band)

Friday, September 29 – Rivermist

Accepting Nominations For Small Business Person Of The Year

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Small Business Person of the Year. The award will be presented by Dedicated Community Bank at the Chamber’s Outlook Luncheon on Wednesday, March 22.

The award is meant to recognize an area small business owner who exemplifies professionalism, strives to enhance our community and has made a positive impact on the local economy.

To be eligible for the nomination you must be a member of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and associated with a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or professional practice in the Greater Florence area. The nominee must meet the following criteria.

  1. In business with fewer than 50 employees and in business for at least 5 years.
  2. The nominee must be is a leader in the Florence business community and has demonstrated dedication to overcome the adversities of a small business.
  3. The nominee must be a person who has made a positive economic impact in the Pee Dee area.

To nominate, please email nominations to Susan Farver – sfarver@flochamber.com.  If you have questions about nominations, please contact Susan at 843-665-0515.

For more information, click here.

2023 Legislative & Community Breakfast Date Announced

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce has announced that their February Legislative & Community Breakfast will be held on Friday, February 24th and will be focused on public safety.

Speakers for the February informational breakfast will be Florence City Police Chief Allen Heidler, Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye and S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Chief Mark Keel.

Our state and local law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to enhance public safety for our homes, workplaces, parks, roads and community spaces each day. This breakfast is a great opportunity to find out more about the current and future efforts being made for keeping our public safe.

The breakfast program will be held at the Florence Center with the doors opening at 7:30am. The program will begin at 7:50am. Tickets are $25 each or a reserved business sponsored table of 8 is $225. Those wishing to attend must act quickly since seating is limited and the event will sell-out. This program is made possible by Duke Energy and Palmetto Commercial Real Estate.

For more information, click here.

Resurrecting the Dream – A Program Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Resurrection Restoration Center For The Homeless & Etrulia’s Arms Family Center will host Resurrecting the Dream – A program honoring the Life & Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Kings, Jr on Friday, January 13th at 6:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church (700 S Park Ave, Florence). Banquet tickets are $50 each and proceeds will support charitable organizations.

For more information, click here.

MUSC To Host Business After Hours on March 2nd – NEW DATE

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Join MUSC on Thursday, March 2nd from 5:30 – 7:00 PM as they host the first Business After Hours of 2023!  There will be great food, drinks, and networking. Be sure to bring lots of business cards! RSVP by clicking here.

First Bank & The Chamber Partner For A Small Business Lunch & Learn

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Get banking tips to help your business thrive in 2023. Join First Bank and the Greater Florence Chamber for a free Business Banking Services workshop on Thursday, January 19th at 11:30 AM. The workshop will be held at the Florence Chamber (100 W Evans St) Having a bank isn’t just a business necessity, it can also be a strategic advantage. Learn about the financial products and services available to you and how to get more value out of your banking relationship in this free seminar. Lunch will be provided, and participants will have the chance to win prizes!  RSVP by January 16th to Brooke Knotts at brooke.knotts@localfirstbank.com

American Sign Language Studio Joins Chamber

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Jazzmyne Pipkins says her business, American Sign Language Studio, was born from her personal struggle.

The studio, thought to be the first of its kind, has joined the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, and a ribbon cutting was held Wednesday, December 21st.

Pipkins grew up hard of hearing and had to learn how to navigate the world with the disability. She grew up a fighter and learned early how to persevere with difficulties while performing at the same level and oftentimes at higher levels than her peers.

Pipkins said she stands today as a proud and strong black businesswoman through all of her trials. She has persevered and attained her goal. Currently, Pipkins has a cochlear implant and uses hearing aids.

To read the full story, click here.