McMaster’s Executive Budget Calls For $300 Million Investment Into I-73

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Gov. Henry McMaster (R-S.C.) is urging the start of construction of the long-awaited Interstate 73 project.

In the new executive budget released Friday, the governor’s office recommended a $300 million investment to jumpstart the project, providing “an important boost to start work on a project that will serve as a catalyst for local and federal government partners to finalize their own investment plans.”

The proposed interstate would run through parts of the Pee Dee along I-95 as a new route to Myrtle Beach.

Friday’s update mirrors a proposal McMaster made in 2021 for $300 million in state funds for the project. He added that the state would come up with half of the total $1.6 billion cost of I-73, while local and federal governments would be responsible for the other half.

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Real Estate Agents Optimistic About Housing Market Despite Rising Interest Rates

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Some real estate people in Florence are optimistic about the market despite rising interest rates.

According to an article by the Associated Press, the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate has climbed over 6%, which is the highest in 14 years since the housing crash of 2008.

In South Carolina, the average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan is 6.36%. The highest mortgage rate in history was in October 1981 with an interest rate of 18.45% and the lowest mortgage rate was in 2020 at 2.68%, according to Mortgage Buyer Freddie Mac.

Real estate broker Joey McMillan, who has 20 years of experience, said not to panic over the rise in interest rates. The rates are not usually high but are higher than what most are used to with the housing market.

When he first started in the business, McMillan said, interest rates were slightly higher than the current rate at 7½ percent. He said several people working in his office could attest to their interest rate being as high as 18% on their first home.

“Today the interest rates are at 6½ percent,” he said. “That is definitely up from six months ago, but in the early ‘80s, interest rates were as high as 18 percent. Historically, rates are pretty good. We are just used to extremely low rates.”

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Junior Leadership Florence County Now Accepting Applications

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The Junior Leadership Florence County Program, sponsored by the Florence County Clemson Extension Service/4-H Office, The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, and Francis Marion University, is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 School Year. This program is a tremendous opportunity for select Florence County youth.

Students must be classified as high school sophomores or juniors during the 2023-2024 school year. The program is open to public, private, and home-schooled students who live and/or attend school in Florence County.

For more information, click here.

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.

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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.

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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.