Florence Chamber Now Accepting Business Person of the Year Nominations

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Business Person of the Year. If you know someone you feel is a successful businessperson with a record of responsibility toward employees, customers, and members of the community, you may want to consider nominating them for the Businessperson of the Year. This person must be a member of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and be associated with a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or professional practice in the Florence area. Elected officials and employees of government or not-for-profit organizations are ineligible unless they are also involved in business and meet eligibility requirements. Last year’s recipient was Kyle Gunter of FBi Construction. The award will be presented at the Chamber’s Fall Membership Luncheon on September 25th at Florence Center. To submit your nominations or for more information, please email Susan Farver at sfarver@flochamber.com or Michael Miller at mmiller@flochamber.com. The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 2nd.

2024 Kickin’ Chicken Wing & Chili Fest Cooker Applications Now Open

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The Chamber’s Kickin’ Chicken cooking applications are now available for local individuals and companies that want to enter the festival cook-off scheduled for October 18th in downtown Florence. Wing team registration is $100 and chili registration will be $25. 1st Place winner in the wing’s competition will receive $500 and the 1st Place chili winner will receive $150. There are awards for runner-up in each category. Certain requirements are needed to meet the minimum volume for wings and chili cooking. Chicken wings will be provided to the wing cookers. To register, please contact Jay Lavrinc at the Chamber. (843) 665-0515.

HopeHealth Welcomes New Provider

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HopeHealth welcomes Charles Webb, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN providing women’s health services at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza.

Dr. Webb graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor of Science, from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, and from the Medical University of South Carolina with his medical degree. He completed his internship and residency at the University of South Carolina Palmetto Richland, where he also served as Chief Resident.

He is a member of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, South Atlantic Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, and the South Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. His clinical interests are pelvic floor abnormalities.

Now Accepting 2024 Leadership Florence Applications

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Leadership Florence is the area most comprehensive business leadership program available in Northeastern South Carolina. The once a month, nine-month program, is designed to identify, cultivate and motivate new leadership in our businesses throughout the Greater Florence area.  Participants will increase their knowledge of our communities and enhance their involvement in civic and government activities while further developing their future leadership skills and business relationships.

The program begins with a meet & greet session in mid-August and ends with graduation in May 2025.  Sessions are one full day per month. Click below for more details and the application or call Les Echols at the Chamber. (843) 665-0515.

To register online or print an application, click here.

Women In Commerce Luncheon Set For August 29

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The Greater Florence Chamber will again host the Women in Commerce Luncheon on Thursday, August 29th at the Florence Center.

The luncheon program will focus on celebrating successes and promoting opportunities for women’s career growth. The program agenda will offer networking ideas helping to create friendships and business relationships that can support growing your career and reaching personal goals.

The keynote speaker for the 2024 Women in Commerce Luncheon will be Julie Janson, executive vice president and chief executive officer for Duke Energy Carolinas. Julie has responsibility for the long-term strategic direction, growth and overall financial performance of Duke Energy in North Carolina and South Carolina. She will share her inspirational journey in career growth with those attending the program.

To read the full story, click here.

Indigo Of Florence Celebrates Chamber Membership

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Jamie Kelly CEO of Indigo along Marisol Gonzalez Director of Marketing, Alyssa Hicks Director of Education, Blake Blackwell Coach and Salon Leader and Chamber Ambassadors cuts the ceremonial ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Indigo, a beloved beauty destination in the Pee Dee region for over 14 years, is thrilled to announce the opening of its second location in Florence, SC at 1941-A Hoffmeyer Rd. They hosted an open house on Friday, June 21st at 5:00 p.m.

This expansion marks a significant milestone for the salon company, known for its commitment to excellence in hair care and beauty services.

Located at 1941-A Hoffmeyer Rd, Florence, SC, the new Indigo location aims to bring its signature blend of professional expertise and personalized client care to a wider audience in the community. The new facility is designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable environment where clients can indulge in a variety of services ranging from haircuts and coloring to specialized treatments.

To read the full story, click here.

Deadline To Apply For 2024 InnoVision Awards Extended

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Applications are now being accepted through June 27th. Do you know an innovative business that deserves recognition? Nominate it for a 2024 InnoVision Award! Imagine being a finalist, showcasing your achievements at the highly anticipated 26th annual InnoVision Awards. It’s not just about the recognition; it’s a gateway to future collaborations, partnerships, and unforeseen opportunities. This year’s event will be held in Greenville on November 7, at Thornblade Country Club.

Award categories include Technology Development, Technology Application, Small Business, Sustainability, Community Service, and Education.

To nominate a business or to apply for your business to be considered, visit the InnoVision Awards submission page.

Florence Design Board Recommends Warley Street Townhomes

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Florence Design Board members Wednesday approved plans to demolish a vacant home at 189 Warley street for the construction of five townhomes.

This project follows the themes in the city’s downtown master plan which includes adding 1,000 higher-density housing units by 2030 as part of plans to revitalize the downtown historic area.

Last month, city council members identified the privately-owned site, formerly used as an office, as vacant. One of the action items in the master plan was to identify underutilized buildings that can be used to create more housing downtown.

“We’re encouraging it (higher density building), especially we would like to see more residential uses,” said Alane Zlotnicki, a senior planner for the city of Florence.

To read the full story, click here.

Former Florence 1 Schools’ Office Demolished For Future Medical School Parking

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Florence 1 Schools has demolished its old district office at 319 South Dargan Street in the downtown district to make way for a future project.

Crews started leveling the property a few weeks ago.

The district’s Chief Finance Officer Laura Showe said they had to demolish the property so they would have enough parking spaces for a new medical school that will be housed in the historic Poynor Education Center, which is next door to the former district office.

District leaders announced in November that the School of Innovation in Healthcare (SIH) will focus on healthcare and providing targeted learning for students who have an interest in working in the medical field.

The Poynor Building will be renovated thanks to a $10 million grant from the Florence County Legislative Delegation.

To read the full story, click here.

Palmetto Reserves Joins Florence Chamber

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A ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday, June 19th for Palmetto Reserves welcoming them to the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce. Chon Chase along with co-owners Chandler, Chameron and Chonel Chase and Nicole Massey, guests and Chamber Ambassadors cut the ceremonial ribbon opening their newest home construction.

Palmetto Reserves aren’t just building homes; they are crafting communities. Specializing in affordable single-family and multifamily residences and identifying as a community mixed-use developer, they are dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to high-quality, sustainable living spaces. Their mission is to transform the way you think about affordable housing by integrating innovative designs, sustainability, and community-centric spaces that foster connections and growth. From carefully selected locations that boost local economies to homes that reflect their commitment to excellence and sustainability, Palmetto Reserves is here to create not just homes, but communities filled with life and memories.

To read the full story, click here.