2024-2025 Fellows in Education Kicks Off New Season

The 2024-2025 Fellows in Education class started the new program season with a visit to West Florence High School.

The WF High School Principal, Matthew Dowdell, opened the luncheon session sharing his vision and goals for the year and reviewing the schools’ accomplishments over the last few years. Participants in the Fellows class had the opportunity to visit four different classrooms and participate in various creative projects and learning exercises.

The class of 30 local civic and business leaders will visit 8 different Florence 1 Schools over the next 8 months to share firsthand what is occurring in the district each day as we educate our children.

Fellows In Education is a joint program between Florence 1 Schools, the School Foundation and the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks to photographer Steve Camlin for the photos.

To see more photos from the day, click here.

The School Foundation to Honor Tonya Frazier McNair at Annual Gala On September 24

Tonya Frazier McNair will be honored as The School Foundation’s Distinguished Graduate at the 24th annual School Foundation Celebration Gala to be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, foundation officials announced recently.

McNair is a 1986 graduate of Wilson High School.  She is the deputy associate administrator for management and a key senior advisor to NASA’s associate administrator for the Space Operations Missions Directorate.  The organization serves as the heart of the agency’s space exploration efforts, enabling Artemis, commercial space, science, and other missions through communication, astronaut support, launch services, and research capabilities.  She has more than thirty years of combined experience in the federal government, including strategic planning for NASA systems, and program management and systems engineering for the Department of the Navy.

The program will be held in the auditorium at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT).  The reception will begin at 5:30pm and will be held in the lobby.  Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.  The program will begin at 7:00pm and will end promptly at 9:00pm.  Florence 1 Employees ($75) and individuals ($100) will be assigned row seating.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Hyler at (843) 662-9996 or by e-mailing dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org.  You can also purchase tickets on the foundation’s website.

Citizens Police Academy Begins October 1

Interested in learning more about the Florence Police Department?

Join the City of Florence Police Department Citizens Police Academy starting October 1st! Classes run every Tuesday night for 6 weeks from 6:00 pm – 8:00pm.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get an inside look at law enforcement!

For more information, click here.

Downtown Florence Restaurant Week Set For September 7 – 15

Our tables are set for Downtown Florence Restaurant Week! Gather and savor delicious dishes from Sept. 7th to 15th! Don’t miss out!

For more information, click here.

McLeod Health Featured On ChamberLink Radio

Octavia Williams-Blake, VP & Chief Human Resources Officer and Charity Gerald, Director of Recruiting & Workforce Development with McLeod Health, were the Florence Chamber’s guests this past weekend talking about growing the workforce at the middle school and high school level.   We encourage you to tune-in every Sunday from 12:00-12:30pm on LIVE 95.3FM in Florence, SC.

This program is brought to you by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

You can review past ChamberLink Radio Show interviews by clicking https://www.flochamber.com/events-programs/podcasts/

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On Tuesday, August 20th, the Raines Hospitality management and team along with Chamber Ambassadors proudly cut their ribbon opening an exciting new chapter at TownePlace Suites by Marriott.

The management team stated, “We are excited to welcome guests to our newly renovated TownePlace Suites.”

The renovations make the TownePlace Suite’s rooms 30% larger than the standard room and are complete with full kitchenettes. The suites also are equipped with a fitness center, pool, and meeting space. TownePlace Suites make the perfect hotel for any extended or standard stay for any guest.

To read the full story, click here.

Duck Donuts Offering A Sweet Treat Special

For a limited time only on Monday’s and Thursday’s, get a free half dozen when you buy one dozen at Duck Donuts Florence. That’s 6 extra reasons to treat yourself! Don’t miss out!!

Save The Date For The 2024 Chamber Fall Golf Classic

The Chamber’s Fall Golf Classic is set for Thursday, October 3 at Traces Golf Club.  Lunch will begin at 11:00 AM followed by a shotgun start at Noon. More information to be released soon!

CARE House Of The Pee Dee Announces Party With A P(o)urpose

Join The CARE House for an evening that’s sure to be the toast of the town on Thursday, October 17th at the Florence Country Club!

This year, our favorite wine tasting event is expanding into the ultimate “Party with a P(o)urpose” – a spirited celebration featuring wine, beer, and a signature bourbon drink, along with thrilling live and silent auctions.

Raise a Glass and a Paddle to Make a Difference in the Lives of Child Abuse Victims!

As you sip, savor, and swirl, you’ll be supporting the CARE House of the Pee Dee, a local Children’s Advocacy Center dedicated to promoting help, hope, and healing for child abuse victims and their families. Every bid and every sip has an impact by supporting the quality investigative, therapeutic, and advocacy services these children and families need.

All guests must be 21 years of age to attend.

For more information, click here.

Sword of Truth To Hold Health Fair

The SOT is hosting a Health fair on Saturday, August 24th 9am-12pm.The Health Fair is open to the public, and will feature professionals from various backgrounds providing information, instruction and guidance on Men’s Health, literacy, skin care, hair care, financial health, fitness and doula services. The Health Fair will also have a blood drive, food, games and prizes. There will be nurse practitioners available and offering free health screenings, blood pressure checks, and sport physicals. This event is free. Invite your friends and family.

For more information or to register, call 843-758-3737.

To view the full flyer, click here.