Archive for month: August, 2024

Registration is still open for BMW’s 2024 nationally recognized Supplier Diversity event on Wednesday, August 28th in Greenville, SC. The event bridges the gap and driving innovation through educational seminars and intentional networking. There is no cost for this event, which includes lunch and a keynote speaker.  MBE/WBE/Veteran owned businesses are highly encouraged to attend.

The Florence Chamber will have a bus going to the event, should you wish to secure your seat, click here.

For event registration information, click here.

Businesses and projects coming to Florence’s downtown represent about $184 million in reinvestment over the next five years, according to Hannah Davis, development manager for the city. — Downtown Florence went from a 42% vacancy rate to a 4% vacancy rate in the historic district in the past 20 years, Davis said. Just in the last 10 years, $300 million has been put into reinvestment downtown, Davis said.

The downtown master plan calls Florence the civic and cultural hub of the region. Davis said the future of Florence is to continue to serve this role in the Pee Dee region.

“I think that Florence, 20 years from now, will be a competitive hub for commerce and for people to choose to live in the Pee Dee region,” Davis said. “And I think that will also help with growth in our tertiary markets, throughout the county and throughout other counties in the Pee Dee region. You know, rising tides absolutely lift all boats.”……..

To read the full story, click here.

Tropical Storm Debby has caused significant flood and other damage across the Palmetto State. If your business sustained any damage during the storm, you can report the damage by completing the South Carolina ESF-24 Emergency Response Survey. Emergency Support Function (ESF)-24 exists to support business and industry during natural disasters. The South Carolina Department of Commerce is the coordinating agency for ESF-24, which is made up of 13 agencies and organizations that integrate with the business community.

The SC Emergency Resources Dashboard is a one-stop-shop portal for the latest information during times of disaster including power outages, road and bridge closures, shelter locations, executive orders, and more.

The SC Business Reentry Program allows businesses into areas under curfew or evacuation order prior to the general public, helping businesses get back up and running prior to the community returning. This program is available to any business that is registered and found in good standing with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office. Registration is free and takes less than five minutes to complete. Once completed, you will receive a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) applicable for three years. Questions about the reentry program can be e-mailed to businessreentry@emd.sc.gov.

The Power Networking Mixer returns on Thursday, August 15th at 6pm. The Power Networking Mixer will give local leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs an opportunity to network.

The event, hosted by Lashonda Nesmith-Jackson along with MINGLE of the Pee Dee, will be held at Epic Event Center (260 West Palmetto Street in Florence). Make plans to attend if you can and bring a friend!

The guest presenters will be representatives from the Florence County Economic Development Partnership.

For more information, click here.