The SC Chamber Grassroots Legislative Agenda Luncheon Held Last Wednesday

The Greater Florence and Hartsville Chambers of Commerce joined forces again this year to present the South Carolina Chambers Grassroots Tour Legislative Review. This year the luncheon was held on Wednesday, October 2, at the Darlington Raceway Media Center.

The interactive luncheon offers area businesses and chamber members an opportunity to hear about current legislation that impacts local business and industries. Is also allows for feedback that helps shape the State Chamber’s 2025 Competitiveness Agenda and set the Chamber’s priorities for the next legislative session in Columbia.

Those attending also had the chance to meet the new SC Chamber President & CEO, Mike Brenan.

Paddle On Black Creek Happening This Weekend

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Pee Dee Land Trust invites you to experience the beauty of Black Creek with a scenic paddle hosted at The Riparian.

This event offers two launch times at 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, giving you the flexibility to choose the time that best fits your schedule. The paddle will last approximately 1.5 hours, offering a guided tour led by the experienced team at Naturally Outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, this adventure promises to be a memorable way to enjoy the cooler weather and stunning fall scenery.

Your registration includes all necessary equipment—kayak, PFD (Personal Flotation Device), and whistle—as well as lunch, which will be served between the paddles from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

For more information, click here.

McLeod Health Featured On ChamberLink Radio

Will McLeod, CEO of McLeod Regional Medical Center was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend sharing key information on area health care needs and McLeod Regional Medical Center’s commitment to servicing the region.  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/

$150 Million Project For Florence’s In Growing EV Battery Business

The Department of Energy has selected Clarios Circular Solutions for a $150M federal grant to be used to create a closed-loop lithium-Ion materials facility in Florence, South Carolina.

Clarios Circular Solutions expects the project to significantly contribute to the circular economy in battery manufacturing, creating over 375 permanent operational jobs and between 800 and 1,200 construction jobs. The project aligns with Justice40 Initiatives, promoting community governance, climate resilience, clean energy, and STEM education in South Carolina.

According to information provide to the Florence Chamber, Clarios will be work with local workforce development groups to ensure there is a skilled and qualified workforce to build and run this state-of-the-art facility. Clarios has operated locally for decades, is committed to building on existing skills in the area, and will recruit from the community.

More to come on this expansion for Florence, South Carolina.

Virtus Academy Ribbon Cutting

Virtus Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony For Upper School Facilities

On Thursday, September 26th, Virtus Academy along with board members, faculty, staff and Chamber Ambassadors, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil its new Upper School facilities, designed to accommodate students in grades 7 through 12.

The event marked a significant milestone for the school, reflecting its commitment to providing a modern learning environment. Executive Director Dr. Carpenter remarked, “It’s an exciting time for Virtus Academy as it now has all the facilities space it will need for the next several years.” This expansion will support the academy’s mission to foster academic excellence and personal growth for its students.

To read the full story, click here.

FMU Ranked Among “Best Colleges” By U.S. News & World Report Again

Francis Marion University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top Regional University in the South. For over two decades, the University has consistently been ranked as one of the South’s best universities.

This year, FMU was recognized in five different categories and showed improvement in the areas of Best Regional Universities, Top Public Regional Schools, and Top Performers on Social Mobility. The University was also noted as being a Best Value School and a Best College for Veterans.

Additionally, four academic programs earned recognition as some of the nation’s best. The undergraduate business, engineering, nursing, and psychology programs were all honored in their respective categories. Notably, each of these programs was also featured on last year’s list.

To read the full story, click here.

Pee Dee Coalition Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is held each October to unite advocates across the nation. Since then, DVAM has grown into a powerful movement, spreading awareness and promoting actions to end domestic violence.

The significance of DVAM lies in its ability to shed light on an issue that affects millions of individuals each year, no matter what someone’s gender, sexual orientation, age, race, or socioeconomic status. The month-long opportunity allows survivors, advocates, and communities to come together, share stories, offer support, and raise awareness about the various forms of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse.

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month approaches this October, Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Assault is proud to announce this year’s theme: “It Stops with You.” This powerful message calls upon individuals, communities, and institutions to take responsibility, stand against domestic violence, and actively work toward its elimination.

Pee Dee Coalition will be hosting a series of events throughout October to raise awareness about domestic violence, including educational workshops, community education presentations, and survivor support initiatives. These events are designed to educate the public, provide resources for those affected, and foster a community committed to supporting survivors and preventing future violence.

For more information, click here.

Kickin’ Chicken Wing & Chili Fest Cooker Applications Still Open

The Chamber’s Kickin’ Chicken cooking applications are still 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.

The Chamber’s Fall Golf Classic Set For Thursday

The Chamber will be holding its’ Annual Fall Golf Classic, on Thursday, October 3rd at Traces Golf Club. We have a sellout field of local business & community golfers back on the course for some great golf, food, beverages, and fun. This year’s tournament is being sponsored by Field Fastener. A great lunch is provided to start the day at 11:00 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at noon. Come experience great food and prizes throughout the course with 15 food and prize hospitality holes. Each registered golfer will be entered into a drawing to participate in a $25,000 cash shoot out! There is still room for tee/green sponsorships if you are interested.

Stonequarters Countertops LLC Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Zach Hicks Owner, along with Management, staff and Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon to open Stonequarters Countertops LLC.

Located at 327 S Cashua Florence Stonequarters Countertops LLC was established in May of 2007. With over 20 years of combined experience owners Zach Hicks and Douglas Barrineau take pride in the quality of their work and the satisfaction of their customers.

In their showroom you can browse their grade A, hand-picked natural stone, granite, marble and quartz as well as various ranges of man-made materials.

To read the full story, click here.