House Unveils FY2025-26 Budget Plan

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Last week, the S.C. House Ways and Means Committee unveiled its roughly $14 billion spending plan for FY2025-26 (H.4025). Lawmakers will have roughly $1.9 billion in new money (recurring and non-recurring) to appropriate in this year’s budget according to an updated forecast provided last week by the state’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA).

Notable items included in the House budget are:

  • $200 million for individual income tax relief.
  • $200 million to the Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for the acceleration of bridge infrastructure improvements throughout the state. 
  • $112 million to raise teacher salaries and increase starting teacher pay from $47,000 to $48,500.
  • $90 million for technical college scholarships for critical needs jobs through the SC Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship Program (SCWINS). 
  • $13.1 million to the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) for the Find Your Future portal.
  • $1.4 million for rural teacher recruitment.

The full House will debate the budget the week of March 10. More info on the House budget proposal can be found here.

Florence County Disabilities Foundation Annual BBQ Benefit

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Our annual event is growing and getting better than ever! Our annual BBQ event supports over 1,400 consumers throughout Florence County with intellectual disabilities, autism and head and spinal cord injuries. The money raised helps support these individuals by providing specialized equipment, vision and dental services and accessible home modifications, to name a few. It also provides opportunities to participate in Miracle League softball and Special Olympics!

BBQ Plates can be picked up on Tuesday, March 11th from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM at the Continuum in Lake City or Highland Park Methodist Church in Florence.  The event is catered by Brown’s BBQ of Kingstree.

To view the full flyer, click here.

FMU Kelley Center Lunch & Learn Seminar

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Join Ashley Christenbury, City Executive and Brooke Knotts, Business Development Officer from First Bank for a Business Banking Lunch & Learn Seminar on Tuesday, March 18th at 12:00pm. They will discuss topics relevant to entrepreneurs and business owners looking to optimize their banking and financials strategies. Attendees will also learn about the different types of business bank accounts, additional services that allow you to run your business more efficiently, and how to choose the right bank for your business. Registration is free.

Space is limited, register to attend here.

Cowboy’s Famous Ribs & Chicken Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Ciera Gordon along with Robert and Kim Gordon, cheered on by Chamber Ambassadors, as they cut their ribbon opening Cowboy’s Famous Ribs & Chicken to the public and becoming a member of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Cowboy’s Famous Ribs & Chicken was founded in 2017 as a BBQ food truck in the Pee Dee area by the Gordon Family. It is now a brick-and-mortar that is ready to take its exceptional service and food to a bigger audience. The truck, now a restaurant, is known for having traditional BBQ favorites but with its unique brand and twist.

What started as a brainchild of Robert Gordon, the patriarch of the Gordon family, was made into a reality with the assistance of his wife, Kim Gordon, and daughter, Ciera Gordon. For years, food was used in their household to create memories and to strengthen the bonds of family, friends, and community. With the encouragement of those groups, Robert took a chance to market his homemade BBQ sauce to the greater Pee Dee area. Since 2017, Cowboy’s has developed a strong and committed following. They often win or place runner-up in the category of Best Ribs and Best Food Truck in local contests. Menu items range from ribs, pork chops, and oxtails to mac & cheese, baked beans, and potato salad to name a few. You can choose from whole wings or a juicy leg quarter for your chicken options. A fresh veggie is chosen every day with some options coming directly from the Pee Dee Farmers Market. And you can’t forget to purchase a sweet potato cup for dessert! Their goal is to produce the best food along with excellent customer service at an affordable price.

To read the full story, click here.

The Emerson Apartments To Host Blood Drive

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Join the American Red Cross on Monday, March 10 as they host a blood drive at The Emerson Apartments from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Free A1C testing for all who successfully give blood, platelets or plasma in March plus a $10 Amazon.com gift card by email.

For more information or to register, click here.

Junior Leadership Florence County Participates In Business & Industry Day

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On Thursday, January 30th, this year’s class of the Junior Leadership Florence County 4-H Program enjoyed a successful Business and Industry Day.

The day started at GE HealthCare – Florence, where the students received a facility tour and gained insight on how the engineers build MRI machines. The day continued at Honda South Carolina Manufacturing where the group toured the manufacturing plant, heard from engineers, and enjoyed lunch. After the group toured Niagara Water – Florence where students learned about the high-quality bottled water they manufacture, and the session ended with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Performance Foodservice of Florence.

The Junior Leadership Florence County 4-H Program is presented by the Clemson Extension Florence County , Florence County SC 4-H, Greater Florence Chamber and Francis Marion University with support from local businesses. Thank you to the participating businesses that made this session possible!

To see more photos from the day, click here.

Leadership Florence Participates In Education Day

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The Florence Chamber’s Leadership Florence class had its February session (Education Day) on Tuesday, February 11th. The group visited Florence-Darlington Technical College and Francis Marion University.

The class also got to hear from many of the educational institutions in our community. The day included presentations from: TKA, Florence County Adult Education, Trinity Collegiate, Florence One Schools, SCSU 1890 Extension, Palmetto Project, Jr Leadership Florence, Florence Montessori, and the Department of Employment and Workforce.

An additional thank you goes to Florence-Darlington Technical College and Francis Marion University for providing breakfast and lunch for the group.

To see more photos from the day, click here.

Experience Innovation At INSIDE GSSM – A Free, Hands-On STEM Event For Families Across South Carolina

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The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) invites families from across the state to experience a day of imagination, inspiration, and innovation at INSIDE GSSM. This free annual event will take place on March 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering young students and their families an exciting opportunity to explore STEM and beyond through interactive activities led by GSSM students, faculty, and staff.

INSIDE GSSM provides a hands-on approach to learning, featuring robotics, rockets, artificial intelligence, foreign languages, and engaging science and math experiments. Attendees can also enjoy liquid nitrogen ice cream, slime-making, crepes, and more. Additionally, families will have the chance to take part in scavenger hunts and student-led tours, providing a unique glimpse into life at one of the nation’s premier residential public high schools.

“INSIDE GSSM serves as a powerful catalyst for inspiring young students and their families to explore the opportunities offered by GSSM and its programs,” said Irene Middleton, director of academic year programs. “We are committed to fostering curiosity in STEM and preparing students for future challenges. GSSM is an accessible and supportive resource for students and families across the state.”

To read the full story, click here.

Oasis 843 Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Titus and Tameka Thomas along with family, guests and Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon officially joining the Greater Florence Chamber.

Oasis 843 officially opened their doors last week with after two soft openings. If you are looking for the perfect place to take a date or have an evening of relaxation with amazing food, Oasis 843 Restaurant & Lounge is the go-to spot for great food, cocktails, and a laid-back upscale atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious brunch or a night out, this place has it all!

To read the full story, click here.

Montessori Education Week Recognized By State and Local Officials

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The Montessori School of Florence is proud to announce the recognition of Montessori Education Week, taking place from February 23 – March 1, 2025. This special week celebrates the impact of Montessori education in shaping independent, curious, and lifelong learners. Resolutions honoring Montessori Education Week have been passed by Governor Henry McMaster, Florence City Council, and Florence County Council, highlighting the significance of this educational approach in our community and beyond.

Throughout the week, the Montessori School of Florence will offer guided tours to provide local businesses, HR professionals, families, and community leaders with insights into Montessori education. These tours, available Monday through Thursday at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, will offer a deeper understanding of how Montessori methods cultivate leadership skills, critical thinking, and a love for learning in students. Employers and recruiters are encouraged to attend to learn more about the education available in Florence and its role in preparing future leaders. Families of school aged students are encouraged to attend to see how Montessori can benefit their children.

To read the full press release, click here.