AlarmAlert Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Justin Rhodes, along with Chamber Ambassadors cuts his ribbon thus having AlarmAlert join the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

AlarmAlert, a trusted name in fire, burglary, and camera systems, is celebrating 45 years of service in the Pee Dee region. Born and raised in Florence County, the owners of AlarmAlert take pride in protecting their community with cutting-edge security solutions for both residential and commercial properties.

As part of their continued commitment to the area, AlarmAlert has recently joined the Chamber of Commerce to strengthen connections with local businesses and homeowners. Justin Rhodes will serve as the company’s lead representative at Chamber meetings and events, ensuring that AlarmAlert remains engaged with the community while providing expert security.

To read the full story, click here.

South Carolina Export Sales Total $38 Billion In 2024

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Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) and South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) recently announced that the state’s 2024 export sales totaled $38 billion, the highest volume since 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The automotive industry led South Carolina’s exported goods, with sales more than double that of the next largest industry type (aircraft and aerospace components). The state is the nation’s top exporter of both completed passenger vehicles and tires and is also number two in the export of ball/roller bearings. 

South Carolina’s top five exported commodities in 2024, by percentage share, were:

1.   Completed passenger vehicles

2.   Aircraft and parts

3.   Machinery and parts (turbojets, turbopropellers, gas turbines, ball and roller bearings, appliances for boilers and pumps)

4.  Plastics

5.  Rubber (tires)

Care Xpert Home Care Cuts Ribbon On Their Chamber Membership

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Shantell McDowell along with family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors cuts her ribbon opening Care Xpert Home Care and joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Care Xpert Home Care based in Florence, SC is a licensed non-medical home care agency dedicated to providing compassionate and customized care to elderly and disabled clients, as well as individuals of all ages with physical or cognitive challenges. Serving the Pee Dee region and surrounding areas, their skilled caregivers offer a range of essential services, including personal care. Dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and daily living assistance. We focus on helping clients maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life in the comfort of their homes. By working closely with clients and their families, we create personalized care plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care ensures peace of mind for families, offering reliable, professional support they can trust.

To read the full story, click here.

New Business Ticket Packages Available At Darlington Raceway

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Let Darlington Raceway help drive your relationships with your team members, clients, and employees. Spend the day at one of NASCAR’s legendary tracks building relationships and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Our experienced team is now onsite to work with you to create an unforgettable race day experience and exceed your business and entertainment objectives.

The new business packages for groups of 20 or more, are customizable and offer special ticket pricing and access exclusive enhanced fan experiences to guarantee a race day/weekend you’ll never forget!

Truist Partners With Chamber To Host Free 2-Part Virtual Seminar For Small Businesses

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Join us for this exciting two part series for Small Businesses! Florence Chamber  virtual sessions will be held on March 20th & April 3rd at 11:00am. Email Stephanie.Sparks@truist.com to receive Meeting Link. Scan QR code for resource booklet and financial tips.

For more information, click here.

SPC CU Launches Greenlight, The Money App & Debit Card For Kids

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SPC Credit Union has partnered with Greenlight ® Financial Technology, Inc. (“Greenlight”) to better serve families and help the next generation build healthy financial futures.

Starting today, SPC Credit Union Members will have free† access to Greenlight’s award-winning family finance app, available through the Greenlight for Credit Unions program.

91% of kids and teens believe they need financial knowledge and skills to achieve their life goals, and 94% of parents agree.* Still, only 35 states require a personal finance course for students, and teens score an average of 64% on the National Financial Literacy Test, showing a clear gap in financial education that is accessible and effective. Parents also rank personal finance as the #1 most difficult life skill to teach their children with 81% saying they wish they had more financial education toolsand resources.**

Greenlight offers a debit card and app that teaches kids and teens how to earn, save, give and spend wisely – all with parental supervision. Using the Greenlight app, parents can send money quickly, automate allowance payments, manage chores, set flexible spending controls, get real-time notifications of all transactions, and more. Kids get hands-on money management experience, alongwith access to Greenlight Level Up™, an in-app financial literacy game with a best-in-class curriculum, educational challenges, and rewards.

To read the full press release, click here.

Women in Small Business Seminar Set For March 26

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Join the FMU Kelley Center and Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce in celebrating Women’s History Month with a Women In Small Business Seminar on Wednesday, March 26th from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The seminar will include a panel and Q&A with local women business owners as well as information from local resource partners that provide assistance to help start or grow your small business. Current business owners, start-ups, and future entrepreneurs are all welcome to attend this free event in Downtown Florence.

To register online, click here.

2025 Building Bridges Diversity & Leadership Summit

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The 2025 Building Bridges Leadership and Diversity Summit is set for Monday, March 24 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm. The event will be held at the Florence Center and will feature multiple breakout sessions. Lunch will be served during the program schedule.

Building Bridges is a program offering comprehensive group experience in cultural diversity, inclusion and competence. This summit has been designed to help local business professionals appreciate and respect the uniqueness of their employees and peers.

This year’s Building Bridges keynote speaker will be Julian Williams, Vice President, Office of Access and Opportunity at the University of South Carolina.

The full day cost of the program is $30 and includes lunch.

To register online, click here.

Lotus Recovery Solutions Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Shane Brunson along with staff, friends and Chamber Ambassadors cuts his ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Lotus Recovery Solutions is a place for addicts and alcoholics to heal and to recover from their addictions in a healthy and positive environment.

The owner and founder, Shane Brunson, had a longtime dream of owning a rehabilitation facility that would help people find freedom from their addictions and achieve a healthy, productive lifestyle like he was able to do in his own recovery journey.

To read the full story, click here.

Florence County Disabilities Foundation Annual BBQ Benefit (Date Correction)

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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 see the full flyer, click here.