SPC CU’s First Down Payment Assistance

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Thanks to a new Down Payment Assistance Program offered by SPC Credit Union’s SPC Cares Foundation, Julia W. and her mother, both seven-year renters of a residence in Effingham, are now proud homeowners.

SPC’s Down Payment Assistance program was approved by the credit union’s board in late 2024 as a means by which to provide a financial springboard for prospective homeowners to be able to afford a home by overcoming the hurdle of a hefty down payment. Zero-percent interest forgivable Down Payment Assistance loans are available for first-time homebuyers–defined as anyone who has never owned a home OR has not owned a home in the past 3 years– as a bridge to home ownership. Qualified applicants may receive up to $5,000 for down payment and/or closing costs.

Upon the program’s approval, SPC’s Mortgage Lending Team was eager to find a mortgage applicant who met the program’s qualifications, which stipulate that the applicant must be a first-time homebuyer, must have a credit score greater than or equal to 620, must complete a Fannie Mae Home Ownership online course and earn an accompanying certificate, must be at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI), must have $2,000 of personal funds available for the down payment or closing costs, and must have completed and approved a mortgage loan application with SPC Credit Union.

To read the full press release, click here.

GSSM Honors The South Carolina Department of Commerce At 31st Annual Townes Award Celebration

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The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) was awarded the prestigious Townes Award by the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) on Wednesday evening. S.C. Commerce was celebrated for leading transformative growth in South Carolina. From large corporations to entrepreneurs and from life sciences to advanced manufacturing, S.C. Commerce is helping to advance the economy and create opportunities for all South Carolinians.

In front of a packed ballroom at 1208 Washington Place in Columbia, S.C. Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III and Deputy Secretary Ashely Teasdel accepted the award during the 31st annual Townes Award Celebration.

“The South Carolina Department of Commerce is honored to receive the prestigious Townes Award,” said Secretary Harry Lightsey. “S.C. Commerce works to create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, and this award highlights our ongoing efforts to embrace the future to ensure the state’s sustainable advantage for years to come. We greatly appreciate the support and recognition of the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics.”

Through collaborations, partnerships, and a historic $10.27 billion in announced capital investment in 2022, followed by $9.22 billion announced in 2023, S.C. Commerce, under the leadership of Secretary Lightsey and Deputy Secretary Teasdel, has achieved historic growth and secured some of the largest economic development deals on record.

To read the full press release, click here.

Junior Leadership Florence County Applications Now Being Accepted

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Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-2026 Junior Leadership Florence County 4-H Program! Current public, private and homeschooled students who live in and/or attend school in Florence County and who will be classified as a high school sophomore or junior next school year are eligible to apply. The deadline is April 30th. Please share! Our applications are fully ONLINE!

Residents of Coward, Florence, Johnsonville, Lake City, Olanta, Pamplico, Quinby, Scranton, and Timmonsville.

Students who attend school in any of the public, private, or homeschools in Florence County, but are not residents of Florence County are eligible to apply.

For more information, click here.

Small Business Person Of The Year Announced

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce held their annual Business Outlook Luncheon on Wednesday, March 19th at Florence Center where the Small Business Person of the Year award was presented to David Fountain, Chief Operating Officer & Co-Owner of the Florence UPS Stores. The award was presented by Jim Ivey, President & CEO, Dedicated Community Bank.

To read the full story, click here.

Chamber’s Outlook Luncheon

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce held their annual Business Outlook Luncheon on Wednesday, March 19th at Florence Center with a sell-out crowd of 535 local business and civic leaders in attendance.

South Carolina’s Attorney General, Alan Wilson, addressed the luncheon attendees covering topics on the fight against human trafficking to public safety here in South Carolina. As Attorney General, his focus on fighting human trafficking has improved the ranking of South Carolina to best in the nation for improving its human trafficking laws and last year’s report showed continued improvement in fighting that crime.

The Chamber’s Outlook Luncheon also included the announcement of the Public Servant of the Year as Clint Moore, Florence Assistant City Manager. The award was presented by Dr. Fred Carter, President of Francis Marion University.

The Small Business Person of the Year was also presented to David Fountain, Chief Operating Officer & Co-Owner of the Florence UPS Stores with other stores in Sumter, Summerville, and Charleston. The award was presented by Jim Ivey, President & CEO, Dedicated Community Bank.

The Chamber recognized its 2025 Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Michael Hinson.

Photos by True Light Photography
To see more photos from the event, click here.

McLeod Health Gastroenterology Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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Dr. Deepak Chowdhary, gastroenterologist at McLeod Health, was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the esophagus to the gallbladder. He also covers interventional gastroenterology with the latest surgical and non-surgical treatments.. 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.

Looking for past ChamberLink Radio Show interviews? Click here: https://www.flochamber.com/events-programs/podcasts/

Leadership Florence Fundraiser: Kickball For A Cause

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The Greater Florence Chamber’s Leadership Florence Class held the third annual Kickball for A Cause fundraiser at Carolina Bank Field, home of the Florence Flamingos. The event provided an opportunity for local companies and business leaders to compete, as well as entertainment and activities for the entire family.

The tournament was the class project for this year’s Leadership Florence cohorts. Proceeds will benefit Lighthouse Ministries and House of Hope.

1st place-McLeod Health

2nd place-Smurfit Westrock

3rd place-First Citizens

Best Uniform-Honda Team Talon

To see more photos from the day, click here.

Clint Moore Named Public Servant Of The Year

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Florence Assistant City Manager Clint Moore Wednesday was named the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s Public Servant of the Year. The award was presented by Dr. Fred Carter, President of Francis Marion University.

Moore has been with the city since 2014 and has held positions that have included engineering plans reviewer/project manager, planner II, development manager and development director.

“In his current role, Clint oversees various urban development initiatives, including infrastructure projects, economic development, and downtown revitalization efforts. He has been instrumental in advancing the city’s comprehensive plan and downtown master plan,” according to a Chamber statement on the award.

To read the full story, click here.

Chamber Day At Darlington Raceway

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Celebrate the 75th anniversary of Darlington Raceway with an exclusive offer for Florence Chamber Members!

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!

For more information, click here.

The Great American Clean-Up & Earth Day Takeover

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Join Keep Florence Beautiful & their partners as they celebrate our favorite planet! Groups and individuals are invited to take part in this year’s Great American Clean-Up by volunteering to clean up litter as well as enjoy a free Earth Day-themed event for the whole family at the City Center Farmers Market. There will be market vendors, Farm 2 School vendors, sustainability activities and education, vegan food, and more!

For more information, click here.