South Carolina Bridal Showcase Returns To Florence Center September 29

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Get ready to say “YES” to the South Carolina Bridal Showcase at the Florence Center! Join them on September 29 for a day of inspiration, glamour, and all things wedding. Meet with the best vendors, sample delicious cakes, explore breathtaking wedding attire, and discover everything you need to make your dream wedding a reality!

For more information, click here.

Manna House To Hold Fundraiser September 19

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The Manna House is hosting “Singing for Supper” a fundraising event to support our mission of creating a hunger-free Florence on Thursday, September 19 at the James Allen Plaza from 6pm – 9pm. This will be a family- friendly karaoke competition.

The demand for our services has grown over 50% since the beginning of 2023 and our food- insecure clients and families deserve a healthy breakfast and lunch during the week. The funding from this event will assist us in purchasing food, supplies, and operational expenses to support our Client Choice Pantry and daily meals. We currently serve over 9,000 individual meals each month and need additional donations to support this increase in demand.

Please visit our website www.flomannahouse.com. You can donate, sign up for a volunteer shift, or learn more about our mission of creating a hunger-free Florence.

To view the full flyer, click here.

City Wide Hiring Event Happening September 19

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Join the City of Florence at their City-Wide Hiring Event, on September 19th from 9 am to 2 pm at the Pearl Moore Basketball Center – 500 Barnes Street, Florence SC.

The City of Florence will be conducting on-site interviews and hiring for Utilities, Public Works, Recreation & Athletics, Administration, Fire, Police, and more!

Job benefits include State Health, Retirement, Wellness Clinic with a Nurse Practitioner, Paid Holidays, Uniforms, Equipment, and more!

Click here for more information and to view all available positions.

Mike Brenan Hired As President And CEO Of South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

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The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors has voted to hire Mike Brenan as the organization’s new President and CEO. The organization also announced significant changes in executive-level staff positions.

“Soon after Mike took on this challenge on an interim basis, it became clear that he was the right person to lead the Chamber more permanently as we adapt to further amplify the voices of South Carolina’s business community,” said Will Whitley of Michelin North America and S.C. Chamber Board Chair. “Mike’s unique experience in business and non-profit leadership, along with his history of service to our state, will serve our members – small and large, new and old – extremely well in the future.”

“With the incredibly talented team we have in place, the leadership of our members, and the state’s strong economy, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has a great opportunity to be the premier business-minded advocacy organization in the nation, and that’s exactly what we expect to become,” Mr. Brenan said.

Pee Dee Coalition Presents “A Place to Lay Their Heads” Campaign

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May of 2024 marked two major milestones for the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Assault: the 20th anniversary for the New Beginnings Transitional Shelter near Cheraw, SC and the 35th anniversary of the Emergency Safe Shelter in Florence, SC. Since opening these two safe havens the Shelter programs have provided 3,934 women and children over 200,000 safe nights from the terror of domestic violence and assault.

Pee Dee Coalition is asking for the community’s continued support through a monetary gift to their $150,000 “A Place to Lay Their Heads” Campaign, that will fund the renovations and repairs for the two safe havens. The Shelter programs not only provide victims/survivors a safe “place to lay their heads”, but also assistance with education and job opportunities, access to financial and housing resources, trauma counseling, children’s services and safety plans in the event they determine to return home.

Pee Dee Coalition is grateful for donors’ support so that they can maintain these two special programs. Please consider a contribution to the Coalition for this important campaign to help make the Pee Dee region a safer, more compassionate community.

For more information, click here.

FMU PAC Presents The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John

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The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John features the greatest hits of these two great rock piano legends. Songs include: Piano Man, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets, Movin’ Out, I’m Still Standing, My Life, and many more. PollStar ranked this show in the Top 50 touring Acts/Shows the last two years. 

Michael Cavanaugh, who stars in this production sharing songs from both Billy Joel and Elton John, was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out. He received both Tony and Grammy nominations for his lead role in the musical. Billboard calls him the “New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook.” Broadway World referred to Cavanaugh as “The New Piano Man.”  Reuters named Cavanaugh Entertainer of the Year.

For more information, click here.

2024 Tap into Downtown Happening September 13

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Tap into Downtown Florence with a beer crawl like no other. Make your way through downtown businesses acting as brew pubs and sample several different craft beers. Try a few favorites or dare to delight in something a little different. This craft beer event promises to deliver a fun and unique tasting experience for all attendees.

The tasting venues will be open from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Check-in to receive your wristband, tasting glass, and pretzel necklace will take place in the Greater Florence Chamber Office (100 W. Evans Street) from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Ticketholders must be 21 or over to attend.

To purchase tickets online, click here.

BMW Supplier Diversity Xchange Held Last Week In Greenville

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The Greater Florence Chamber attended the BMW 2024 Diversity XChange Conference In Greenville, SC on August 30th. Community partner and Chamber member PDRTA provided transportation for local community partners, business owners and leaders.

The program and luncheon was attended by more than 2,500 executives, businesses and agencies from around the world.

The keynote presenters were entrepreneur Janice Bryant Howroyd and David Garibaldo performance artist of “America’s Got Talent” fame.

Women In Commerce Luncheon Held Last Week

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce played host to the second Women in Commerce Luncheon on Thursday, August 29th at the Florence Center. A sold-out crowd enjoyed mocktails. networking and special hospitality visits with MUSC of Florence and McLeod Health before the luncheon program.

The event featured Julie Janson, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer for Duke Energy Carolinas as the keynote speaker covering various topics centered on women’s career growth.

It was also great having Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health, Costa King Cockfield, Chief Nursing Officer for MUSC Health Florence Medical Center and Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Chief of Staff for Nickelodeon attending.

The program was sponsored by Duke Energy with support from McLeod Health and MUSC of Florence. Photos by Phillip Guyton.

To see more photos, click here.

SLED Breaks Ground On New HQ Near Francis Marion University

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The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will be opening a new Pee Dee regional office across from Francis Marion University. It will be the first standalone regional office in South Carolina.

The state agency held a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 29.

SLED’s regional office currently operates from a rented building in downtown Florence.

The new building will give a more permanent home to employees, provide access to more resources and allow better parking. The building will be located across from the university, which recently added a criminal justice degree program.

The building and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will give students access to internships and volunteer work for the criminal justice degree program.

Click here for the full story in the Post & Courier.