Columbia Legislative Update

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Last week, the SC House and Senate convened for an organizational session and to welcome new legislators after the November general election. The House gained 19 new members and the Senate 13, one of the largest freshman classes in recent memory. Among this week’s happenings, House members selected chamber leadership and assigned committee chairs. House Speaker Murrell Smith secured a second term as Speaker of the House, and Senator Thomas Alexander was unanimously reselected to serve another four-year term as President of the Senate. Bills are currently being pre-filed in the House and the Senate will follow suit next week.

HopeHealth Welcomes New Provider

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HopeHealth welcomes Anna Rhoads, MS, RD, LD, CDCES, a dietitian providing services to patients at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence and HopeHealth in Manning.

She completed a Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion Concentration in Food and Nutrition from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS, and a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Concentration in Nutrition Science from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, where she also completed a dietetic internship.

Santa Is Coming To First Bank

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Santa is coming to First Bank (W Evans St Branch) in Florence on Tuesday, December 17th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM!

Bring your kids, family or pets to come have their picture taken with Santa by the wonderful, Fred Salley Jr.

Blue Jeans and Blazers Scholarship Dance

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Join The Beta Theta Sigma Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc for their 3RD Annual fundraising event, Blue Jeans and Blazers Scholarship Dance on Saturday, December 14th. The event will be held at The Hellenic Center, located at 2990 S. Cashua Dr.  Florence, SC  29501.

The evening will include food, music, dancing, and door prizes.

Attendees are asked to come dressed to impress in blazers and blue jeans and bring an unwrapped toy for a toy giveaway to benefit underserved youth at Christmas.

Tickets are $50 for individuals. Tables of 8 are also available.

Proceeds will go toward annual college scholarships and community service projects in Florence and the surrounding areas.

For tickets, visit https://Florencesigmadance.eventbrite.com or call (843) 616-1030.

Florence Family YMCA Is Celebrating 12 Days Of Christmas With A Silent Auction

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Celebrate the season of giving by participating in our online silent auction! Starting soon, you can bid on fantastic items and experiences—all from the comfort of your home. Every bid supports the YMCA’s mission to provide essential programs and services to our community.

Dates: December 1st – December 12th 

Browse and Bid Here: givebutter.com/c/RpnXMY/auction

Join them in making a difference this holiday season. Your generosity brings joy and support to those who need it most. Happy bidding!

Cheney Brothers Distribution Center Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony

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The Morning News and SCnow.com reported on Wednesday that the Cheney Brothers distribution center groundbreaking may ultimately offer 700 new Florence County jobs.

Cheney Brothers CEO and Chairman Byron Russell took the opportunity to say that the 200 jobs promised when the facility was first announced had grown to 600 to 700 jobs, some of which could pay in the $50 an hour range with incentives taken into account.

When completed, the facility will feature 45 loading docks with 386,047 square feet under roof. There will be a Cheney Express and the largest culinary kitchen the company has developed so far.

The Cheney Brothers Inc.’s new distribution facility will be in MPD Commerce City East off of SC Highway 327 and Interstate 95.

(photos by SCnow.com)

To read the full story, click here.

MUSC Health Florence Medical Center Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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Dr. Reem Akel, medical oncologist and hematologist at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about oncology and her belief in providing personalized care for her patients by utilizing the best evidence-based treatments available. 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/

Southern Custom Golf Carts Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Jonathan Benson, owner of Southern Custom Golf Carts LLC, along with his family, colleagues, community members and Chamber Ambassadors cut the ribbon at their 3341 West Palmetto Street in Florence, becoming a member of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

At a very young age, Jonathan’s fascination with mechanics started with remote control vehicles of all kinds, then led to him buying, fixing and selling larger vehicles such as lawn mowers, ATV’s and golf carts. Jonathan formed an LLC in September 2020 and began running his business from home. As time went by and his business continued to grow, he became an Authorized Club Car Dealer. Construction of the current location began in late 2023.

To read the full story, click here.

South Carolina ATHENA Awards Nominations Now Open

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The SC Chamber announces the opening of nominations for the highly esteemed 2025 ATHENA Awards. These awards recognize exceptional women who have not only achieved remarkable success in their professional lives but have also dedicated their time and efforts to positively impacting their communities.

The ATHENA Leadership Award is awarded to an individual who exhibits a high level of professional competency. This award is a symbol of reverence for those who have not only reached the pinnacle of their careers but have also gone above and beyond to uplift women and inspire them to achieve their own leadership aspirations.

In addition to the ATHENA Leadership Award, the Chamber is delighted to present the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. This award aims to celebrate talented young women who have exemplified excellence, creativity, and initiative in their respective fields. The award not only recognizes a recipient’s professional accomplishments but also their role as exceptional role models for aspiring young women.

If you know of an individual who fits the criteria for either the ATHENA Leadership Award or the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, we encourage you to submit their nomination. These awards will be presented at our annual Women’s Leadership Symposium on March 13, 2025.

MUSC Health Florence Brings Hollings Cancer Center To Florence

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MUSC Health Florence Medical Center is now part of the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Network, bringing top-tier cancer care closer to the Pee Dee. This integration means enhanced access to groundbreaking cancer research, clinical trials, and advanced treatment options.

For more information, click here.