Women In Commerce Luncheon Set For August 29

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The Greater Florence Chamber will again host the Women in Commerce Luncheon on Thursday, August 29th at the Florence Center.

The luncheon program will focus on celebrating successes and promoting opportunities for women’s career growth. The program agenda will offer networking ideas helping to create friendships and business relationships that can support growing your career and reaching personal goals.

The keynote speaker for the 2024 Women in Commerce Luncheon will be Julie Janson, executive vice president and chief executive officer for Duke Energy Carolinas. Julie has responsibility for the long-term strategic direction, growth and overall financial performance of Duke Energy in North Carolina and South Carolina. She will share her inspirational journey in career growth with those attending the program.

To read the full story, click here.

Indigo Of Florence Celebrates Chamber Membership

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Jamie Kelly CEO of Indigo along Marisol Gonzalez Director of Marketing, Alyssa Hicks Director of Education, Blake Blackwell Coach and Salon Leader and Chamber Ambassadors cuts the ceremonial ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Indigo, a beloved beauty destination in the Pee Dee region for over 14 years, is thrilled to announce the opening of its second location in Florence, SC at 1941-A Hoffmeyer Rd. They hosted an open house on Friday, June 21st at 5:00 p.m.

This expansion marks a significant milestone for the salon company, known for its commitment to excellence in hair care and beauty services.

Located at 1941-A Hoffmeyer Rd, Florence, SC, the new Indigo location aims to bring its signature blend of professional expertise and personalized client care to a wider audience in the community. The new facility is designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable environment where clients can indulge in a variety of services ranging from haircuts and coloring to specialized treatments.

To read the full story, click here.

Deadline To Apply For 2024 InnoVision Awards Extended

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Applications are now being accepted through June 27th. Do you know an innovative business that deserves recognition? Nominate it for a 2024 InnoVision Award! Imagine being a finalist, showcasing your achievements at the highly anticipated 26th annual InnoVision Awards. It’s not just about the recognition; it’s a gateway to future collaborations, partnerships, and unforeseen opportunities. This year’s event will be held in Greenville on November 7, at Thornblade Country Club.

Award categories include Technology Development, Technology Application, Small Business, Sustainability, Community Service, and Education.

To nominate a business or to apply for your business to be considered, visit the InnoVision Awards submission page.

Florence Design Board Recommends Warley Street Townhomes

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Florence Design Board members Wednesday approved plans to demolish a vacant home at 189 Warley street for the construction of five townhomes.

This project follows the themes in the city’s downtown master plan which includes adding 1,000 higher-density housing units by 2030 as part of plans to revitalize the downtown historic area.

Last month, city council members identified the privately-owned site, formerly used as an office, as vacant. One of the action items in the master plan was to identify underutilized buildings that can be used to create more housing downtown.

“We’re encouraging it (higher density building), especially we would like to see more residential uses,” said Alane Zlotnicki, a senior planner for the city of Florence.

To read the full story, click here.

Former Florence 1 Schools’ Office Demolished For Future Medical School Parking

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Florence 1 Schools has demolished its old district office at 319 South Dargan Street in the downtown district to make way for a future project.

Crews started leveling the property a few weeks ago.

The district’s Chief Finance Officer Laura Showe said they had to demolish the property so they would have enough parking spaces for a new medical school that will be housed in the historic Poynor Education Center, which is next door to the former district office.

District leaders announced in November that the School of Innovation in Healthcare (SIH) will focus on healthcare and providing targeted learning for students who have an interest in working in the medical field.

The Poynor Building will be renovated thanks to a $10 million grant from the Florence County Legislative Delegation.

To read the full story, click here.

Palmetto Reserves Joins Florence Chamber

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A ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday, June 19th for Palmetto Reserves welcoming them to the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce. Chon Chase along with co-owners Chandler, Chameron and Chonel Chase and Nicole Massey, guests and Chamber Ambassadors cut the ceremonial ribbon opening their newest home construction.

Palmetto Reserves aren’t just building homes; they are crafting communities. Specializing in affordable single-family and multifamily residences and identifying as a community mixed-use developer, they are dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to high-quality, sustainable living spaces. Their mission is to transform the way you think about affordable housing by integrating innovative designs, sustainability, and community-centric spaces that foster connections and growth. From carefully selected locations that boost local economies to homes that reflect their commitment to excellence and sustainability, Palmetto Reserves is here to create not just homes, but communities filled with life and memories.

To read the full story, click here.

Chamber Recognizes New & Departing Board Members

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The Greater Florence Chamber held their annual Board Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, June 20th where departing board members and current board chairman, Drew Chaplin, were recognized. The new board terms begin July 1 with Jamie Carsten serving as chairman.

New chamber board members attending the lunch included Ken Burgess, Ashley Christenbury, Diana Murphy Eddy, Robby Hill, Doris Lockhart and Robbie Norris. Departing the board after 3-year terms included Vera Beasley Herbert, Caroline Toniolo, Kyle Gunter and Les Ward.

To see an additional photo from the luncheon, click here.

Comfort Keepers Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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Craig Goss, Sales and Marketing Manager for Comfort Keepers, was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend on ChamberLink Radio. 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.

2nd Annual Innovate Florence Held Last Thursday

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The Greater Florence Chamber joined the City of Florence and Kelley Center for Economic Development for rhe latest Innovate Florence event. Innovate Florence is a “Shark Tank” type event that also features business networking and input.

The audience heard from three local businesses, Black Olive, KUWC and Lucky Dog Rescue.

The goal of Innovate Florence is to break down barriers and form meaningful connections with community members and business owners.

To see more photos from the event, click here.

Comfort Keepers Commemorates Sixth Annual Day Of Joy

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Comfort Keepers® commemorates sixth annual Day of Joy in the pee dee area and nationwide to help communities embrace the power of positivity.

Comfort Keepers®, a market-leading provider of uplifting home care for seniors and adults who need assistance, is celebrating its sixth annual National Day of Joy.  For 25 years, Comfort Keepers has made it their mission to “Elevate the Human Spirit” and help today’s seniors thrive and find joy and purpose during this holiday and every day. Comfort Keepers has based its business on the insight that no matter someone’s age or acuity, people still want to live a fulfilling life with joy and purpose. Celebrated on the last Wednesday in June (June 26, 2024), the National Day of Joy was established to emphasize the importance of individuals finding joy, no matter their age, to boost their overall physical, mental, and emotional health.  Local Comfort Keepers offices are owned and operated by David Coker.

This year’s theme is around the Power of Positivity, emphasizing the notion that age is merely a number and regardless of one’s birth year, the human spirit can remain youthful no matter what the calendar says.  Comfort Keepers is empowering their local offices, caregivers, seniors and communities to find ways to embrace the golden years with joy and vitality.  To celebrate, Comfort Keepers of the Pee Dee will be hosting several events including a Food Drive for Veterans and also hosting a Bingo event at a local Senior Center to highlight the 2024 National Day of Joy. For more information, please call Craig Goss at
843-656-1056