Save The Date: 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

The Florence Chamber and Francis Marion University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will take place Thursday, January 16th at the Chapman Auditorium on the campus of Francis Marion University.

The program will feature several musical performances by Francis Marion students and a keynote speaker to be announced.

GSSM Hosts 116 Student Presentations During 36th Annual Research Colloquium

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) hosted its 36th annual Research Colloquium on Nov. 22, 2024, showcasing STEM research conducted by students over the summer. The event featured more than 130 students who presented 116 projects, highlighting diverse advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, energy production, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and more.

Each year, GSSM’s Research Colloquium brings together students, educators, and mentors to celebrate research excellence and community learning. Throughout the summer, students work with over 100 mentors at universities, government agencies, and organizations worldwide, tackling real-world challenges and contributing to impactful projects across various disciplines.

“The Annual Research Colloquium is one of our great traditions,” GSSM President Danny Dorsel said. “Our senior Govies shared their research on automation in packaging, microfluidic devices for studying cancer, quantum computing materials, and many other areas with poise and confidence. It was another great day at GSSM!”

To read the full story, click here.

Did You Know Ducks Donuts Is Available For Meetings And Delivery?

Attention businesses, organizations, churches, schools, hospitals, car dealerships, and all small or big businesses that likes donuts for their events such as last-minute meetings and regularly schedule events. Did you know that Duck Donuts will personally deliver the order for free? If you want menus, catering menu is available by calling (843) 407-4637.

Visit their website here.

McLeod Health Foundation’s Circle Of Excellence Announces Grant Funding

The McLeod Health Foundation’s Circle of Excellence recently granted $48,898 to support programs and services at McLeod Regional Medical Center. A 32 percent increase from last year’s grant, this total is the largest amount granted in the Circle’s history.

The Circle of Excellence is a young giving society organized through the McLeod Health Foundation. It is comprised of individuals and couples 45 years of age and younger, who contribute $500 or more annually to support the work of the McLeod Foundation.

The Salvation Army Featured On ChamberLink Radio

Captain Tim Scott of The Salvation Army of Florence was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about how they fund the Army’s shelters and social services that help people with rent, utilities, food and other basics in their time of need. 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/

Get Registered Now To Attend The Chamber’s Women In Commerce Social

The Chamber will be hosting a Women In Commerce Galentine’s Social at Seminar Brewing on Thursday, February 6th from 5:30 – 7:00pm.  It’s time to put on your dancing shoes, or boots, and learn some new line dance moves. While attending is free, space is limited, so it would be wise to register to attend early. This event is made possible by the folks at First Bank.

To register, click here.

GSSM Names South Carolina Department Of Commerce As 2025 Townes Award Recipient

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) has named the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Townes Award.

At the 31st annual Townes Award on March 19, 2025, GSSM will Celebrate South Carolina’s Transformative Growth and the organization dedicated to moving our state forward – S.C. Commerce. 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.

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 Harry M. Lightsey III and Deputy Secretary Ashely Teasdel, has achieved historic growth and secured some of the largest economic development deals on record.

To read the full press release, click here.

Performance Foodservice Wins People’s Choice Award

Alex Dusky of Community Broadcasters along with Jay Lavrinc of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce present the People’s Choice Award to Dustin Harcrow and Terence Daniels from Performance Foodservice, winners of this year’s 2024 award. They were selected by voters at the Chamber’s Annual Kickin’ Chicken and Chili Fest.

Disney On Ice Set For November 29 – December 1

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas, snow covered mountains and the marigold bridge in Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic. This action-packed extravaganza, featuring Disney’s Moana, Frozen, Coco and Beauty and the Beast with other beloved Disney characters, skates into Florence from November 29 to December 1!

For more information, click here.

Amazon Opens Florence Facility

Amazon announced last week that it has opened its first facility in Florence. This facility, which will support last-mile deliveries in the region, will be approximately 117,000 square feet located in Pee Dee Commerce City West Industrial Park. The company currently has fulfillment centers and delivery stations across South Carolina, including Columbia, Charleston, and North Myrtle Beach.

Last-mile facilities are the final stops in Amazon’s transportation network before packages are delivered to customers’ doorsteps. Employees sort packages according to delivery routes and Amazon delivery partners finish the shipping cycle by delivering goods like books, household items and toys to the customer.

“What a wonderful announcement,” said Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chairman Joe W. “Rocky” Pearce. “A special thanks to our partners at Marlboro Pee Dee Electric, Marlboro Development Team, Florence County, and the City of Florence for their collaboration in making this park and building possible. Another global leader in transportation and logistics has chosen Florence County and the I-20 I-95 corridor. Thank you to Amazon for being our anchor tenant in this new park annex.”

Hourly employees currently earn an average pay of over $22 per hour across Amazon’s customer fulfillment and transportation networks in the US. Employees have access to comprehensive benefits starting on day one, including full health, vision and dental, 401k with 50 percent company match and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave.

To learn more about working at an Amazon fulfillment center, visit www.amazondelivers.jobs.