The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) hosted a dedication ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, to celebrate the planting of a rare second-generation Moon Tree grown from a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seedling that traveled around the Moon aboard NASA’s Artemis I mission.
The seedling was among a select group of tree species launched aboard the uncrewed Orion spacecraft in 2022 as part of NASA’s Artemis I mission. After spending more than 25 days in space, the seeds returned to Earth and were germinated and distributed to institutions nationwide committed to STEM education, conservation, and public engagement. GSSM was one of only a few schools selected to serve as stewards of this living piece of space history.
“GSSM is home to so many incredible opportunities—and now, we’re proud to add a Moon Tree to that list,” said Danny Dorsel, president of GSSM. “Thanks to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, it’s an honor to be chosen by NASA to help inspire curiosity and exploration, especially in the realm of space. As we nurture the growth of our Moon Tree, we’re also cultivating a passion for learning and discovery within every member of the GSSM community.”
To read the full story, click here.
Crosby Land Company Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News, Ribbon Cuttings /by Mandy HowleClem Coleman and John Durant, local salesmen for Crosby Land Company, along with Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.
Crosby Land Company, Inc. stands apart in the real estate world as a premier full-service brokerage specializing in rural and recreational land throughout the Southeastern United States. Where many brokerages focus solely on residential sales, Crosby Land Company takes a different path, one deeply rooted in the land itself. With a team that brings hands-on expertise in forestry, agriculture, wildlife management, and conservation, the brokerage provides a level of service and insight that is unmatched in the industry. Their portfolio spans an impressive array of properties, from historic antebellum plantations to high-end recreational tracts, productive farms, and investment-grade agricultural land.
To read the full story, click here.
2025 Chamber Golf Classic Held Last Thursday
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleLast Thursday, the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce held its Spring 2025 Golf Classic at The Traces Golf Club, presented by Raldex Hospitality. Additional support was provided by Pepsi of Florence, Bank of Clarendon, and TD Bank. Photos by True Light Photography.
120 golfers enjoyed the day starting with a great lunch served in the club house by Pee Dee Catering. Throughout the day the golfers enjoyed 15 different hospitality tee box sponsors that served wings, fried bologna, boiled peanuts, snacks, beverages, beer, specialty drinks, fun prizes and other golf giveaways. To see the list of winners as well as more photos from the event, click here.
Junior Leadership Florence County Visits ArtFields
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleOur Junior Leadership Florence County 4-H Program enjoyed a great session last Friday at ArtFields in downtown Lake City!
The Junior Leadership Florence County 4-H Program is presented by the Florence County 4-H, Greater Florence Chamber and Francis Marion University with support from local businesses. Thank you to the participating businesses that made this session possible!
To see more photos from the day, click here.
Small Business Week 2025
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleIn celebration of National Small Business Week, entrepreneurs and small business owners can take part in several free workshops to help start or grow their small business. Check out all the offerings happening this week here!
HopeHealth Welcomes New Provider
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleHopeHealth welcomes Samantha Dukes, LPC, a behavioral health consultant at HopeHealth Pediatrics in Manning.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina.
Her clinical interests are behavioral concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship distress, anger, PTSD, and trauma.
Hockey Is Back – Help Name The Team
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleHockey is back in the Pee Dee at Florence Center beginning this October and you have the chance to help name the new team.
We can’t wait to see what names that will will be submitted. The winner will receive a team jersey, a pair of season tickets, be a part of the first puck drop and get to be in the locker room for the first pre-game speech of the season.
Contest ends at noon on May 1st. Submit your name here!
GSSM Dedicates Artemis I Moon Tree
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleThe South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) hosted a dedication ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, to celebrate the planting of a rare second-generation Moon Tree grown from a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seedling that traveled around the Moon aboard NASA’s Artemis I mission.
The seedling was among a select group of tree species launched aboard the uncrewed Orion spacecraft in 2022 as part of NASA’s Artemis I mission. After spending more than 25 days in space, the seeds returned to Earth and were germinated and distributed to institutions nationwide committed to STEM education, conservation, and public engagement. GSSM was one of only a few schools selected to serve as stewards of this living piece of space history.
“GSSM is home to so many incredible opportunities—and now, we’re proud to add a Moon Tree to that list,” said Danny Dorsel, president of GSSM. “Thanks to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, it’s an honor to be chosen by NASA to help inspire curiosity and exploration, especially in the realm of space. As we nurture the growth of our Moon Tree, we’re also cultivating a passion for learning and discovery within every member of the GSSM community.”
To read the full story, click here.
Hoylen Insurance Agency Featured On ChamberLink Radio
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleBilly Hoylen, owner of the Hoylen Insurance Agency in Florence, was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about their agency’s work in serving individuals, families, and businesses in South Carolina for over 28 years.
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/
Local American Heart Association To Hold Golf Event
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News /by Mandy HowleThe local American Heart Association will be holding their annual golf event on June 10th at Traces Golf Club in Florence. Come join the fun with great networking, refreshments and food provided during the day. For more information, contact Michelle Rasmussen at (843)591-1569 or email mrasmussen@darlingfibers.com
Revitalize Health Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
/in Frontpage Article, Images, News, Ribbon Cuttings /by Mandy HowleThe Revitalize staff along with Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.
Revitalize Health today announced the launch of their new Florence facility. The clinic is dedicated to helping achieve Personalized Wellness Goals, while promoting long term health and well-being. The clinic, located at 1518 South Meadors Farm Road, offers a medically supervised approach to Hormone Therapy, Medical Weight Loss, and Peptide Therapy, combining expert guidance with personalized plans to achieve sustainable results.
Community members that may experience Weight Gain, Insomnia, Low Libido, Fatigue, or Mood Swings, should consider a ‘Free Discovery Session’ with one of the Revitalize Health Consultants. The team at Revitalize Health will explore a customized Hormone or Medical Weight Loss Plan just for you!
To read the full story, click here.