St. Anthony Catholic School Students Shine In National Spanish Language Competition

Five St. Anthony Catholic School students demonstrated excellence on the 2024 National Spanish Exam (NSE) and secured gold, silver, and bronze medals. Alex Finianos and Eli Seif secured gold medals, Oliver Thomas secured a silver medal, and Bianka Acaylar and Gia Hieshetter secured bronze medals. The achievement of earning a medal on the National Spanish Exam is a testament to the dedication and hard work of these students.

To read the full press release, click here.

Sword of Truth Cuts Ribbon On Chamber Membership

Bishop Brown along with family, attendees and Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

The Sword of Truth (SOT) was established in 2007 by Pastor R. Chris Brown (he would later become “Bishop” Brown) and his wife, (Lady) Trena Brown. At its start, the ministry was concerned with the restoration and equipping of those in need in Marlboro County. A nonprofit extension, O2PS (Operation Outreach Processed Systems) was established in 2009 to provide programs that answered those needs. O2PS was re-branded as The W.I.N. (Walking Into Newness) Agency in 2013. The mission of the W.I.N. Agency is to be a multifaceted, problem-solving organization that equips members of our community with the tools to build sustainable, healthy lives. In 2016, SOT Enterprises was established to provide a legal structure for several for-profit ventures designed to provide not only jobs, but a revenue stream to sustain our numerous outreach programs.

In June 2022 Bishop Brown wanted to re-locate The Sword of Truth to Florence, SC. In February 2024, they acquired the building on 1125 W. Evans Street, Florence SC. Now The Sword of Truth has its’ foot firmly planted in the city of Florence.

To read the full story, click here.

Leadership Florence Class Holds Last Session, Business and Industry Day

Last Tuesday, the Chamber’s 2024 Leadership Florence Class had their last session of the year, Business and Industry Day.

The class started with breakfast and a full tour of Honda. Next, the class visited the campus of Florence-Darlington Technical College, where they toured SiMT and the Gould Business Incubator.

The day concluded with lunch and an informative tour courtesy of GE HealthCare.

To see more photos from the day, click here.

Mr. P’s Pools Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Keith & Christina Poston, owners of Mr. P’s Pools along with family members, staff and Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. P’s Pools and Supplies has been in business for 8 years in Dillon, SC and now has opened a store in Florence.

Since their beginning, Mr. P’s Pools and Supplies has offered premium pool services and supplies in Dillon and now the Florence area. They offer unparalleled quality and expertise in pools and pool supplies including sales and installation of high quality above ground pools and maintenance and cleaning for all pools. They also offer professional pool leak detection and outdoor lighting solutions to enhance your pool area. Additionally, they offer the opening and closing of pools.

To read the full story, click here.

Helping Florence Flourish To Host GLS, Global Leadership Network’s Global Leadership Summit

Helping Florence Flourish will host GLS, Global Leadership Network’s Global Leadership Summit in Florence on August 8th-9th. Participants will be challenged by world class speakers such as * Mike Krzyzewski “Coach K,” Erwin Raphael McManus, Craig Groeschel, Dan Owolabi, Joni Eareckson Tada, and more! Helping Florence Flourish will host this virtual event at First Presbyterian Church, 700 Park Avenue in Florence. Greater Florence Chamber member will be offered a discount for the conference.

To learn more about this event, visit globalleadership.org/summit

The discounted rate is $179 which is a $40 discount. Tickets must be purchased before July 18 to receive this discount.  Discount code is PRTNGLS24.

If you have questions email Chris Handley, HFF Executive Director, at chandley@helpingflorenceflourish.org.

Florence MRI Celebrates 25 Years

This month, Florence MRI & Imaging proudly celebrates 25 years of partnership with the city of Florence, SC, and surrounding areas. Florence MRI & Imaging, managed by MedQuest Associates, opened at 805 South Irby St. in 1999.

Located in the heart of Florence, Florence MRI & Imaging has board-certified radiologists on site and accepts most insurance plans. Diagnostic testing services offered include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, x-ray, and cardiac scoring.

To read the full press release, click here.

Grace and Grounding Christian Yoga and Wellness Studio Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Jordan Conner, owner of Grace and Grounding Christian Yoga and Wellness Studio, along with her family, co-workers and Chamber Ambassadors cuts her ribbon to join the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce on Monday, May 13th.

Grace & Grounding, a new Christian yoga and wellness studio, opens its doors to the Downtown Florence, SC community. Founded by Jordan Conner, a licensed counselor, art therapist, and yoga teacher with a background in holistic mental health, Grace & Grounding aims to guide individuals towards a deeper connection with Christ while promoting overall well-being.

The studio offers a variety of services, including individual therapy, EMDR trauma treatment, integrative health consultations, yoga classes, art therapy, and more. Currently, individual care is available, with yoga classes offered on a growing schedule. Holistic healing workshops and series are added to the schedule regularly. These events are catered to both children and adults and we are always seeking to provide more options for the community.

To read the full story, click here.

MUSC Mammography Featured On ChamberLink Radio

Ken Watts, Loren Graham and Dr. Amy Murrell, were the Chamber’s radio guest on ChamberLink Radio this past weekend, sharing details about the importance of mammography health. You can catch the conversation each Sunday from 12:00 – 12:30 pm on LIVE 95.3FM in Florence, SC.

This radio program is brought to you by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

HopeHealth Welcomes New Provider

HopeHealth welcomes Patrick Nettles, MSPAS, PA-C, a physician assistant serving patients of Access Hope in Manning.

Nettles graduated from Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science, and from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

His clinical interests are diabetes management and behavioral health. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants. He also volunteers at the Free Medical Clinic of Darlington.

Pee Dee Students Gain From McLeod Apprenticeship Program

Eight students from throughout the Pee Dee region celebrated signing day with family and staff at the McLeod Medical Plaza Monday.

Students from Mullins High School, Marion High School, Lake City Hight School, Darlington High School, The Kings Academy, Virtus Academy, J Paul Truluck and Mayo High School for Math, Science, and Technology join the McLeod team this summer to gain valuable work experience through the S.C. Technical College System Youth Apprenticeship Carolina program.

McLeod Workforce Development Coordinator Jernasia Gaskins said she is excited about the program.

“I think it’s the first of its kind,” Gaskins said. “We’re really excited to be bringing in new talent at such a young age. There are many more opportunities but this is an awesome opportunity to start.”

Click here for more information.