Green Leaf Café Holds Ribbon Cutting

Jamel Lyde owner of Green Leaf Café along with friends and the Chamber Ambassadors cuts his ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

The mission of Green Leaf Cafe is to provide a welcoming, eco-friendly dining experience that promotes healthy, sustainable living. They strive to serve delicious, plant-based cuisine made from locally sourced, organic ingredients. Their goal is to create a serene and vibrant environment that fosters community, encourages conscious consumption, and educates about the benefits of a green lifestyle. Green Leaf Cafe aims to prioritize local and organic suppliers to minimize our environmental impact, support local farmers, and provide the freshest ingredients for our dishes.

Green Leaf Café’s goal is to offer a diverse menu that focuses on delicious and nutritious plant-based options. By promoting plant-based eating, they strive to reduce carbon footprint, contribute to the well-being of their customers and the planet to operate with a low environmental impact. We believe in the power of education to inspire change.

To read the full story, click here.

Chamber Participates In 15th Annual World Read Aloud Day

The Chamber’s Elizabeth Messier joined the students at Delmae Elementary School last week to celebrate the 15th annual World Read Aloud Day. The day promotes literacy and remembering the art of storytelling. Each of these students has a bright future ahead of them thanks to Florence County teachers and a community that cares.

City University Registration Now Open

Have you ever wondered about the budget planning process, development review process, or various other responsibilities of City government?

If so, then CityU has an educational opportunity for you!

For more information, click here.

Montessori Education Week

The Montessori School of Florence is thrilled to announce the upcoming Montessori Education Week, taking place from February 26 to March 1, 2024. This week-long celebration highlights the unique educational approach of Montessori and its profound impact on children’s development.

As part of Montessori Education Week, the Montessori School of Florence will be offering guided tours daily at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. These tours provide an excellent opportunity for parents, educators, and community members to experience the Montessori philosophy in action and witness firsthand the engaging and enriching learning environment our school offers.

In a display of civic engagement and advocacy, the students took initiative by writing letters to City Council and Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin, urging them to proclaim February 26 to March 1 as “Montessori Education Week in Florence, SC.” The sixth-grade students will attend the City Council meeting on February 12th to witness the outcome of their advocacy. Their dedication and commitment to promoting Montessori education within our community are truly commendable.

To read the full press release, click here.

SC Ranked No. 2 In Manufacturing Workforce

To consistently rank among the top requires top talent. Site Selection Magazine recently recognized South Carolina as tied for the nation’s second-best manufacturing workforce — bolstering the state’s ranking as the top state for manufacturing, according to the same survey.

National site selection professionals share more about what matters most.

To read the full story, click here.

Chamber’s Spring Golf Classic Set For May 2nd

Join us for a day of golf at the Florence Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Golf Classic at the Traces Golf Club on Thursday, May 2nd.  Lunch begins at 11:00 a.m. and tee off at noon.  Each registered golfer will be entered into a drawing to participate in a $25,000 cash shoot out!

To register online, click here.

Work Started On Interstates 95 & 26 Interchange

South Carolina has started modernizing the Interstate 95 and Interstate 26 interchange at the Orangeburg County and Dorchester County line.

State and local officials gathered last week on the Whetsell Pond Road overpass to kick off the $240 million project.

Officials estimate the project will be complete in the summer of 2027.

According to SCDOT, traffic is expected to continue while construction is underway. The agency aims to avoid having substantial road closures or detours, however, some temporary lane closings may be required.

To read the full story, click here.

South Florence County Residents Have Access To Black River Medical Center

South Florence County residents now can jump on a bus to go to MUSC Black River Medical Center.

Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority and MUSC Black River Medical Center officials announced Feb. 5 the start of a new bus route to connect Lake City to the medical center, which opened in January 2023.

The route provides a reliable and convenient link for Lake City area residents seeking medical services at the center.

To read the full story, click here.

Lynches River County Park Summer Camp

Camp registration is open! There will be 6 sessions starting July 10 and running thru July 26 for grades K – 5.  Activities include arts & crafts, field trips, canoeing, Climbing Wall, Splash Pad, plus lots more outdoor fun.

For more information, click here.

SiMT Offers Smart Manufacturing Road Show

On March 14th SCMEP will partner with ThinkIQ and CESMII, the Smart Manufacturing Institute, to host a Smart Manufacturing Road Show to provide manufacturers the opportunity at SiMT from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

The program will offer:

  • Discover the relevant industry applications for this technology
  • Engage in deep-dive sessions with immersive learning
  • Learn practical approaches to get started in implementing Smart Manufacturing
  • Take a tour of the SiMT facility, featuring CNC and Additive Manufacturing capabilities

Register here: https://www.cesmii.org/event/scmep-smart-manufacturing-road-show/

OpExChange members must register through the member portal to secure a reserved OpExChange seat

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