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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Are you ready for one of our biggest events of the year? The Annual Holiday Gift Market is Saturday, November 30th from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the City Center Market located at 200 Sanborn Street. Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, and roast marshmallows by the fire. They also have live entertainment and a vast assortment of handmade crafts and gifts.
Enjoy your shopping experience with locally-made artisan goods, unique gifts, stocking stuffers and more. Join them for a special night at the market as we bring holiday joy and priceless memories for you and your loved ones!
This event is FREE – no tickets required!
Toys for Tots will be joining them this year, accepting unwrapped gifts for children in need. Please bring a gift and help spread Christmas cheer to those who need it most!
For more information, click here.
Scott Olsen, Plant Manager, at GE HealthCare was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about the impact that GE HealthCare has worldwide through groundbreaking medical technology, intelligent devices, and care solutions. 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/
Randy Branch owner of Smart Phone Repair along with his fiancé and Chamber Ambassadors cuts his ribbon becoming a member of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.
Smart Phone Repair understands that a damaged phone can be stressful and realize that you want your phone fixed quickly and simply so your life can go back to normal. For the last eleven years, Smart Phone Repair technicians have helped over 20,000 people in and around Florence get reconnected to the world when their technology failed them. They fix all things electronic, including smart phones, tablets, and computers. They also sell iPhones, iPads, and accessories.
To read the full story, click here.
The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Small Businessperson of the Year sponsored by Dedicated Community Bank. Area business and community individuals can submit names of people who have managed a successful small business with a record of responsibility toward employees, customers, and members of the community. Last year’s recipient was Florence businessman and developer Chris Scott.
Nomination criteria include the person must be a member of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce associated with a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or professional practice in the Greater Florence area with less than 50 employees. (Elected officials, employees of government and not-for-profit organizations are ineligible unless they are also involved in a for- profit business).
Please contact Susan Farver at sfarver@flochamber.com for nomination questions or submissions. Deadline for nominations is February 6, 2025. The SBOY award will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Outlook Luncheon on March 19, 2025.
Patricia Toney along with board members and Chamber Ambassadors cut the ribbon welcoming Palmetto Pearls Foundation to the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.
The Palmetto Pearls Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Florence, SC, is committed to empowering and uplifting communities across the Pee Dee region through transformative programs and initiatives. Founded in 2019, the Foundation’s mission is to educate, empower, equip, and enhance lives through service, with a long-term vision of becoming a legacy leader in community transformation.
To read the full story, click here.
