Inland Port Dillon’s First Year a Big Success

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by Matthew Christian

Inland Port Dillon handled 29,580 rail moves in its first year of business.

The South Carolina State Ports Authority announced Inland Port Dillon’s first year statistics in a news release this week.

“SCPA’s container business had a record-setting fiscal year, and our inland ports in Greer and Dillon continue to see record growth year-over-year,” Ports Authority president and chief executive officer Jim Newsome said. “This accomplishment is the result of the entire South Carolina maritime community’s dedication to providing a great product to our customers.”

Inland Port Dillon opened on April 16, 2018 with a ceremonial ribbon-tearing by the two cargo container moving cranes at the site.

South Carolina Ports handled nearly 2.4 million 20-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) from July 2018 through June, an 8.8 percent increase in annual TEU container volume. The ports moved 200,406 TEUs across the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals last month. As measured by the total number of boxes handled, the moved 112,988 pier containers in June for a total of 1.36 million pier containers annually, up 9.1 percent.

“The Southeast remains the best place to be in the port business with a growing population to support imports and a strong manufacturing and automotive presence to boost exports,” Newsome said. “While we expect more modest growth in fiscal 2020, we are optimistic about the future and continue to invest in our infrastructure.”

The ports also handled a total of 213,081 cruise passengers in fiscal 2019, and they reported more than 330,000 rail moves in fiscal 2019 through its RapidRail program, which provides a seamless connection between rail yards and marine terminals.

The port now handles 24% of containerized volumes by intermodal container rail — the highest annual percentage in Port history. It also handled 18,307 vehicles at Columbus Street Terminal in June for a total of 194,771 vehicles in fiscal 2019.

Inland Port Greer, now in its sixth year of operation, reported its busiest fiscal year yet with 143,204 rail moves in fiscal 2019, up nearly 22 percent from the prior year. Inland Port Greer reported 14,689 rail moves last month.

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, the ports authority operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity.

The Charleston port is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet.

To read the full article on SC Now, click here.

Sopakco Expanding its Marion County Operation

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Staff Reports

A processed foods company is expanding its Marion County operations.

Sopakco is expanding its Marion County operations, according to a news release issued by the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Sopakco’s expansion, which includes constructing a new facility to house its corporate offices, is designed to increase manufacturing capacity and flexibility.

The company is investing more than $12.5 million on a three-phase expansion that is expected to create 25 new jobs.

“Sopakco has experienced great success in South Carolina,” Sopakco President Lonnie Thompson said. “This is the third expansion in Marion County in the past five years. The value that Marion County brings through its business-friendly climate and quality workforce has allowed us to thrive here, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.”

Sopakco has been a job creator in Marion County for several decades, Marion County Council Chairman Buddy Collins said.

“It is a great thing that they will expand and remain in our county,” Collins said. “We are here to help and assist Sopakco in any way that they need.”

This latest expansion by Sopakco proves that South Carolina is a perfect place to do business, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster said.

“Congratulations to Sopakco for all of its success, and we look forward to watching the company grow and thrive here for many years to come,” McMaster said.

The ongoing success of Sopakco in Marion County is a testament to South Carolina’s status as a leader in food processing, S.C. Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said.

“We applaud Sopakco on this latest expansion and look forward to their continued success,” Hitt said.

Sopakco’s continued investment in rural South Carolina is another great example of the potential of the state’s value-added agricultural sector and its contribution to agribusiness, S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers said.

“I am thrilled with their growth and the additional 25 jobs this expansion will create for rural South Carolina,” Weathers said.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $250,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Marion County to assist with the costs of site preparation and infrastructure improvements.

In 1943, Sopakco was founded out of the need for military food rations. More than 70 years later, the company remains one of the top providers of meals ready to eat, commonly known as MREs, to the U.S. military. In addition to emergency meal rations, Sopakco has evolved to become a cutting-edge food processing company for major national and international brands. The company is headquartered at 118 S. Cypress Street in Marion County.

Individuals interested in careers at Sopakco can visit Sopakco.com/careers/.

To read the full article on SC Now, click here.

FMU Plans Series of Construction Projects

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FMU Release

Francis Marion University soon will begin a series of major construction projects.

At its quarterly meeting on June 20, the university’s board of trustees unanimously approved two separate resolutions to facilitate the planned work. FMU President Fred Carter outlined the strategic vision behind the plans during his remarks at the meeting.

“These projects are an integral part of FMU’s future,” Carter said. “They’ll enhance existing programs, provide the capacity for new ones and accelerate the university’s momentum. It’s an exciting time to be at FMU.”

The resolutions involved a property transfer relating to the university’s planned freshwater ecology laboratory and conference center, and a bond refinancing.

The projects in the pipeline include the refurbishing of the old post office in downtown Florence, the construction of an Honors Center on FMU’s main campus, construction of the freshwater ecology laboratory and conference center just north the main campus, a final-phase addition to the Griffin Athletic Complex field house, a remodeling of the Smith University Center’s athletic facilities, residence hall renovations and the nearly completed new Dargan Street facility in the L.S. Rainwater Building.

That facility, the former L.S. Rainwater Building at 143 N. Dargan St., will soon be home to Francis Marion’s Kelley Center for Economic Development and its business incubator, some university offices, office space for the North Eastern Strategic Alliance regional economic development organization and a new, first-floor art gallery, curated by FMU’s fine arts faculty.

Perhaps the most complex project is the $8 million renovation of the old post office and federal building on West Evans Street in downtown Florence. The 38,000-square foot building, across the street from FMU’s Carter Center for Health Sciences, will host classroom, lab and office space for FMU’s growing collection of Health Science programs. Work there is in the planning stage.

The Honors Center, a $4.1 million facility located in the heart of FMU’s main campus, will serve the university’s burgeoning Honors Program, the McNair Center for Research and Service and FMU’s International Studies Program. Initial work on the 15,000-square-foot building is scheduled to begin late this year.

A 146-acre tract donated to FMU by the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation this spring, will be the site of the new freshwater ecology laboratory and conference center. The land, which includes 20-acre lake, is north of the intersection of I-95 and S.C. 327. The laboratory will serve as a learning site for FMU’s natural sciences and will allow for expansion of programs in that area. The planned conference center will be available for both university and community events.

FMU has been renovating its Village Apartments, the oldest university residential housing units, since the end of the spring semester. That project is nearing completion and will be ready for occupancy this fall.

A major makeover of the Griffin Athletic Complex and the Smith University Center is also in the works. These improvements will add or enhance facilities for FMU’s student athletes and introduce new capacities in the area of athletic training and student-athlete health.

To read the full article on SC Now, click here.

Specialty Finance Company Joins Florence Chamber, Cuts Ribbon

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by Ardie Arvidson

AG Resource Management (ARM) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday morning to celebrate its membership in the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce Chamber. Chamber ambassadors were there to help celebrate.

AG Resource Management is located at 205 N. Irby St. Suite C, in Florence

Dr. Cy F. Boyer is the market leader at ARM, a specialty finance company focusing on “bringing financial and risk management solutions to agribusiness.”

The company opened in October 2018 in Florence.

Boyer said their lending is based on the crop, crop insurance and government payments.

He said the company’s background is primarily in agriculture.

“We help farmers stay in business,” Boyer said.

He said they also write crop insurance.

The company was founded 11 years ago by Brad Terrell and has 36 branches, with 10-12 slated to open this year and another 10-12 next year.

Boyer said the company now has $1 billion in assets and 7.5 million loans.

“People are beginning to ask who we are,” Boyer said. “It is a great company with a great culture.”

Boyer is a staff of one at the moment but says plans are to hire five to seven staffers.

He said business has been mostly by referrals and word of mouth from farmers.

Boyer said he has 27 years of experience in all areas of banking. He obtained his Ph.D. in applied science from Regis University in Denver, and he attended the University of South Carolina in the 1970s. He is from Georgia.

Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, call 843-676-5623.

To read the full article on SC Now, click here.

Revival Burger Cuts Ribbon as New Chamber Member

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by Ardie Arvidson

Revival Burger, at 846 S. Irby St. in Florence, joined the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and celebrated with chamber ambassadors on Wednesday with a ribbon cutting.

Although the restaurant has been open since November 2018, Kyle Hardee, one of three owners in the Downcountry Dining Group, said this was the first opportunity they have had to orchestrate a ribbon cutting for the restaurant.

In the partnership with Hardee are Travis Miller and Steve Toniolo. The trio also owns Tubb’s Shrimp & Fish Co on Second Loop Road., King Jefe Taco Bar on South Irby Street and Sweet Café & Bakery inside McLeod Regional Medical Center.

A fifth collaboration is in the works in partnership with Stefano’s called Pizza Mio, Hardee said. The pizza restaurant is scheduled to open the first of September in the shopping center near the Walmart Supercenter on Beltline Drive in Florence.

Hardee said they have been members of the chamber with their other restaurants, but when the chamber reached out to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Revival Burger, he said that was something they wanted to do.

The restaurant offers a variety of burgers from the Swamp Burger with chili, slaw and pickled jalapenos to Mr. Fungi burger with Swiss cheese, mushrooms and truffle aioli. There is also the Jam Burger with tomato bacon jam and aioli and the Magic City Burger with pimento, bacon, fried green tomatoes and their special in-house “revival sauce.”

Hardee said there is a lettuce wrap option and Gluten-free bun.

“We have the impossible meat-less burger, too,” he said.

Hardee said their burgers are hand patted, made from scratch, and fresh, never frozen.

“There are no shortcuts,” Hardee said. “This is a labor of love for us.”

“Business is good, but it can always be better,” Hardee said. “We are committed to getting better.”

He said their customers have come to know what to expect from them, which is a high quality burger with a twist.

“We appreciate all the business and support from the community,” he said.

The restaurant is open seven days a week and now includes breakfast Monday through Saturday.

To read the full article on SC Now, click here.

Chamber Welcomes The Venue with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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by Ardie Arvidson

The Venue, a place to hold events, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday with Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce ambassadors participating.

The Venue is located at 1210 W. Evans St. in Florence.

The business is owned by Susan Missy Gillespie. Monday was her first day of business, and following the ribbon cutting, she catered a dinner at the location.

She said she is excited to offer people in the area another place to hold events.

“I also own Missy’s Café at 257 N. Coit St.,” she said.

She has been in the restaurant/catering business for approximately 16 years.

“I’ve been catering so much lately and having to travel to other places that I thought it was time to have my own place,” Gillespie said.

She said now her customers can rent the space, and she can provide the catering or the customer can bring it in.

Gillespie said she can provide space and catering for wedding receptions, office parties, anniversaries and other types of events. She also provides table decorations.

“I want to cater dinner parties,” she said.

She said she wants to be able to provide a nice place for the events with elegant table decorations.

Originally from Mullins, Gillespie lives in Darlington. She said her family will be helping her with the business.

Gillespie said she hadn’t joined the chamber before and thought this would be a good time to do so. She hopes to be an active member.

To contact Gillespie for rental of The Venue or for catering, call 843-304-1866.

To read the full article on SC Now, click here.

Pest Control Specialist Joins Florence Chamber

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by Ardie Arvidson

Great Quality Pest Solutions of Effingham joined ambassadors of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce on Monday to celebrate its chamber membership. The celebration included a ribbon cutting at the chamber.

Bruce Turner, a pest control specialist, has approximately 10 years of experience in the field. He is the sole proprietor of the business. He opened approximately three months ago and is currently licensed for mosquito control but will be licensed for termites, fire ant control and residential pest control in the next three months.

“We are committed to helping and educating the communities we serve through our experience and knowledge of the pest control field,” states the company website.

Turner worked in pest control in Georgia before opening his own company. He said he liked the customer service aspect of the business.

He said going inside people’s homes requires trust from the customer.

“Once people learned to trust me, I felt like this was the job for me,” Turner said.

He said the most important thing about the job is to know that you have technicians you can trust, he said.

He offers organic and regular pest control treatments.

“Our prices are very affordable,” Turner said. “I will help anybody, especially the elderly. I like helping people. I will work with them to manage their problem.”

On his website, Turner states that his mission is to be a “moving pillar in every community around the Pee Dee area to show common courtesy, friendliness, professionalism and acts of kindness.”

“I grew up in Florence and always knew I wanted to come back here to start my business,” he said.

He is a graduate of West Florence High School, is single and works from his home. His grandmother still lives in the Florence area. His parents and sister live in Georgia.

He is an active member of the Effingham community and is helping organize a community cleanup on July 20.

He is in the process of becoming a member of the Florence Kiwanis Club.

He said from discussions with people in the community he was told the chamber offers networking opportunities and a place to get involved.

He hopes to be an active member of the chamber.

“I hope it will help launch my business,” Turner said.

In addition to his pest control business, Turner mows lawns on weekends.

He likes “shooting pool,” spending time with family, four-wheeling and traveling.

For more information, visit gqpest.com or call 843-799-0863 for work estimates.

Greater Quality Pest Solutions is located at 2605 Javelin Circle in Effingham.

To read the full article on SC Now, click here.

Florence Chamber Has New Officers and Board Members

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by Ardie Arvidson

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce will begin its 2019-20 year on July 1 with seven new members of its board of directors.

Mark Buyck III of Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA; Scott Collins of Collins Architecture; Brian Fast of First Citizens Bank; Kevin Gause of Wells Fargo; Ed Hoffman of Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School; Tyron Jones of Florence-Darlington Technical College; and Linda Johnson of the Senior Citizens Association have all agreed to serve.

Mindy Taylor of Duke Energy, who served as chamber board chair during 2018-19, will now serve as past chairman, and Ken Jackson of RE/MAX Professionals will become the new chair.

“Being chair of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce board of directors has truly been an honor for me, and I am extremely proud of everything we have been able to accomplish – together – for our community,” Taylor said. “Mike [Miller] and the entire chamber team made my job as chair a blessing, and I cannot thank them enough for their efforts every day.

“I step down knowing the chamber will continue to serve our community well as Ken Jackson takes the gavel, and I look forward to all that’s yet to come for our chamber and our great city.”

Miller, the president of the chamber, said he and his staff members are thrilled that Jackson is the new chairman.

“We will continue to expand community and business opportunities under his watch,” Miller said. “The chamber takes pride in its planning efforts for the growing list of programs and events it implements each year. We know Ken will help us enhance those projects with the community support needed for our future success.”

Jackson said he is excited about the coming year. He has been on the chamber board on and off for the past 30 years. He just completed a year as chair-elect. This will be his first time serving as chair.

He said the board approves a Chamber Business Plan each year. The key initiatives for 2019-20 are to achieve a goal of 700 plus memberships, expand efforts in capital and president level Foundation membership, continue efforts in communications to members and associates, continue to expand partnerships in educational and workforce programs and continue to grow relationships with media to promote and educate on chamber efforts. These and other parts of the business plan are available on the chamber website.

Jackson said there are several things that he is particularly interested in, including increasing membership to a level that will help the chamber become more successful.

The current membership, Jackson said, is between 625 and 650.

“I would like to cross the 700 threshold this year,” he said. “Things are trending upward, and I hope to continue that on my watch.”

Jackson is also hoping to get more board members directly involved in chamber programs year round.

He said he also wants to get membership more involved.

“We have about 60 different programs and events, from Business After Hours to CEO breakfast to Leadership Florence Alumni,” Jackson said.

There is something for everyone, he said.

“There are a lot of great things happening in Florence,” Jackson said. “The downtown has a lot to be proud of. It is a good time to be a part of the chamber and the business community.”

He said the chamber is a great source for people to network and increase their professional development.

“I am a more seasoned business person,” he said.” It is kind of fun to be around younger business people who are just starting their careers.”

The chair-elect will be Mike Reichenbach of Mike Reichenbach Ford. Keith Buckhouse of Synovus Bank will continue to serve as treasurer.

Leaving the board will be Bailey Dabney, Morning News; Drew Chaplin, Palmetto Commercial Real Estate; Adam Connolly, Coker College; Bret Greer, Toledo Carolina; Debbie Hyler, The School Foundation; Mathew Langston, BB&T; Britt Poston, Zaxby’s; Teressa Tabor, The Manor; and James Tolston III, North American Assemblies.

To view the full story on SC Now, click here.

Emerging Leaders Summer Institute Kicks Off Summer Sessions

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The Chambers 18 member Emerging Leaders Summer Institute class kicked off their summer sessions with a meet and greet and summit/retreat on Wednesday, June 19th.

The purpose of the program is to identify, develop and empower “Emerging Leaders”, specifically minorities, small business owners and innovative professionals poised to move into the next level of community and business leadership.

The retreat was facilitated by Pivot10 Results.

To view the Chamber’s Facebook and see more pictures, click here.

Palmetto Staffing Holds Ribbon Cutting with Florence Chamber

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by Ardie Arvidson

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce ambassadors joined Palmetto Staffing Agency, LLC on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate its new chamber membership with a ribbon cutting.

Palmetto Staffing is located at 420 W. Cheves St. in Florence. Ronnie Shirlaw is president.

The business was started about four years ago and has two locations, one in Florence and one in Hartsville at 853 W. Carolina Ave.

There are six employees at the Florence location and two in the Hartsville office.

They help businesses with temporary hiring needs while helping people find temporary employment. Most are temporary assignments lasting about three or four months.

Palmetto Staffing is a temporary staffing agency that in some instances results in full time employment, he said. 

Shirlaw said people can come to the office and fill out applications or leave their resumes.

In the next three or four months, Shirlaw said Palmetto Staffing will be moving to a new location on West Evans Street.

“We are in the process of moving,” he said.

Shirlaw and his wife, Angel, have two children and four grandchildren. They live in Florence.

He said he is looking forward to getting involved with the chamber.

For more information about Palmetto Staffing, call 843-407-6361 in Florence and 843-309-9806 in Hartsville.

Published with the permission of Morning News.