Carsten To Be Next Florence Chamber Chairman

Jamie Carsten, Executive/VP at Anderson Brother Bank in Florence. will be the new chairman of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, beginning July 1.

Carsten replaces Drew Chaplin of Palmetto Commercial Real Estate, who will serve as past chair during the upcoming fiscal year.

The Chamber chair-elect will be Paige Ard of Assurant.

To read the full story, click here.

Books And Brunch: What New Businesses Are Coming To Downtown Florence?

New businesses will take root in the coming months along Dargan Street and Evans Street near the heart of downtown. Four additions are slated to move in — some are brand-new concepts to the downtown area.

From books to brunch, here’s a snapshot of what’s to come in downtown Florence:

Smiling Scoops. There are plenty of ways to beat summertime heat. Smiling Scoops will soon be dishing out hand-scooped ice cream downtown. Owner Stoney Duprey will offer ice cream and arcade games at the family-friendly haven.

First of the Month Eatery and Bar. Can’t make it to a 10 a.m. brunch? An all-day brunch spot is on the horizon. First of the Month Eatery and Bar will take over the former Swole’s Barbershop location.

Jack’s Books. On the hunt for your new favorite book? Jack’s Books will bring thousands of titles to choose from downtown. Owner Colton Cauthen plans to offer a curated selection of new and used books alongside a few gift items. The bookstore will be located between Leaf Lounge and Wholly Smokin’.

Shipping with E’s. Looking for a local spot to take care of business-related needs? Shipping with E’s will be a full service packing and shipping center. Owner Erin McDaniel will be focused on serving small businesses.

To read the full story, click here.

Want To Learn About Growing Blueberries And Pick Your Own?

Join Pee Dee Land Trust at Four Oaks Hill Farm, a blueberry and muscadine farm in Darlington, SC! They will have a Clemson Extension agent give an overview of blueberry production. You will learn about different varieties and some do’s and don’ts of growing your own blueberries. After the short presentation you will have plenty of time to stroll through the property and pick your own blueberries for purchase. This is a great activity for all ages! This event, sponsored by Pee Dee Land Trust, is free to attend! Please rsvp to scopes@peedeelandtrust.org or (843) 667-3229 by Friday, June 14th.

For more information, click here.

Young Professionals Of Florence To Host Flamingo Fling

Join YPF for their June event at the Flamingos Game. Come and hang out at the beer garden and enjoy food, drinks, networking and lots of baseball! The fun starts at 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 20th. RSVP required for admission.

For more information, click here.

Innovate Florence Returns June 20

Join the Greater Florence Chamber and the City of Florence for networking and business growth as part of Innovate Florence.

The event will take place on June 20th from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at FMU University Place, located at 142 North Dargan Street, 2nd Floor.  Innovate Florence is an exciting partnership where several local entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to speak about their business and challenges they face, and the community gives them feedback and support.

The goal is to break down barriers and form meaningful connections with community members and business owners.

To register, click here.

Practical Purpose Solutions To Host Mom’s Night Out 2.0

A night full of fun, laughter and self-care discussion for women, moms, leaders, visionaries and wives.  Complimentary massages, refreshments, vendors and give aways will be provided.

For more information, click here.

A & J Firearms Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Angela and John Pecca of A&J Firearms along with family, attendees and Chamber Ambassadors, cut their ribbon joining both the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce. The ribbon cutting was followed by a Grand Opening celebration with games, vendors and activities.

A & J Firearms and Training is a firearm training facility in Darlington, S.C. helping clients fit their personal unique firearm needs and teach them how to become skilled and responsible armed citizens. Their staff provides extensive options and guidance.

A&J Firearms is located at 440 Case Street in Darlington, South Carolina and they can be reached at 843-773-0241.

Emerging Leaders Kick Off Sessions With A Retreat

The 2024 Emerging Leaders Summer Institute class kicked off their summer sessions with a class retreat on May 30th. The class had an opportunity to work on key leadership skills and growth strategies for their respective workplaces.

The retreat was facilitated by Gina Trimarco of Pivot10 Results.

To see more photos from the day, click here.

Chamber Sales and Marketing Manager Position Open

The Greater Florence Commerce mission is to promote and enhance a favorable business climate and to make Florence the best community in which to live and operate a business. With that in mind, we are looking to fill a Sales and Marketing role at the Chamber.

This position is responsible for advertising sales in the Chamber’s Newcomers Guide and Membership Directory publications along with the coordination and production of those products. Responsible for Chamber Website advertising and monthly newsletter production.  Other roles include working as the Chamber representative on the Jr. Leadership Florence County partnership program.

Qualifications

  • The applicant must have previous experience in marketing and sales.
  • Must have high school diploma. Prefer a college degree in marketing, sales or equivalent.
  • Must have strong oral and writing skills.
  • Must be comfortable in public forums.
  • Must be familiar with computers and knowledgeable with MS software and data programs.

Please send resume to

Sales/Marketing Position
Florence Chamber of Commerce
100 W Evans St
Florence, SC 29501

Duck Donuts Announces Grand Opening Date

Duck Donuts, known for serving “Warm, Delicious and Made To Order!”‘ donuts, announced last week the grand opening of its Florence shop and eighth location in South Carolina will be Saturday, June 8th.  The shop is located at 1360 Celebration Blvd, in Florence.

The shop is locally owned and operated by the Patel family; Deep, his sister Pansi, and wife, Charmi Patel.

“We love our Florence Community, the people are amazing and there are so many opportunities to grow, said Deep Patel.

“We are thrilled to open the doors of Duck Donuts Florence and serve you warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts.

To read the full press release, click here.