FMU Ranked Among “Best Colleges” By U.S. News & World Report Again

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Francis Marion University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top Regional University in the South. For over two decades, the University has consistently been ranked as one of the South’s best universities.

This year, FMU was recognized in five different categories and showed improvement in the areas of Best Regional Universities, Top Public Regional Schools, and Top Performers on Social Mobility. The University was also noted as being a Best Value School and a Best College for Veterans.

Additionally, four academic programs earned recognition as some of the nation’s best. The undergraduate business, engineering, nursing, and psychology programs were all honored in their respective categories. Notably, each of these programs was also featured on last year’s list.

To read the full story, click here.

Pee Dee Coalition Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is held each October to unite advocates across the nation. Since then, DVAM has grown into a powerful movement, spreading awareness and promoting actions to end domestic violence.

The significance of DVAM lies in its ability to shed light on an issue that affects millions of individuals each year, no matter what someone’s gender, sexual orientation, age, race, or socioeconomic status. The month-long opportunity allows survivors, advocates, and communities to come together, share stories, offer support, and raise awareness about the various forms of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse.

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month approaches this October, Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Assault is proud to announce this year’s theme: “It Stops with You.” This powerful message calls upon individuals, communities, and institutions to take responsibility, stand against domestic violence, and actively work toward its elimination.

Pee Dee Coalition will be hosting a series of events throughout October to raise awareness about domestic violence, including educational workshops, community education presentations, and survivor support initiatives. These events are designed to educate the public, provide resources for those affected, and foster a community committed to supporting survivors and preventing future violence.

For more information, click here.

Kickin’ Chicken Wing & Chili Fest Cooker Applications Still Open

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The Chamber’s Kickin’ Chicken cooking applications are still available for local individuals and companies that want to enter the festival cook-off scheduled for October 18th in downtown Florence. Wing team registration is $100 and chili registration will be $25. 1st Place winner in the wing’s competition will receive $500 and the 1st Place chili winner will receive $150. There are awards for runner-up in each category. Certain requirements are needed to meet the minimum volume for wings and chili cooking. Chicken wings will be provided to the wing cookers. To register, please contact Jay Lavrinc at the Chamber. (843) 665-0515.

The Chamber’s Fall Golf Classic Set For Thursday

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The Chamber will be holding its’ Annual Fall Golf Classic, on Thursday, October 3rd at Traces Golf Club. We have a sellout field of local business & community golfers back on the course for some great golf, food, beverages, and fun. This year’s tournament is being sponsored by Field Fastener. A great lunch is provided to start the day at 11:00 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at noon. Come experience great food and prizes throughout the course with 15 food and prize hospitality holes. Each registered golfer will be entered into a drawing to participate in a $25,000 cash shoot out! There is still room for tee/green sponsorships if you are interested.

Stonequarters Countertops LLC Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Zach Hicks Owner, along with Management, staff and Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon to open Stonequarters Countertops LLC.

Located at 327 S Cashua Florence Stonequarters Countertops LLC was established in May of 2007. With over 20 years of combined experience owners Zach Hicks and Douglas Barrineau take pride in the quality of their work and the satisfaction of their customers.

In their showroom you can browse their grade A, hand-picked natural stone, granite, marble and quartz as well as various ranges of man-made materials.

To read the full story, click here.

Charles And Chase Howard Announced As Florence Chamber’s Business Persons Of The Year

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Charles and Chase Howard, the two brothers were honored as Florence Business Persons of the Year at the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Membership Luncheon last Wednesday afternoon.

Florence motorists who fuel their cars on a regular basis or get them washed have likely traded with these brothers at some point in their Pee Dee travels.

To read the full story, click here.

The Florence Chamber Held Its Annual Membership Luncheon Last Week

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The Greater Florence Chamber held their Annual Membership Luncheon last week at Florence Center.

More than 500 area business & civic leaders heard from Dr. Robert Engelhorn, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing, as he shared his vision for BMW and how the new Florence AESC battery plant plays a role in their future.

A special thanks to our area financial institutions for making this event possible.

A&I Fire and Water Restoration Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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Todd Setzer, owner and CEO of A&I Fire and Water Restoration was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend sharing how their company restores your damaged home or business as efficiently and stress-free as possible.  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/

Montessori Middle School Interest Meeting – Tonight

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The Montessori School of Florence invites parents and community members to an informative session on Monday, September 30th, at 5:30 PM to explore the school’s vision for its middle school program. Attendees will learn about the unique approach of Montessori education and how it can empower students during their critical middle school years.

This session will also offer insights into what it will take to launch the middle school program at MSF, providing families with the opportunity to engage with the school’s future plans.

Event Details: Monday, September 30th @ 5:30 PM
Location: Montessori School of Florence, 510 W. Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29501

For more information, please contact the Montessori School of Florence at 843-629-2920 or admin@msfedu.org.

Accountable Insurance Partners Holds Ribbon Cutting

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Erik Marechal with his wife Laura, owner of Accountable Insurance Partners, formerly McLean Marechal Insurance along with his staff cuts his ribbon to usher in their 50th anniversary in 2025. They serve Florence and the Pee Dee with their main office in Florence, SC at 619 South Dargan Street.

The agency was originally founded by Bob McLean in 1975 as a Nationwide exclusive insurance agency. Erik and Laura Marechal moved to Florence to succeed ownership of the agency in 2004 with a vision to expand the footprint of the agency geographically and to include specialization in the areas of business and farm insurance. In 2020, the agency transitioned to become a fully independent agency, representing the largest insurance companies in the United States.

Ownership now includes Erik and Laura Marechal, Billy Early III, and Eli Fowler. Their team of 25 employees customizes risk management and insurance solutions for individuals, families, businesses, and farms. Today they have South Carolina offices in Florence, Darlington, Sumter and Manning. In addition, the agency has expanded to include operations in Springfield, GA and Wallingford, CT.

To read the full story, click here.