Mark Your Calendar for the Chamber’s Annual Membership Luncheon

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The Florence Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Chamber Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at Florence Center.

Florence County Economic Partnership CEO, C. Gregory “Gregg” Robinson will be the keynote speaker at the Luncheon and will share what’s ahead for regional economic growth and development. Gregg is a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer. His 30-year career encompasses all areas of economic development, including global business recruitment, infrastructure development, marketing, research, and operations.

The Chamber Luncheon is open to Chamber members and all community leaders. It will be held at the Florence Center. Doors will open at 11:30 am and the program will begin at 12:00 noon.

The Business Person of the Year award will be presented at the close of the luncheon program. The Business Person of the Year is sponsored by Wells Fargo.

This program is made possible by our area financial institutions.  Reserved tables of 8 are $450 and individual Chamber member tickets are $30 and $40 non-members.

To register, click here.

Join The CARE House of the Pee Dee for An Evening of Wine & Jazz

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Sample new wines while enjoying live music featuring Rod Brown. Enjoy an evening of music and refreshment all while supporting quality services for child abuse victims and their families throughout our community. Event to benefit the CARE House of the Pee Dee. Early Bird Tickets are $50 | $60 at the door.

Visit www.thecarehouse.com/wine-tasting for more information including Sponsorship opportunities.

Save the Date for This Year’s Kickin’ Chicken Festival

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Mark your calendars now for our Annual Kickin’ Chicken Wing & Chili Festival scheduled for Friday, October 21st in Downtown Florence from 5:00 – 9:00 PM. Live music by Inland; Wing & Chili Competition; Craft & Domestic Beer. If you, or someone you know, are interested in participating as a wing or chili competitor, please contact the Chamber now and receive an early bird discount!

Emerging Leaders Summer Institute Holds Retreat

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The Chamber’s Emerging Leaders Summer Institute class kicked off their summer sessions with a half day retreat on Wednesday, June 29th at the Florence Chamber.

The purpose of the program is to identify, develop and empower “Emerging Leaders” excelling to the next level of community and business leadership. The group had an informative training session, and heard legislative updates and leadership tips from SC House Representative Terry Alexander.

The retreat was facilitated by Gina Trimarco of Pivot10 Results.

To see photos from the session, click here.

Florence Chamber Holds Two Information Sessions for Businesses

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The Florence Chamber held two information sessions for small and minority businesses on Thursday, June 30th. The first was a Federal Contracting 101 workshop conducted by the Small Business Administration. The workshop was done in partnership with the Francis Marion University Kelley Center for Economic Development.

The Chamber also hosted a “Doing Business with BMW” session. Both sessions were held at the Florence Chamber.

To view photos from the session, click here.

Business Smart Series: 3 Part Virtual Workshop

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Join the Florence Chamber, Small Business Administration, and FMU Kelley Center for this free workshop designed to help entrepreneurs understand how to start and grow a business and the local resources available. Additional topics will include registering your business, legal structures, marketing, and finance. This workshop is laid out in three parts.

For more information, click here.

FMU Staff Members Recognized

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Francis Marion University recognized the outstanding service of four employees during its annual Staff Service Awards luncheon on June 24th.

Brigid E. Kennedy received the Marvin Lynch Humanitarian Award, and Dr. Cheri L. Richardson was presented with the John J. Kispert Leadership Award. Erick Polite and Laura Rhoads were named winners of the University’s two Outstanding Staff Service Awards.

The recipients were selected by a committee of past award winners, who received nominations from members of faculty and staff.

To read the full story, click here.

McCall Farms Opens New Family Health Center

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McCall Farms, in partnership with McLeod Onsite Health Services, held an open house and ribbon cutting for their new Family Health Center located in Effingham, South Carolina, on Friday, June 24, 2022. McLeod has been working with McCall Farms as a healthcare partner for nearly ten years.

“It is an honor for us to continue our partnership as your healthcare provider,” said Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health.

Pictured left to right: Thomas Hunter, Co-President of McCall Farms; Woody Swink, Co-President of McCall Farms; Tim Aponte, McCall Farms Safety, Training & Compliance Director; Donna Isgett, President & CEO of McLeod Health; and McCall Swink, Co-President of McCall Farms.

FMU Plans Building $18M Forestry & Environmental Science Facility

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Francis Marion University’s Board of Trustees approved the university’s operating budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23 on Thursday, including major expansions in the university’s environmental and health sciences programs, according to a news release.

The legislature last week appropriated $18 million in capital funding for a new forestry research and classroom facility located across Francis Marion Highway from the university’s main campus.

Construction on the Forestry and Environmental Sciences Building is anticipated to begin in 2023.

To read the full story, click here.

New York Life Hosts Ribbon Cutting with the Florence Chamber

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New York Life insurance agent Julie Cord celebrated with the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce at a ribbon cutting in the James Allen Plaza on Dargan Street on Wednesday, June 22nd.

“My goal is to help families and businesses protect their most important assets, themselves,” Cord said. “I do this via developing customized strategies with a variety of products such as permanent life insurance, term life insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance, and fixed annuities.”

As a mutual insurance company with the highest ratings given by the major financial rating organizations, the company has been helping people for over 177 years and has remained strong through wars, influenza outbreaks and natural disasters, she said.

“I’m incredibly proud to be associated with New York Life,” Cord said. “I pleased to be able to help people alleviate their concerns about money and protect the people they love.”

To read the full story, click here.