Paul Seward Returns as Greater Florence Chamber Chairman

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A veteran of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce will take the helm again, July 1.  Paul Seward of First Bank will be the new chairman of the 2022-23 Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce board, beginning July 1. This will be Seward’s second time serving as Chamber Chairman.

“It’s always been a pleasure working with the chamber on enhancing area business projects. I look forward to following Brian Fast in leading the chamber through what we know will be a year of successful business programming,” Seward said.

Seward replaces Fast of First Citizens Bank who will now serve as past-chair during the upcoming fiscal year.  Completing the Chamber Executive Board is Jamie Carsten of Anderson Brothers Bank serving as Treasurer.

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Lynches River Earns National Water Trail Designation

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The South Carolina Revolutionary River Trail — the 60 miles of the Lynches River between Lynches River County Park and The Great Pee Dee River plus another six miles of that river — received recognition Friday as the state’s second National Water Trail.

Holly Beaumier, Executive Director of the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau, made the announcement Saturday morning at a brief press conference at the recently constructed Alexander Landing at the intersection of Friendfield Road and U.S. 378 in Coward.

“The 60-mile South Carolina Revolutionary Rivers Trail in Florence County, South Carolina, carries paddlers into the cypress and tupelo laden swampland that Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion used as a hideout when fighting the British,” according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of the Interior. “In addition to rich history, the trail provides visitors access to the area’s terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem.”

“Your trail is a great addition to the network of trails that make up the National Recreation Trails and National Water Trails, and we commend your efforts to provide high-quality recreation opportunities for your community,” Peter Bonsall, National Trails Program specialist, wrote in a letter to the Friends of the Revolutionary River — the group that has worked to earn this designation.

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Former Home of McLeod Health Founder Now Foundation’s Home

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McLeod Health unveiled a historical marker in front of the home of its founder, Dr. F.H. McLeod, on Thursday, May 19. The unveiling event also included an Open House for the McLeod Health Foundation with tours of their new office location for community members and McLeod employees.

Jill Bramblett, Executive Director of the McLeod Health Foundation, welcomed attendees to the McLeod House and introduced McLeod Health President and CEO Donna Isgett.

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School Foundation Awards $130,000 to F1S

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The School Foundation recently announced it will distribute a total of $130,000 in grants to Florence 1 Schools for the 2022-23 school year. The announcement was made at a reception for the grant writers at the Floyd Conference Center on Monday, May 16. The grants committee funded six grants submitted by F1S educators.

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SC Economists Update Revenue Estimates

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Last week, the South Carolina Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) held its quarterly meeting where they announced that they had raised the General Fund Revenue forecast for FY2021-22 by an additional $952 million in one-time revenue. The BEA also raised its estimated General Fund Revenue forecast for FY2022-23 by an additional $335 million and revised its estimates to note that lawmakers will have an additional $1.92 billion in recurring revenue and $4.06 billion in one-time surplus, non-recurring revenue at their disposal for the FY2022-23 budget process. The main economic drivers of the revised forecasts include record sales tax collections, and higher than expected income and corporate income tax collections.

The announcement by the BEA was timely, as lawmakers began the first of many conference deliberations on the FY2022-23 budget. The additional $952 million in one-time revenue could be used to resolve some of the outstanding differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget. House Speaker Murrell Smith (R-Sumter), one of the House members of the conference committee, cautioned negotiators on how they spend the additional revenue noting that the BEA’s estimated General Fund Revenue forecast for FY2022-23 is 7% lower than the estimate for FY2021-22.

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SCSU Harry Carson Invitational Golf Tournament to be Held at Traces Golf Club

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This year’s event will be held Monday, June 20th, at the well-manicured Traces Golf Course in Florence, SC. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with tee-off at 11 a.m. The cost for this event is only $100.00. This price includes entry into all events, 18 holes of golf, riding cart, snacks, dinner and various awards.

To find out more, click here.

Chamber Now Accepting Applications for 2022 – 2023 Leadership Florence Class

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Leadership Florence is a comprehensive nine-month program designed to identify, cultivate and motivate new leadership for the Greater Florence Area.  Participants will increase their knowledge of the Greater Florence area and enhance their involvement in community activities while further developing their leadership skills.

The program begins with a Meet & Greet in August and ends with graduation in June 2023.  Sessions are one full day per month.

To find out more, click here.

Registration is Open for the 2022 Emerging Leaders Summer Institute

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The Emerging Leaders Summer Institute is a program designed to generate professional training and development, mentorship, community engagement and recruitment opportunities.

The purpose 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.

Program Strategies:

  • Communicate with community leaders and businesses
  • Professional and personal leadership development and civic engagement
  • Extensive networking with a diverse group of peers
  • Discovering your strengths and how to apply them as a leader

To find out more, click here.

Caliber Home Loans Joins the Chamber

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Caliber Home Loans celebrated joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, May 25 with a ribbon cutting. Joining in the celebration were Chamber ambassadors. Caliber Home Loans is at 653 S. Coit St. in Florence.

Sales Manager Renee Broach opened her storefront location on Oct. 1, 2022. Caliber Home Loans is a mortgage lender for home loans.

Broach said plans are to grow and eventually to purchase her own building.

“I’ll have to grow a little more before having my own brick-and-mortar building,” Broach said. “We are trying to expand our local footprint.” The company has locations in Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Columbia.

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Adore Taxes Holds Ribbon Cutting

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Adore Taxes LLC held a ribbon cutting Monday, April 25th to celebrate joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Cutting the ribbon was owner Tiffanie R. McLaughlin. She was joined by chamber ambassadors, staff, family and friends.

Adore Tax service is located at 604 S. Coit St. in Florence.

McLaughlin started doing taxes in December 2017. After managing a local tax service for several years, she decided to branch out on her own. She opened her tax service in July 2021.

In December, McLaughlin will complete her degree and add accounting and bookkeeping services.
“My plan is to open another office before next tax season,” McLaughlin said.

And her ultimate goal is to franchise her business.

To read the full story, click here.