FMU PAC Presents The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John

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The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John features the greatest hits of these two great rock piano legends. Songs include: Piano Man, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets, Movin’ Out, I’m Still Standing, My Life, and many more. PollStar ranked this show in the Top 50 touring Acts/Shows the last two years. 

Michael Cavanaugh, who stars in this production sharing songs from both Billy Joel and Elton John, was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out. He received both Tony and Grammy nominations for his lead role in the musical. Billboard calls him the “New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook.” Broadway World referred to Cavanaugh as “The New Piano Man.”  Reuters named Cavanaugh Entertainer of the Year.

For more information, click here.

2024 Tap into Downtown Happening September 13

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Tap into Downtown Florence with a beer crawl like no other. Make your way through downtown businesses acting as brew pubs and sample several different craft beers. Try a few favorites or dare to delight in something a little different. This craft beer event promises to deliver a fun and unique tasting experience for all attendees.

The tasting venues will be open from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Check-in to receive your wristband, tasting glass, and pretzel necklace will take place in the Greater Florence Chamber Office (100 W. Evans Street) from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Ticketholders must be 21 or over to attend.

To purchase tickets online, click here.

BMW Supplier Diversity Xchange Held Last Week In Greenville

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The Greater Florence Chamber attended the BMW 2024 Diversity XChange Conference In Greenville, SC on August 30th. Community partner and Chamber member PDRTA provided transportation for local community partners, business owners and leaders.

The program and luncheon was attended by more than 2,500 executives, businesses and agencies from around the world.

The keynote presenters were entrepreneur Janice Bryant Howroyd and David Garibaldo performance artist of “America’s Got Talent” fame.

Women In Commerce Luncheon Held Last Week

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce played host to the second Women in Commerce Luncheon on Thursday, August 29th at the Florence Center. A sold-out crowd enjoyed mocktails. networking and special hospitality visits with MUSC of Florence and McLeod Health before the luncheon program.

The event featured Julie Janson, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer for Duke Energy Carolinas as the keynote speaker covering various topics centered on women’s career growth.

It was also great having Donna Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health, Costa King Cockfield, Chief Nursing Officer for MUSC Health Florence Medical Center and Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Chief of Staff for Nickelodeon attending.

The program was sponsored by Duke Energy with support from McLeod Health and MUSC of Florence. Photos by Phillip Guyton.

To see more photos, click here.

SLED Breaks Ground On New HQ Near Francis Marion University

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The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will be opening a new Pee Dee regional office across from Francis Marion University. It will be the first standalone regional office in South Carolina.

The state agency held a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 29.

SLED’s regional office currently operates from a rented building in downtown Florence.

The new building will give a more permanent home to employees, provide access to more resources and allow better parking. The building will be located across from the university, which recently added a criminal justice degree program.

The building and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will give students access to internships and volunteer work for the criminal justice degree program.

Click here for the full story in the Post & Courier.

Practical Purpose Solutions Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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Kendra Robinson, owner of Practical Purpose Solutions for weight loss, vitamin and hydration solutions, was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about eliminating harmful toxins from the body and repairing damaged cells and tissues.   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/

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital Celebrates Nearly 40 years Of Service

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The Florence Chamber witnessed local officials and staff at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital celebrate its grand reopening providing nearly 40 years of service last Wednesday.

More than 33,000 patients have been served at the facility, which now includes 38 private rooms, therapy gym and in-house dialysis suite.

Encompass Health’s first hospital helped patients recovering from strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopedic conditions. Patients receive a minimum of three hours of intensive therapy for five days each week along with frequent physician visits and 24-hour nursing care on the road to recovery. The hospital also features a therapy courtyard, dining room, education room, in-house pharmacy and dayroom areas.

To read the full story, click here.

Emerging Leaders Summer Institute Holds Graduation

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce held a graduation ceremony for the 2024 Emerging Leaders Summer Institute on August 27th at the Chamber.

Keynote speaker was Claudia Kropf, Deputy Administrator, Florence County.

Congratulations to the 2024 Emerging Leaders Class: Cindy Averitt – HopeHealth, Janet Belew – McLeod Health, Diane Davis – HopeHealth, Jernasia Gaskins – McLeod Health, Christian Reason – Lighthouse Ministries, Charlee Rhodes – HopeHealth and Melinda Robinson – PSRC Educators

To see more photos, click here.

Blitz45 Fitness Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Danny Horne and Vanessa Jones, owners of Blitz45 Fitness, along with staff, family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

At Blitz45 Fitness, their primary goal is to empower their members to reach their full potential, both physically and mentally. They strive to create an inclusive environment where individuals of all fitness levels can challenge themselves, break through barriers, and achieve their personal health and wellness goals. Their vision extends beyond just high-impact workouts; they are committed to becoming an all-encompassing wellness center that begins with fitness and evolves to incorporate a wide range of services to meet their members’ diverse needs. By offering expert coaching, innovative fitness technology, and eventually expanding into areas such as nutrition, recovery, and holistic wellness, they aim to support every aspect of their members’ journeys to healthier, more balanced lives.

Blitz45 Fitness delivers dynamic, high-intensity workouts that are both effective and engaging. Their classes are designed to provide a full-body workout that combines strength training, cardio, and functional movements. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting your journey, their workouts are scalable to meet all fitness levels, making it possible for everyone to achieve their personal goals.

To read the full story, click here.

Did You Know September 1 Was National Hotel Employee Day?

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On September 1, we celebrated National Hotel Employee Day and honored the over 123,000 employees who work in S.C’s hotel industry. Every day in communities across state, hotel employees play a key role in some of Americans’ most important life events – from wedding receptions to family reunions and vacations. Hotel employees keep guests safe, give back to their communities, and are critical to keeping our nation’s travel and tourism industry running smoothly. In 2023 alone, American hotels supported nearly 1 in 25 U.S. jobs and directly generated $743.8 million in state, and local tax revenue. Florence SC. is no stranger to the hotel business being famous for all our lodging availability located on Interstate 95 and across the county. A big salute to our hotel employees.

To read the full story, click here.