HopeHealth Welcomes New Provider

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HopeHealth welcomes Hallsy Kellar, MS, LPC-A, to HopeHealth on Palmetto Street, where she provides counseling services.

She received a Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree and a Master of Science Clinical/Counseling degree from Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. She completed an internship as a counselor at Fuller Life Strategies. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society, Carolinas Region Membership Alpha Pi Chi Chapter, and the International Psychology Honor Society (Psi Chi). She is involved in the community, participating in the First Friday Homeless Connect, and as a case manager at Lighthouse Ministries.

Chamber’s Annual Membership Luncheon Set For September 25

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce has announced its guest speaker for the 2024 Annual Membership Luncheon set for Wednesday, September 25. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing, LLC. in Spartanburg, SC.

Engelhorn joined the BMW Group in 2011 and occupied various positions at plants in Germany and later moved to the BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture in China, where he led the Technology and Production division for the Dadong and Tiexi plants. In 2018, Engelhorn took over as director for BMW Group Plant Munich, where he prepared the plant for production of the all-electric BMW i4. In 2021, Engelhorn became President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg.

Since 1992, the BMW Group has invested more than $13.3 billion in its South Carolina operations. As part of a multi-year partnership, BMW and AESC in Florence will supply technology-leading battery cells to be used in the next generation electric vehicle models produced at Plant Spartanburg.

BMW Manufacturing is one of the largest BMW Group plants in the world, assembling more than 1,500 vehicles each day. Over half of its vehicles are exported to around 120 global markets, making BMW the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States for nine consecutive years.

The program will include the announcement and presentation of the Business Person of the Year award, which is sponsored by First Bank.

The luncheon will be held at the Florence Center, doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at noon. Registration is $40 for members, $50 for non-members and $475 for a reserved table of 8.

To register online, click here.

Florence Getting More Walking And Biking Trails

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Florence is getting more walking and biking trails. Here’s where you can try them out.

The city is in the midst of a $1 million project to extend the Rail Trail, Florence’s premier walking trail. And it’s preparing to almost double the size of the High Hill Creek Bike and Run Park.

The trail extensions are part of continued efforts to improve the amenities in Florence, Assistant City Manager Clint Moore said.

“It is just a another part of that quality of life component that we need to help attract and retain quality employers and also retain and attract all the employees that we need,” he said.

Story from The Post & Courier Pee Dee.

To read the full story, click here.

FMU Kelley Center To Host Entrepreneur & Small Business Networking Event

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The FMU Kelley Center is excited to host another evening of networking and collaboration at our Entrepreneur & Small Business Networking Event! This free, in-person event will take place on Thursday, August 22 from 5:30 to 7:00pm at the University Place Building (142 N Dargan St) in Downtown Florence.

Whether you’re a seasoned small business owner or just starting out, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships in a casual and friendly environment.

Attendees will also be able to learn about the services and programs offered by local organizations such as the FMU Kelley Center, SCORE, the SBDC, and the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce as well as tour the available office spaces offered through the Kelley Center’s Incubation program.

Expand your network, gain insights from experienced professionals, and discover new opportunities to grow your business. From startups to established ventures, everyone is welcome to attend and share their stories, challenges, and successes.

To register, click here.

Registration Open For BMW Supplier Diversity Xchange

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Registration is now open for BMW’s 2024 nationally recognized Supplier Diversity event on Thursday, August 29th in Greenville, SC. The event bridges the gap and driving innovation through educational seminars and intentional networking. There is no cost for this event, which includes lunch and a keynote speaker.

For more information, click here.

HopeHealth Celebrates National Health Center Week

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HopeHealth will celebrate National Health Center Week from August 4-10 with employee appreciation activities, advocacy efforts, community events, and more.

National Health Center Week is held every August to bring awareness to the importance of community health centers like HopeHealth. The celebration includes contributions from community health centers throughout the country, highlighting their missions and accomplishments while encouraging support for local centers.

This year’s theme is “Powering Communities Through Caring Connections,” focusing on connecting communities with health centers and elected officials. Employee and patient appreciation activities will be held throughout the week, and employees will be encouraged to take selfies and share them with the #NHCW24 hashtag during Social Media Day on Friday.

For more information, click here.

All Star Sports Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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Wayne Grantham, President and Grant Huckabee, Vice President of All Star Sports, were the Florence Chamber’s guests this past weekend on ChamberLink Radio talking about the family-run business located in Florence and their goal to provide exceptional service in the store and on their website. 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.

Florence’s Carolina Theatre To Get $2 Million For Restoration

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The City of Florence and state of South Carolina are partnering to fund the restoration of the city’s historical Carolina Theatre downtown.

The state is allocating $2 million in its budget, which that went into effect July 1. The city also is funding $2 million.

The restoration is expected to be completed the fall of 2025, Moore said. The city plans for it to be a mixed-use space, for events like weddings, conferences and shows.

For the full story click here.

Florence County Renames Judicial Center After Prominent Local Leader

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Local leaders said goodbye to the Florence County Judicial Center. From now on, it’ll be known as the James T. Schofield Florence County Judicial Center.
Florence County Council members unanimously approved the name change in an emotional meeting honoring Schofield, the late County Council member.

Schofield was a longtime leader on the council whose influence can be seen across the county. He died four years ago on July 18, the same day as the meeting honoring him.

“I feel immensely proud and honored that the Judicial Center is being renamed after my father. It is a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to public service and his significant contributions to the community,” William Schofield said in a written statement.

More on this story from the Post & Courier, click here.

City Receives Economic Development Award

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The City of Florence was awarded the Joseph P. Riley Jr Award for Economic Development for its development of sports tourism at the annual Municipal Association of South Carolina meeting on last Friday.