Florence City Council Discusses Proposed Changes to Sign Ordinance

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Florence City Council members recently discussed the potential for big changes in the city’s sign ordinance.

Under the measure, one major change would occur surrounding the Grove at Ebenezer, which will be a 240 acre development off of Pine Needles Road.

If approved, the ordinance changes would mean that the first 100 feet south of Pine Needles Road all the way to I-95 could have a sign that’s 160 square feet, whereas what is currently allowed is 4 feet by 8 feet, or 32 square feet, according to the Morning News article.

Find out exactly what that would mean for some residential roads by clicking the link below to the story from the Morning News:

SCnow.com web article- Florence Sign Ordinance

 

SC First in Nation to Become Fully Certified ‘Work Ready’ State

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South Carolina is the first state in the country to become fully certified under the “work ready” program! This is definitely big news for the business community, as all 46 counties have met the specified workforce and education goals.
 
Under the program, the state gives a test to potential workers and then attempts to match available jobs to those skill sets.
 
You can read more about the important milestone by clicking on the link below:
News Article: SC First in Nation to Become Fully Certified ‘Work Ready’ State

Florence District One Prepares for Upcoming School Year

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From the Morning News:

“The 2015-16 school year ended with nearly nine hundred high school seniors graduating from Florence School District One.

Before the new school year starts back up, Superintendent Randy Bridges sat down with the Morning News to discuss last year’s progress as well what is ahead for the coming year.”

Read the entire article by clicking below:

SCnow.com web article- Florence District One Preview

Florence Little Theatre to Celebrate 93rd Season

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Florence Little Theatre

(image courtesy: Patricia Burkett Photography)

Looking for some fantastic entertainment? Look no further than right here in the Pee Dee at the Florence Little Theatre!

Here’s a great preview of what they’ve got in the works for the upcoming season, courtesy of the Florence News Journal’s Brenda Harrison:

“The Florence Little Theatre has “Something Wonderful” planned for its 2016-2017 Season. The season opens Friday, July 15, with the summer production, “Ronald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR.,” featuring a cast of youth performers. “We’re trying to do something new with “Addams’s Family,” mixed with old classics such as “The King and I,’ explained FLT President John Bankson. Included in the mix will be “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “Always Patsy Cline” and “Barefoot in the Park.”

To read more about each individual performance and to get information on ticket and sponsor prices, view the entire article by clicking below:

Florence News Journal Article: Florence Little Theatre Celebrates 93rd Season

 

Florence Downtown Weekly Newsletter

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What’s going on this week in Florence?

Get all the details on events at the library and museum, find out about live music and see when the farmer’s market will be up and running.

It’s all in the latest edition of the downtown newsletter, which you can find by clicking on the link below:
Florence Downtown Newsletter

SC Disaster Recovery Team Holds Meetings for Flood Victims in the Pee Dee

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(image courtesy: SCEMD)
Members of the SC Disaster Recovery team held a town hall meeting Wednesday night in Florence County for homeowners affected by last October’s catastrophic floods.
 
$96 million has been set aside for South Carolinians to recover and SC Disaster Recovery is making sure that money gets into the hands of those who need it.
 
Additional meetings will take place in the Pee Dee area for those needing more information on the efforts and to discover if they qualify for the funds.
 
The remaining three meetings will be held:
 
–Thursday, July 7: Alex Chatman Complex Auditorium, 147 West Main St., Kingstree
 
–Monday, July 11: Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St, Sumter
 
–Tuesday, July 12: Howard Recreational Center, 1610 Hawkins St. Georgetown
 
You can read more about the recent meeting by clicking on the story below from WBTW News13:
 

Register Now for the YP/Chamber Lunch & Learn: Fair Labor Standards Act

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Don’t forget to join us for an exciting and informative upcoming Lunch & Learn- Preparing for the New Fair Labor Standards Act.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016
12pm-1:30pm
Florence County Library (Stukes Meeting Room)

The Young Professionals of Florence, Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and Willcox, Buyck and Williams, P.A. will host a Lunch & Learn program to explain the new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA,) which will take effect on December 1, 2016. If you want to know how this ruling will affect your business or organization, you need to register.

Did you know the new final rule will:

– Increase by slightly more than double, the minimum salary level for exempt “white collar” employees from $455/week ($23,660/year) to $913/week ($47,476/year)

– Automatically update every three years: 1) the minimum salary level to the 40th percentile of full-time salaried workers in the lowest income region of the country; and (2) the HCE threshold to the 90th percentile of full-time salaried workers nationally.
Raise the highly compensated employee (“HCE”) threshold from $100,000 to $134,004.

No exception to the rules is made for small businesses. The final rule does not make any changes to the duties tests for executive, administrative & professional employees.
The final rule allows for up to 10 percent of the minimum salary level for non-HCE employees to be met by non-discretionary bonuses, incentives, or commissions, if these payments are made on at least a quarterly basis.

COST
Young Professionals/Chamber Members ($15)
Non-Members ($20)
Non-Profit Organizations ($15)

For more information visit:

Facebook Event Page

Hotel Florence Wins National Recognition in its Field

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(image courtesy: Raines Hospitality)

Congratulations Chamber member Hotel Florence on another big win- its recent recognition as the 2016 Hotel of the Year!

See below for the full details of the recognition, courtesy of a press release from Raines Hospitality:

Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s leading hotel companies, named Hotel Florence, a member of the upscale Ascend Hotel Collection, the winner of the Ascend Hotel Collection brand’s 2016 Hotel of the Year Award.

“With it’s distinctive charm, Hotel Florence truly captures the essence of the Ascend Hotel Collection. The property exemplifies the attributes of the Ascend Hotel Collection not only through its unique urban elegance, but service excellence as well,” said Janis Cannon, Senior Vice President of upscale brands for Choice Hotels. “Since joining the membership collection in 2013, this property has helped to strengthen the appeal of the Ascend Hotel Collection while serving as an anchor for the revitalization of historic downtown Florence. We are proud to support Hotel Florence as it continues to flourish and are so pleased to recognize them with this prestigious Hotel of the Year award.”

Choice Hotels International’s Hotel of the Year Award winners are selected by the Choice Hotels Owners Council and are presented to properties that demonstrate lodging excellence and offer guest experiences that set the standard for the industry.

Nominees are all ranked at the top of hotels within their brand. Raines Hospitality receiving the 2016 Hotel of the Year Award presented by Steve Joyce, Pat Pacious, and Janis Cannon In addition, Raines Hospitality also received the 2016 Developer of the Year award from Choice Hotels International in the Ascend Collection tier of brands category at the company’s 62nd annual convention.

President of Raines Hospitality, Grey Raines, attended the awards gala and accepted the award on behalf of the company. The Developer of the Year recognizes the best developers in the Choice Hotels system. One winner is named for each tier of core brands, extended stay and Cambria Suites. “We are so honored to receive these awards,” said Matthew Grey Raines, president of Raines Hospitality. “Our hardworking team is committed to serving guests and providing them with a memorable experience. The Ascend Hotel Collection has been essential to our success by giving us a worldwide platform with powerful resources. These include access to more than 26 million loyalty members through the Choice Privileges program and the latest advancements in lodging technology, all while allowing us to stay true to who we are – innkeepers who love to share southern warmth and hospitality.”

 

10 Steps to Start Your Own Small Business

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Feeling inspired to start your own small business but have absolutely no idea where to start?
Here at the Florence Chamber, we’re passionate about helping businesses grow and connect and part of that means having a plan in place.
So, here’s where you start- with the 10 steps to starting your own business, courtesy of the Small Business Administration:

10 Steps to Starting a Business

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities. These 10 easy steps can help you plan, prepare and manage your business.

Step 1: Write a Business Plan

Use available SBA tools and resources to create a business plan. A written guide will help you map out how you will start and run your business successfully.

Step 2: Get Business Assistance and Training

Take advantage of free training and counseling services, from preparing a business plan and securing financing, to expanding or relocating a business.

Step 3: Choose a Business Location

Get advice on how to select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws.

Step 4: Finance Your Business

Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started.

Step 5: Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business

Decide which form of ownership is best for you: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative.

Step 6: Register a Business Name (“Doing Business As”)

Register your business name with your state government.

Learn which tax identification number you’ll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency.

Step 7: Register for State and Local Taxes

Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance.

Step 8: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business.

Step 9: Understand Employer Responsibilities

Learn the legal steps you need to take to hire employees.

Step 10: Find Local Assistance

Contact your local SBA office to learn more about how SBA can help.

Startup Resources

There are a number of available programs to assist startups, micro businesses, and underserved or disadvantaged groups. The following resources provide information to help specialized audiences start their own businesses.

You can save money when starting or expanding your business by using government surplus. From commercial real estate and cars, to furniture, computers and office equipment, find what you need for your business in one place.

To read the entire article and for more links and information, click below: