Palmetto Destruction Returns To Florence Center

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The metal crushing carnage of Palmetto Destruction is returning to the Florence Center for a double dose of demolition on Friday March 29 & Saturday March 30. Drivers from across the US are ready to go metal to metal and the last car driving is the victor! You don’t want to miss out on this professional indoor demolition derby it’s going to be the car wrecking, metal smashing event of the year! For more information or to buy tickets visit florencecenter.com.

Yale Expanding Clinical Into SC, MUSC Florence

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The MUSC Florence Research Center, located MUSC Health-Florence, is one of four community-based clinical research sites across the Southeast chosen to participate in the Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development (EQBMED) Initiative led by Yale University.

The initiative seeks to build a clinical trial network of community-based sites to attract more people of color to participate in clinical research. The selection is part of EQBMED’s plan to identify sites in historically underrepresented communities of color across the country.

To read the full story, click here.

Sonoco President And CEO Speaks To Florence Chamber

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Sonoco President and CEO Howard Coker Wednesday was the keynote speaker for the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s Outlook Luncheon held at the Florence Center. Coker talked about the growth of the company and credited the company culture as the reason it has expanded globally to 300 locations and 22,000 employees. Sonoco is celebrating its’ 125th anniversary.

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Yokim Named Florence Chamber’s Public Servant Of The Year

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Florence County Administrator Kevin Yokim was named the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s Public Servant of the Year by FMU President Fred Carter at the chamber’s outlook luncheon Wednesday at the Florence Center.

Yokim has served as the finance director for Florence County, assistant city manager for Florence and the past year as Florence county administrator.

Dr. Fred Carter, president at FMU, presented the award and said, “He’s a remarkable administrator in every sense of the word. He’s thoughtful. He’s reflective. He’s collaborative. He makes shrewd decisions that are based on his education and his understanding of what it takes to run a good and reputable government,”

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Scott Named Chamber’s Small Businessperson Of The Year

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Florence businessman and developer Chris Scott was named the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s Small Businessperson of the Year at the organization’s annual update luncheon.

“We appreciate Chris’ involvement in his church and his community and we celebrate his accomplishments in the field of real estate development,” said Jim Ivey with Dedicated Community Bank. “His partnership with Grey Raines, Ben Zeigler, and Tim Norwood on Hotel Florence helped kickstart the revitalization of downtown Florence.”

Dedicated Community Bank presented the SBOY award.

To read the full story, click here.

House Of Hope Of The Pee Dee Announces Jon Weiss, Jr As New CEO

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The House of Hope of the Pee Dee Board of Directors is thrilled to announce Jon Weiss, Jr. as the new CEO following the resignation of Bryan Braddock in February.

This unanimous board decision has the overall support of the staff. Jackie DuBose Board Chair stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Jon as our new CEO, Jon never met a stranger.  He has an energy and enthusiasm that is contagious.  We are blessed to have him and look forward to working with him and supporting his vision for the ministry.”  Jon assumes the role March 18.  He will manage the over-all operations and direction of the ministry.

Jon Weiss, Jr. was raised in North Charleston, graduated from Sumter High School and excelled at golf, earning him a scholarship to James Madison University where he received his degree. After college he moved to Florence where he met his wife Anna. Jon had begun a very successful career in insurance when the Lord called him to find more meaning in non-profit work. He came to the House of Hope in January of 2023, and immediately became an integral part of the leadership team.

FMU To Open To Public Fishing, Trails At Ecology Center

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Those in and around Florence who enjoy the great outdoors will soon have a new option.

On Friday, new trails and a fishing area at the Francis Marion University Freshwater Ecology Complex will open to the public. The public trails and fishing access area will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from sunrise to sunset, except on university holidays. They are closed Monday through Thursday for educational and research purposes.

There are three trails at the complex: the Overlook Trail, the Forest Trail, and the Fishing Trail. The Overlook Trail is a short, crushed gravel trail that winds through a forest of oak, hickory, and pines. The trail ends at an observation deck that provides views of the drop-off into Backswamp. The Forest Loop Trail is a .41 miles dirt trail that goes through the woods before coming back to the main entrance road. The Fishing Trail is also a dirt trail. It leads to a cleared shoreline that provides the public with fishing access at the lake.

Fishing is open to the public at the designated public access fishing area on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from sunrise to sunset. To fish on the lake, anglers must have a valid S.C. freshwater fishing license and complete the FMU fishing registration. Registration cards are available online as well as onsite at the trailhead kiosk.

The Freshwater Ecology Complex is at 3742 N. Williston Road. Note that pets are not permitted, except for service animals. Hunting, swimming, and boating are not allowed on the premises.

To read the full story, click here.

Well Florence County Has Two Great Products In The Finals – Time to Vote Again

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After approximately 40,000 votes cast during the Top Eight contest last week, two Florence County produced products have found their way into the final four round to move towards the title of the Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina!

Let’s help vote your favorite Florence County product – the Honda Talon 1000R or the Signa Hero MRI Scanner from GE Healthcare into the final contest.

In this round, there are four products left going head-to-head. You can vote for one product, once per day per device.

Help represent Florence County products by voting here at scmanufacturingmadness.com/vote/

Voting is open from 8:00am on Monday, March 18 through 5:00pm on Thursday, March 21.

Affordable Lab and Testing Solutions Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Ashley Gause owner of Affordable Lab and Testing Solutions along with family, friends, and Chamber Ambassadors cuts the ribbon to join the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Affordable Lab and Testing Solutions is a leading provider of reliable and affordable testing and support services, it offers a wide range of services for individuals and businesses seeking DOT/NON-DOT Drug Testing, DNA Testing, Phlebotomy Services, Finger Printing, Background Check Services, Notary Services, Virtual Mailbox, and U-Haul Dealer Services.

Ashley Gause, a proud retired Army veteran and college graduate, embarks on an entrepreneurial journey to provide affordable testing services. She has set her sights on a new mission – to establish herself as a prominent entrepreneur in the field of affordable testing services.

To read the full story, click here.

Florence City Third Penny Sales Tax Road Updates

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The City of Florence will soon begin additional resurfacing on the following roads, as weather permits: Sheffield Drive, Cottingham Road, Southbrook Circle, Branford Road, E Thorncliff Road, Mater Lane, Shadow Birch Road, Fillmore Court, Luigi Way, Carriage Lane, Maggie Way, Carrigan Ct., Fernbank Lane, Grande Lawn Lane, Cabrillo Drive, Highlander Ct., Kentwood Drive, Woodmore Circle, Rutledge Manor Drive, Prince Alston Cove, Flint Lock Cove and Rice Hope Cove.

These efforts are a continuation of the Third Penny Sales Tax and the City of Florence is working with contractor to ensure long-term quality for these roadways.

If you have any questions or would like to see future projects, please visit our Capital Improvements page here.

To read the full story, click here.