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

/in , , /by

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

/in , , /by

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

/in , , /by

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

/in , , , /by

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

/in , , /by

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.

Electric Vehicle Manufacturing In SC

/in , , /by

Florence and South Carolina are well suited to seize the future. The state’s strong history of manufacturing and advanced manufacturing helped define the state and what it can offer businesses. Now, as those industries transform to meet the future, we are doing the same. We are committed to capitalizing on the state’s business-friendly environment and building on our existing strengths to ensure prospective electric vehicle companies know their future growth is within our borders.

This is an interesting read for those involved in the EV expansion here in the Florence area.

To read the full story, click here.

You Can Find A Business Partner At SCORE Pee Dee Branch

/in , , /by

Get free expert help in starting your business. Our Mentors are experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives with a diverse set of industries and specialties who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business professionals start, develop, and grow businesses.

We provide:

  • Volunteer MENTORS who share their expertise across many industries
  • Free, confidential business mentoring in person, via email, or by video
  • Free business TOOLS, templates, and tips here online
  • Inexpensive or free business WORKSHOPS (locally) and webinars (online 24/7)

Give us a call at (843) 665-0515 or (843) 918-1079

City Business License Renewals are Due by April 30th

/in , , /by

Business License Renewals for all businesses and professionals within the corporate limits of the City of Florence are due April 30, 2024.

For non-payment of all or any part of the correct business license tax, the license official shall impose and collect a late penalty of 10% of the unpaid tax for each month, or portion thereof, after the due date until paid.

For more information, please call the Business License office at (843) 665-3173 or email blicense@cityofflorence.com.

Business licenses may also be renewed online at https://www.localblrenewal.com/city_of_florence/renewalinformation

South Carolina Tops The List Of Best States For Manufacturing

/in , , /by

Digging into why the Carolinas are the manufacturing darlings of the consulting profession, Didi Caldwell says the numbers add up for both states. But South Carolina Leads the list.

“Low costs, existing workforce, low labor unionization, right-to-work, growing population, and competitive energy costs” are key factors keeping the Carolinas on top for factory projects and jobs, says Caldwell.

Dive into more insights from Site Selection Magazine‘s annual Site Selectors Survey here: https://ow.ly/EaEt50QLXuR

For more information, click here.

2024-2025 Junior Leadership Florence County Accepting Applications

/in , , /by

Junior Leadership is now accepting applications for the prestigious 2024-2025 Junior Leadership Florence County Program. Thirty of today’s Florence County high school freshman and sophomores from across Florence County will be selected to participate in this program during their sophomore or junior year.

The Junior Leadership Florence County (JLFC) is a ten-month program in which area high school sophomores and juniors are empowered to become trustees of the Florence County community. Students will learn valuable leadership skills, government process, time management, community issue awareness, and business ethics to name a few.

To find out more details and to apply online visit https://www.jrleadershipflorencecounty.com/