Chamber Hosts Women In Commerce Coffee Social

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce hosted a successful first Women in Commerce Coffee Social at the Residence Inn on Tuesday, February 6th. A special thanks to our sponsor, Raines Company, who helped make the event possible. The women of Florence County braved the chill to enjoy fresh coffee and treats from Lincoln’s Brews mobile coffee truck. Thank you to all who attended!

To see photos from the event, click here.

Black History Parade Returns February 17

The Florence Black History Parade will return on Saturday, February 17, 2024, beginning at 11:00 AM.  The parade will start at the City Center (324 West Evans Street) and end at Thompsons Barber Shop (212 N Dargan St, Florence, SC 29506).The Theme is “Black History is American History”. We are asking that all participants get into the spirit by decorating their vehicles or floats to center around the theme.Participation fees support the Black History Parade. There will be a fee of just $10.00; anything over 4 units (in one group) there will be a flat fee of $25.00.

To register, please contact Buddah at 843-468-7489, Les Echols at 843-616-1030 or Pat Gibson Hye-Moore at 843-472-9420.

The Florence Center To Hold Hiring Event – Thursday

Join the Florence Center this Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 – 8:00 PM for a hiring event.  Two forms of ID are needed and they ask that you please park in the Gate 3 entrance.

To see the full flyer, click here.

Pee Dee Hearing Center & Harvest Hope Food Bank Team Up For Food Drive

Help us help hungry families!

Pee Dee Hearing Center is partnering with Harvest Hope Food Bank by inviting our staff, patients, friends, and the public to bring food donations to Pee Dee Hearing Center between Valentine’s Day and Feb 29. Let’s make our boxes overflow!

Pee Dee Hearing Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit United Way of Florence County community partner.

To view the full flyer, click here.

Growing Hobby Joins The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce

Holly Beaumier along with her husband Jim and Chamber Ambassadors welcome Growing Hobby to the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Unusual succulents, cacti, bonsai, carnivorous plants, and quirky gifts draw customers into this inviting destination shop. Growing Hobby was started by Holly Beaumier in 2021, following a year of collecting succulents during the pandemic. Beaumier, who is also the executive director of the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau, developed an interest in propagating plants and creating dish gardens from repurposed objects, including high heel shoes and vintage chandeliers.

Located at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, Growing Hobby has expanded from one booth space to three and is now housed in a climate-controlled permanent structure. “It’s much better for the plants, and for us,” notes Beaumier, “and we have music playing for the plants 24/7, too. Lots of customers claim this shop is their happy place.”

To read the full story, click here.

5th Annual Farrah Turner Foundation 5K

On October 3, 2018, tragedy struck our small community and the nation. Investigator Farrah Turner and six other officers were shot during an ambush on law enforcement in Florence, South Carolina. Farrah fought for her life for 19 days at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina before succumbing to her injuries on October 22, 2018. To honor Farrah, the family established the Farrah Turner Foundation. The organization’s mission is to protect and serve children who are victims of sexual assault.

On April 20, 2024, you are invited to the 5th annual “Farrah Turner Foundation 5K” to honor the memory of Farrah. All proceeds from the event and funds raised will be used to support their mission. Please join us as we #FlyWithFarrah to the finish line!

For more information, click here.

Palmetto Business Barometer – February 2024

Calling all business leaders throughout the Pee Dee Region. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce needs your help by sharing your insights in the Palmetto Business Barometer survey!

Help us understand the challenges you face and shed light on our state’s economy and workforce. Click here to take the survey.

Elsie and Friends Boutique Joins Chamber

Meet the Hunt Family, Carsten and Eden Hunt and their baby girl Elsie. Along with Tammy Howle and the Chamber Ambassadors they cut their ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

While Eden was pregnant with Elsie, she noticed a huge need for a children’s boutique in Florence. When she would shop, she would have to either order online or shop at big box stores. Eden and Carsten are huge supporters of small local businesses and decided to give Florence a fun and friendly place to shop for their babies, children, and tweens!

Eden is a Licensed Esthetician and owner of Eden Hunt Esthetics and Wellness, an award-winning spa in Florence. She and her family love to support small local businesses and are so happy to be a part of the Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Elsie and Friends, A Children’s Boutique can be found at 2151 West Evans Street, Suite F, (843) 621-1335. Business Hours are Tuesday through Friday 11:00 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Their website is www.elsieandfriends.com, Facebook (Elsie and Friends, A Children’s Boutique), Instagram (Elsie_and_Friends)

To read the full story, click here.

Florence Food Truck Festival Returns To Florence Center April 12 – 13

Get ready to indulge at the Florence Food Truck Festival…tasty eats and treats, crafts brews, domestic beers, live entertainment and so much more! Mark your calendars now!

HopeHealth Receives Support From TD Bank For Heart Healthy Barbershop Tours

HopeHealth has received a $15,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation for the continuation of its Heart Healthy Barbershop Tour.

Since its formation in 2002, the TD Charitable Foundation, the giving arm of TD Bank, has distributed $323 million through donations to local non-profit organizations. The foundation’s gift to HopeHealth will allow for the facilitation of an important program that empowers men to take control of their blood pressure management.

The Heart Healthy Barbershop Tour provides free blood pressure screenings at different barbershop locations. Participating barbershops also receive free blood pressure monitors and training on how to correctly check their customers’ blood pressure. Participants needing a health care home also have the opportunity to learn how to become a patient with HopeHealth.

To read the full press release, click here.