Archive for category: News

Last week, the South Carolina Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) issued revised General Fund revenue forecasts for FY2023-24 and FY2024-25. Thanks to continued economic growth and prosperity throughout South Carolina, the state’s General Fund revenues continue to exceed expectations prompting the BEA to raise its estimates for both fiscal years.

For FY2023-24, the BEA increased its estimate by $426.8 million to $12.89 billion. The new estimate for this fiscal year will leave state budget writers with a one-time surplus of $448.1 million. Combined with the prior year’s surplus and the FY2023-24 Capital Reserve Fund, lawmakers will have $896.1 million in one-time funds available to appropriate for non-recurring purposes.

For FY2024-25, the BEA increased its forecast to $13.21 billion meaning that budget writers will likely have $673.1 million in new recurring revenues to appropriate during this year’s budget process. The BEA notes that the growth projected in the revised FY2024-25 revenue forecast “…is sufficient to trigger the next individual income tax rate reduction from 6.4 to 6.3 percent for tax year 2024.”

Key contributors to the continued stronger than expected revenue collections include wage growth, sales tax collections, and corporate income tax collections. More information on the revised forecast can be found here.

QUICK CLIPS unveils its Stylish Haven for Effortless Grooming in Florence along with its owners Clayton Powell, Michael Player, their staff, family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

QUICK CLIPS, the epitome of efficient grooming, proudly announces the grand opening of its brand-new salon in Florence, SC. Nestled at 2112 S. Irby Street Suite B on the entrance/exit to Walmart, their salon is set to redefine your grooming experience, ensuring precision haircuts that align with your budget.

At QUICK CLIPS, they specialize in delivering top-notch looks that won’t break the bank. Their team of skilled and experience stylists provide personalized and stylish cuts that exceed your expectations. Whether you’re looking for a classic trim or a trendy makeover, they have you covered.

To read the full story, click here.

In partnership with the IRS, United Way of Florence County’s VITA site offers free tax services to people who need assistance in preparing their tax returns.

United Way of Florence County plans to open its site on January 22, 2024 through April 5, 2024.  In past years, the site has operated from 1-4pm Monday through Thursday by appointment only.  Depending on volunteer availability, the hours may vary week to week.

United Way of Florence County’s site has a need for volunteers in the following positions:

• Greeter/Screener (also known as an intake questioner)
• Basic Tax Preparer – assists individuals with basic tax returns
• Advanced Tax Preparer – assists individuals with more advanced returns

*At least two advanced preparers are needed to operate, so volunteering for this position increases United Way’s capacity to serve more people.

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Deb Mantone at dmantone@uwflorence.org or 843-662-2407.

Lester Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Deborah Cribb and staff, welcomed the 2023-20234 Fellows In Education Class to share what they focus on each day in striving to create a safe learning community while nurturing and growing students into independent, positive individuals who make wise contributions and safe choices.

Each month the Fellows In Education Program centers on a different educational experience from Florence 1 Schools. It offers opportunities for community leaders to share in the development of better education policies in the communities in which they live and work.

The Fellows in Education Program is a partnership between The School Foundation, Florence 1 Schools and The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

To view photos from the day, click here.

On Thursday January 11, 2024, The Florence Chamber of Commerce will partner with Francis Marion University to host the 25th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. event, A Celebration and Remembrance Through the Arts.

The annual celebration, will take place at 6:30 at Francis Marion University’s Chapman Auditorium. The keynote speaker is South Carolina Senator Mia McLeod, along with a number of other great tributes.

For more information contact LaTasha Brand  at Francis Marion University at 843-661-1229 or Les Echols at the Chamber at 843-665-0515.