SC Works To Hold Job Fair At McClenaghan

SC Works will be hosting a job fair at the McClenaghan Building (500 S Dargan St, Room 301) on Wednesday, November 29th from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.  Interviews for Veterans Only will be held from 9:00 – 9:30 AM.  The event is open to students, service members, veterans and the general public. For more information, call (843) 519-1245.

Volunteers Needed For United Way Of Florence County’s VITA Program

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.

Ice Skating Returning To Florence Center

Ice Skating is back at the Florence Center from December 15-21!

Lace up your skates and join us for a week of winter wonder and festive fun! Glide into the holiday spirit with friends and family at the coolest spot in town. Mark your calendars and get ready to make magical memories on the ice!

Fellows In Education Visit Lester Elementary School

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.

Florence 1 Schools Has Been Named Most Equitable School District In South Carolina

Florence 1 Schools has been named the most equitable school district in South Carolina, according to a new study by WalletHub. The study evaluated nearly 13,000 school districts across the country, ranking them based on per-pupil spending and the average household income. Districts were assigned an overall score, with a low score being indicative of greater equity. Florence 1’s score was 0.28, half the score for Spartanburg 2, the district ranked second in the state.

The ranking was created based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Center for Education Statistics. According to that data, Florence 1’s expenditures per pupil are $12,398 and the average household income is $54,784. By comparison, Spartanburg’s per pupil expenditures are $10,368 while the average household income is $62,550.

To read the full story, click here.

SC Senator Mia McLeod Announced As Speaker At This Year’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Event

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.

Leadership Florence Class of 2024 Held Its November Session

The Florence Chamber’s Leadership Florence class of 2024 held its November session, Healthcare Day.

The 33 member class heard from several local healthcare organizations, which included visits to McLeod Regional Medical Center, Encompass Health, MUSC Health Florence, HopeHealth and The Manor. Each organization had a very informative presentation and tour for the group.

The Chamber wants to thank MUSC for sponsoring breakfast, Mcleod Health Florence for sponsoring lunch, and HopeHealth for providing special gifts for the cohorts.

To view photos from the day, click here.

Top Hat Special-Teas Recognized As Business Of The Quarter

Congratulations to the Florence Chamber and City of Florence’s Business of the Quarter, Top Hat Special-Teas. Top Hat Special-Teas is a a unique tearoom and dining establishment located in downtown Florence.

Owners Laurie and John Crouse accepted a resolution at the November City Council meeting.

Business of the Quarter is a unique partnership of the City of Florence and the Chamber to recognize local businesses for contributions to community development, growth and civic engagement.

Top Hat Special-Teas is located at 234 West Evans Street in Florence.

Peach Cobbler Factory Is Open For Business

Jeremy Plowden along with family, staff and Chamber Ambassadors cuts the ribbon to join the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

The Peach Cobbler Factory is a one-stop shop for all things delicious. They offer a variety of Homestyle Desserts including Twelve Flavors of Cobbler served with Complimentary Ice Cream, Twelve Flavors of Banana Pudding, Twelve BIGGER & Better Cookies, Six BIGGER & Better Brownies, Twelve Pudd-N Shakes, Five Flavors of Belgian Waffles, Six Flavors of Cinnamon Rolls, Six Flavors of Churro Stix’s, Sweet Peachy Tea, and Cold Rush Coffee.

All their desserts are perfect for any occasion whether it be to treat yourself, your family, or your friends. They offer catering and a variety of different catering options to meet any occasion whether it’s for Family Dinners, Holidays, or Birthdays. The Peach Cobbler Factory is open Seven Days a week and offers delivery for any late-night last-minute cravings.

To read the full story, click here.

Victors Annual Thanksgiving Eve Block Party Set For Wednesday, November 22

Join Victors for their Annual Thanksgiving Eve Block Party on November 22nd beginning at 6:00 PM with live music in the James Allen Plaza (109 S Dargan St).  Admission is just $5 and the proceeds will benefit the HopeHealth Compassionate Care Fund.