Remote Work Rate Drops to Lowest Levels Since Early 2021

The number of individuals working from home across the country has declined to its lowest level since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. At its peak in early 2021, 37 percent of households across the country had one individual working remotely at least one day a week. Now, the number has declined to 26 percent. Additionally, the percentage of job postings offering remote work flexibility has declined over the past year going from a peak of 10.3 percent to 8.1 percent. The report also tracks state-by-state work from home (WFH) rates, revealing that Colorado has the highest WFH rate at 38.3 percent and Wyoming has the lowest at 12.9 percent.

According to the Census Bureau data, South Carolina has the 15th lowest WFH rate in the country at 21 percent. The state’s early pandemic peak was 25.6 percent. The monthly Palmetto Business Barometer survey administered by the SC Chamber and the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) tracks a variety of business conditions and attitudes, including the percentage of businesses’ workforce working remotely. On average, 59 percent of respondents say that their workforce spends zero time working remotely, with 41 percent of respondents sharing that their workforce spends anywhere from 25 to 100 percent of their time working remotely. In September, 64 percent of respondents said that their workforce spent zero time working remotely. To view the latest Palmetto Business Barometer data.

To read the full story, click here.

Chi Iota Chapter Of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Is Hosting Its Annual Achievement Week Banquet

The Chi Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc is hosting its annual Achievement Week Banquet. This banquet pays homage to our dear fraternity and honors our chapter’s achievements over the past year. The theme this year is “Omega men promoting a harmonious future through friendship and service.”

The attire is black tie. A meal is included with the purchase of a ticket. Dr. Timothy Hunter will be the speaker for this occasion.

To register, click here.

CARE House Of The Pee Dee Joins Santa In Spreading Holiday Cheer

Santa’s helpers at the CARE House of the Pee Dee brighten the Holiday Season with Letters from Santa campaign through December 1, 2023.

The CARE House of the Pee Dee is kicking off their annual Letters from Santa campaign, a fundraiser in which children receive personalized letters – and Nice List Certificates – from Santa Claus with the help of the elves at the CARE House. The tradition, which benefits the work of the local Children’s Advocacy Center, started in 2016 and has become a seasonal favorite for many local families and children in foster care.

To read the full press release, click here.

City Farmer’s Market Looking For Musicians

City Center Market staff is looking for musicians to play at the weekly farmers market. The musician(s) would perform on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month during our regular market hours, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

If anyone is interested or knows anyone who might be interested, please reach out via phone (843.665.2047) or email (ssteen@cityofflorence.com).

Cumulus Media Invites You To Their Business Boost Event

Don’t miss the chance to attend the Boost Your Business Seminar, a free and exclusive event for entrepreneurs like you!

This is a rare opportunity to learn from the best in the industry how to take your business to the next level. Whether you want to grow, maintain, or manage your business, you will get valuable insights and tips from professional online business experts. And you don’t have to pay anything to attend this seminar!

The event will take place on Thursday Nov 16th in the Community Room at the Florence Chamber of Commerce (100 W Evans St). There will be two sessions: 9:15 am and 12:00 noon. The event is hosted by Cumulus Media & The Florence Chamber of Commerce. You will also enjoy a light breakfast in the morning session and a Jimmy John’s lunch in the noon session.

But wait, there’s more! You will also have a chance to win amazing door prizes.  Also a chance to win $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 advertising campaigns.   And that’s not all, you will also get access to special incentives if you sign up for our programs. This is an incredible opportunity to boost your business and network with other successful entrepreneurs.

To RSVP, email Ted Becker at ted.becker@cumulus.com or Dennis Bankson at Dennis.Bankson@cumulus.com today! Hurry, space is limited! Ted and Dennis are looking forward to seeing you there!

Union Home Mortgage Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Union Home Mortgage held a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, October 17th.   Union Home Mortgage is an approved direct lender of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and USDA loan products. Their company has over 200 branches across the US. For eight consecutive years, Union Home Mortgage has been awarded a Top Workplace. With a world-class culture that stands out in the mortgage industry, UHM employees are guided by a Code of Conduct that emphasizes respect, open communication, and accountability.

Their Florence branch has been open for one year; we serve all of South Carolina and North Carolina.

Union Home Mortgage is located at 802 West Evans Street, Florence, SC 29501 their business hours are 9:00- 5:00, Monday- Friday, phone (843) 990-4503 or visit them on their website, Facebook page and social media at https://www.uhm.com/branches/florence/.

South Carolina Pecan Festival Returns To Downtown Florence November 4th

The 2023 SC Pecan Music and Food Festival marks its 19th annual event on Saturday, November 4, 2023. This exciting one-day festival has delighted residents and visitors alike and is the area’s largest event, drawing over 50,000 attendees each year. The festival consistently wins Best of the Pee Dee awards and has been featured in numerous national publications such as Travel + Leisure Magazine Online and AAA’s Go Magazine.

Please click here for entertainment schedules and more information.

Post And Courier To Host Coffee and Conversations

The Post and Courier Pee Dee is holding an event called Coffee & Conversations to let members of the Pee Dee community meet our reporters, bring any news ideas or feedback, etc. The event will be held on Wednesday, November 8th, on the second floor of the LMEC Building downtown from 8:30-10:00 AM.  Reserve your seat today!

To register, click here.

Pee Dee State Farmer’s Market Featured On ChamberLink Radio

Bob Sager, Market Manager for the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, was on ChamberLink Radio this weekend to talk about their year-round market showcasing some of the state’s freshest and finest produce along with its prime location for the ornamental horticulture and floriculture industry.

You can catch the conversations on ChamberLink Radio each Sunday from 12:00-12:30pm on LIVE 95.3FM in Florence, SC.

ChamberLink Radio is brought to you by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and The UPS Stores.

SBA Meet and Greet

Join the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce for an informative Meet and Greet with the US Small Business Administration. The event will be held at the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce (100 West Evans Street) from 2-4pm. SBA representatives will be on hand to discuss:

  • SBA products and services
  • Financial Assistance for small business
  • Working with the Federal Government
  • Q&A with professionals

To register, click here.