97 Cares Joins Chamber And Celebrates With Ribbon Cutting

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A ribbon cutting was held on Thursday, November 17th for 97 Cares, 906 Pamplico Highway in Florence, celebrating its membership in the Greater Florence Chamber. The owner of 97 Cares was joined for the ribbon cutting by Chamber staff and ambassadors.

The company is a mobile, durable medical equipment company with its business headquarters in Hanahan. The company opened its doors on Jan. 1, 2018, for the single purpose of improving clients’ quality of life with dignity. The company is owned and operated by service-disabled veteran Samuel Brown, who earned a bronze star while serving in Afghanistan.

“The name 97 Cares is in honor of this US Veteran owner’s father, who passed away a week before his 98th birthday,” Brown said.

To read the full story, click here.

Japan-Based Battery Technology Company To Bring 1,170 Jobs To Florence County

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A global battery technology company headquartered in Japan will invest $810 million and create 1,170 new jobs in Florence County to support the company’s multi-year partnership with the BMW Group.

Envision AESC is committed to research, development, design, manufacturing and sales of power batteries for EV’s and energy storage batteries, according to a release.

The plant will be located in an 870-acre Technology and Commerce Park in Florence, with convenient proximity to the interstate and Inland Port Dillon, the Florence plant will encompass approximately 1.5 million square feet.

To read the full story, click here.

The SBA Hold Resource Day Program

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Free seminar covering the SBA’s resources and financing programs to assist small businesses to start, grow, expand, and recover! Hear from the South Carolina District Office and our resource partners that provide free counseling and assistance. To be held Wednesday Nov 16th at 1 PM. Register here.

Florence Voters Approve Sunday Beer, Wine Sales

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Voters helped Florence retailers level the sales field Tuesday, November 8th when they overwhelmingly approved a proposal allowing retailers to obtain permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption on Sundays.

With all precincts reporting, 71% of the 7,324 voters said yes to Sunday beer and wine sales for off-premises consumption. No votes accounted for 29%.

Retailers who already hold state permits to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption will be able to seek a permit to add Sunday sales.

The Florence City Council approved an ordinance earlier this year to put the beer-and-wine sales referendum on the November ballot.

Several nearby cities – Darlington and Lake City – already allow retailers to sell beer and wine on Sundays, which meant Florence retailers often lost revenue to retailers in those cities on Sundays. People would go to Lake City and Darlington retailers to purchase beer or wine on Sundays. However, they often would purchase food and other items while shopping.

To read the full story, click here.

Florentines Gather To Celebrate Veterans Day, Dedicate WWII Monument

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Several hundred people turned out Friday for Florence’s Veterans Day ceremony in the Florence Veterans Park — something that wasn’t a given based on Thursday’s weather forecast.

Under threatening skies that never amounted to anything but a few sprinkles early on, the ceremony was kept at a brisk pace by master of ceremonies Col. (R) Barry Wingard as he worked his way toward the end of the event where traditionally a new monument at the park is unveiled and dedicated.

Not to disappoint this year two monuments — one stone and the other living — were dedicated.

Thursday, two oak trees with ties to Belleau Wood, France, were planted at the WWI monument by the U.S. Marine Corps League. The trees, grown from acorns from the oak trees at the battlefield, are being planted across the U.S. after getting their start to life at N.C. State University.

To read the full story, click here.

FMU Computer Lab Dedicated For Longtime Employee

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Francis Marion University has named a computer lab in Stanton Academic Computer Center in recognition of former campus technology employee Teresa McDuffie.

Members of FMU’s Board of Trustees, faculty and administration gathered at the newly titled Teresa McDuffie Computer Lab to unveil the commemorative plaque on Thursday, November 10th.

“Teresa has been the heart and soul of FMU campus technology for over three decades. She has always been patient and understanding in resolving the most perplexing of problems. Everyone on this campus adores, respects, and admires her. We are all honored to recognize her service with this unique recognition,” said Francis Marion President Fred Carter.

An employee of 33 years, McDuffie joined FMU’s campus technology department as a computer technician in 1989. She later advanced to systems support technologist and network specialist, before becoming network systems administrator, a position she held until her retirement in summer 2022.

To read the full story, click here.

FDTC To Host Youth Apprenticeship Informational Session in Lake City

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Join FDTC on Tuesday, November 29th at the Continuum in Lake City for an informational session on Youth Apprenticeships.  Breakfast is being served at 7:30 and the program begins at 7:45 AM.  Learn how the FDTC’s Office of Apprenticeship and the Continuum in Lake City can connect your organization with their students to support and develop your future workplace pipelines.  Kindly RSVP by November 18th to info@thelccontinuum.org

Carolinas Centers For Sight Florence To Host Retina Q&A

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Carolinas Centers For Sight Florence (Cashua Location) is hosting a Retina Q&A on Tuesday, December 6th from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM with our Retina Specialist, Dr. Singhal.  Live questions will be answered, and refreshments are provided.

For more information, click here.

Food Insecurity Help Is Only A Text Away

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United Way of Florence County and The United Way Association of South Carolina want to remind Florence County families this holiday season that local and trusted programs that support those facing hunger are just a text message away through its 211 platform.

The United Way Association of South Carolina is the first United Way program in the nation to offer this resource, which was launched with support from the Duke Energy Foundation.

These resources are easy to access through a mobile device by simply sending the word “FOOD” to 211-211. The platform immediately sends people relevant information based on their mobile device’s location, minimizing wait times and eliminating the need for broadband internet. The service is available in English and Spanish.

“United Way of Florence County recognizes the importance of the 211 platform and prioritizes the support and availability of the service in Florence County,” United Way of Florence County President Cameron Packett said. “The text line is confidential, easy to use and always accessible. It’s an amazing resource that is a critical part of our fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community.”

To read the full story, click here.

Micky Finn’s Announces 3rd Location in Florence

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On Tuesday, November 8th, Micky Finn’s announced a third store in Florence area located in front of Buc-ee’s on the I-95 and SR 327. It will be the largest Micky Finn’s to date! There will be outdoor seating so that people can stop by to eat a Buc-ee’s brisket sandwich and shop the beverage warehouse! There will also be parking available for RV’s and boat trailers. More to come!