New Spark: Florence One Schools Dedicates Haigh Porter Park

/in , , , /by

Haigh Porter said it never entered his mind that Florence One Schools planned to name the park between the McClenaghan Administrative Annex and the district’s attendance and zoning offices on Dargan Street after him.  Porter, the Florence County master-in-equity and a former mayor, said Thursday morning at a ceremony dedicating the park that he thought Florence One Schools Board Chairman Porter Stewart, who is a lawyer, was calling to discuss a case with him.  Porter said he hoped the park and the recently opened McClenaghan Administrative Annex building would be a “new spark” to set of revitalization and redevelopment of his old neighborhood.  He said that he had grown up three blocks away from the park and that the area was the upper end of his neighborhood.

To read the full story, click here.

Florence Save A Lot Opens in Downtown Florence

/in , , , /by

Florence’s new Save A Lot opened on Wednesday, October 27th with a 9 a.m. ribbon cutting to mark its grand opening − an event that will feature in-store promotions and prizes followed by four days of giveaways and a community cookout.  The store, located at 310 North Dargan Street, features a bright and easy-to-shop footprint that includes shorter and wider aisles, new dairy and meat cases and a focus on fresh produce. We’re thrilled to be able to bring a Save A Lot store to our neighbors in Florence,” said Tim Waters, store owner and operator. “This new store has been a dream of mine for 20 years and I’m proud that it provides a modern aesthetic and easier-to-shop footprint, so this community can enjoy stocking up on grocery essentials, quality fresh meat and produce they deserve. We’ll be celebrating through Saturday with deals and promotions as a special thank you to the community.”

To read the full story, click here.

Tilt Studio at Magnolia Mall Celebrates Opening with a Ribbon Cutting

/in , , , /by

Tilt Studio celebrated its opening and joining of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, October 27th with a ribbon cutting. Chamber ambassadors joined in the celebration.  The Texas-based Tilt Studio at Magnolia Mall has transformed the former J.C. Penney’s space into a brightly lit fun center that includes games, Laser Tag Arena, mini bowling, two black light mini golf courses; Spin Zone Bumper Cars with Flip Zone Cars, and a completed Indy Driving Simulator. A Redemption Center features hundreds of prizes. There are between 100 and 150 classic and modern interactive video and redemption prize games for all skill levels and all ages.  There are virtual games, including one of the newest King Kong of Skull Island. Some of the other games include air hockey, Wheel of Fortune, and water game fun.  Tilt Studio is a 100,000-square-foot indoor family entertainment center.

To read the full article, click here.

Pee Dee Vineyard Harvesting Productions Hold Ribbon Cutting

/in , , , /by

Pee Dee Vineyard Harvesting Productions held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 26th in the James Allen Plaza on Dargan Street, hosted by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce. The business celebrated its opening and joining the Chamber. Chamber ambassadors joined in the celebration. Owner Larry Hancock said he is continuing a tradition started by his grandfather Happy Hancock in the 1970s of promoting quality Judeo-Christian entertainment. He sees himself as a promoter of God’s work. “I am honored to serve as His promoter of quality entertainment with Judeo-Christian values, and I am honored for the backing and support of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce,” Hancock said on his website. Hancock said he did not want to just promote gospel music but dramas, Mystery Theater and other stage productions. He plans to host the Grand Gospel Music Celebration in October 2022.

To read the full story, click here.

State Farm Agent Austin Wilson Holds Ribbon Cutting

/in , , , /by

Austin Wilson State Farm on Second Loop Road in Florence held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the agency’s opening and membership in the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, October 20th. Celebrating with Wilson and his staff were Chamber staff and ambassadors.  Wilson said he worked at State Farm for about five years before opening his office at 1625 Second Loop Road in 2020.  “I have been open here about a year,” Wilson said.  Wilson is a native of Florence and graduate of South Florence High School and Francis Marion University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He said State Farm makes it easy to convince customers of its value. He said it has a good reputation.

To read the full story, click here.

Tawanda’s Mobile Notary Services Hosts Ribbon Cutting

/in , , , /by

Tawanda Hanna held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, October 18th for her new business, Tawanda’s Notary Services and Accessories LLC. The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce participated in the ribbon cutting in the James Allen Plaza behind the Chamber office. Chamber ambassadors joined in the celebration, along with family and friends. Hanna has been in business since February. Hanna works out of her home and car, taking her business to her clients. She also performs small weddings and is a notary license signing agent. Services provided include loan documents, power of attorney, bill of sale, bank forms and more.

To read the full story, click here.

The Legacy Agency’s Grand Opening Includes Ribbon Cutting

/in , , , /by

Jennifer C. Dunleavy is carrying on a legacy as she starts the next chapter of an Allstate agency in Florence. The Legacy Allstate Insurance Group on Cherokee Road is celebrating its grand opening this week. A ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday, September 29th with the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce at the agency location at 1801 Cherokee Road in Florence. Rufus Brown opened the agency in 1967, after having worked for Allstate in the old Sears building downtown. It was his vision to start a neighborhood agency, Dunleavy said. Dunleavy said Brown moved to the current location in the ‘90s. His son-in-law, Richard Liles, eventually took over the business when Brown retired. Liles was nearing retirement age, Dunleavy said, when she came across information about the business. She was ready to return to her Pee Dee roots. She grew up in Hartsville and moved when she was 15 years old with her parents when her father was transferred with CP&L to Raleigh, North Carolina. Dunleavy said she attended Hartsville High School but graduated in Raleigh and attended Western Carolina in North Carolina. “I wanted to come home. I have been here since January,” Dunleavy said. Dunleavy acquired the Allstate agency in May.

To read the full story, click here.

Florence’s Hope Village Celebrates Opening with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting

/in , , , /by

With a few words, a reading from the Gospel of Matthew, a prayer, an admonition about the sharpness the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon cutting shears and then a quick slice of those shears, Hope Village was officially opened for business Thursday, September 30th. Of course, though, it wasn’t that easy. There were several years of work to get the village of 240-square-foot homes to the ribbon-cutting stage with the whole project paid for at completion. “This project began as a vision of one, Bryan Braddock, our Executive Director, spread to a vision of the House of Hope leadership team, then as a vision to the House of Hope board then ultimately as a vision toward our community,” said Dick Powell, Secretary for the House of Hope Board of Directors. “Hope Village is an example of this community’s generosity, their prayers and their hands to accomplish something unique in this region,” Powell said. “To those who gave generously, prayed fervently and worked diligently we want to, as a board, say thank you to you.”

To read the full story, click here.

A Ribbon Cutting Celebrates the Opening of Jersey Mike’s in Florence

/in , , , /by

Jersey Mike’s joins the lineup of Florence restaurants this summer. On Wednesday, September 15th a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate its opening and joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce. Joining in the celebration were Chamber staff and ambassadors.  The sub-style restaurant opened on June 2.  “It has been busy,” said Michael Kelly, Franchise Owner. “We have been blessed to be here.”  Kelly said this is his first time as a franchise owner. He moved to Florence in May from Charleston, where he attended Charleston Southern, majoring in political science.  The restaurant is located at 110 Woody Jones Blvd. in Florence. Jersey Mike’s offers hot and cold subs from Mike’s Famous Philly to the Big Kahuna Cheese Steak to The Veggie or the Original Italian.

To read the full story, click here.

SpotOn Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Chamber Membership

/in , , , /by

SpotOn Transact celebrated joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, September 28th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the James Allen Plaza behind the Chamber office.  Celebrating with SpotOn Account Executive Sam Thompson were Chamber staff and ambassadors.  SpotOn Transact is a payments and software company redefining the merchant services industry to help them work “more efficiently, more strategically and more economically”.  Its mission, according to its website, is “to give your businesses a fighting chance by providing you with innovative software and payment solutions, supported by local and personal service, and delivered at a fair price. We are determined to help you compete and win.”

To read the full story, click here.