Archive for category: Ribbon Cuttings

The next endeavor for the company, Skelton said, will be the Discover Florence Treasure Hunt.

Skelton said the event, which is scheduled to begin in April, will take treasure hunters on a journey around town to find clues.

Each month, 15 to 20 clues will be posted on the Discover Florence Treasure Hunt website. Skelton said residents must go to the business or historical landmark where a clue can be found, complete a task, and take a picture to document their experience.

Those who complete the monthly tasks will be entered to win $1,000. The 12 monthly winners will then compete for a grand prize of $10,000 next year.

Skelton said joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce was very important to get the local businesses involved.

Skelton said the event is about bringing the Florence community together.

“It seems that everything is pulling our country apart,” Skelton said. “What we want to do is to bring our city together and unify the citizens. Something like this is just fun and it’s a great opportunity for us to grow closer together.”

Registration is limited to 500 applicants and Skelton said 300 have already registered. For more information, visit discoverflorencetreasurehunt.com.

Eshun said the Future Entrepreneurs Foundation was started with the goal of helping teenagers become better businessmen and women.

The organization provides opportunities for students to have one-on-one mentorships, chances to ask questions to business professionals and be involved in the community through service.

“I work with students within the Florence school district, and we help them hone skills and gain resources in the field of entrepreneurship,” Eshun said. “I believe our youth are our future leaders, and it’s up to us to empower them and invest in their future.”

Eshun said the foundation will hold a fundraiser on Sept. 21 at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology Center on the Florence-Darlington Technical College campus.

Celebrity Christopher Gardner and Florence City Councilwoman Teresa Myers Ervin will be the speakers for the night. Gardner was portrayed by actor Will Smith in the movie “Pursuit of Happyness” in 2006.

Eshun said being involved in the growing process and seeing youth succeed is what makes it all worthwhile.

“Whatever vision they have, they have can achieve it,” Eshun said. “I can be right there beside them, coaching them and getting them to focus on their future. We want to give them all the resources that we can to help them succeed. I believe that it takes a village to raise a child.”

For more information, visit www.scfutureentrepreneurs.com. To contact the foundation, email sc@futureentrepreneurs.info or call 800-913-8261.

SCNow Web Article – Future Entrepreneurs Foundation cuts ribbon in Effingham

Rick Shelley, director for workforce development for Goodwill in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions, said the goal of constructing the new store is to help with missions and services in the community.

“We’re very excited to be opening our second location,” Shelley said. “This is going to help us expand our footprint in the Pee Dee and give folks another opportunity to promote the mission of Goodwill in the Florence area.”

Shopper Katrienne Ham was one of the first to enter the new store on Thursday and came away impressed with the selection and price.

“I love the Goodwill and the mission they have,” Ham said. “I think it’s a wonderful thing. Nowadays, people don’t have a lot of money and they have things in the Goodwill store that are just as nice for a reasonable price.”

The mission of Goodwill is “to help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work.”

Palmetto Goodwill CEO Robert Smith said the organization assists people in finding jobs, trains them in resume building and helps adults who haven’t received a high school diploma get their education and obtain certifications to get back out in the workforce.

Over 90 cents of every dollar made through retail is given back to the community through those education, training and employment programs.

“We bring them in, train them and help them become successful in the workplace,” Smith said. “This store not only serves as an opportunity to employ people, but also an opportunity to train them and place them back out in the community.”

In addition to store manager Ruth Cain and assistant manager Lamar Meyers, 15 store associates were hired in conjunction with the new store opening, according to Palmetto Goodwill.

“We’re really excited to have the Florence community and their support,” Smith said.

People can register all weekend long for a free 60-second Goodwill shopping spree by visiting the store location.

Last year, Palmetto Goodwill placed more than 1,596 people into new jobs and provided services for more than 57,981 in South Carolina.

For more information about its programs and services or to donate, visit palmettogoodwill.org.

The public was invited to the ribbon cutting as well as to the shop’s grand opening set for Friday. During the grand opening, customers can look forward to special deals and sales throughout the day to help get a head start on holiday shopping.

The foundation operates other thrift shops in Scranton, Lake City and Johnsonville as well as a second location at 1650 E. Palmetto St. in Florence. The stores are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Florence County Disabilities Foundation was established to provide funding for the Florence County Disabilities and Special Needs Board. The foundation seeks support from sources such as corporate donations, fundraising activities and grants, as well as volunteer assistance for the agency. For more information, call 843-662-4021 or visit fcdfoundation.org.

SCNow Web Article – Thrift shop holds ribbon cutting at new location in Florence