Ribbon cutting held for Stewart Behavioral Health in Florence

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By: Jessica Imbimbo, Morning News

FLORENCE, S.C. – Stewart Behavioral Health employees joined Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce ambassadors for a ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon to celebrate the facility’s new chamber membership.

Located at 525 S. Dargan Street in Florence, Stewart Behavioral Health is a counseling office that provides a variety of services including crisis intervention, family counseling, couples therapy, marital counseling, and stress management. The facility sees an average of 25 clients each week ranging in ages from early childhood to adult.

Martha Stewart, counselor and owner of Stewart Behavioral Health, she said was inspired to start her own private psychology practice after working with children from the Connie Maxwell Children’s Home in 2013. Since then, Stewart dedicated herself to working in counseling services and earned her master’s degree in psychology from Francis Marion University in 2007.

“I went back to college late in life and got my degree,” Stewart said. “I’ve been helping people forever and now I have the degrees to back it up. It’s going well and I hope this is my last job so I can retire here.”

 Along with her other full-time and part-time counselors, Stewart moved into her own facility in June of last year and recently joined the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce. Stewart said she didn’t expect the large welcome from the chamber ambassadors on Thursday afternoon but was pleasantly surprised by the ribbon cutting and said she looks forward to being a part of the chamber moving forward.

“It’s awesome,” Stewart said. “I have wanted to do this for a long time. I’m really excited to be a member of the chamber.”

SCNow Web Article – Ribbon cutting held for Stewart Behavioral Health in Florence 

Chamber welcomes Mariner Finance to Florence

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By: Jessica Imbimbo, Morning News

FLORENCE, S.C. – Ambassadors with the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Thursday morning for Mariner Finance and its employees to welcome them as members of the chamber.

Mariner Finance, formerly known as Pioneer Credit in Dillon, relocated to Florence at 2503 S. Cashua Drive in February. Mariner Finance offers customers a variety of personal, home and auto loans.

Tony Elvington, area vice president of Mariner Finance, said moving to Florence gives the company exposure to a larger, growing market and the business move just made sense.

“It’s been a good move so far,” he said. “It’s only been a few months but we’re getting better every month.”

Elvington said having the chamber ambassadors host a ribbon cutting at the Florence branch is “a big deal” for the new location and he hopes that by joining the chamber, Mariner Finance will be able to reach out into the community and bring in more clients.

“It’s going to give us good advertisement and give us some name recognition because Mariner Finance is new to South Carolina,” Elvington said. “I like this.”

The Florence store is one of 13 Mariner Finance branches in South Carolina and the lone branch in the Pee Dee region. Along with its affiliates, Mariner Finance features more than 450 branches in 22 states throughout the country.

For more information about Mariner Finance and their Florence branch, visit marinerfinance.com.

SCNow Web Article – Chamber welcomes Mariner Finance to Florence

Car hauler parade gets Darlington community excited for Labor Day race

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By: Audrey Biesk, WMBF

DARLINGTON, SC (WMBF) – Darlington Race weekend is officially underway in the Pee Dee. It all kicked off with the annual car hauler parade. The fun fest started at the Florence Civic Center at 4 p.m. with NASCAR hauler autograph opportunities, kids activities and live music. The haulers left from Florence and went toward Darlington.

The NASCAR haulers rode through main square in downtown Darlington for the parade before heading to Darlington Raceway to get ready for the big day. Fans lined the street waving at the big rigs. 10 year old Riley Mckenzie said she wouldn’t miss it. “Those are some pretty flashing lights, there’s the energy truck with Danica Patrick on it.”

No matter someone’s age the NASCAR hauler parade is the perfect way to get people excited for the Southern 500 weekend. “If you ever come one time, you’ll want to see it again. They plan for this every year. Just like clockwork they always make arrangements for next year it’ll be coming.”said Rod Jones.

Families agreed coming together helps keep the history of Darlington Raceway alive.

“I’ve been going since 1965, yes, 1965 and I’ve been going back whenever they had it on Labor Day. Oh yeah you talking about a crowd, it was a crowd of people back then. It means a lot to Darlington to have this Southern 500 every year it brings a lot of people to town and they spend a lot of money,” Jones said.

Ashley Mckenzie and her family come every year from Florence to the parade, “I did have my umbrella. Yeah I mean it was pouring rain before, but we said we are going anywhere, we didn’t want to miss it, we still had fun. It’s a good tradition for us, and for Darlington.”

This year’s car hauler parade marks 13 years in a row.

WMBF Web Article – Car hauler parade gets Darlington community excited for Labor Day race

Three Boutique Hotels in the Pee Dee

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What’s the Pee Dee? It’s a question raised a lot by visitors traveling through the state. Simply put, it’s a seven-county region in northeastern South Carolina named for the Native American Pee Dee tribe that once lived there. Known for its natural beauty, the area is a network of lush waterways, state parks and other natural areas. It’s also home to several dynamic small towns, some of which are destinations in and of themselves. Planning a Pee Dee visit? Here are three boutique hotels where you’ll find a warm welcome, pampering appointments and easy accessibility to downtown happenings.

Hotel Florence, Florence

Downtown revitalization has breathed new life into Florence, and the addition of this hotel has helped drive the effort. The bustling railroad town, home of the South Carolina Pecan Festival, is the county seat and has long served as the Pee Dee’s hot spot for shopping, dining and entertainment. You can now find all three just steps from this hotel’s front door.

If you want an upscale lodging experience along with a Southern welcome, this is your place. Whether you stay for one day or several, chances are you’ll be on a first-name basis with staff members before check-out. Exposed brick hearkens back to the building’s 1920s hardware-store roots. Guest rooms are designed for pure comfort with fine bedding, nightly turndown service and room service. The experience is all luxury, but without the stuffiness prevalent in some metropolitan hotels.

Notable features: On-site day spa, penthouse suite with rooftop terrace, business center; within walking distance of art galleries, restaurants, wine bar, brewery, coffee houses, shopping and the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center.

Dining: Victor’s is the on-site fine dining restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The bar is a popular spot for socializing or grabbing a casual bite to eat. Treat yourself to the Bloody Mary bar during Sunday brunch.

Continue reading here: http://discoversouthcarolina.com/articles/three-boutique-hotels-in-the-pee-dee

New Florence judicial center still scheduled to open in early 2018

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FLORENCE, SC (WMBF) – Construction on the new Florence County Judicial Center continues, with a scheduled opening in early 2018.

According to a press release from Stevens & Wilkinson, the architecture firm that designed the facility, the $32 million, 120,000-square-foot building is being developed on North Irby Street, across from the existing county administration building.

The three-story structure will be able to house 170 employees and delineate the various functions of the various county courts, the release stated.

The genesis for the project was improving court safety in Florence County. Currently, courtrooms are housed in the Florence County Complex building.

Another need the new building will address is better parking access.

WMBF Web Article – New Florence judicial center still scheduled to open in early 2018

Business After Hours at Florence Ears, Nose and Throat

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florencent

Florence Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) held a Business after Hours event on Thursday evening at its office on 1521 McClure Court. More than 50 people attended the networking event including Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce members, business leaders, and Florence ENT staff members.

Florence ENT is affiliated with both Carolinas Hospital and McLeod Regional Medical Center and treats patients of all ages. From sore throats and earaches to breathing problems or hearing loss, the physicians at Florence Ears Nose and Throat are experienced and equipped to handle all of their patients’ needs.

The Business after Hours gathering highlighted the Florence ENT office and featured live entertainment, beer and wine, and food catered from Top Hat Special-Teas. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Florence Ear, Nose and Throat call 843-665-2900 or visit florenceent.com.

SCNow Web Article – Business After Hours at Florence Ears, Nose and Throat

Methodist Manor holds ribbon cutting for expanded facilities in Florence

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methodistmanor

FLORENCE, S.C. — Methodist Manor, a senior living community on Twin Church Rd. in Florence, held a ribbon cutting on Thursday afternoon to unveil its $18 million renovations and expansion.

Methodist Manor’s renovations took more than two years to complete, increasing the building’s size by 69,000 square feet. Teressa Tabor, executive director for Methodist Manor, said the expansion and revamping of the facility was completed in two phases: first with renovating existing areas of the building and second all new construction including an assisted-living facility, a bistro, an auditorium, a gallery, solarium and a dementia unit.

“We have every component that you’ll need for a retirement community,” Tabor said. “It’s just spectacular and a complete change from what it looked like two and a half years ago.”

During the ribbon cutting and open house, Tabor said, she received nothing but positive feedback from both the visitors and the existing 200-plus residents.

“They are blown away. They cannot believe all the services and the amenities we have,” Tabor said. “This is a place you want to be now, not a place you have to come.”

For more information about Methodist Manor, call 843-664-0700 or visit methodist-manor.com.

SCNow Web Article – Methodist Manor holds ribbon cutting for expanded facilities in Florence

First Reliance Banks expands market, creates more Florence jobs

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firstreliance

FLORENCE, S.C. — First Reliance Bank  has created a number of new jobs throughout the branch, including within their operational team in Florence, after expanding into the Summerville market area.

According to Pamela Rhoads, vice president of customer experience at First Reliance Bank, the company has added approximately 25 positions to support their growth initiatives for both branch growth, their dealer finance business line and their expanded mortgage business line.

“Not all the positions are in Florence but our operational area resides here which support these initiatives,” Rhoads said.

Rick Saunders, president and CEO of First Reliance, said the bank will continue to look for additional expansion opportunities throughout the Southeast and bring their brand of banking to new markets.

“We are a Florence-based bank,” Saunders said. “As we grow and expand our footprint throughout the Southeast it creates more opportunity for additional jobs in Florence, especially in our operational and support areas of the bank.”

First Reliance Bank, founded in 1999, has assets of approximately $420 million, and employs more than 140 associates. The bank serves the Midlands, Low Country, N. Myrtle Beach, Loris and Florence markets in South Carolina.

SCNow Web Article – First Reliance Banks expands market, creates more Florence jobs

Advanced Dental Center expansion

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Advanced Dental Center announced last week that they will be expanding their current facility at 2214 W. Palmetto St. in Florence.

The dental center will construct a 2,800 square-foot addition beginning in October. The projected completion for the project is April 2018.

The expansion will house approximately 10 treatment rooms. The practice is looking to add two dentists and five additional office employees once the construction is complete. On-site housing has been added to attract dentists from out of town in hopes to increase the pool of candidates.

Dr. Joe Griffin, owner of Advanced Dental Center, credits the practice’s growth to the personal service provided to their patients. They currently have 11,000 active patients and have won the Best Dentist Office of the Pee Dee for two of the last three years.

“As a Chamber member, we’ve seen the growth and business expansions throughout the region,” Griffin said. “Advanced Dental Center is proud to join the many other community businesses that have reacted to this progress by growing our services to meet those changing needs.”

For more information on the expansion, contact Dr. Griffin at 843-629-8000. Taken from http://www.scnow.com/…/article_b4908554-874d-11e7-a0fc-6709…

Winner selected in Florence’s ‘Full Forward Downtown Business Contest’

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Credit: WBTW News Staff

FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – In May the Florence Downtown Development Corporation announced their “Full Forward Downtown Business Contest”. By the deadline of July 7th, thirty-six business owners had submitted their entry to win $50,000. The contest was created to give existing retail businesses owners or franchisees the opportunity to relocate or expand their existing business into the Downtown Florence Historical District in an effort to increase the number of retail shops in the downtown area.

On Thursday, August 4th, a panel of judges selected L. Mae Boutique as the winner. They will receive over $50,000 which includes a $20,000 cash prize for expenses related to the new store, plus an additional $30,000 up-fit grant to be used for interior renovations to the building that the winner leases to house their business. In addition, the winner will receive $500.00 for signage and a first year business license credit of $300.00. Special lease incentives may also be offered by selected property owners.

L. Mae Boutique, LLC has two existing locations, one in Pawleys Island and a second location in Myrtle Beach. L. Mae Boutique is comprised of two unique brands, L. Mae Boutique and Wild Retail Mabel Clothing Company.

L. Mae offers a colorful preppy style while Wild Mabel yields a more relaxed beachy-boho look. Their target customer is 16-44 year old females.

Vandelyn Nichols, a Clemson graduate, is their Executive Manager. She originally initiated the L. Mae Boutique business as a part-time hobby while working in the healthcare industry and as the home based on-line business grew the decision was made to open a location in Pawleys Island. As the business continued to develop, a second location opened in Myrtle Beach and plans are to have the Florence location open by November of this year. The exact downtown location has not yet been determined.

Bob Sager, Retail Recruitment Specialist with the Florence Downtown Development Corporation commented “the contest greatly exceeded our expectations, we never envisioned that we would receive 36 entries. While L.Mae was the winner of the $50,000 prize, most of the other entries will still be eligible to receive the up-fit grant as well as the sign grant and business license credit if they choose to locate a business downtown. Those incentives total over $30,000.00.

—Information above is from a submitted Press Release.

WBTW Web Article – Winner selected in Florence’s ‘Full Forward Downtown Business Contest’