Florence’s Former O’Dowd, Carolina Theater In Line for Renovation & Restoration

It’s highly unlikely anyone alive remembers when it wasn’t there, and it’s equally unlikely anyone takes much notice of it today — though it remains and is a survivor. And it’s about to get a second act, or maybe a third act — fourth act? “It’s been through more renovations than we thought,” Florence Assistant City Manager Clint Moore said. The more demolition crews dig into Florence’s historic downtown theater — once the O’Dowd and then the Carolina — the more city officials learn of renovations and redesigns of which they were unaware, said Moore, who is overseeing the project for Florence.

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The Florence Chamber Fostering a New Business Resource

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce is currently fostering a partnership with Grand Strand SCORE to establish a Pee Dee SCORE Branch. The goal is to develop additional resources for our local small business communities through mentoring and education.

SCORE is a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration dedicated to the formation and growth of small businesses throughout the United States. It provides free business advice and mentoring, offering low or no-cost business training and sharing free business templates and resources. While we are a few weeks away from an official launch, we do recommend the virtual business courses listed below and are available for free in February. If you have any questions, please contact the Florence Chamber at 843-665-0515.

Simple Steps to Exiting your Business (virtual)

Date: 2/9/21 Time: 12-1:30 pm

This 3-part series workshop, developed by MassMutual and SCORE, will help you plan for the next stage for your business, for yourself, and for generations to come. Part 1: Succession Planning, Part 2: Retirement Planning, Part 3: Estate Planning

for more information, click here: https://grandstrand.score.org/event/simple-steps-exiting-your-business-9

 

Marketing at a Glance (virtual)

Date: 2/18/21 Time: 12-1:30

This presentation is for the business owners who want to properly market their products (or services) by attracting new customers and retaining existing ones (virtually or in person).
The following topics will be covered in this presentation:

– Definition and 4 P’s of Marketing
– Marketing Plan, its benefits and requirements
– Market segmentation and your targeted market
– Importance of effective messaging for Digital Marketing
– Marketing Strategy, Goals and Cost

For More Information, click here: https://grandstrand.score.org/event/marketing-glance-0

 

Making Money from Home in 10 Steps (virtual)

Date: 2/23/21 Time: 12-1:30pm; For More Information Click here: https://grandstrand.score.org/event/making-money-home-10-steps

 

Digital Technology for Business optimization and Growth (virtual)

Date: 2/25/21 – Time: 12-1:30

This workshop provides owners with information on multiple topics, including the role of the small businesses in the U.S., challenges, trends, market changes and the use of technology for the business growth. The following topics will be covered:
-Overview of disruptive technologies
-Examples of existing solutions for various areas in small business operations (CRM, digital marketing, customer service, etc.)

For more information, click here: https://grandstrand.score.org/event/digital-technology-business-optimization-growth

Virtual Business Session: How to Do Business with our Local Government and School Systems

The program, sponsored by the chambers PRISM initiative, will help share the opportunities that exist for small, minority and women-owned businesses to offer their services to Florence One Schools, the city of Florence and Florence County.  This informative webinar will provide overviews on the procurement process for taking advantage of opportunities you may never knew existed.  Guest panelists include individuals from: Florence One Schools, City of Florence and Florence County.  Attendees will learn:  The language and process basics of doing business with the above entities; The different goods and services that are needed from local vendors; How to register as a vendor; How to prepare proposals and find bid opportunities.

To register online, click here.

PRISM & Chamber to Host Next Level Strategies for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Virtual Webinar

This free event will be held via Zoom.  This event includes a presentation from keynote speaker, Rhonda Midgette, Vice President of Human Resources at TD Bank and owner of Insightful HR.  The webinar will dissect the essential subject matter in promoting diverse, equitable and inclusive practices across all sectors of business and community.  Top Of Mind Challenges:  DEI Best Practices, Community Action Items & Q&A.

To register online, click here.

Styletype Clothing Joins Chamber and Celebrates with A Ribbon Cutting

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday, January 14th in the courtyard at the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce celebrating Styletype Clothing’s membership in the Chamber.  Owner Brianna Charles cut the ribbon while Chamber ambassadors, family and friends joined the celebration.  Styletype Clothing is a home-based, online women’s clothing company.  Charles said she provides casual, urban and luxury clothing for women.

To read the full story, click here.