U.S. Chamber Poll Reveals the Worker Shortage Crisis is Unlikely to Ease

The US Chamber of Commerce polled Americans who lost their job during the pandemic and remain unemployed and found that many are not actively looking for work and may not return to the workforce for six months or more.

America is grappling with a workforce crisis that is slowing the nation’s economic recovery. There were 2.3 million fewer people in the workforce in October than there were in October 2019 before the pandemic.

According to the poll:

  • Less than half (47%) are actively and consistently looking for work, with one-in-five not looking for work at all.
  • 56% believe they can get by for more than six months before it becomes essential to return to full time work.
  • More than one-in-ten (13%) have left multiple jobs during the pandemic
  • Nearly a third (32%) of unemployed workers said they would prefer to work in a different industry for their next job

McLeod Honors Hospice Volunteers at Annual Tree Lighting

The 36th annual Light for Someone You Love tree-lighting ceremony at McLeod Regional Medical Center was filled with stories about family members who were treated by McLeod Hospice, words of praise for Hospice staff and volunteers who provide service to those at the end of their life and praise for Joan Harrison-Pavy, administrator of McLeod Hospice, who is stepping down from that position.

The ceremony was held Thursday, December 3rd on the ground of McLeod Regional Medical Center and is sponsored by the McLeod Health Foundation.

To read the full story, click here.

Duke Energy Caps Off Monthlong Grants Effort to SC Community Agencies

Duke Energy has closed out a monthlong initiative to support organizations that address food insecurities and inequities across South Carolina with nearly $150,000 in surprise microgrants to community organizations across the state. The November focus provided a total of $250,000 to about 50 feeding programs leading up to Thanksgiving Day.

The microgrants were unannounced and not solicited by the receiving organizations. These “surcee” grants recognize the important gaps these typically smaller agencies fill in the neighborhoods they serve.

To read the full story, click here.

Santa Claus is Coming to the Florence Regional Airport

Florence Regional Airport is pleased to announce that Santa is on his way, and he ditched his sleigh! Santa arrives at the Florence Regional Airport (2100 Terminal Drive) via Airplane on Saturday, December 11th at 2:00 pm.  Santa will also have a small gift for all of the good girls and boys.

SBA South Carolina District Seeks Nominations for Small Business Week 2022

Do you or someone you know have what it takes to become America’s “Small Business Person of the Year” for 2022?  If so, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) wants to hear from you. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration is ready to accept nominations for its 2022 National and South Carolina Small Business Week Awards, including the annual Small Business Person of the Year award.

Winners will be recognized during our Annual Salute to Small Business Event, South Carolina’s major Small Business kick-off event that is held in the beginning of May. Winners for national awards may continue to be recognized at the regional and national levels.

Visit SBA’s dedicated website www.sba.gov/nsbw to download forms, criteria, and guidelines for submitting a nomination.

Submit your Hospitality Stars of The Hospitality Industry Nominations by December 15

The Stars of South Carolina Hospitality Industry Awards honor the best and the brightest in the hospitality industry. These individuals go above and beyond to contribute to the positive image of the hospitality industry while also being confronted with supply and labor shortages.

The awards program offers hotel and restaurant operators, the opportunity to nominate outstanding employees, offering not only recognition within the company, but for their contribution to your business. The awards ceremony will be held in early 2022.

For more information, click here.

Young Professionals to Host Ugly Christmas Sweater Social

Grab a friend and a sweater and celebrate the Holiday Season with us on Thursday, December 16th beginning at 5:30 pm at Local Motive Brewing.  The first 50 in the door will receive a free drink ticket. Come enjoy games, prizes, apps, beer & tacos.

For more information, click here.

Second Annual 2021 Gift Market at the Florence City Center Farmers Market a Success

The Second Annual 2021 Gift Market at the Florence City Center Farmers Market was a success, at least if you measure it by marshmallow consumption and wreath sales.

In 90 minutes attendees at the market — and there were many — roasted, toasted and sacrificed 400 marshmallows over two fire pits.

Pam Glass sold out of her home-made Christmas wreaths, left to make some more, brought them back and was on pace to sell out again before the event ended.

The Christmas market follows the normal farmers market on Small Business Saturday, said Merritt Dowdell, project coordinator for City of Florence.

“We open our Christmas Gift Market on Small Business Saturday every year to celebrate our local artisans,” Dowdell said. “We run a farmers market in the morning like usual from 9-1, then we close and open our gift market.”

Several artisans sold during both markets.

“This year we have more than 50 vendors participating from all over South Carolina who have traveled in to sell today,” Dowdell said.

To read the full story, click here.

Congressman Tom Rice Appears At The Chambers Legislative Drop-in

The Greater Florence Chamber held a legislative drop-in with Congressman Tom Rice, U.S. House Representative for South Carolina’s 7th congressional district on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

Congressman Rice covered several legislative issues going on in Washington DC., including the “slimmed-down” version of the infrastructure package and workforce concerns. He also touched on inflation worries and the reemerging COVID-19 anxieties.

The hour-long session was attended by 45 community leaders as part of the Chambers on-going programming effort to have our current Federal Legislators available in a small informal setting to answer questions.

 

Florence Christmas Parade Scheduled for Dec. 18

Applications are now open for people who want to participate in the 2021 Florence Christmas Parade.

The theme of this year’s parade is “Joy to the World.”

Joy to the World is a the most published Christmas hymn in North America. It is a Christmas carol written in the 1700s. The song is based on an interpretation of Psalm 98, Psalm 96:11 and 12, and Genesis 3:17-18.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday Dec. 18. The parade usually heads down West Evans Street toward downtown and ends at the intersection of East Evans and N.B. Baroody Street.

To read the full story, click here.