New Wave Tax Solutions Hosts Ribbon Cutting

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A ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday, June 15th at New Wave Tax Solutions LLC celebrating its membership in the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce. Joining owner Kandace Washington were family and friends, staff and Chamber ambassadors. The tax service is at 1801, Suite D, W. Evans St. in Florence.

New Wave Tax Solutions LLC is minority owned and operated, Washington said.  “We specialize in individual and small-business taxes,” Washington said. “We provide tax assistance to our clients throughout nine states. We believe in keeping our clients informed and educated throughout the year on recent updates or changes to tax laws. Our services are rendered with integrity and at an affordable rate to all. We pride ourselves in providing the best tax solutions to meet the needs of our clients.”
Washington has assisted people throughout the United States for seven years with tax preparation. She has been employed in the finance industry since 2015 in South Carolina.

To read the full story, click here.

Federal Government Contracting 101 Workshop

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Join the Florence Chamber, Small Business Administration, and Kelley
Center for Entrepreneurship, for this training program designed to help
small businesses understand and take advantage of government contracting programs. This free workshop will take place on Thursday, June 30th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Florence Chamber.  Registration is required.

For more information or to register, click here.

Wren Creek Estates to Hold a Chicken Bog Plate Sale to Fight Alzheimers – Tomorrow

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The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. Tomorrow, June 21, people from across the world will come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s. Together we raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.  Wren Creek Estates will hold a $8 chicken bog plate sale at 3006 Hoffmeyer Rd from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

For more information, click here.

Chamber Holds Legislative Drop-In with Senator Mike Reichenbach

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Last week, the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce held a legislative drop-in with SC Senator, Mike Reichenbach. Approximately 60 local business and community leaders attended the information event.

Senator Reichenbach covered many of the issues that the SC Senate has been addressing over his recent two months of serving as our state Senator for District 31. He also took time to answer many legislative questions from those attending.

The event was held at the Chamber office in Downtown Florence.

Florence One School Students Graduate from Health Sciences Work-Based Honors Class

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Florence One Schools Seniors in the Health Sciences Work-Based Honors class took part in a graduation program on May 27 at the McLeod Medical Plaza.

During the spring semester, 23 students spent the semester observing and learning about the medical field at McLeod Regional Medical Center and conducting a research project to help the hospital. The class was created by a partnership of the Pee Dee Area Health Education Center, McLeod Health and the Florence Career Center. The program focuses on giving students a firsthand experience with health care careers. Students interacted with professionals in different areas of the hospital, and then completed rotations in various departments, ranging from occupational therapy to pediatrics.
All 23 students created a presentation to showcase what they learned and how the program affected their career goals. In addition to briefing parents and health care professionals about their time in rotations, the students also presented projects they worked on during the semester. Students were required to conduct research and serve a population in the hospital — health care professionals or patients. Projects varied from developing a diabetes support group for pediatric patients with diabetes to meet others and learn from the pediatric endocrinologist to creating a QR code and website navigation tool in nine different languages to help patients and visitors get information.

Pee Dee Land Trust Hosts Dedication and Ribbon Cutting

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Pee Dee Land Trust held a building dedication/ribbon cutting for its new home on Cheves Street in Florence on Tuesday, June 7th.

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce staff and ambassadors joined trust supporters, board members and local leaders for the occasion. Lunch was served on the grounds.

The building is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Margaret Eugene “Genie” Lee and her love for the Pee Dee Watershed. It was Lee’s estate gift to Pee Dee Land Trust that made the purchase possible. It is the organization’s first permanent home, after having rented space prior.

Members of the Lee family attended the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.Located at 448 W. Cheves St., the Trust’s new office is a 1950s brick craftsman-style home that was transitioned in the late 1980’s to commercial office use.

To read the full story, click here.

Community Broadcasters Present the Carolina Career Fair

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Community Broadcasters will again host the Carolina Career Fair on Wednesday, August 3rd from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Staybridge Suites (150 West Park Dr).  There will also be locations in Sumter & Orangeburg. Opportunities available include hospitality, insurance, communications, manufacturing and more.

For more information, click here.

Paul Seward Returns as Greater Florence Chamber Chairman

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A veteran of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce will take the helm again, July 1.  Paul Seward of First Bank will be the new chairman of the 2022-23 Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce board, beginning July 1. This will be Seward’s second time serving as Chamber Chairman.

“It’s always been a pleasure working with the chamber on enhancing area business projects. I look forward to following Brian Fast in leading the chamber through what we know will be a year of successful business programming,” Seward said.

Seward replaces Fast of First Citizens Bank who will now serve as past-chair during the upcoming fiscal year.  Completing the Chamber Executive Board is Jamie Carsten of Anderson Brothers Bank serving as Treasurer.

To read the full story, click here.

Lynches River Earns National Water Trail Designation

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The South Carolina Revolutionary River Trail — the 60 miles of the Lynches River between Lynches River County Park and The Great Pee Dee River plus another six miles of that river — received recognition Friday as the state’s second National Water Trail.

Holly Beaumier, Executive Director of the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau, made the announcement Saturday morning at a brief press conference at the recently constructed Alexander Landing at the intersection of Friendfield Road and U.S. 378 in Coward.

“The 60-mile South Carolina Revolutionary Rivers Trail in Florence County, South Carolina, carries paddlers into the cypress and tupelo laden swampland that Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion used as a hideout when fighting the British,” according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of the Interior. “In addition to rich history, the trail provides visitors access to the area’s terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem.”

“Your trail is a great addition to the network of trails that make up the National Recreation Trails and National Water Trails, and we commend your efforts to provide high-quality recreation opportunities for your community,” Peter Bonsall, National Trails Program specialist, wrote in a letter to the Friends of the Revolutionary River — the group that has worked to earn this designation.

To read the full story, click here.

Former Home of McLeod Health Founder Now Foundation’s Home

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McLeod Health unveiled a historical marker in front of the home of its founder, Dr. F.H. McLeod, on Thursday, May 19. The unveiling event also included an Open House for the McLeod Health Foundation with tours of their new office location for community members and McLeod employees.

Jill Bramblett, Executive Director of the McLeod Health Foundation, welcomed attendees to the McLeod House and introduced McLeod Health President and CEO Donna Isgett.

To read the full story, click here.