Fellows In Education Visit Lester Elementary School

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Lester Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Deborah Cribb and staff, welcomed the 2023-20234 Fellows In Education Class to share what they focus on each day in striving to create a safe learning community while nurturing and growing students into independent, positive individuals who make wise contributions and safe choices.

Each month the Fellows In Education Program centers on a different educational experience from Florence 1 Schools. It offers opportunities for community leaders to share in the development of better education policies in the communities in which they live and work.

The Fellows in Education Program is a partnership between The School Foundation, Florence 1 Schools and The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

To view photos from the day, click here.

Florence 1 Schools Has Been Named Most Equitable School District In South Carolina

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Florence 1 Schools has been named the most equitable school district in South Carolina, according to a new study by WalletHub. The study evaluated nearly 13,000 school districts across the country, ranking them based on per-pupil spending and the average household income. Districts were assigned an overall score, with a low score being indicative of greater equity. Florence 1’s score was 0.28, half the score for Spartanburg 2, the district ranked second in the state.

The ranking was created based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Center for Education Statistics. According to that data, Florence 1’s expenditures per pupil are $12,398 and the average household income is $54,784. By comparison, Spartanburg’s per pupil expenditures are $10,368 while the average household income is $62,550.

To read the full story, click here.

SC Senator Mia McLeod Announced As Speaker At This Year’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Event

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On Thursday January 11, 2024, The Florence Chamber of Commerce will partner with Francis Marion University to host the 25th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. event, A Celebration and Remembrance Through the Arts.

The annual celebration, will take place at 6:30 at Francis Marion University’s Chapman Auditorium. The keynote speaker is South Carolina Senator Mia McLeod, along with a number of other great tributes.

For more information contact LaTasha Brand  at Francis Marion University at 843-661-1229 or Les Echols at the Chamber at 843-665-0515.

Leadership Florence Class of 2024 Held Its November Session

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The Florence Chamber’s Leadership Florence class of 2024 held its November session, Healthcare Day.

The 33 member class heard from several local healthcare organizations, which included visits to McLeod Regional Medical Center, Encompass Health, MUSC Health Florence, HopeHealth and The Manor. Each organization had a very informative presentation and tour for the group.

The Chamber wants to thank MUSC for sponsoring breakfast, Mcleod Health Florence for sponsoring lunch, and HopeHealth for providing special gifts for the cohorts.

To view photos from the day, click here.

Top Hat Special-Teas Recognized As Business Of The Quarter

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Congratulations to the Florence Chamber and City of Florence’s Business of the Quarter, Top Hat Special-Teas. Top Hat Special-Teas is a a unique tearoom and dining establishment located in downtown Florence.

Owners Laurie and John Crouse accepted a resolution at the November City Council meeting.

Business of the Quarter is a unique partnership of the City of Florence and the Chamber to recognize local businesses for contributions to community development, growth and civic engagement.

Top Hat Special-Teas is located at 234 West Evans Street in Florence.

Peach Cobbler Factory Is Open For Business

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Jeremy Plowden along with family, staff and Chamber Ambassadors cuts the ribbon to join the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

The Peach Cobbler Factory is a one-stop shop for all things delicious. They offer a variety of Homestyle Desserts including Twelve Flavors of Cobbler served with Complimentary Ice Cream, Twelve Flavors of Banana Pudding, Twelve BIGGER & Better Cookies, Six BIGGER & Better Brownies, Twelve Pudd-N Shakes, Five Flavors of Belgian Waffles, Six Flavors of Cinnamon Rolls, Six Flavors of Churro Stix’s, Sweet Peachy Tea, and Cold Rush Coffee.

All their desserts are perfect for any occasion whether it be to treat yourself, your family, or your friends. They offer catering and a variety of different catering options to meet any occasion whether it’s for Family Dinners, Holidays, or Birthdays. The Peach Cobbler Factory is open Seven Days a week and offers delivery for any late-night last-minute cravings.

To read the full story, click here.

Victors Annual Thanksgiving Eve Block Party Set For Wednesday, November 22

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Join Victors for their Annual Thanksgiving Eve Block Party on November 22nd beginning at 6:00 PM with live music in the James Allen Plaza (109 S Dargan St).  Admission is just $5 and the proceeds will benefit the HopeHealth Compassionate Care Fund.

Ensemble Wealth Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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Wendell Jones and Caroline Toniolo, partners in Ensemble Wealth Planning, were on ChamberLink Radio this weekend to talk about crafting client relationships built on trust and understanding, with a focus on wealth planning.

You can catch the conversations on ChamberLink Radio each Sunday from 12:00-12:30pm on LIVE 95.3FM in Florence, SC.

ChamberLink Radio is brought to you by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and The UPS Stores.

Mac’s BBQ Kitchen Takes Top Wing Honors At Friday’s Kickin’ Chicken Festival

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The Kickin’ Chicken & Chili Festival, delayed by a rainy night in October, played out Friday night in downtown Florence as several chefs and restaurants put their chicken wings and chili up in competition.

The annual event is a key fundraiser for the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s winners in the wing category were Mac’s BBQ Kitchen which took top honors, followed by Duke Energy’s team, Ashley’s Yummy Tummy at third.

In the chili competition Back Porch BBQ took top honors followed by Ashley’s Yummy Tummy.

The event was well attended for the rescheduled Festival with approximately 1,200 pounds of wings sold.

The Chamber wants to thank the Inland Band and all the Chamber Ambassadors that helped with the project, and a very special thanks to Hannah Davis and the Downtown Development team.

This year’s event was made possible by Raines Co. and Synergi Partners along with support from Willcox, Buyck & Williams, Victors, South Carolina Federal Credit Union, MPD Electric Cooperative, Florence Downtown Development Corp. and the City of Florence.

To read the full story, click here.

Sea Moss By M And S LLC Cut Ribbon On Their Chamber Membership

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Sea Moss by M and S LLC owners Kerry Mango and Stephanie Todd cut their ribbon along with Chamber Ambassadors joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Sea Moss by M and S LLC was founded by Kerry Manago and Stephanie Todd in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. They decided to find a way to help themselves and those in our community find a way to heal naturally but also affordably. They researched and found sea moss. They noticed that it has all these great benefits but there was nowhere here to obtain it locally and the prices on the internet were expensive. Sea Moss found a distributor for the raw sea moss, and they make and sell their gel at a reasonable price.

They recently expanded their inventory to include skin care products, hair care products and smoothies, Kerry and Stephanie live and work in Florence and can provide Sea Moss at a reasonable cost to help with your day-to-day health.

To read the full story, click here.