Hotels, Restaurants And Tourism May Be Getting Tax Relief

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We understand that the U.S. Senate may take up the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act in the coming weeks. This legislation, if passed into law, would mean major tax savings for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality and tourism businesses by extending federal tax provisions like bonus depreciation and expanded business interest deductibility. Taken together, these policies support our industry’s ability to weather crises and invest for the future. Many chamber of commerce and state restaurant organizations have contacted both Sens. Graham’s and Scott’s offices, stating favorable positions on the bill.

To read the full story, click here.

2023 Ambassador Of The Year Award Presented

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce held their Ambassador Luncheon recently at the Florence Country Club. In attendance were about 40 Ambassadors. During the luncheon Jay Lavrinc Director of Membership Relations presented awards to the Ambassador of the year, Michael Hinson (center), second place Jennifer Greene (right), and third place Susan Evans (left). The Ambassador group helps the Chamber with ribbon cuttings, welcoming new businesses, various events and membership.

A special thanks to all the Ambassadors for their help and community involvement.

Sweet Tooth Joins Chamber

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Karen Dawkins (owner) Sweet Tooth, along with her family, staff, and Ambassadors, cut their ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, March 5th.

Sweet Tooth is made from scratch bakery! At Sweet Tooth their products are made in-house with fresh local ingredients. Their baked goods and lunch items are made with real butter and cream because they know you can tell the difference in the first bite. For a quick lunch pick-up, they offer homemade soups Monday-Friday, chicken salad and pimento cheese made in-house daily along with salads and wraps. As far as the bakery goes, they offer cake slices, cheesecake, brownies, bars, cookies, cake pops, deluxe cookies, cupcakes and MORE!

To read the full story, click here.

GO Mortgage Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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Greg O’Connor and Ray Taylor of GO Mortgage, was the Chamber’s radio guest on ChamberLink Radio this past weekend.

You can catch the conversation each Sunday from 12:00 – 12:30 pm on LIVE 95.3FM in Florence, SC.

This radio program is brought to you by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

New Date: Building Bridges Diversity & Leadership Summit

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The 2024 Building Bridges Leadership and Diversity Summit has been rescheduled for Monday, April 22 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm. The event will be held at the Florence Center and will feature multiple breakout sessions.

More information will be coming soon!

To register online, click here.

Lucky Shamrock Festival Set For March 15 In Downtown Florence

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Join the Junior League of Florence for their annual Lucky Shamrock Festival on Friday, March 15th in downtown Florence from 5:30 – 9:30 PM! There will be food, drinks, entertainment, and more for a family friendly fun.

For more information, click here.

Scrubby’s Car Wash Holds Ribbon Cutting

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Charles and Chase Howard opened their second Scrubby’s Car Wash in Florence last week. They are co-presidents of Chase Oil Co.

The Greater Florence Chamber and Chamber ambassadors welcomed Scrubby’s team on the opening and their membership joining the Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Today, Scrubby’s has car washes in Florence, Hartsville, Bennettsville, Lumberton, Murrells Inlet and Socastee.

The Howards celebrated the grand opening of their second Florence Scrubby’s location on Feb. 29, located at 2580 Hoffmeyer Road.

Florence To Begin Additional Resurfacing Projects

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The City of Florence will begin additional resurfacing work in March on the following roads, as weather permits: Sheffield Drive, Cottingham Road, Southbrook Circle, Branford Road, E Thorncliff Road, Mater Lane, Shadow Birch Road, Fillmore Court, Luigi Way, Carriage Lane, Maggie Way, Carrigan Ct., Fernbank Lane, Grande Lawn Lane, Cabrillo Drive, Highlander Ct., Kentwood Drive, Woodmore Circle, Rutledge Manor Drive, Prince Alston Cove, Flint Lock Cove and Rice Hope Cove.

These efforts are a continuation of the Third Penny Sales Tax and the City of Florence is working with contractor to ensure long-term quality for these roadways.

If you have any questions or would like to see future projects, please visit the City’s Capital Improvements page here.

Florence Betting Millions On Sports Tourism

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Dozens of young tennis players tested their mettle at the tennis center Feb. 24. Steps away, baseball players warmed up for a game at Carolina Bank Field. Cars from Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, New York and Virginia sat in the parking lot.

Sports tourism has emerged as a key part of Florence’s economic growth strategy, generating an estimated $12.5 million annual impact within the city and attracting more than 50,000 people, according to officials. But the benefits extend well beyond tourism, they said: access to recreation and athletics for residents, better health outcomes and more business for hotels and restaurants.

Now, the city is pushing to increase sports tourism by 50 percent in the next three to five years, floating $20 million in potential projects to accomplish that goal.

“We’ve recognized the power, the fiscal impact or financial impact, the economic impact that sports tourism brings to the area,” Interim City Manager Scotty Davis said.

To stay proactive amid growing competition from other cities, Florence has suggested a range of improvements to its facilities.

To read the full story, click here.

It’s That Time Of Year Again For The Big Taste Event

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You might want to join the best party in town and enjoy a variety of delicious foods and spirits. The event is put together by Florence Symphony Guild the annual event serves as one of the larger fundraisers for the guild, which supports the Florence Symphony in its endeavors. Get your tickets now before it’s too late.

For more information, click here.