Archive for month: May, 2025

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, MUSC is proud to share that VIP Magazine recently featured an article highlighting The Jonathan Foundation for Mental Health and their mission to support at-risk teens. Through education, advocacy, mentorship, coaching, and access to clinical and community resources, they are working to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people across our communities.

They’re also pleased to announce their 2nd Annual Brighter Days Conference, happening on June 10th at the Florence Center. This powerful, one-day event is focused on community healing and mental health education with the theme: Brighter Days Ahead.

The keynote speaker this year is the internationally renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert, Dr. Daniel Amen, who will be speaking live at the event. The conference will feature breakout sessions tailored to professionals in healthcare, education, law enforcement, and support for parents and families.

To see the full flyer, click here.

Did you know that La Quinta & Days Inn of Florence both offer a 20% discount off their Best Available Rate to the Chamber, its associates, and for all related events?  Just email Mandy at the Chamber (mhowle@flochamber.com) and we would be happy to provide the information to you directly.

The SC House and Senate budget conferees returned to the State House last week to finalize the state’s spending plan for FY2025-26. Prior to their return, the state’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) issued a revised revenue forecast for FY2025 and FY2026, giving budget writers an additional $1 billion in revenue to appropriate. Due to stronger-than-expected corporate and individual income tax collections and sales tax collections, one-time nonrecurring revenue increased by $669 million and recurring revenue increased by $377 million.

After two days of deliberations and working through the differences in each body’s spending plan, the conferees advanced a final $14.7 billion spending plan (H.4025) that includes notable items like:

• $290 million for additional individual income tax relief, reducing the top rate to 6%.
• $200 million to the Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for bridge infrastructure projects across the state.
• $130 million to increase the manufacturing property tax exemption cap enacted in the Comprehensive Tax Cut Act of 2022 to hold the effective manufacturing property tax rate at 6% and ensure small to mid-size manufacturers do not experience a property tax.
• $112 million to raise teacher salaries and increase starting teacher pay from $47,000 to $48,500.
• $91 million for technical college scholarships for critical needs jobs through the SC Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship Program (SCWINS).
• $81 million to the Department of Commerce for industrial site readiness.
• $15 million for rural water and sewer infrastructure projects.
• $15 million to the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) for the Find Your Future portal.
• $840,000 to the Department of Environmental Services (DES) for energy infrastructure permitting and a proviso requiring decisions on DES permit applications within 90 days.

Both the SC House and Senate will return Wednesday to vote on the conference committee’s version of the FY2025-26 budget.

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) held its annual Academic Awards Ceremony on Sunday, May 18, recognizing exceptional student achievement, leadership, and service across a wide range of disciplines.

The ceremony, which took place in GSSM’s auditorium, celebrated juniors and seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership in the school and community, and commitment to service. Dozens of honors were presented by faculty and leadership, including nationally recognized book awards, department awards, and scholarships.

“One of the things I enjoy most about the Academic Awards ceremony is the energy in the room when the student body cheers as classmates’ names are announced,” said Danny Dorsel, president of GSSM. “The awards span a wide range, from the University of Notre Dame Book Award and National Merit Finalist recognitions to honors like RIT Women in STEM, the Dr. Bill Excellence in Research, and the coveted Spirit of GSSM. It’s a heartwarming celebration of both individual achievement and the collective dedication of our community throughout the year.”

To read the full press release, click here.

Dr. Blake Breaux, General Surgeon at McLeod Health, was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about his extensive training in surgical oncology, colorectal surgery and surgeries as well as his role with McLeod’s Pee Dee Surgical Group.

We encourage you to tune-in every Sunday from 12:00-12:30pm on LIVE 95.3FM in Florence, SC.

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

Looking for past ChamberLink Radio Show interviews? Click here:

https://www.flochamber.com/events-programs/podcasts/