Malorie Steadman Joins Anderson Brothers Bank As VP – Commercial Banking In Florence

nderson Brothers Bank is thrilled to announce that Malorie Steadman has joined our organization as Vice President – Commercial Banking at our Florence location on 501 2nd Loop Rd., Florence, SC.

In her new role, Malorie will be instrumental in helping local businesses grow. She will identify and acquire commercial banking opportunities, develop lending solutions customized to each client’s needs, and build strong relationships within the community. With her expertise, Malorie will work closely with business owners to understand their financial requirements and ensure a smooth lending process that promotes economic growth and positive impact in the area.

You can reach Malorie at (843) 373-2130 or by email at malories@abbank.com

To read the full press release, click here.

South Carolina Students Win Prestigious Humane Science Award For Cancer Research

Audrey Howard of Anderson and Grace Zhang of Simpsonville, seniors at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM), have been recognized with a special award at the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest international pre-college STEM competition.

Howard and Zhang received the Humane Science Award from the National Anti-Vivisection Society or their research project, “Studying the Effects of Fluid Shear Stress and Deformation on Metastatic Breast Cancer with Microfluidic Devices.” They previously received the Regeneron Biomedical Science Award at the Sand Hills Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Their work was completed during GSSM’s Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI) in partnership with the Clemson University Honors College, under the mentorship of Dr. Adam Melvin, department of chemical and biomolecular engineering associate professor.

“Nearly 1,700 students from over 60 countries presented their research at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. We are incredibly proud of Audrey and Grace. Completing a project of this caliber required determination, persistence, and curiosity. Qualities that reflect both their personal excellence and GSSM’s commitment to scientific advancement and discovery,” said Dr. Neval Erturk, vice president for academics at GSSM.

To read the full press release, click here.

Florence Will Have Fireworks July 4th

Make plans to join everyone on Friday, July 4th for an unforgettable evening featuring a spectacular 20-minute firework show along with vendors and live music from Tru-Sol Band. The event will happen at the Florence Soccer Complex and parking will be first come first serve. Additional parking will be available at Sneed Middle School and the Florence Center upper parking lot with a shuttle provided through PDRTA from 6:00 pm – 10:45pm.

Click here for more information.

Florence Center Running Summer Special On Space Rentals

Take advantage of our Summer Special — enjoy 25% OFF room rentals now through September, Monday–Thursday only!

Whether you’re hosting a meeting, seminar, or corporate retreat, the Florence Center offers flexible spaces and top-tier service. And don’t forget our in-house catering team, SAVOR, ready to elevate your event with delicious food and beverage options.

Book now and save big! For more info, email info@florencecenter.com or visit florencecenter.com

For more information, click here.

DEW Launches New Site For Workforce Data

The Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) has launched a brand-new website – lmi.sc.gov – that provides vital data about our state’s workforce, including statistics about the current job market, historical records, and a myriad of resources and research about our state’s employment, unemployment, industries, and occupations. 

The website features data collected and analyzed by DEW’s LMI team and made publicly available. The navigation menu is categorized to make it easy to find relevant data, regardless of audience or topic. Jobseekers can use the website to help them evaluate what occupations they’d like to pursue in their regions while employers can see the latest industry trends, academic professionals can utilize the data and sources in their work, students and educators can find data to help explore different career pathways, and more.

For more information, click here.

The SC Chamber Releases 2025 Results For Business Report

Last week, the SC Chamber released its annual Results for Business report recapping its advocacy efforts during the 2025 state legislative session. The Results for Business report serves as a follow-up to the 2025 Competitiveness Agenda released in January, which identified seven areas of focus for our General Assembly to address during the recently completed legislative session, and details the SC Chamber’s progress and results.

The 2025 Results for Business report shows that the SC Chamber’s advocacy efforts resulted in over a $807 million impact for South Carolina’s business community, or approximately $4,275 per employer in the state.

For more information, click here.

Hope Center Ministries Announces Florence’s 2025 Annual Gala

Join us for Hope Center Ministries Florence’s 2025 Annual Gala on September 6th at El Venue (157 W Evans St)! Doors open at 4:30 PM, with the event beginning at 5:00 PM. Enjoy an evening of dinner, powerful testimonies, and exciting live and silent auctions. All proceeds directly support our Florence center, helping us reach the lost and hurting right here in our community.

For questions or more information, please contact Traci Nichols, Campus Director, at (843)758-3752 or t.nichols@hopecm.com. They hope to see you there!

Greater Florence Habitat For Humanity Breaks Ground On New Home For The Jones Family

The spirit of hope was the cornerstone of the evening as Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity (GFHFH) held a ceremonial groundbreaking at 418 Sumter Street for its newest build – a future home for partner family Darlisha Jones and her daughter, Harmony.

GFHFH Executive Director Debbie Edwards opened the event by thanking attendees and highlighting the many partners and supporters who helped bring this project to life. Brendan Barth, President of the GFHFH Board of Directors, led a prayer asking for blessings on the home and its future homeowners.

Bradley Callicott, Executive Director of the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation, also spoke, sharing the Foundation’s long-standing partnership with GFHFH since 1997 and reaffirming their continued commitment to building a stronger Florence community.

To read the full press release, click here.

Cru Wine & Tap Named Business Of The Quarter

Bryan Holt opened Cru Wine & Tap in August 2022 bringing quality wine and craft beer to Florence. Today the City of Florence and the Florence Chamber of Commerce recognized Bryan with Resolution No. 2025-19 as the Business of the Quarter at the regular City Council meeting honoring the Cru Wine & Tap for their contributions to help revitalize downtown Florence.

Congrats to Bryan Holt as he looks to expand the business to a larger space to be able to offer customers an even better experience.

Nominations Are Open For Post & Courier’s 20 Under 40

The Post and Courier Pee Dee is thrilled to announce their second annual Twenty Under Forty, sponsored by Seminar Brewing.

The Pee Dee region is powered by a talented and driven workforce, made up of individuals dedicated to personal growth and regional progress. Twenty Under Forty celebrates the outstanding young professionals who are helping shape the future of our community. By nominating someone under 40 who stands out in their career and gives back to the community, you’re helping promote a culture of excellence, leadership, and support throughout the Pee Dee.

They’re proud to shine a spotlight on those making a difference in the Pee Dee- this is a great chance to honor their hard work and inspire others to follow their lead.

For more information, click here.