Archive for month: July, 2025

Haigh Porter will be honored as The School Foundation’s Distinguished Graduate at the 25th annual School Foundation Gala to be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, foundation officials announced recently.

Porter graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1952.  He attended college at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and after active duty in the U.S. Army Reserve, he attended the University of South Carolina School of Law. After receiving a Bachelor of Law degree in 1965, he was then admitted to the South Carolina Bar by the State Supreme Court and by the Federal District Court and Court of Appeals.  He has served in numerous roles in the community, including serving as mayor of Florence.  He has served as chairman of the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation grants committee since it was founded.  In 2011, he proudly received a Doctor of Humanities degree from Francis Marion University.  In addition, the Legislative Delegation recommended the governor appoint him as Master-in-Equity and he was sworn in on March 17, 2018.  He was also assigned to serve as Special Circuit Judge for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit on April 2, 2025.

“Our honoree for this year’s distinguished graduate has dedicated his life to service as a prominent attorney, public servant as mayor of Florence, Master-in-Equity judge, and as grants chairman of the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation since it was founded,” stated Jean Leatherman, chair of the foundation’s fund development committee.

The event will be held at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT).  It begins at 5:30pm and will end promptly at 9:00pm.  A meal will be served, and the attire is business attire. Tickets start at $100 for F1S educators and $125 for individuals.  Reserved tables of eight begin at $1,000 (bronze sponsorship), $2,500 (silver), $5,000 (gold) and $10,000 (platinum).

Tickets can be purchased by calling Hyler at (843) 662-9996 or by e-mailing dhyler@theschoolfoundation.org.

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SC Ports) closed fiscal year 2025 with solid growth in both container and rail activity. The port system handled 2.6 million TEUs, a 3% increase over the previous year, while rail volumes grew by 4%. As the port and maritime sectors expand capacity, they are driving value across the supply chain—benefiting retailers, manufacturers, consumers, and businesses alike.

Railed cargo continues to be a standout growth area for SC Ports. Inland Port Greer set a new record with 205,523 rail moves, up 10% year-over-year, and exceeded 200,000 rail moves in a 12-month period for the first time. This milestone highlights the recent expansion project’s importance and success – doubling cargo capacity and increasing rail capability.

Looking ahead, SC Ports remains committed to long-term growth and infrastructure development, including expanding the Port of Charleston’s capacity to 10 million TEUs and improving statewide intermodal connectivity. Key projects include the construction of a second berth at the Leatherman Terminal and the launch of a near-port rail facility, both set to enhance speed to market for customers and enhance cargo visibility. The new rail yard, opening in 2026, will offer 1 million rail lift capacity.

To read the full story, click here.

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The keynote speaker will be Joe Armas, President, Otis U.S & Canada.

During his 20-plus year Otis career, Joe Armas has held several leadership roles in the U.S. and Asia. He has been involved in numerous projects that have introduced innovative technology in the industry, including several iconic projects around the world. Joe is well respected by his colleagues and professional network for his knowledge of diverse markets and customers. He was proud to serve as Chairman for the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong in 2022.

Prior to joining Otis, Joe spent six years as an Officer in the United States Army. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics engineering from the University of Washington, an MBA from Purdue University, and a Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University.

Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 44,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of their customers. They have 2.4 million customer units worldwide, the industry’s largest portfolio. They can be found in many of the world’s most recognizable buildings as well as the busiest transportation hubs and retail centers.

The Chamber’s Membership Luncheon event will include the announcement and presentation of the Business Person of the Year award, which is sponsored by Anderson Brothers Bank.

The luncheon will be held at the Florence Center, doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at noon. Registration is $45 for members, $55 for non-members and $475 for a special reserved table of eight (8).

To register online, click here.

The American Red Cross in Florence SC urgently needs two Blood Donor Ambassadors to each volunteer at least once a month. Blood Donor Ambassadors engage with blood donors at blood drives by greeting, registering, answering questions, providing information, and supporting donors through the recovery process at the refreshments table. Please visit www.Redcross.org/volunteer to apply.