Anderson Brothers Bank Congratulates Three Graduates Of SC Bankers School

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Anderson Brothers Bank proudly congratulates Benjamin Jones, Ryan Rouse, and Cassidy Hastings on their recent graduation from the esteemed South Carolina Bankers School. These accomplished individuals have completed the rigorous three-year program, enhancing their expertise in various areas of banking.

Each graduate brings a unique skill set to their respective roles at Anderson Brothers Bank: Benjamin Jones as a loan officer at the Florence 2nd loop branch, Ryan Rouse as a Loan Officer at the Dillon Branch, and Cassidy Hastings as a loan assistant at the Conway Church Street Location.

Turner Padget Shareholders Elected To South Carolina Bar Leadership Roles

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Turner Padget announces that Florence-based shareholder J. René Josey and Columbia-based shareholder J. David Johnson IV have been elected to leadership positions within the South Carolina Bar, with terms beginning July 1, 2025.

René has been elected to serve as a member of the South Carolina Bar House of Delegates, representing the 12th Judicial Circuit. The House of Delegates is the Bar’s policy-making body, responsible for shaping the direction of the legal profession in the state. As a former U.S. Attorney and experienced litigator, René brings decades of insight and a deep commitment to professional excellence.

David was elected to serve as a general council member for the South Carolina Bar Tax Law Section. In this role, he will help guide the Section’s efforts to support practitioners, promote continuing education, and foster thoughtful discussion around emerging tax issues. Johnson is a seasoned tax attorney known for his practical, business-oriented advice to clients navigating complex tax matters.

“We’re incredibly proud of Rene and David for being elected into these important leadership roles,” said C. Pierce Campbell, Turner Padget’s Chief Executive Officer. “They follow in a long tradition of Turner Padget attorneys who have helped shape the profession through active involvement in the Bar and other professional organizations. Their service underscores our firm’s commitment to leadership, integrity, and the advancement of the legal community in South Carolina.”

South Carolina Tax Free Weekend Set For August 1 – 3

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During the annual Tax Free Weekend (also known as the Sales Tax Holiday), a variety of purchases are exempt from the state’s 6% Sales Tax and any applicable local taxes. Tax-free items range from clothing, accessories, and shoes to school supplies, backpacks, and computers. As long as an item is eligible, it is tax-free whether purchased in-store or online.

For more information, click here.

Boys & Girls Clubs Of The Pee Dee Area – Champions For Youth

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Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area recognize a Champion for Youth, and this year we are excited to recognize longtime supporter and board member Erik Marechal.

“As a pillar of the community, we are proud to honor Erik as our 2025 Champion for Youth,” says Neal Zimmerman, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area.

Erik serves as the President and majority owner of Accountable Insurance Partners. Erik finds great joy in helping his clients with their insurance and risk management strategies and leading his 24 team members to do the same for the agency’s clients.

This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, September 16, in the lobby of the SiMT – Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology​ at Florence-Darlington Technical College, 1951 Pisgah Road, Florence.

The Tribute event supports programs that help thousands of children throughout the Pee Dee grow into productive adults. Attendance and financial contributions will help brighten the lives of some of our community’s most promising children. The Boys & Girls Clubs serve youth every day after school and all day on non-school days and during the summer. Clubs provide a safe place where young people can learn and grow while helping them become productive citizens.

For more information, click here.

Emerging Leaders Summer Institute Participate In Arts, Education and Leadership Development

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The Chamber’s Emerging Leaders Summer Institute class learned more about Arts, Education and Leadership Development last Wednesday.

The class day included a presentation from Francis Marion University, along with tours of the FMU Performing Arts Center, Florence Museum, and Florence County Library.

The group also heard informative presentations from Florence County Economic Development and Florence Downtown Development.

To see more photos from the day, click here.

MPZ Holdings Holds Ribbon Cutting At Dave’s Hot Chicken

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MPZ Holdings representatives announce the grand opening of Dave’s Hot Chicken, along with Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon welcoming them to the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

MPZ Holdings is proud to announce the grand opening of its fourth Dave’s Hot Chicken location in the Pee Dee, a celebration took place on Friday, July 18 from 11 AM to 2 PM at 1931 W. Palmetto Street. A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off the event at 11 AM, welcoming local officials, a community check presentation, and remote broadcast from iHeartRadio’s 103x, hosted by longtime Darlington Raceway announcer Dan E. Lockemy.

Dave’s Hot Chicken, known for its crave-worthy hot chicken tenders and sliders served with a variety of heat levels from “No Spice” to “Reaper,” brings a bold flavor and cult-following energy to each new market. Guests can expect hand-breaded, halal-certified chicken, signature Dave’s Sauce, and loaded crinkle-cut fries—all served in a fast-casual setting with high-energy vibes and street-art-inspired décor.

To read the full story, click here.

Florence Regional Airport Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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Brad Beadles, Executive Director of the Florence Regional Airport, was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about the importance of the airport to our future economic development in the Pee Dee Region along with all the new customer experience improvements made to the terminals at the FLO.

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/

Steps to Starting a Non-Profit

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Thinking about starting a non-profit? This free workshop will cover the required steps and best practices for developing a 501(c)3 non-profit in the State of South Carolina. Attendees will learn the differences between for-profits and non-profits along with tips to create a sustainable organization.

Held in-person at the Continuum in Lake City on 7/25 at 11:00am.

For more information, click here.

Free Truist Small Business Workshop – Wednesday

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Are you an established owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or have a side hustle? Join us for this exciting two part series for Small Businesses!

-Successfully manage personal and business finances

-Improve cash flow

-Continue to build and expand

-Protect your business

For more information, click here.

Opening Of Newly Planned Baskin-Robbins Set For September

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According to SCNOW.COM, Baskin-Robbins will be opening a new store in Florence sometime in September.

The national ice cream and cake chain is planning a 1,300-square foot store to be located at 505 Pamplico Highway.

The property is being developed by Peter Patel, owner of Shreeji Properties of Florence LLC.

The Baskin-Robbins will employ between 25 and 30 people and will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

According to the company’s website, there are 19 Baskin-Robbins in the state including Hartsville, Lake City, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Columbia and Rock Hill.

To read the full story, click here.