McLeod Health Partners With FMU & FDTC In Nursing Education Programs

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As a partner in nursing education for the region, McLeod Health has contributed $75,000 to both Francis Marion University (FMU) and Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) to help maintain their nursing programs.

Nursing represents the nation’s largest health care profession and the largest single component of hospital staff. Additional nurses will be needed to care for the aging population, who typically have more medical problems than younger people.

“Partnering with FMU and FDTC to educate nurses – who will in turn care for the people of our region – directly aligns with our organization’s mission and core values,” stated Tony Derrick, Chief Nursing Officer for McLeod Regional Medical Center.

To read the full press release, click here.

Summer Internship with Future Conservationists

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Pee Dee Land Trust (PDLT) is proud to partner with Francis Marion University’s (FMU) Environmental Science summer internship program. We welcomed Savannah Watts and Dawson Francis to our team June 2, 2025 for the 6-week intern period. This paid internship is funded by FMU’s PEAK Grant program (Professional Experience and Knowledge) that focuses on opportunities to develop student’s professional knowledge and career-readiness skills.

Savannah Watts is originally from Georgetown, South Carolina, and graduated from Carvers Bay High School. Savannah is currently a rising junior at Francis Marion University, where she is majoring in Biology. She hopes to pursue a career as a wildlife biologist, with a focus on conservation and animal behavior. In her free time, Savannah enjoys photography and reading, and she’s always eager to learn more about the natural world!

Dawson Francis is a rising senior at Francis Marion and grew up in Darlington. Dawson attended the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics before enrolling at Wofford College. After a couple of years at Wofford, he decided to come back home and transferred to Francis Marion for his junior and senior years. Dawson is an environmental science major and cites his years in Scouts as a major influence on this decision. When not busy with school he enjoys being outdoors, fishing, playing the guitar, and spending time with his family.

To read the full story, click here.

Chamber’s Emerging Leaders Summer Institute – Technology, Innovation and Industry Session

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The Chamber’s Emerging Leaders Summer Institute had their Technology, Innovation and Industry Session on Wednesday, July 9th.

The group heard breakfast and a presentation from Hillsouth, toured SiMT on the campus of Florence-Darlington Technical College, visited Vulcraft and had lunch and an extensive tour of QVC.

The next session for the group is July 16th.

To see more photos from the day, click here.

The Senior Citizens Association Invites You To The Florence Community Packathon

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A Packathon is a high-energy food packing event that gets everyone involved and working toward the same goal: equipping hungry children with nutritious meals so they can thrive! Please come join them July 26th at Leatherman Senior Center from 10:00am – 12:00 pm, to pack nutritious meals for hungry people both in our own community and around the world.

For more information, click here.

GE HealthCare, Vital Driver Of South Carolina’s Economy And Healthcare System

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Last week, GE HealthCare released a series of new state-level economic impact reports that spotlight the company’s role as a leading U.S. manufacturing employer and innovation partner driving the future of healthcare.

These reports provide a data-driven look at GE HealthCare’s 2024 economic footprint in four key states—Wisconsin, South Carolina, Ohio, and Utah—quantifying their contributions to local economies, high-quality job creation, research and technology advancement, academic partnerships, and community growth.

In South Carolina, GE HealthCare has more than 42 years of history. The company is anchored by their advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet manufacturing site here in Florence and generates significant economic value in the state and throughout the country. In 2024, GE HealthCare’s operations in South Carolina contributed $6.16 billion to the state and national economy and supports around 800 full-time and contractor jobs.

This report reflects GE HealthCare’s continued strong and growing importance to South Carolina’s economy—not just as an employer, but as an engine of innovation, community development, and statewide prosperity.

To read the full story, click here.

HopeHealth Welcomes New Provider

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HopeHealth welcomes Kierra Carter, LPC/S, LCMHC, NCC, CLC, a behavioral health consultant at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza.

Carter earned a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. She completed her doctoral fellowship with Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. She earned a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, with a double minor in mass communications and theatre from Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Her clinical interests are anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorder, and self-esteem.

Clint Moore Named Chair Of FDTC Area Commission

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Florence-Darlington Technical College announced the appointment of Clint Moore as chairperson of the FDTC Area Commission, the governing body responsible for guiding the college’s strategic direction and growth.

Moore serves as Florence’s assistant city manager, overseeing planning, research and development services. In this role, he leads departments within development services and manages special projects that impact the city’s growth and infrastructure.

To read the full story, click here.

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers Cut Ribbon On Chamber Membership

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Adam Franzese regional manager of Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers along with Chamber Ambassadors cuts his ribbon welcoming them to the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers celebrated the new store’s Grand Opening Event this past Friday & Saturday, at 105 Federal Court, Florence.

As part of Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers continued expansion, the brand is pleased to welcome new customers by hosting a grand opening event and ribbon cutting at one of its newest locations in Florence, SC. This new store provides a comprehensive range of automotive services including ten-minute oil changes, tires, brakes, alignments, and more.

To read the full story, click here.

Yellowstone Landscape Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Yellowstone Landscape representatives look toward Florence as the next step in regional growth along with Chamber Ambassadors cuts their ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Yellowstone Landscape, one of the nation’s leading commercial landscaping companies, is excited to announce its expansion into the Florence, South Carolina market. With a long-standing reputation for excellence in landscape maintenance, enhancements, irrigation services, and seasonal color design, Yellowstone Landscape is setting the stage for future growth in the Pee Dee region. The company currently services several nearby areas from its Columbia branch, located at 1049 2nd Avenue, but is actively planning to open a dedicated Florence branch by the end of this year.

To read the full story, click here.

Carolina Supply House Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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William Schofield, CEO of Carolina Supply House and Chairman of Florence County Council, was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about the importance of small business and community development.

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/