GSSM Robotics Teams Earn Top Honors, Advance to State Championship

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Robotics teams from the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) earned top honors at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Upstate Qualifier, with Team Excalibur advancing to the state championships after receiving the event’s highest award.

Excalibur, Team 22972, captured the Inspire Award, the top honor presented at FTC competitions. The award recognizes overall excellence in robot design, performance, and community engagement.

With the win, Excalibur qualified for the South Carolina FTC State Championship, set for Feb. 27-28 in Columbia. The team stood out for the production quality of its robot, along with extensive testing and design iterations completed throughout the season.

Click here to read the full press release.

Chamber Spring Golf Classic Set for May 7th

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The Florence Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Golf Classic will be held at the Traces Golf Club on Thursday, May 7th, sponsored by Raldex Hospitality.

Lunch begins in the clubhouse at 11:00am and tee off it at 12:00pm.

Each registered golfer will be entered into a drawing to participate in a $25,000 cash shoot out! Expect plenty of different vendor hospitality holes with prizes, food and beverages located around the golf course.

Teams are now sold out but we are still looking for hospitality and hole sponsors!

For more information, click here.

Are You Cool Enough To Have An Exhilarating NASCAR Ride Along

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Looking for a unique and memorable group experience? At Darlington Raceway on March 28th, your team can drive a real NASCAR race car or enjoy a high-speed ride-along on the same track the pros use! Perfect for team building, client entertainment, or celebrating achievements together.

Experience the thrill of driving a real NASCAR race car at Darlington Raceway! After training, hit the track solo for timed sessions on this high-banked, a 1.36-mile, asphalt oval racetrack with 23-25 degrees of banking in the turns. No lead car, no instructor, just you and the one-on-one guidance from a spotter over in-car radio. Pass slower cars as you catch them…YES, passing is allowed! Limited spots available!

Learn more and reserve your group experience – https://nascarracingexperience.com/speedways/darlington-raceway/

SC Senate Passes Income Tax Reform Bill

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The Senate passed H. 4216, the South Carolina Income Tax Reform bill. The bill as amended offers the following:

Delivers $309 million in income tax relief in year one.

Reduces the top income tax rate from 6% to 5.21%.

Shifts South Carolina’s income tax base from federal taxable income to adjusted gross income (AGI).

Includes a long-term mechanism to reduce the top rate by $200 million annually.

The bill was sent back to the full House who must decide whether to concur with the Senate changes or not.

Incubator Office Available in Florence

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Are you an entrepreneur that is looking to start or grow your small business? The FMU Kelley Center has an office in their Florence Incubator that will be available to rent in March.

Rent is $325 a month and includes 24/7 access to a fully furnished office, all utilities, and unlimited business assistance services. Click here to submit an application.

Habitat For Humanity Board Volunteer Day

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On Thursday February 26, Members convened for our annual “Board Volunteer Day,” dedicating their time and efforts to complete final touches on our Partner Family’s home.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our committed Board Members for their generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to strengthening our community. Their willingness to serve exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and compassion that defines our organization.

GFHFH continues to thrive through a wide range of service initiatives, and it is especially meaningful to witness our leadership actively contributing alongside volunteers to advance our mission. The steadfast support of our sponsors, the selfless hours contributed by volunteers, the generosity of donors, and the shared passion of those aligned with our mission enable us to continue building safe, affordable, comfortable, and loving homes for our Partner Families.

As always-GFHFH is always “Seeking to put God’s love into action to bring people together to build homes, hope and community in a world where everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live”

Young Professionals of Florence Support Pee Dee Ice Cats

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Come join the hockey fun and bring a friend as we support the Ice Cats at Florence Center on March 13th at 7:30pm.

Just scan the QR code or use this link to RSVP for this event. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to have a fun evening.

Francis Marion University Awards Marion Medallion

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Francis Marion University and the Morning News presented this year’s Marion Medallion awards at a ceremony held at the FMU Performing Arts Center. Chamber President Mike Miller, and Donna C. Isgett, President and CEO of McLeod Health, were this year’s recipients.

As President of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, Mike has played a pivotal role in advancing economic development, strengthening partnerships between businesses and community leaders, and championing initiatives that enhance the quality of life across the area.

FMU President Fred Carter presented Miller with the award and praised his ability to bring people together for positive change.

McLeod Health Graduate Medical Education Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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Dr. C. Dale Lusk, MD., Corporate Medical Officer at McLeod Health and Emily Matthews Coker, Vice President for Advanced Education at McLeod Health were the Florence Chamber’s guests this past weekend talking about how the GME programs help strengthen healthcare access across the Pee Dee and the surrounding area.

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, MUSC Health Florence Medical Center and LIVE 95.3FM.

Looking for past ChamberLink Radio Show interviews? Click here:

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

Small Business Resource & Networking Forum – Last Tuesday

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The Chamber partnered with SC State 1890 Extension and The City of Florence to host a Small Business Resource & Network Forum. The event convened entrepreneurs, government agencies, and resource partners to strengthen the small business ecosystem in Florence County.

The forum was attended by over 50 people, and provided resources for technical assistance, funding preparation, and certification guidance to help local businesses grow and thrive.

To see more photos from the event, click here.