Another Circle K Convenience Store Opens In Florence

Did you know that a national brand convenience store / gas station has opened its’ third location here in Florence?

The new Circle K convenience store is located at 220 N. Cashua Drive on the corner of West Darlington Street.

Circle K’s success in the convenience retailing industry spans more than 60 years with roots trace back to 1951 when Fred Hervey purchased three Kay’s Food Stores in El Paso, Texas.

To learn more about Circle K, click here.

Field Fastener Play Day Set for May 20

Want to tee off for a great cause?

Field Fastener is back and leading the charge with its 4th Annual Golf Playday to Improve Lives.

All proceeds will be donated to United Way of Florence County, supporting programs that strengthen our community and improve quality of life right here at home.

Grab your team, enjoy a great day on the course, and give back to your community!

For more information, click here.

Annual Magic City Charity Golf Classic Happening May 15

Join Magic City Ques, Inc. for their 4th Annual Magic City Charity Golf Classic and be part of their mission to create a positive change in the lives of children and families through scholarships and various community initiatives.

Enjoy a wonderful day of golf on an incredible award-winning golf course and put your dollars to work in your community!

All funds raised go toward providing scholarships, community service projects and initiatives that will benefit children and families in our area.

For more information, click here.

SC Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA) Veteran Employer Recognition Award

This recognition highlights employers across South Carolina who demonstrate a strong commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, and supporting veterans, transitioning service members, and military families. The award is designed to elevate best practices, recognize leadership in veteran employment, and encourage more organizations to adopt veteran-inclusive workplace strategies.

If your organization is committed to supporting veterans in the workplace, we would welcome the opportunity to connect and provide additional details.

For more information, click here.

South Carolina Leads Nation in Population Growth

Did you know that South Carolina is officially the fastest-growing state in the nation? This is true, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Between July 2024 and July 2025, the Palmetto State’s population grew by 1.5%, beating every other state in the country. State officials attribute this rapid expansion primarily to a massive influx of domestic migration—Americans choosing to leave other states in favor of South Carolina’s climate, economy, and cost of living.

“From July 2024 to July 2025, South Carolina netted 66,622 domestic migrants, meaning 66,622 more people moved into the state than out of it,” the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) reported.

For more information, click here.

Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity Presents Cinco de Mayo

Get ready for a night of fun, flavor, and fiesta at the Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity’s Annual Event: Cinco De Mayo Fiesta!

Join us in Downtown Florence from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food vendors, live music, refreshing beverages, and crowd-favorite entertainment—including an exciting Chihuahua Race! There’s something for everyone, with a lively Kids Zone packed with fun activities for the little ones.

Best of all, admission is FREE, and every dollar raised supports the mission of Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity—helping build homes and hope in our community.

Come celebrate, give back, and make memories with us!

For more information, visit Cinco de Mayo Fiesta 2026 | Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity

Leadership South Carolina Graduation Ceremony

Jody Jernigan, Executive Director of Leadership South Carolina, once again brought the 50-person SC Leadership group back to Florence for their 2026 graduation ceremony. The visit also added to their 8-month experience exploring the Palmetto State’s challenges, opportunities, and communities.

This is the fifth consecutive year the Leadership SC participants included Florence on their leadership development program agenda.

The Greater Florence Chamber and Duke Energy sponsored the graduation reception held Thursday evening at the Hugh and Jean Leatherman Medical Education Complex in Downtown Florence.

The 2026 Leadership SC Class has held sessions throughout South Carolina including Columbia, Charleston/Seabrook Island, Greenville, McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Eastover, Greenwood and Spartanburg.

To learn more about Leadership SC, click here.

Small Business Workshop Series: Writing a Business Plan

Join the FMU Kelley Center on Wednesday, April 29th for the second in a series of free, in-person workshops on how to open a small business. In the second workshop, Writing Your Business Plan, attendees will learn why writing a business plan is a critical step before starting a small business along with a section-by-section review of what to include in their business plan.

The workshop is free to attend but registration is required. Attendees can choose to either attend the 12:00-12:45pm session or the 5:30-6:15pm session.

All workshop sessions will take place in Room 505 located in the Continuum (208 W Main Street in Lake City). Click here to register.

McLeod Health Pharmacy Services Featured on ChamberLink Radio

Jenna Swindler, Vice President of Pharmacy Services for McLeod Health was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about their new pharmacy, located at 100 S. Ravenel Street on the campus of McLeod Regional Medical Center.

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/

Basic Accounting for Small Businesses Workshop

Are you unsure what the difference is between revenue, income, and profit? Do you know your business break-even? Have you ever had to look up what P&L or COGS means? If so, make sure to join the FMU Kelley Center for our Basic Accounting for Small Businesses Workshop on Wednesday, May 13th. This free, in-person workshop will cover topics such as: accounting terms, common financial reports, how to create a budget, accounting tools, and more.

For more information, click here.