HopeHealth Welcomes New Provider

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HopeHealth welcomes Madison Packer, DO, a physician serving patients at HopeHealth in Manning.

Dr. Packer completed a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Neuroscience/Minor in Psychology from Christopher Newport University in Newport, Virginia, and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine in Buies Creek, North Carolina.

She is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Osteopathic Association.

 

Did You Know That Royall  Elementary School Is Top 10 In SC?

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Royall Elementary here in Florence, SC has been named one of the top ten elementary schools in South Carolina, according to a new ranking from the U.S. News & World Report.

The student population of Royall Elementary is 512. At Royall Elementary, 79% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 84% scored at or above that level for reading.

The student-teacher ratio is 13:1, which is the same as that of the F1S district.

Congrats to Principal Chris Rogers and school staff.

To read the full story, click here.

CARE House of the Pee Dee  Earns National Reaccreditation

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CARE House of the Pee Dee is proud to announce that it has earned reaccreditation from the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), the national accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers. In addition to maintaining its nationally accredited status, CARE House has also achieved accreditation under NCA’s optional Child Abuse Prevention and Physical Abuse Standards, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting children and families through both intervention and prevention.

National Children’s Alliance accreditation recognizes Children’s Advocacy Centers that meet rigorous national standards for providing a coordinated, multidisciplinary response to child abuse. This process evaluates the quality of services, collaboration among community partners, and commitment to providing a safe, supportive environment for children and families.

While reaccreditation is an important achievement, CARE House is especially proud to have earned recognition under the optional Child Abuse Prevention Standard. This additional accreditation reflects the organization’s dedication to going beyond responding to child abuse by actively working to prevent it through education, awareness, and community engagement.

To read the full press release, click here.

 

SteelFab Expands Florence County Operations

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SteelFab, Inc. (SteelFab), a leader in the steel fabrication industry, today announced it is expanding its operations in Florence County. The company’s $38.92 million investment will create 108 new jobs.

SteelFab’s new facility, located at 500 Freedom Blvd. in Florence, will produce fabricated steel parts for U.S. naval defense purposes.

Operations are expected to be online in September 2027. Individuals interested in joining the SteelFab team should apply in person at the company’s existing Florence facility (1220 Steel Road) or visit its careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $300,000 Set-Aside grant to Florence County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

To read the full story, click here.

Chicken Bog Benefit – Thursday

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On Thursday, November 5th, a special Chicken Bog Benefit will be held to support Kendal Whiffen and her family.

We’re bringing our community together for a day filled with delicious chicken bog, fellowship, live music, raffles, and plenty of love and support.

Business lunch deliveries are available for 10 or more plates!

Whether you purchase a plate, organize a lunch order at your workplace, attend the benefit, or simply share this event, every bit of support matters!

For more information, click here.

FMU Kelley Center Women’s  Networking Event – Tomorrow

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Join the FMU Kelley Center & Gender Studies departments on Tuesday, November 3rd for an evening of networking and community building at the FMU Gately Gallery in Downtown Florence. Whether you’re looking to grow your professional network, your personal network, or both, this is an opportunity for women of all walks of life and career paths to connect over great conversation and new friendships. Registration is required, but event entry is free!

Voice of Small Business Social  Happening November 12

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If you are a small business owner or operator in the Greater Florence area you are invited to attend the Chamber’s Voice of Small Business Social on Thursday, November 12th, at 250 West Apartments at 250 Dunbarton Dr. between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM.

Please come and join us for an evening of food, fun and conversation. Register to attend here.

A Conversation with Vincent Sheheen

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Francis Marion University and the Gately Gallery are pleased to host A Conversation with Vincent Sheheen in celebration of his book, The Concise Guide to South Carolina State Government, published by USC Press. 

Vincent Sheheen is the Mayor of Camden, a former South Carolina state senator, and co-host of the podcast, Bourbon in the Back Room. His book provides an engaging and accessible overview of South Carolina government, drawing on the perspective of someone who has walked the corridors of the State House. Throughout, profiles of key figures such as Solomon Blatt (the first Jewish Speaker of the House) and Jean Hoefer Toal (the first woman to serve on the SC Supreme Court and as Chief Justice) animate the text. For elected officials, government professionals, teachers, students, and political junkies, this book is the essential nonpartisan guide to how the Palmetto State works.

The event will begin on November 19th at 5:30pm at FMU’s Gately Gallery in downtown Florence and will feature an introduction by FMU President, Dr. Luther F. Carter, followed by a Q&A with Mayor Sheheen. A reception and book signing will follow. Register here.

Florence Christmas Parade  Featured on ChamberLink Radio

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Jessica Watts, Director of Marketing & Sales with the Florence Chamber of Commerce was our guest this past weekend talking about upcoming Florence Christmas Parade. 

Jessica shared invitations to participate in the 2026 Florence Christmas Parade being held on Saturday, December 5th at 11:00am. The parade will begin near the intersection of Sunset Drive and Evans Street and will continue down Evans toward Dargan Street. The deadline for entering is November 24th.

There will be cash prizes awarded for Best Participation Entries as well as the Best Bands. Local secret judges will determine winners based on predetermined evaluation criteria.

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/

Fellows in Education Visit  West Florence High School

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Last Tuesday, the Fellows in Education Class visited West Florence High School.

The visit and the lunch were nothing short of incredible as students, faculty, and school staff worked hard to plan and share a school presentation, tour, and classroom activities for the group of 30 community leaders.

Fellows in Education is a joint program between Florence 1 Schools, The School Foundation and the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and is designed to give local community leaders a unique, behind-the-scenes look into schools across Florence 1 over the course of eight months.

To see more photos from the day, click here.