Archive for year: 2026

The 2026 Building Bridges Diversity and Leadership Summit is set for Monday, March 16 from 9:00 am- 3:00 pm. The event will be held at the Florence Center and will feature multiple breakout sessions. Lunch will be served during the program schedule.

Building Bridges is a program offering comprehensive group experience in cultural diversity, inclusion and competence. This summit has been designed to help local business professionals appreciate and respect the uniqueness of their employees and peers.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. DaNine J. Fleming, Senior Managing Partner at F&B Consulting, Incorporated, Tenured Professor & Associate Chief Officer for Training and Impact

The full day cost of the program is $35 for individuals and $30 each for registrations of 5 or more (includes lunch).

To register online, click here.

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) will host its annual 5K Race for Mental Health Awareness on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Hartsville. The community event raises awareness of mental health and brings together students, families, and residents in support of a meaningful cause.

The race is organized by Fun Without Drugs (FWD), a student-led organization at GSSM that promotes healthy, balanced lifestyles and mental well-being.  Each year, FWD hosts the GSSM 5K to encourage conversation, connection, and community engagement around mental health.

Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit Night to Shine, a prom experience for individuals ages 14 and older with special needs in Hartsville.

For more information, click here.

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Outlook Luncheon on Wednesday, March 18th at Florence Center.

The keynote speaker will be Mark Keel, Chief of the S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED). A native of Barnwell, S.C., Chief Keel is a veteran law enforcement officer who has had more than 40 years of service. His interest in law enforcement and public service began at an early age when, as a teenager, he served as a volunteer firefighter for the Barnwell Fire Department and as a member of the volunteer rescue squad. He later served with the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Department and the Barnwell and Denmark Police Departments before joining SLED.

The Chamber’s luncheon will also include announcements of the Small Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Dedicated Community Bank, and the Public Servant of the Year, sponsored by Francis Marion University.

The Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year will also be recognized.

The annual luncheon will be held at the Florence Center with doors opening at 11:30am and the program beginning at 12 noon. Individual registration is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. Special reserved tables of 8 are available for $475. Seating will be limited so register early.

For more information, click here.

Host a Pinwheel Garden this April to Raise Awareness of the Realities of Child Abuse within our Community!

According to national data, nearly 700,000 children are abused each year and close to 2,000 lose their lives as a result. Even after abuse stops, these adverse childhood experiences can have lasting impacts- but child abuse is preventable!

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and you can help bring these realities to light by hosting a Pinwheel Garden at your home, business or organization!

Pinwheels symbolize child abuse prevention as they bring to mind the idea of a happy and carefree childhood. A safe childhood is something that every child deserves.

For more information, click here.

John Pecca, owner of A&J Firearms was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about owning firearms, the states concealed weapon permit (CWP) and general firearm safety.

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/