The City of Florence hosted the inaugural Innovate Florence event last Thursday.

Innovate Florence is a partnership between the City of Florence and the Greater Florence Chamber. Through this program, local entrepreneurs have the opportunity to speak about their business and challenges they face, and the community gives them feedback and support. The goal is to bring attention to local entrepreneurs, as well as break down barriers and form meaningful connections in our small business community.

Presenters were Temple Robinson of Temple Robinson Coaching and Angela Pecca of Consider the Lilies.

To see photos from the event, click here.

The number of individuals working from home across the country has declined to its lowest level since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. At its peak in early 2021, 37 percent of households across the country had one individual working remotely at least one day a week. Now, the number has declined to 26 percent. Additionally, the percentage of job postings offering remote work flexibility has declined over the past year going from a peak of 10.3 percent to 8.1 percent. The report also tracks state-by-state work from home (WFH) rates, revealing that Colorado has the highest WFH rate at 38.3 percent and Wyoming has the lowest at 12.9 percent.

According to the Census Bureau data, South Carolina has the 15^th lowest WFH rate in the country at 21 percent. The state’s early pandemic peak was 25.6 percent. The monthly Palmetto Business Barometer survey administered by the SC Chamber and the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) tracks a variety of business conditions and attitudes, including the percentage of businesses’ workforce working remotely. On average, 59 percent of respondents say that their workforce spends zero time working remotely, with 41 percent of respondents sharing that their workforce spends anywhere from 25 to 100 percent of their time working remotely. In September, 64 percent of respondents said that their workforce spent zero time working remotely. To view the latest Palmetto Business Barometer data.

To read the full story, click here.

Santa’s helpers at the CARE House of the Pee Dee brighten the Holiday Season with Letters from Santa campaign through December 1, 2023.

The CARE House of the Pee Dee is kicking off their annual Letters from Santa campaign, a fundraiser in which children receive personalized letters – and Nice List Certificates – from Santa Claus with the help of the elves at the CARE House. The tradition, which benefits the work of the local Children’s Advocacy Center, started in 2016 and has become a seasonal favorite for many local families and children in foster care.

To read the full press release, click here.

Don’t miss the chance to attend the Boost Your Business Seminar, a free and exclusive event for entrepreneurs like you!

This is a rare opportunity to learn from the best in the industry how to take your business to the next level. Whether you want to grow, maintain, or manage your business, you will get valuable insights and tips from professional online business experts. And you don’t have to pay anything to attend this seminar!

The event will take place on Thursday Nov 16th in the Community Room at the Florence Chamber of Commerce (100 W Evans St). There will be two sessions: 9:15 am and 12:00 noon. The event is hosted by Cumulus Media & The Florence Chamber of Commerce. You will also enjoy a light breakfast in the morning session and a Jimmy John’s lunch in the noon session.

But wait, there’s more! You will also have a chance to win amazing door prizes.  Also a chance to win $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 advertising campaigns.   And that’s not all, you will also get access to special incentives if you sign up for our programs. This is an incredible opportunity to boost your business and network with other successful entrepreneurs.

To RSVP, email Ted Becker at ted.becker@cumulus.com or Dennis Bankson at Dennis.Bankson@cumulus.com today! Hurry, space is limited! Ted and Dennis are looking forward to seeing you there!

The 2023 SC Pecan Music and Food Festival marks its 19th annual event on Saturday, November 4, 2023. This exciting one-day festival has delighted residents and visitors alike and is the area’s largest event, drawing over 50,000 attendees each year. The festival consistently wins Best of the Pee Dee awards and has been featured in numerous national publications such as Travel + Leisure Magazine Online and AAA’s Go Magazine.

Please click here for entertainment schedules and more information.