HopeHealth Hosted Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

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In 2022, volunteers at HopeHealth gave 1,080 hours of their time by working as guest helpers, assisting with community relations and outreach projects, and more. To celebrate this achievement and their continued commitment to service, HopeHealth hosted a volunteer appreciation luncheon on April 18.

The luncheon featured a statement of gratitude from Sallie Bachman, Chief of Staff, and a lesson on the history of HopeHealth’s volunteerism from Deena Hilton, Chief Administrative Officer. Additionally, Stephanie Isgett, Director of Guest Experience, spoke about the positive impact volunteers have at HopeHealth.

The luncheon culminated in the presentation of volunteer awards by Cindy Averitt, Manager of Volunteer Programs. Volunteer Sylvia Jackson received a pin for one year of volunteer service as well as the Hope award. Averitt shared that Jackson embodies the mission of HopeHealth and has been a pioneer with a variety of HopeHealth service efforts, including a staff volunteer partnership with My Brother’s Keeper.

To read the full story, click here.

Stephen A. Imbeau, MD receives SCMA Physician of the Year Award

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The South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA) recently awarded its Physician of the Year Award to respected Florence, S.C. physician Stephen A. Imbeau, MD. Presented on April 29 at the association’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach, Imbeau was chosen for his pure dedication to those around him and unparalleled service to the practice of medicine. “I am greatly honored and humbled by this important tribute from my peers at the South Carolina Medical Association,” says Imbeau. Dr. Imbeau joined the SCMA Board of Trustees in 1986 and led the board as president in 1999. Imbeau was also a long-time member of the South Carolina delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA). He served as chair of the delegation from 2007 to 2015, and also served as chair of the Southeastern delegation to AMA, its largest regional section. In addition, Imbeau served as chair of the AMA American Medical Political Action Committee for two years.

To read the full story, click here.

Leadership Florence Applications Are Now Available

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Leadership Florence is a comprehensive nine-month program designed to identify, cultivate and motivate new leadership for the Greater Florence Area.  Participants will increase their knowledge of the Greater Florence area and enhance their involvement in community activities while further developing their leadership skills.

The program begins with a Meet & Greet in August and ends with graduation in June 2024.  Sessions are one full day per month.

For more information, click here.

Learn, Grow, & GOLF With Coker University

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The Coker team is excited to roll out a new professional development offering for Pee Dee leaders this May (with some fun on the golf course included).

Participants will earn a professional certificate in “Leading with Emotional Intelligence” while building relationships with other Pee Dee leaders on two great courses:  Hartsville Country Club (May 24) and The Country Club of South Carolina (May 31).

For more information, click here.

Leadership Florence Participates In Final Session

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On Tuesday, May 9th, the Leadership Florence class had their last session of the year, Business and Industry Day.

The class started with breakfast and a full tour of Honda. Next, the class visited the campus of Florence-Darlington Technical College, where they toured SiMT and the Gould Business Incubator.

The day concluded with lunch and an informative tour courtesy of GE Healthcare.

To view photos from the session, click here.

St. Catherine Episcopal Church Joins the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce

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Rev. Eunice Dunlap, Vicar along with members of the church and Chamber Ambassadors welcome St. Catherine Episcopal Church to the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce

St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church was formed in 2012 and is an open and affirming congregation that welcomes everyone in our mutual call to “(d)o justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with God.” We are rooted in the principles of loving God and our neighbor as our self and believe that God loves all people, without exception. St. Catherine’s is the only Episcopal congregation and member of the Anglican Communion in the greater Florence area.

St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church is located at 1806 West Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29501.  Sunday service is at 10:30 AM and can be attended in person, on Facebook, or on Zoom. To contact St. Catherine’s you can call at 843-407-7926 or visit their website http://www.stcatherinesepiscopal.com

Downtown Florence: From Ghost Town To Boom Town

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The streets of downtown Florence were empty in 2011, almost as empty as the buildings.

“It was actually a ghost town,” said Ella Frazier, a downtown retailer. “The only thing that was actually there was a barbershop, a beauty shop and Lady Kids, a retail shop down the street. That was it on Evans Street.”

Frazier has watched the growth over the past 12 years. Downtown has transformed from empty spaces and plenty of parking places to eight blocks of retailers, restaurants and bars, offices and pocket parks featuring sculptures and other public art installations.

“It’s been exciting to see the growth over these past years. I love to tell them it’s not over yet,” Frazier said.

To read the full story, click here.

The King’s Academy Breaks Ground On New Elementary School

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The King’s Academy broke ground on its new $2.8 million elementary school building on Monday, April 24th.

Kent Caudle, Florence County councilmember, Matt Walton, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and Jeff Fields, the project coordinator from Gilbert Fields Construction were among those who spoke at the event. Each reflected on the school’s past and looked to the school’s future.

“I’m honored to be here and proud to see what’s going on and this legacy continue,” Caudle said.

The building will have a brick façade and an 1,600 square-foot foyer. Outside, a small loop that will hold four cars will have an awning over it so that students do not get wet when being dropped off in the rain.

To read the full story, click here.

Chandler Investment Properties Joins Chamber

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Jonathan Chandler cuts the ribbon at Chandler Reserve Club on Tuesday, April 25th.  Chandler Investment Properties offers high-end rental properties in eastern South Carolina, including Florence, Hartsville, and Sumter. Since Jonathan Chandler began his work in real estate in 1992, Chandler Investment Properties has grown from a handful of properties to now over 300 units. Chandler Reserve Club is the largest of the properties, projected to be complete with 575 units in the next 3 years.

Will Lindsey, Property Manager of Chandler Reserve Club, says, “It’s the people who make our communities what they are. We consider our residents, friends and family sharing in the ups and downs of their lives. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to connect with and build relationships with them. Our team motto is, ‘we’re in the customer service business, we just so happen to offer rentals’, so that’s what we focus on – making sure every single resident is happy with our service.”

The team at Chandler Investment Properties looks forward to growing their presence in Florence in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. For more information about Chandler Investment Properties, availability, or to schedule a tour, visit us at chandlerinvest.com or call (843) 610-7114.

To read the full story, click here.

Florence 1 Schools To Hold Ribbon Cutting At The Farm

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The Florence 1 Schools Board of Trustees cordially invites you to a Ribbon Cutting and Open House for the Farm at Florence 1.

Join us May 11th at 6pm, 2101 North Williston Road.

To view the invite, click here.