South Carolina Was The 4th Fastest Growing State In 2024

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According to data released in December by the United States Census Bureau, South Carolina was the 4th fastest-growing state in 2024 by percentage of population growth at 1.7 percent with nearly 91,000 new residents that moved to the Palmetto State last year. The only states that grew faster than South Carolina were Florida, Texas, and Utah. In terms of pure numeric growth, South Carolina was the 10th fastest-growing state as our total population increased to over 5.47 million people from roughly 5.38 million in 2023. South Carolina saw the 3rd largest gain (nearly 68,000 individuals) from domestic migration, which is individuals who relocate here from other parts of the U.S., trailing only Texas and North Carolina.

Some of South Carolina’s growth can be attributed to the broader national population shift to Southern states as the South is the most populated region of the country at nearly 132.7 million residents. According to the Census Bureau data, in 2024 “…the South added more people than all other regions combined, making it both the fastest-growing and largest-gaining region in the country.”

With South Carolina’s continued population growth, local businesses will see increased demand for their goods and services, and the state will remain a top destination for economic development. Learn more here.

American Heritage Festival Returns To Lake City February 15-16

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Immerse yourself in the American Revolution at Graham’s Historic Farm, where Francis Marion and his men conducted guerilla warfare against the British, and where they brought British prisoners. Hear the rumble of the Dragoon’s horses as they charge; the snap of musket’s firing; and the loud thump of the cannons as the British Redcoats battle the Continentals. Watch WWII reenactments; and see WWI displays. Listen to historical speakers, and live music. Food and drinks will be available on site.

For more information, click here.

DEW Wants Businesses to Help Jobseekers Explore SC@Work

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The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) is promoting its “New Year, New Career” initiative in January to encourage jobseekers to find work and opportunities for advancement statewide as they ring in 2025. One way DEW is spreading awareness of the vast array of occupations and industries, relevant employers, and job openings out there is through its growing Explore SC@Work campaign, which is a long-term project at the agency. 

Explore SC@Work showcases a variety of occupations online through its weekly updates on its webpage, gallery, and DEW’s social media channels by publishing digital flyers that serve as snapshots of what an occupation entails, labor market information, salary estimates, education requirements, and other details to make sure jobseekers are well-informed in pursuing the diverse jobs the Palmetto State has to offer. This initiative will include a career coloring book for third graders, a booklet, bookmarks, flyers, employer videos, web resources for jobseekers at any stage, and even more materials to come in the new year.

For more information, click here.

2025 Winter Legislative and Community Breakfast

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Winter Legislative and Community Breakfast will be city focused this year.

Florence City Mayor, Lethonia Barnes, will be the featured speaker at the Friday, February 28th Community Breakfast being held at the Florence Center.

This breakfast is an informational community gathering held twice each year. Topics range from state and local representatives providing legislative updates to local concerns centered on community safety, health care, and education.

At the 2025 February breakfast, Mayor Barnes will provide a Florence city update on what programs and improvement are happening now and what to expect in the near future as it affects life in Florence and surrounding neighborhoods.

The doors will open at 7:30 a.m. and the program begins at 7:50 a.m. Tickets are or $28 for individuals and $245 for a company reserved table of 8. There will be no tickets or registration available at the door. This event will sell out fast. This program is made possible by Palmetto Commercial Real Estate and Duke Energy.

To register online, click here.

Arenacross Coming To The Florence Center

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The roar of engines, the thrill of the track, and the heart-pounding excitement you’ve been waiting for is here!  Tristar Arenacross Series, featuring the electrifying Pit Bike Moto is coming to the Florence Center on January 17 & 18. Get ready to witness adrenaline-fueled competition, jaw-dropping action, and fierce rivalries as the finest riders battle it out for glory. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the Tristar Arenacross Series is your ticket to high-octane entertainment. Gear up, and prepare for a season of unmatched excitement and unforgettable moments.

For more information, click here.

City of Florence Announces Water System Improvements

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The City of Florence is pleased to announce a $2.3 million investment to improve its water system. This project will involve the construction of 22,585 linear feet of new waterline, along with site work and connections to the existing infrastructure. It is designed to enhance water pressure, reliability, and resiliency for areas west of Interstate 95.

This project is funded through the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP), a statewide initiative aimed at improving water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. These improvements are made possible by federal funds allocated through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021.

For more information, click here.

Teacher Recruitment Fair Just Around The Corner

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Be sure to save the date of February 8th for Florence 1 Schools Teacher Recruitment Fair at West Florence High School – 221 North Beltline Drive in Florence from 10:00am to 12:00 noon. Make your plans now to attend this chance to join Florence 1 Schools as a dynamic, innovative district with opportunities available in a variety of positions and academic areas. Registration is open now at https://lnkd.in/guEe9CqP

Florence MSA Helps Lead South Carolina Employment Growth

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The Florence MSA (metropolitan statistical area) helps lead South Carolina employment growth this year. Every month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases employment data for each state and MSA.

From October 2023 through October 2024, South Carolina added 61,000 jobs, a 2.6 percent annual increase. This was the third highest increase in the nation reported during that period. Idaho took first place with an increase of 3.2 percent, followed by Missouri at 2.8 percent.

For more information, click here.

Ship With E’s Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Erin M. McDaniel, owner of Ship With E’s, along with family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors cuts her ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce

In Downtown Florence, a new business venture is emerging, aimed at addressing quick convenient office and business services in the area. With numerous hotels, apartments, and businesses nearby, the need for accessible services, especially during lunch and rush hours, has become evident. While managing business demands, has prompted the decision to establish a service that offers office supplies, quick printing, laminating, notary services, packaging, shipping, fingerprinting, personal/ business mailboxes, and more. This new business is positioned as a valuable addition to the growing downtown Florence area.

To read the full story, click here.

Fellows In Education Visit Florence 1 District Offices

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The 2024-2025 Fellows In Education Class enjoyed a very informative session last week at the Florence 1 School district offices. The group heard from a variety of district administrative leaders regarding happenings at various schools across the area. It was great to hear about all the wonderful things offering growth and high-level learning throughout the F1S system.

The class of 30 local civic and business leaders will visit 8 different Florence 1 Schools over an 8 month to showcase what is being done each day educating our children.

Fellows In Education is a joint community project between Florence 1 Schools, the School Foundation and the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

To see more photos from the day, click here.