2026 Women In Commerce Luncheon Held Thursday

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On Thursday, August 27th, the Florence Chamber presented its’ annual Women in Commerce Luncheon at Florence Center. More than 300 attended the special gathering sponsored by First Bank, along with support from McLeod Health and MUSC Health Florence.

Early motivational remarks were provided by Florence Police Chief Angela M. Greene, followed by keynote speaker Elizabeth Bostian, Chief Financial Officer at First Bank.

Elizabeth started the conversation with “how do you handle the nuances of leadership and the fact that you’ll never make everyone happy in an organization?”

To see more photos from the event, click here.

MUSC Health Dental & Oral Care Grand Opening & Business After Hours – Last Tuesday

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MUSC Health Florence Medical Center held an open house and a Florence Chamber business after hours event on Tuesday, August 25th at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center’s Medical Pavilion C.

Nearly 100 local business and healthcare individuals were provided a tour of the new comprehensive dental practice and future home of the Dental General Practice Residency program, which is expected to open in early September.

Plenty of food and conversation was enjoyed by everyone that attended.

To see more photos from the event, click here.

Rivers Edge Weddings & Events Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Joe and Jan Weisen, owners of Rivers Edge, cut their ribbon along with Chamber Ambassadors as we welcome them to the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Rivers Edge, located in the peaceful town of Lynchburg, SC Exit 146 off interstate 95, is a family-owned business which exudes warmth and charm offering a truly personal touch for every event on 700 acres of countryside where nature, celebrations, and adventures come together.   With its unique rustic charm and rich legacy of tradition it’s perfect for any wedding, reunion, corporate retreat or special get-togethers.  Rivers Edge has cozy accommodations with modern amenities for 20 people comfortably.  Single and multiple day packages are available for wedding experiences, reunions, and retreats.  The covered pavilion can easily accommodate 350+ people comfortably with a full kitchen, ice maker, large smoker, and a moveable bar.

Rivers Edge also maintains a quail preserve license.  For the enthusiastic hunter the woodlands and lush wetlands provide a variety of hunting from duck compounds with blinds, even a pontoon boat to cruise water holes, pristine dove fields, manicured fields for quail hunts, geese, turkey, deer, and rabbit depending on the season.  Fishing is available in our ponds, streams, and of course the Lynches River.  The venue caters to all levels of hunting experience.   A professional 5 stand on the property, which has seen many a shooting enthusiast, is a memorable experience.

To read the full story, click here.

AI Accelerator for Manufacturing Program (AAMP)

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SCMEP’s AI Accelerator for Manufacturing program is a practical, hands-on program designed specifically for manufacturing leaders at small and mid-sized organizations who want to adopt AI in a way that models how all great operations improve: intentionally and methodically. Built around a progressive ‘Think, Use, Implement’ arc, the program helps manufacturing leaders first understand what AI is and where it can create value, then learn how to use everyday tools effectively, and finally put AI into practice with validation, security, ownership, and team alignment.

Rather than covering AI as a broad survey, the 6-month curriculum focuses on one real problem at a time; small, measurable, and rooted in the realities of the manufacturing floor.

The program is intended for leaders responsible for systems and broader operational outcomes. Participants can represent any functional area within an organization, including support departments such as HR, Quality Assurance, Production Planning, etc. IT/OT professionals or those responsible for setting up more complex system infrastructure are not within the scope.

Course dates are 10/7, 11/2, 12/1, 1/6, 2/3, 3/3. $2,500 / Per Person. October 7, 2026 @ 8:00 am – March 3 @ 4:30 pm. SCMEP Greenville 250 Executive Center Drive, Suite 200 Greenville, SC 29615. Call 864-288-5687.

For more information, click here.

The Chamber’s Popular Fall Golf Classic – October 1, 2026

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The Florence Chamber’s Spring Golf Classic being held at the Traces Golf Club on Thursday, October 1, 2026, has been sold out. We apologize to members wanting to register a foursome for the event.

We do look forward to seeing those that have registered for the area’s best Golf Classic. Be ready for some great golf, gifts, food, beverages, and fun. All golfers will experience fun food and prizes throughout the course with 18 individual hospitality holes. Reminder that lunch is provided to start the day beginning at 11:00am followed by a shotgun start at 12:00 noon.

Each registered golfer will be entered into a drawing to participate in a $25,000 cash shoot out!

This year’s Fall Golf Classic is presented by Anderson Brothers Bank.

Genesis Healthcare, Inc. Earns Prestigious 2026 Gold Health Center Quality Leader Award

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Genesis Healthcare Inc, a leading provider of healthcare services, proudly announces that it has earned the 2026 Gold Health Center Quality Leader Award from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), placing Genesis among the top 10 percent of health centers nationwide for clinical quality performance.

The Gold Health Center Quality Leader designation is one of the Health Center Program’s most significant quality distinctions and recognizes health centers demonstrating exceptional clinical quality performance. For Genesis Healthcare, this national recognition reflects the organization’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and achieving strong clinical outcomes for the communities it serves.

In addition to the Gold Health Center Quality Leader Award, Genesis Healthcare earned two additional 2026 Health Center Program recognitions: National Quality Leader – Heart Health and Improving Health Care Access Awardee. The Heart Health recognition highlights Genesis Healthcare’s work to advance cardiovascular health and strengthen outcomes, while the Improving Health Care Access recognition underscores ongoing efforts to reduce barriers and connect more patients with needed healthcare services.

To read the full press release, click here.

SC 2027 Relentless Challenge Grant Applications Open Sept. 1

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The South Carolina Department of Commerce will open applications September 1 for the 2027 Relentless Challenge Grant, offering funding to support entrepreneurship and small business programs across the state. Eligible applicants include South Carolina nonprofits, higher education institutions, and local governments, with awards of up to $75,000 depending on the funding track. Applications close September 30.

Contact innovation@sccommerce.com for more information.

MUSC Business – Wellness Wednesday

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Join MUSC Business for an informative presentation on Blue Zones and learn the secrets to living longer healthier lives where we live, work, and play.  This virtual program will be held on September 9th from 12:00 – 1:00 PM.

Register here.

Area Manufacture Employee Part of the South Carolina Manufacturing Leadership Program

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Robert Wingard of American Honda South Carolina Manufacturing will be part of the 2026–2027 class of the South Carolina Manufacturing Leadership Program (SCMLP), welcoming 22 rising leaders from across the state’s manufacturing community.

Led by SCMC and SC Future Makers in partnership with the Executive Education Center at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, SCMLP is an immersive, cohort-based program that prepares high-potential manufacturing professionals for greater leadership roles within the industry.

Congrats to Robert Wingard.

Francis Marion University Offers Certificate Courses

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Women’s Leadership: This five-session program elevates women’s leadership potential and presence by combining interactive workshops, skilled speakers, and objective-based discussions. Sessions will cover a range of gendered workplace topics while offering opportunities to build leadership skills, goals, and networks. This program is geared towards women at any stage of their life and career who aspire to enhance their professional skills, personal goals, communal connections, and conceptual knowledge. Participants will have direct access to experts and applicable research, women leaders in our community, and their program cohort for continued networking. Francis Marion’s Women’s Leadership Certificate program is open to community members as a non-degree enrollment option. Participants will receive a certificate of completion. Secure your spot by August 27.

Introduction to Grant Writing: Introduction to Grant Writing provides practical skills in identifying funding sources and drafting compelling and competitive grant proposals. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of various funder types, strategies for identifying funding opportunities, and how to interpret grant guidelines effectively. Participants will also gain skills in writing compelling needs statements and developing realistic, well-justified grant budgets. Francis Marion’s Introduction to Grant Writing program is open to community members as a non-degree enrollment option. Participants will receive a certificate of completion. Register today!