Archive for category: Frontpage Article

Do you want your business voice to be heard in Columbia?

Join The Greater Florence Chamber and The Greater Hartsville Chamber as we partner with the South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce to bring our area the Vision and Voice Tour on Wednesday, September 30th at Hartsville Country Club in Hartsville, SC.

This interactive event will provide you with the opportunity to complete the SCMC’s Grassroots Survey, where attendees share the challenges, opportunities, and policy priorities facing our business community. The insights gathered by the SCMC leaders will help shape advocacy efforts and legislative priorities for the upcoming year in Columbia. Make sure your voice is heard by those that can help influence change.

The luncheon is free, but you must register in advance for the limited number of seats available. Register now while seating is still available.

The Hope Invitational is a competitive individual stroke play championship where accomplished golfers come to compete for the title in a challenging test of skill and strategy. The tournament is kicked off with the Champions Dinner, bringing together players, sponsors, and community leaders for an evening that celebrates competition, generosity, and the mission behind the event. Together, these signature events provide critical support for House of Hope of the Pee Dee, helping restore lives through Christ-centered programs that offer hope, healing, and a path toward lasting independence. If interested in sponsoring or playing, please reach out to Ella Ward at eward@hofh.org.

The CARE House of the Pee Dee’s annual Party with a P(o)urpose Wine Tasting is set September 17th at the Florence Country Club.

Sponsorships are now available; Deadline to Sponsor is August 14th

Francis Marion University is offering a Certificate in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. This program offers practical skills for navigating complex interpersonal situations. Participants acquire effective communication and problem-solving methods, empowering them to handle conflicts and reach mutually beneficial resolutions. Sessions meet one day per month, August through December.

For more information, click here.

Duane Parrish, Director for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT), will be the guest speaker at the Greater Florence Chamber’s Annual Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, September 23 at the Florence Center.

Parrish has dedicated more than 35 years of his professional career to the hospitality industry. He will be speaking to us about the critical role tourism plays in our great state of South Carolina and how the Pee Dee factors into the state tourism picture.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina in Business Administration, Parrish has served as an adjunct professor at the College of Charleston and Trident Technical College teaching hotel management and hospitality courses. He has also been an active member of the South Carolina Hospitality Association and once served as Chairman. Parrish has also served on several other boards for the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, various hotel associations, and two college advisory boards.

At the luncheon event the Chamber will also announce the Chamber’s Business Person of the Year recipient, presented by First Citizens Bank.

The Membership Luncheon doors will open at 11:30 for conversation and networking. The program will begin at 12 noon. Individual registration is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. Special reserved tables of 8 are available for $475. Seating will be limited so register early.