Suzanne M. La Rochelle, MSW Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Suzanne Rochelle along with the Chamber Ambassadors welcome her to the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Suzanne received her clinical license to practice privately in 1996. Her first office was in Massachusetts. She has been seeing clients on a part-time schedule in Florence since 2020. In 2025, she is now offering services on a full-time basis

Recognizing you may need help is a sign of your inner strength and intelligence. Therapy is a proven intervention to improve your mental health. Addressing issues that negatively impact your mental health early is one of the best indicators of successful treatment. Doing the hard work now is an investment in yourself and all the people you care about. It is a known fact that the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior UNLESS there is a significant intervention. Therapy may be the intervention you need to succeed.

To read the full story, click here.

GSSM Expands Summer Camps To 14 Locations Statewide

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) is excited to announce the expansion of its popular summer day camps to four additional technical colleges across the state. This expansion is part of GSSM’s ongoing commitment to making STEM education more accessible to students in South Carolina.

The GSSM GoSciTech Day camps are designed for rising 6th through 8th graders and provide hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These four-day programs run from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and focus on developing problem-solving and teamwork skills through exciting explorations in engineering, human biology, coding, and more. The camps are hosted at technical colleges across the state, creating opportunities for students to engage in high-quality STEM learning close to home.

The new host locations include: Aiken Technical College, Graniteville / Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood / Trident Technical College, North Charleston / Williamsburg Technical College, Kingstree

With these additions, GSSM now partners with a total of 14 technical colleges statewide to provide these innovative learning opportunities.

To view the full press release, click here.

Pee Dee Coalition Recognizes February As Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Teen relationships should be built on respect, trust, and safety—but 1 in 3 teens experiences dating violence. This month, Pee Dee Coalition is raising awareness about the importance of healthy relationships and how our community can support young people in recognizing the signs of unhealthy behaviors. If you would like to learn more or schedule a presentation on topics such as what is teen dating violence, the importance of bystander intervention, healthy relationships or the importance of building a collaborative partnership with PDC’s prevention program and other customized presentations, please contact: Tracey Miller, Director of Prevention Programs at tmiller@peedeecoalition.org.

Pee Dee Coalition has some exciting virtual events planned so keep checking in on our social media platforms for dates and times. Join us in spreading awareness, learn more at www.peedeecoalition.org and follow us on Instagram & Facebook @PeeDeeCoalitionOrg

To view the full press release, click here.

CLIMB Fund Offers Small Business Loan Application Workshop

Hey there, small business owners and entrepreneurs! Ready to take your business to the next level? Join us for an online workshop where you’ll learn all about our application process to get funding and help streamline your business operations! *Note- We will not admit participants to join after 10 minutes of the starting time.

For more information, click here.

3rd Annual Field Fastener Golf Play Day

The 3rd Annual Field Fastener Golf Play Day to IMPROVE LIVES will be held on Wednesday, May 21st at The Country Club of South Carolina. The heart of Field Fastener’s 10-year strategic plan is to improve lives – including the lives of members in our local communities. To do that, Field is hosting a golf playday and donating all the proceeds to the United Way of Florence County.

For more information, click here.

Texas Roadhouse Dine To Donate Night To Benefit Florence Area Humane Society

Plan to have dinner at Texas Roadhouse on Wednesday, February 12th and support the Florence Area Humane Society!  Bring a copy of this flyer or show the flyer on your phone. Tell your hostess and waiter that you are dining to support the Florence Area Humane Society.

To view the full flyer, click here.

Pat Gibson Hye-Moore Florence Black History Parade

The Pat Gibson Hye-Moore Florence Black History Parade will take place on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM.  Renamed in honor of the late Florence community leader Pat Gibson Hye-Moore, the parade will start at the Showtime Event Center (1210 West Evans Street) and end at Willie T’s (210 N. Dargan St, Florence, SC). There will be a brief program after the parade at Willie T’s.

We are asking that all participants get into the spirit by decorating their vehicles or floats to center around the theme.

Participation fees support the Pat Gibson Hye-Moore Black History Parade. There will be a fee of just $25.00; anything over 4 units (in one group) there will be a flat fee of $50.00.

For more information, please contact 843-468-7489 or 843-616-1030.

The view the full flyer, click here.

Potter House Recovery Featured On ChamberLink Radio

Bob Waller, Co-founder & Assistant Director, Nicole Page, Director & Co-founder and Donovan Page, Counselor for Potter House Recovery, were the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend. We encourage you to tune-in every Sunday from 12:00-12:30pm on LIVE 95.3FM in Florence, SC.

This program is brought to you by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Looking for past ChamberLink Radio Show interviews? Click here:

https://www.flochamber.com/events-programs/podcasts/

8th Annual American Heritage Festival

America’s Living History Foundation is proud to showcase the 8th Annual American Heritage Festival on Graham’s Historic Farm in Lake City on February 15-16, 2025. This living history event celebrates the Pee Dee area’s influence in winning the American Revolution through its community support of Francis Marion and his men who staged attacks on the British in the early 1780’s, and turned the tide of the war. The event includes Continental and British encampments; Cannon and musket firing demonstrations; Revolutionary War battle renactments; Colonial trade demonstrators, and work- shops; Historical speakers, and 18th century vendors. Additionally, in honor of Francis Marion’s mostly Scots- Irish militia, the Men and Women’s Scots-Irish Games will be held on the farm including tabor toss, hammer throw, tug of war and more. Celtic band, Eireann’s Call will be playing throughout the weekend, and the Palmetto Pipes and Drums Band will march on center field. Food, beer and wine will be available under the party tent.

In honor of America’s leadership in winning WWII, General George Patton’s grandson will speak, and American & German encampments will be in place. Weapons demonstrations, and WWII skirmishes will be scheduled on Saturday and Sunday.

This is event will be paid for in part by the South Carolina Revolutionary War 250th Commission, The SC Humanities, DSM, The Inn at the Crossroads, FTC, Smart Choice, and the General George Patton Foundation.

To find out more and to buy tickets please go to www.theamerianheritagefestival.com or look us up on Facebook.

City Of Florence Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism To Hold Galentine’s Event

Grab your friends and your comfiest appropriate pajamas for a night of fun you won’t forget! Join them on Thursday, February 13th at the Lawton-Chase House (558 Spruce Street) for an evening filled with karaoke fun, crafty activities, delicious breakfast, mocktail mimosas and festive photos!

The fun starts at 6:30 p.m., and it’s only $20 per person.

Spots are limited, so register today by visiting http://bit.ly/4h4Wakp, or stop by 513 Barnes Street to secure your spot!

If you have questions, please call (843) 665-3253.

To view the full flyer, click here.