Ready, Set, Launch: Business Bootcamp – Last Saturday

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Benedict College Women’s Business Center, hosted a “Ready, Set, Launch: Business Bootcamp” on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the SiMT (Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology) on the campus of Florence-Darlington Technical College.

This hands-on, in-person session was designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and those growing a business to gain practical, actionable steps.

Lunch for the event was sponsored by Chick- fil-A and Orr Company.

Heritage Digital Featured on ChamberLink Radio

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Letia James with Heritage Digital was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about the sponsorship of the Feed Hope Celebration program that is supplying food and hygiene essentials to Florence Darlington Technical College students.

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, MUSC Health Florence Medical Center and LIVE 95.3FM.

Looking for past ChamberLink Radio Show interviews? Click here:

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

Manufacturing Property Tax Relief Heads to Governor’s Desk

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A top legislative priority this year, the Manufacturing Property Tax Relief Act (S.439), is on its way to the Governor’s desk following passage by the House this week.

The bill raises the manufacturing property tax exemption cap established in the Comprehensive Tax Cut Act of 2022 from $170 million to $300 million. The original cap helped reduce the manufacturing property tax rate from 9% to 6%, provided county revenue losses did not exceed $170 million. Increasing the cap is critical to ensuring small and mid-sized manufacturers are not subjected to property tax increases in the coming years.

Invest in Your Vision with PLC Commercial

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“PLC Commercial is dedicated to shaping the growth and success of the communities they serve through expert commercial real estate services. With a clear vision to be a trusted leader across their markets, their team works daily to bring that mission to life through strong relationships, local expertise, and a commitment to excellence.

At the core of PLC Commercial is a team of professionals who prioritize integrity, client success, and results-driven solutions. With deep knowledge of the Pee Dee region and beyond, they provide guidance in commercial real estate that is both strategic and personalized. Their relationship-focused approach ensures that every client is supported not just as a transaction, but as a long-term partner.

More than brokers and managers, the team at PLC Commercial serves as advisors and advocates—helping businesses, investors, and community stakeholders navigate opportunities with confidence.”

For more information, click here.

Truist Small Business Financial Literacy Workshop Series

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For Small Business Month Truist is launching a virtual Small Business Financial Literacy Workshop Series, on May 27th, designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools and insights on key financial topics such as cash flow management, growing and expanding, protecting and long-term business sustainability. Their goal is to make these sessions accessible, relevant, and impactful for current and aspiring business owners.

  • Separating personal and business, May 27th @12:30-1pm
  • Managing cash flow and expanding your business, June 24th @12:30-1pm
  • Protecting your business, July 22nd @12:30-1pm

    For more information, click here.

Dr. Jermaine Ford Appointed to SACSCOC Board of Trustees

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Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) proudly announces that President Dr. Jermaine Ford has been appointed to the Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a significant honor that reflects both his leadership and the college’s continued progress.

This appointment represents a major milestone for FDTC, signaling a strong and positive trajectory following past accreditation challenges prior to Dr. Ford’s arrival in October 2021. Under his leadership, the college has made measurable strides in strengthening academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and student success.

To read the full story, click here.

City Center Market – This Saturday

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Don’t forget, the Florence City Center Market boasts dozens of vendors selling an array of farm fresh produce, heritage meats, handmade artisan wares, organic soaps, goat milk lotions, and much more!  Gotta check it out this Saturday at 200 Sanborn Street in Florence.

Last Week’s Chamber Small Business Social

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The Chamber held a Small Business Social event at the Sapphire Room by Finns on Wednesday, May 6th.

The event, facilitated by the Chamber’s Voice of Small Business Committee, focused on collaboration, networking, and community growth, creating opportunities for local businesses to connect, share ideas, build partnerships, and support one another. More than 30 local small business owners were in attendance.

Thank you to Notch 8 Catering, Micky Finnn’s and Lowcountry Kettle corn for sponsoring and supporting.

To see more photos from the event, click here.

Leadership Florence’s 4th Annual Kickball for a Cause – Last Saturday

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The Greater Florence Chamber’s Leadership Florence Class held the fourth annual Kickball for A Cause fundraiser at Carolina Bank Field, home of the Florence Flamingos.

The event provided an opportunity for local companies and business leaders to compete, as well as entertainment and activities for the entire family.

The tournament was the class project for this year’s Leadership Florence cohorts. Proceeds will benefit Lighthouse Ministries, House of Hope and CARE House. Thank you to the many sponsors and participants that made this all possible.

1st place-Florence Hauling and Junk Removal
2nd place-Greyfeather Group, Exp Realty
Best Uniform- Team Honda
Picture credits: True Light Photography

To see more photos from the day, click here.

Best of the Pee Dee – Voting Opens May 20

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The community spoke and the Morning News listened! The top five nominated businesses in each category are moving on to the voting phase starting Wednesday, May 20th.

Vote once per day, per category, for the duration of the voting phase to help determine who deserves the title of THE BEST!

For more information, click here.