Florence Christmas Parade – Save the Date

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce invites your company or organization to participate in the 2026 Florence Christmas Parade! The parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 5th at 11:00am. The parade will begin near the intersection of Sunset Drive and Evans Street and will continue down Evans toward Dargan Street. Performances will be judged in front of the Florence City Center. Have some fun and share your organization’s holiday spirit with the community. Deadline to enter is November 24th.

For more information, click here.

FMU Honors Longtime Trustees

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The FMU Board of Trustees held its quarterly meeting last Thursday afternoon, approving the naming of two university facilities in honor of longtime Trustees.

The Kenneth W. Jackson Lecture Hall, located in the Hugh and Jean Leatherman Medical Education Complex in downtown Florence, will be named for Trustee Ken Jackson (`84). Jackson has served on the FMU Board of Trustees since 1998, providing nearly three decades of distinguished leadership to the university. During his tenure, he has served as board chair, vice chair and secretary.

The George C. McIntyre Training and Fitness Center in the Smith University Center will be named for Trustee George McIntyre (`78). McIntyre has served on the FMU Board of Trustees since 1999, holding the positions of chair, vice chair and parliamentarian.

To read the full story, click here.

Pee Dee Heart Walk 2026

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According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital do not survive, and more than half do not receive bystander CPR. CPR, especially when performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

To help improve cardiac arrest outcomes across the Pee Dee region, James Harrell, president of Global Industrial Paper Packaging (IPP) at Sonoco, will serve as chair of the 2026 Pee Dee Heart Walk, leading a year-round effort to engage businesses and community leaders in raising critical funds, expanding CPR education and supporting the mission of the American Heart Association.

The walk will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center (201 S Dargan St). Event Opens at 9:00am and the walk begins at 9:45am.

For more information, click here.

Francis Marion University President Highlights Progress

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Francis Marion University President Fred Carter highlighted the university’s continued growth and financial strength during its’ most recent Board of Trustees meeting.

FMU’s enrollment increased 3.1% this fall, exceeding projected growth rates across the university. The university added two new undergraduate programs in forestry and social work and the two newest doctoral programs –- the Doctorate in Psychology and the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy –- will graduate their first cohorts of students this year.

FMU boasts $41 million in unallocated resources, while the FMU Education Foundation has an investment corpus exceeding $62 million.

To read the full story, click here.

Leadership Florence Class of 2026 – 2027 Holds Retreat

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The Leadership Florence Class of 2027 kicked off their year of community sessions with a fun and informative 2-day retreat.

Gina Trimarco Klauder of Pivot10 Results facilitated a discussion of leadership principles and strategies on Monday, followed by a dinner and a beachside reception for the 45 class participants.

Day two consisted of team building exercises at WonderWorks at Myrtle Beach.

Leadership Florence is a comprehensive nine-month program designed to identify, cultivate and motivate leadership in the Pee Dee Area. Participants increase their knowledge of the region and enhance their involvement in community while further developing their leadership skills.

To see more photos from the event, click here.

Micky Finn’s OktoberFest Benefiting McLeod Health Foundation

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An Oktoberfest-inspired beer tasting featuring a selection of seasonal brews, food catered by Kirby Anderson, Flavor Town Eats and Events and a fun night of community and celebration! Participation will support The Mcleod Foundation’s breast cancer programs. Each year, Micky Finn’s raises money during the month of October to help The McLeod Foundation fund programs to help with mobile mammography units and other breast cancer programs. All proceeds from this event will be donated. Tickets are limited to 50 people.

To purchase tickets, click here.

Pee Dee Realtors Association Home Buyers Seminar & Expo

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The Pee Dee REALTOR® Association will host a Homebuyers Seminar & Expo on Thursday, October 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will provide information on fair housing, down payment assistance programs, mortgage qualifications and other homebuying resources. Local vendors and housing professionals will also be available.

Registration is required. Call 843-665-2242 or scan the QR code on the flyer to register. Only 50 spots are available.

Concert for the KIDS – This Saturday

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We’re kicking off Concert for the Kids early with a special LIVE edition of Gameday in the Carolinas on ESPN Radio 96.3FM, broadcasting live from Southern Hops! Matt and Woody along with some very special guests, will be live from 10 AM–Noon, previewing all of Saturday’s biggest college football matchups, recapping Friday night’s high school football action from around the area, discussing all things football, and getting everyone ready for a huge Saturday of sports.

We especially want listeners to come out and be part of the LIVE audience! Grab some brunch, pull up a seat and “Brunch with the Boys” while watching Gameday in the Carolinas happen live. We’ll also take donations for Children’s Miracle Network benefiting McLeod Children’s Hospital throughout the broadcast as we get everyone fired up for Concert for the Kids later that afternoon.

Then at 4 PM, 99.3 The Cat Country takes over as Concert for the Kids officially gets underway! Palmer and Haley will broadcast live from Southern Hops throughout the evening, bringing listeners all the action and excitement from the event.

Throughout the broadcast, Palmer and Haley will have live interviews with all of our performing artists, talk with representatives from McLeod Children’s Hospital, visit with sponsors and special guests, encourage donations to Children’s Miracle Network, and keep listeners updated on everything happening throughout Concert for the Kids.

For more information, click here.

Interim HealthCare of Florence Cuts Ribbon on Chamber Membership

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Clemons Cooper CEO and Trey Salley VP of Business Development of Interim HealthCare of Florence along with Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Interim HealthCare of Florence is proud to bring nationally recognized home care experience to families throughout Florence and the greater Pee Dee region. Backed by a network that has served communities since 1966, the Florence office is locally focused. Hiring caregivers from the communities it serves and building personalized care plans around the individual needs of each client and family. Services include personal care, companion care, dementia support, respite care, assistance with daily activities, and support for individuals transitioning home after a hospital or rehabilitation stay.

The team’s goal is to help older adults and individuals who need additional support remain safe, comfortable, and independent in the place they call home. Interim HealthCare of Florence also works closely with families, healthcare providers, and community partners to help fill care gaps and provide dependable support throughout the aging process. The office serves communities across the Pee Dee, including Florence, Darlington, Hartsville, Lake City, Marion, Kingstree, Sumter, Dillon, and surrounding areas.

To read the full story, click here.

Kickin’ Chicken Wing & Chili Fest Happening October 16th

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Kickin’ Chicken Wing & Chili Festival is being held Friday, October 16 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. and it’s going to be packed with your favorite wings, chili, cold drinks, and live music by Chocolate Chip & Co.

Mark your calendars now since you don’t want to miss this great downtown Florence event. If you would like more details on this evening party in the streets, go to our event page or call the Chamber at (843) 665-0515.

This year’s Kickin’ Chicken Wing and Chili Festival is being sponsored by Synergi Partners, South Carolina Federal Credit Union, T-Mobile Fiber, Hyatt Downtown Florence, Hotel Florence and Victors.