Other Notable Legislative Actions Last Week

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Guarantee Banking Act (H.5538)– Last week, the House concurred in Senate amendments to a bill that would prohibit financial institutions from discriminating against individuals for their political or religious beliefs, or other economic activity. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Buy American Iron and Steel Act (H.4709) – Last week, lawmakers adopted the conference report outlining requirements for public works projects to use domestically produced iron and steel. The bill includes many exceptions for increased costs and longer timelines and is headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

The Addison of Florence Celebrates Expansion of Magnolia Trails

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The Addison of Florence celebrated the expansion of their Magnolia Trails for memory care with a ribbon cutting. This was attended by Addison management, staff, Chamber Ambassadors and residents.

The Addison of Florence enters a new chapter in the addition of more accommodations for memory care individuals. The Addison is located at 1370 Celebration Blvd. Florence SC 29501. They can be reached by phone at 843-400-664 or their website.

If you are looking for a special place for your loved ones call and schedule an appointment to tour their new facilities.

To read the full story, click here.

Small Business Regulatory Reform Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk

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Following Wednesday’s meeting of the conference committee in Columbia on the “Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act” (H.3021), during which conferees worked out a compromise version of the bill, the House and Senate both unanimously adopted the conference report, sending the bill to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

The final version of the bill seeks to reduce the regulatory burden on South Carolina job creators by strengthening the state’s existing regulatory review process. It adds independent oversight to ensure regulations remain within statutory authority and are not outdated, holds agencies accountable for noncompliance, and requires proposed regulations with an estimated financial impact exceeding $1 million to receive joint approval by the General Assembly. It also ends judicial deference to state agencies in legal disputes.

For more information, click here.

MUSC Business Health Presents Wellness Wednesday

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Orthopaedic trauma is more than treating broken bones—it plays a critical role in caring for patients with serious injuries. Join us to learn how orthopaedic trauma specialists help restore function and improve outcomes, the impact traumatic injuries have on our communities, the evolution of orthopaedic trauma care, and how the South Carolina Trauma System provides coordinated, lifesaving care across the state.

Join MUSC Business Health on Wednesday, July 8th for this virtual program from 12:00 – 1:00 PM.  To view the full flyer, click here.

Fireworks Over Florence – July 4th Celebration

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It’s time to start planning your family escape to the City of Florence Fireworks display on July 4th. Check out the excellent lineup of food and beverage vendors slated for Fireworks Over Florence presented by MUSC Health July 4th! (Patriot Sponsor is Cumulus Media and Liberty Sponsor Pepsi of Florence).

For more information, click here.

City of Florence Police Department Featured on ChamberLink Radio

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Angela Greene, City of Florence Police Chief was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about all the new approaches being used for providing public safety in the city.

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/

Florence Regional Arts Alliance SMALL WORKS 2026

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Calling all artists!!! Will you be the 2026 winner? We celebrate 2025 winner of SMALL WORKS, Cecil Norris from North Carolina!

Submissions are open and close on July 3, 11:59 PM EST. Open to residents of South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and newly added Tennessee. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Original works only, no generative AI works permitted.

For more information, click here.

Just A “Did You Know” Florence Business Fact

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Before most people start their day, the Florence Regional Airport is already in motion. Commercial and private aircraft are arriving and departing. Crews are preparing for flights. Teams across the airport are working behind the scenes to keep travelers moving safely and efficiently. It’s a daily effort that often goes unnoticed, but it keeps FLO connected to the people and places that matter most.

Cheney Brothers Inc. Holds Grand Opening Ceremony

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Last week, Cheney Brothers Inc. opened its first South Carolina food distribution facility in Florence at Pee Dee City East Industrial Park.

The company cut the ribbon at the new location that will employ more than 600 people when fully staffed, according to CEO Byron Russell.

Cheney Brothers, Inc., Florence County Economic Development Partnership and design-build firm A M King hosted the official grand opening event at the new site.

The grand opening festivities included Cheney Brothers’ Chairman & CEO Byron Russell, President of Cheney Brothers Florence Operations, Mike Turner, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Florence Co. Economic Development CEO, Gregg Robinson and Florence city and county officials.

To read the full story, click here.

Chamber Holds Board Appreciation Luncheon – Last Thursday

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The Florence Chamber held its annual Board Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, June 18th at Victors in Downtown Florence to acknowledge departing board members for their service.

The chamber staff presented current chairperson Paige Ard, VP & People Business Partner at Assurant, with an appreciation plaque honoring her service to the chamber board and to the Greater Florence community. Her service as chair of the chamber ends June 30 but she will remain with the chamber board in a past chair role.

The incoming Chamber Chairperson will be Ashley Christenbury, Senior Vice President-City Executive at First Bank. Ashley’s term as chair will begin July 1, 2026. Also joining the executive board will be Jason Cox, MUSC Health Florence, as Chair-elect. Brian Fast, Regional Business Executive at First Citizens Bank, will remain on the executive team as Treasurer.

Many of the new board members attended the Thursday luncheon. New members include Rachel Lane, FMU/ Kelley Center; Derek Hemmingsen, HUB International; David Cicirello, Pepsi Cola of Florence; Andrew Chaplin, Palmetto Commercial Real Estate; Robert Sasser, Cresent Advisors; Paden Capps, Accountable Insurance; Celeste Padgett Kahn, Pee Dee Hearing and Joette R. Dukes, Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments.

Departing board members include Ed Hoffman, Trinity Collegiate; Kirby Anderson, Raldex Hospitality; Rose Abuaita, Raines Company; Jay Hinesley, MUSC Health Florence; Dr. Brian Sang, Palmetto Smiles and Amber Stephens, American Red Cross.