Are You Seeing More Litter?

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After the latest snow and rain events, you may be noticing more litter around Florence.

The weather doesn’t create this trash — it moves it. The heavy rain and all the melted snow create runoff that washes debris from streets and yards toward storm drains and waterways. That’s why litter becomes more visible after storms — and why it matters to act quickly.

Please pick-up any litter you see in your yard or neighborhood, before it ends up in our waterways.

A few small actions from each of us can make a big difference for our community and environment.

Manufacturing Madness is Back for Year 5

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The hunt for the #CoolestThingMadeinSC is officially on! Now in its fifth year, Manufacturing Madness: The Coolest Thing Made in SC contest showcases the products made right here in South Carolina. Nominations are open now through February 19th. Go to www.scmanufacturingmadness.com to submit your favorite SC-made product!

The Palmetto Partnership to Host 3rd Annual Under The Palms Event

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THE PALMETTO PARTNERSHIP of All 4 Autism will host the 3rd Annual UNDER THE PALMS on May 7th, 2026. This event helps to fund support programs for those with disabilities and their families in the Pee Dee Region.

Our mission is to increase the quality of life of those with disabilities, and their families, by providing free resources, support and advocacy services, while actively seeking opportunities to partner with others and serve as ambassadors of goodwill in our community.

“This year’s event is incredibly special to us, because we are celebrating 10 years of serving local families in need. I remember taking my very first phone call in March of 2016. Since then, we have provided services and support to over 600 families throughout the Pee Dee. Our hope is that we will continue to advocate for the underserved and provide a place where you feel that you belong.” Jessica Brown, Executive Director

The evening will begin with a cocktail reception, where guests will enjoy a signature drink, open bar and music by David Whatley, with Black Tie DJ Services. There will be a delicious selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres and pasta stations.

Cocktails and dessert will be served during the evening program, which will include a live auction and video presentation. This year’s video will feature the Padgett Family, where they share the beautiful story of their son, Jake.

For more information, click here.

2026 Building Bridges Diversity & Leadership Summit Set for March 16

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The 2026 Building Bridges Diversity and Leadership Summit is set for Monday, March 16 from 9:00 am- 3:00 pm. The event will be held at the Florence Center and will feature multiple breakout sessions. Lunch will be served during the program schedule.

Building Bridges is a program offering comprehensive group experience in cultural diversity, inclusion and competence. This summit has been designed to help local business professionals appreciate and respect the uniqueness of their employees and peers.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. DaNine J. Fleming, Senior Managing Partner at F&B Consulting, Incorporated, Tenured Professor & Associate Chief Officer for Training and Impact

The full day cost of the program is $35 for individuals and $30 each for registrations of 5 or more (includes lunch).

To register online, click here.

McLeod Health Foundation Receives $1,370,000 in Grants from The Duke Endowment

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The McLeod Health Foundation has received two grants from The Duke Endowment totaling $1,370,000 over the next five years.

The first grant for $620,000 will support a healthcare workforce development partnership between McLeod Health and Florence 1 Schools, which operates the new Poynor School of Innovation in Healthcare. This facility, which opened in January 2026 in the completely renovated historic Poynor site on Dargan Street in Florence, will provide training and certification for a variety of healthcare professions for local high school students.

The second grant for $750,000 will expand Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas (HPHC), a coalition-based initiative to tackle chronic health issues, to Clarendon County.

To read the full story, click here.

Annual GSSM 5K Race for Mental Health Awareness Returns to Hartsville Feb. 28

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The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) will host its annual 5K Race for Mental Health Awareness on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Hartsville. The community event raises awareness of mental health and brings together students, families, and residents in support of a meaningful cause.

The race is organized by Fun Without Drugs (FWD), a student-led organization at GSSM that promotes healthy, balanced lifestyles and mental well-being.  Each year, FWD hosts the GSSM 5K to encourage conversation, connection, and community engagement around mental health.

Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit Night to Shine, a prom experience for individuals ages 14 and older with special needs in Hartsville.

For more information, click here.

Young Professionals Lunch & Learn

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Join Young Professionals on Thursday, February 19th for a lunch and learn event.  Staring & Scaling a Business will be held at the Hyatt in Downtown Florence from 12:00 – 1:00 PM.

Bring your appetite and your questions.

For more information, click here.

The Chamber’s 2026 Outlook Luncheon Set

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The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Outlook Luncheon on Wednesday, March 18th at Florence Center.

The keynote speaker will be Mark Keel, Chief of the S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED). A native of Barnwell, S.C., Chief Keel is a veteran law enforcement officer who has had more than 40 years of service. His interest in law enforcement and public service began at an early age when, as a teenager, he served as a volunteer firefighter for the Barnwell Fire Department and as a member of the volunteer rescue squad. He later served with the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Department and the Barnwell and Denmark Police Departments before joining SLED.

The Chamber’s luncheon will also include announcements of the Small Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Dedicated Community Bank, and the Public Servant of the Year, sponsored by Francis Marion University.

The Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year will also be recognized.

The annual luncheon will be held at the Florence Center with doors opening at 11:30am and the program beginning at 12 noon. Individual registration is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. Special reserved tables of 8 are available for $475. Seating will be limited so register early.

For more information, click here.

2026 Women In Commerce Galentine’s Social – Last Thursday

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What an incredible night celebrating connection, collaboration, and community at the Chambers Women in Commerce Galentine’s Social!

From meaningful conversations and new business connections to delicious food, drinks, line dancing, and plenty of laughter — the evening was filled with energy and empowerment.

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the night so special. Events like this remind us how powerful it is when women come together to support, encourage, and uplift one another in business and beyond.

This event was made possible by Duke Energy.

To see more photos from the event, click here.

Pinwheel Gardens CARE House of the Pee Dee

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Host a Pinwheel Garden this April to Raise Awareness of the Realities of Child Abuse within our Community!

According to national data, nearly 700,000 children are abused each year and close to 2,000 lose their lives as a result. Even after abuse stops, these adverse childhood experiences can have lasting impacts- but child abuse is preventable!

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and you can help bring these realities to light by hosting a Pinwheel Garden at your home, business or organization!

Pinwheels symbolize child abuse prevention as they bring to mind the idea of a happy and carefree childhood. A safe childhood is something that every child deserves.

For more information, click here.