Francis Marion Recognized As Great College To Work, Again

/in , , , /by

Francis Marion University has been named to the 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® list for the eleventh year in a row, with top marks in all ten categories measured. Universities are recognized based on results from surveys administered to employees.

Being a workplace that excels in all ten parameters of the assessment, FMU has earned the special designation of Honor Roll institution. This year marks FMU’s tenth time receiving Honor Roll distinction. Out of the 194 universities that participated, 72 received recognition as a “Great College to Work For,” and only 42 received Honor Roll status.

To read the full story, click here.

Governor Provides Update On Workforce Scholarships For The Future Program

/in , , /by

Last week, Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Technical College System announced that over 32,000 South Carolinians to date have been trained or awarded an industry certificate through the Workforce Scholarships for the Future program. The program, which was launched in 2021 by Governor McMaster, provides scholarships to cover the cost of tuition and fees at any of the state’s sixteen technical colleges for any South Carolina resident that wishes to pursue an industry credential or associate degree in high-demand career fields like manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, education, or logistics.

To read the full story, click here.

New Florence Center General Manager Wants To Grow Events Roster

/in , , /by

He’s Vegas born and raised and seen the streets of New Orleans deep in the throes of Mardi Gras and circumnavigated the country three times.

Now, Rex Berman, the Florence Center’s new general manager since Aug. 28, has decided to call Florence his home.

One of the big things that attracted Berman to Florence was the ability to put on a wide variety of shows and its impact beyond just what goes on inside the Center.

“It’s very embedded into wanting to drive heads to beds,” Berman said. “It’s got the convention space to do more trade-show type events.”

To read the full story, click here.

Fellows In Education Visit Briggs Elementary School

/in , , /by

Mrs. Tara Newton, principal at Briggs Elementary School, along with students and school staff shared their 70th birthday celebration with the 2023-2024 Fellows in Education class on Tuesday, September 12th.

The Fellows participants witnessed some retro musical performances by Briggs students and then experienced hands-on exercises with multiple classroom projects.

Each month’s program centers on a different educational experience that is unique to the classroom. It offers opportunities for community leaders to contribute to the development of better education policies in the communities in which they live and work.

The Fellows in Education Program is a partnership between The School Foundation, Florence 1 Schools and the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

To view photos from the day, click here.

The Counseling Center of Florence Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

/in , , , /by

David A Kahn, PhD, LPC, LPCS along with Marlena Hanna Lownsberry of the Counseling Center along with family members, staff, friends, and Chamber Ambassadors welcome the Counseling Center to the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

The Counseling Center of Florence was founded February 14, 2000. What a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, by opening the doors to thousands of people who have experienced healing in their lives and their relationships with the help of our compassionate counseling experts!

TCC was founded by Dr. David Kahn, PhD, LPC, LPCS, and his Business Manager, Marlena Hanna Lownsberry. They had the vision to create a center that would foster healthy relationships and nurture young counselors, teaching them the ethics and procedures necessary to have a successful practice.

To read the full story, click here.

City Of Florence To Offer Citizen’s Police Academy

/in , , /by

The City of Florence will host a Citizen’s Police Academy beginning Tuesday, October 3rd.  The Academy will run for 6 weeks on Tuesday nights (no class on October 31) from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.  Participants must attend all classes and complete a four-hour ride along with an officer. This is a free event and registration is on a first come first served basis as the maximum participants is 25 people.

This will give the citizens of Florence the opportunity to learn about their local agency.  It is not intended to make citizens into police officers, but to allow citizens to learn police operations.  Citizens will become informed as to the actual role of the police and in return, the police will benefit from the wealth of knowledge citizens can give about their community.

If you are interested in attending or have more questions, please call the City of Florence Police Department at (843) 665-4008.

FMU Kelley Center Is Accepting New Clients For Startup Incubator Program

/in , , /by

The FMU Kelley Center’s Florence office is now accepting new clients for our Startup Incubator Program!

The spaces available include: High speed internet, furnished and private professional offices, a shared community space, meeting and conference rooms, various office equipment (printer, copier, shredder, etc.), and access to Incubator staff to help you with your business needs!

The Startup Incubator Program is available for $325 a month and is open to anyone in the Pee Dee region. Please visit the link below to fill out your client intake form and get started on building or growing the business you’ve always dreamed of!

For more information, click here.

Pack N Stack Storage Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

/in , , /by

Rodney Rogers along with family members, staff, friends, and Chamber Ambassadors cuts the ribbon thus joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, September 12th.

Rodney, a local business entrepreneur of Marion is proud to announce the opening of his newest facility at 3520 Alligator Road in Florence, PackNStack, LLC.

With a wide range of storage options, including standard and climate-controlled units, as well as convenient boat and RV parking, PackNStack, LLC aims to cater to the diverse storage needs of the Florence community.

To read the full story, click here.

Pals For Paws To Be Held September 30th

/in , , /by

Grab your coffee and a pup cup, because this is going to be FUR-BULOUS!

The first annual “Pals 4 Paws” event will be support & raise funds for the Florence Area Humane Society! So many companies and small businesses have come together to help out OUR 4 LEGGED FRIENDS! A full day of family fun! Classes, demonstration, shopping, Kid-zone, music, trivia, contests and MORE. There is fun for everyone in the family.

For more information, click here.

Junior Leadership Florence County Has First Session

/in , , /by

Jr. Leadership Florence County Class of 2023-2024 kicked off their program year, with the first session, Education Day, on Wednesday, September 13th.

Students were given a true Patriot Experience as they visited Francis Marion University’s Freshwater Ecology Center and Main Campus. Students started the day with Ms. Meranda Vinson, Assistant Director of Admissions. She presented on “Planning for College Success”. They were led on a tour of the FMU Freshwater Ecology Center by Dr. Jeff Steinmetz, Professor of Biology and Director of the Freshwater Ecology Center. Later, they were led on a tour of FMU Main Campus by Mr. Tristan Shird, Administrative Assistant and 4-H Volunteer. They had the opportunity to stop in the School of Health Sciences simulation lab and speak to current nursing students.

Their day ended at The Farm at Florence 1. Mr. Jeff Murrie gave students a glimpse of Agriculture Education that is right here in Florence County. He shared, “The Farm at Florence 1 will work diligently to be the epicenter of Education for Sustainability in our region and across the Palmetto State.” This is an excellent way for our program participants to come and volunteer at The Farm.

The JLFC program is made possible through the partnership of Clemson Extension 4-H, Francis Marion University, and the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, as well as the involvement of the Florence County community.

To view photos from the day, click here.