GSSM’s Dr. Elaine Parshall Named NCSSS Teacher Of The Year

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The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) proudly announces that Dr. Elaine Parshall, an engineering instructor known for her innovative teaching and transformative mentorship, has been named the NCSSS Teacher of the Year by the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools (NCSSS).

Since joining GSSM in 2014, Dr. Parshall has significantly expanded the school’s engineering and robotics programs, from 2 courses to 10 and from 25 to 135 students. Additionally, she has increased the number of robotics teams to four. Under her leadership, these teams have collectively achieved outstanding success, including three state championships and a trip to the World Championships. In 2024 alone, 80 students, nearly 30% of the school’s population, applied to join robotics. Dr. Parshall’s mentorship extends beyond the GSSM campus, as her students also mentor robotics teams across South Carolina, helping to build a robust STEM community statewide.

To read the full story, click here.

Federal Court Blocks A Reporting Requirement For Small Businesses

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This week, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a temporary injunction blocking the U.S. Department of Treasury from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirement. 

The CTA, which went into effect on January 1, 2024, mandates that companies submit information about individuals who own or have at least 25 percent ownership interest in that company. This information would include their names, dates of birth, residential addresses, and a unique identifying number from a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport, along with an image of the document. A business who did not submit this information would be at risk of fines and criminal penalties.

A lawsuit filed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) argues that these reporting requirements were a harmful invasion of small business owners’ privacy, as well as a misuse of their time. Additionally, the lawsuit suggests that the CTA is unconstitutional as it oversteps Congress’s powers over the states, improperly mandates speech, and disregards the First Amendment right to anonymous association.

For more information, click here.

Columbia Legislative Update

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Last week, the SC House and Senate convened for an organizational session and to welcome new legislators after the November general election. The House gained 19 new members and the Senate 13, one of the largest freshman classes in recent memory. Among this week’s happenings, House members selected chamber leadership and assigned committee chairs. House Speaker Murrell Smith secured a second term as Speaker of the House, and Senator Thomas Alexander was unanimously reselected to serve another four-year term as President of the Senate. Bills are currently being pre-filed in the House and the Senate will follow suit next week.

HopeHealth Welcomes New Provider

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HopeHealth welcomes Anna Rhoads, MS, RD, LD, CDCES, a dietitian providing services to patients at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence and HopeHealth in Manning.

She completed a Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion Concentration in Food and Nutrition from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS, and a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Concentration in Nutrition Science from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, where she also completed a dietetic internship.

Santa Is Coming To First Bank

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Santa is coming to First Bank (W Evans St Branch) in Florence on Tuesday, December 17th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM!

Bring your kids, family or pets to come have their picture taken with Santa by the wonderful, Fred Salley Jr.

Blue Jeans and Blazers Scholarship Dance

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Join The Beta Theta Sigma Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc for their 3RD Annual fundraising event, Blue Jeans and Blazers Scholarship Dance on Saturday, December 14th. The event will be held at The Hellenic Center, located at 2990 S. Cashua Dr.  Florence, SC  29501.

The evening will include food, music, dancing, and door prizes.

Attendees are asked to come dressed to impress in blazers and blue jeans and bring an unwrapped toy for a toy giveaway to benefit underserved youth at Christmas.

Tickets are $50 for individuals. Tables of 8 are also available.

Proceeds will go toward annual college scholarships and community service projects in Florence and the surrounding areas.

For tickets, visit https://Florencesigmadance.eventbrite.com or call (843) 616-1030.

Florence Family YMCA Is Celebrating 12 Days Of Christmas With A Silent Auction

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Celebrate the season of giving by participating in our online silent auction! Starting soon, you can bid on fantastic items and experiences—all from the comfort of your home. Every bid supports the YMCA’s mission to provide essential programs and services to our community.

Dates: December 1st – December 12th 

Browse and Bid Here: givebutter.com/c/RpnXMY/auction

Join them in making a difference this holiday season. Your generosity brings joy and support to those who need it most. Happy bidding!

Cheney Brothers Distribution Center Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony

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The Morning News and SCnow.com reported on Wednesday that the Cheney Brothers distribution center groundbreaking may ultimately offer 700 new Florence County jobs.

Cheney Brothers CEO and Chairman Byron Russell took the opportunity to say that the 200 jobs promised when the facility was first announced had grown to 600 to 700 jobs, some of which could pay in the $50 an hour range with incentives taken into account.

When completed, the facility will feature 45 loading docks with 386,047 square feet under roof. There will be a Cheney Express and the largest culinary kitchen the company has developed so far.

The Cheney Brothers Inc.’s new distribution facility will be in MPD Commerce City East off of SC Highway 327 and Interstate 95.

(photos by SCnow.com)

To read the full story, click here.

MUSC Health Florence Medical Center Featured On ChamberLink Radio

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Dr. Reem Akel, medical oncologist and hematologist at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend talking about oncology and her belief in providing personalized care for her patients by utilizing the best evidence-based treatments available. 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.

You can review past ChamberLink Radio Show interviews by clicking https://www.flochamber.com/events-programs/podcasts/

Southern Custom Golf Carts Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Jonathan Benson, owner of Southern Custom Golf Carts LLC, along with his family, colleagues, community members and Chamber Ambassadors cut the ribbon at their 3341 West Palmetto Street in Florence, becoming a member of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

At a very young age, Jonathan’s fascination with mechanics started with remote control vehicles of all kinds, then led to him buying, fixing and selling larger vehicles such as lawn mowers, ATV’s and golf carts. Jonathan formed an LLC in September 2020 and began running his business from home. As time went by and his business continued to grow, he became an Authorized Club Car Dealer. Construction of the current location began in late 2023.

To read the full story, click here.