Archive for category: Images

Providing thousands of cancer patients in the region with assistance related to transportation, medications, nutrition and personal financial challenges, the McLeod HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund benefits oncology patient support services and provides oncology staff with improved access for immediate needs for their patients.

This is made possible annually through gifts directed to the HOPE Fund. Since its establishment in 2014, the HOPE Fund has helped more than 15,000 McLeod cancer patients.

To read the full story, click here.

For the past two years, Florence has come together at Timrod Park to share something truly special, One Table Florence! This signature Thanksgiving gathering invites our entire community to sit side by side, celebrate gratitude, and give thanks for our many blessings.

At One Table, there are no tickets and no barriers, the event is always free and open to all. It’s a day filled with food, fellowship and thanksgiving.

As we gather again this year, let us remember that the true essence of the holiday is gratitude, togetherness, and the joy of giving. Whether you come to cook, serve, or simply take a seat, your presence makes this celebration complete.

For more information, click here.

Learn what resources are available for your aspiring, new, or growing small business. Representatives from the FMU Kelley Center, SCORE, and the SC Small Business Development Center will share information about their free small business services and answer your business-related questions.

Where: The Continuum (208 W Main St) in Lake City

When: Wednesday, October 22nd

Time: 11am – 12pm

Cost: FREE

Again a great turnout for our Kickin Chicken & Chili Fest. Thank you to all the participants for their continued support of this annual event. A special thanks to True Light Photography for all the pictures of our fun event.

The winners by category are:

Chicken Wings:

1. Carolina Fresh
2. Rollin Smoke
3. Notch 8

Chili:

1. Elliotts
2. Performance Food

Please mark your calendars for next year, October 16, 2026. Hope to see you there!

We’re deeply proud to share that, for the first time, Assurant has been named to the Forbes list of the World’s Best Employers 2025. This global recognition reflects the strength of our culture and the passion our people bring to work every day.

“Being named one of the World’s Best Employers by Forbes is more than a global honor—it’s a local recognition. For Florence, SC, this reflects the strength of our workforce, the values we uphold, and the pride we take in creating meaningful careers right here in our community. It’s a testament to the impact our people have, not just within Assurant, but across the Pee Dee region.” Paige Ard

What This Recognition Means
This global distinction, developed in partnership with Statista, is based on an independent survey of more than 300,000 employees across 50 countries. Participants rated their employers on key factors such as willingness to recommend, workplace culture, and overall reputation, including how companies are perceived within their industries and countries. Out of thousands of organizations worldwide, only 900 companies earned a place on this prestigious list—including just 23 from our industry.

Why It Matters for Us
This recognition is a powerful affirmation of what we’ve built together at Assurant. It highlights our people-first approach, our inclusive and empowering culture, and our global impact. Most importantly, it celebrates the everyday contributions of our teams around the world who make Assurant a place where people feel supported, inspired, and proud to belong.

To read the full story, click here.