DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Join the City of Florence Police Department for DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day!

When: Saturday, October 26, 10 AM – 2 PM

Where: 230 N Beltline Dr., Florence, SC 29501 (Walmart)

Clean out your medicine cabinets and safely dispose of unneeded prescription drugs.

It’s FREE and ANONYMOUS!

Remember, syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

For more info and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com or contact Lt. Kendrick Spears at 843-665-3191.

Spread the word and let’s make a difference!

Kickin’ Chicken Wing & Chili Fest – October 18th

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s annual Kickin’ Chicken Wing and Chili Festival is set for Friday, Oct. 18 in the 100 block of South Dargan Street from 5 to 9 p.m.

There are still a couple of cooker openings for individuals to compete in the wings and chili contest. Contact the Chamber if you want to share your wing or chili cooking ability.

The festival attendees will be entertained with live music by The Inland Band, a Country & Rock group from Florence. Winners of the wings and chili cook-off will be announced at 8:45 p.m.

Young Professionals Of Florence Prepare To Host Networking Event

Come ready to learn some networking tips and etiquette with presentations provided by FMU’s School of Business. You will have the opportunity to tour the new School of Business building at Francis Marion University! Be sure to stick around for some food, drinks and fellowship to follow. Join us on Thursday, October 17th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. You won’t want to miss this!

To see the full flyer, click here.

The Chamber’s Fall Golf Classic Held Last Thursday

Last Thursday, the Greater Florence Chamber held its 2024 Fall Golf Classic at The Traces Golf Club, presented by Field Fastener. Additional support was provided by Pepsi of Florence, Asset Technology Group, Bank of Clarendon, and TD Bank.

120 golfers enjoyed the day starting with a great lunch served in the club house by Pee Dee Catering. Throughout the day the golfers enjoyed 16 different hospitality tee box sponsors that served wings, fried bologna, boiled peanuts, snacks, beverages, beer, specialty drinks, fun prizes and other golf giveaways.

To see more photos from the day, click here.

The SC Chamber Grassroots Legislative Agenda Luncheon Held Last Wednesday

The Greater Florence and Hartsville Chambers of Commerce joined forces again this year to present the South Carolina Chambers Grassroots Tour Legislative Review. This year the luncheon was held on Wednesday, October 2, at the Darlington Raceway Media Center.

The interactive luncheon offers area businesses and chamber members an opportunity to hear about current legislation that impacts local business and industries. Is also allows for feedback that helps shape the State Chamber’s 2025 Competitiveness Agenda and set the Chamber’s priorities for the next legislative session in Columbia.

Those attending also had the chance to meet the new SC Chamber President & CEO, Mike Brenan.

Paddle On Black Creek Happening This Weekend

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Pee Dee Land Trust invites you to experience the beauty of Black Creek with a scenic paddle hosted at The Riparian.

This event offers two launch times at 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, giving you the flexibility to choose the time that best fits your schedule. The paddle will last approximately 1.5 hours, offering a guided tour led by the experienced team at Naturally Outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, this adventure promises to be a memorable way to enjoy the cooler weather and stunning fall scenery.

Your registration includes all necessary equipment—kayak, PFD (Personal Flotation Device), and whistle—as well as lunch, which will be served between the paddles from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

For more information, click here.

McLeod Health Featured On ChamberLink Radio

Will McLeod, CEO of McLeod Regional Medical Center was the Florence Chamber’s guest this past weekend sharing key information on area health care needs and McLeod Regional Medical Center’s commitment to servicing the region.  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/

$150 Million Project For Florence’s In Growing EV Battery Business

The Department of Energy has selected Clarios Circular Solutions for a $150M federal grant to be used to create a closed-loop lithium-Ion materials facility in Florence, South Carolina.

Clarios Circular Solutions expects the project to significantly contribute to the circular economy in battery manufacturing, creating over 375 permanent operational jobs and between 800 and 1,200 construction jobs. The project aligns with Justice40 Initiatives, promoting community governance, climate resilience, clean energy, and STEM education in South Carolina.

According to information provide to the Florence Chamber, Clarios will be work with local workforce development groups to ensure there is a skilled and qualified workforce to build and run this state-of-the-art facility. Clarios has operated locally for decades, is committed to building on existing skills in the area, and will recruit from the community.

More to come on this expansion for Florence, South Carolina.

Virtus Academy Ribbon Cutting

Virtus Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony For Upper School Facilities

On Thursday, September 26th, Virtus Academy along with board members, faculty, staff and Chamber Ambassadors, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil its new Upper School facilities, designed to accommodate students in grades 7 through 12.

The event marked a significant milestone for the school, reflecting its commitment to providing a modern learning environment. Executive Director Dr. Carpenter remarked, “It’s an exciting time for Virtus Academy as it now has all the facilities space it will need for the next several years.” This expansion will support the academy’s mission to foster academic excellence and personal growth for its students.

To read the full story, click here.

FMU Ranked Among “Best Colleges” By U.S. News & World Report Again

Francis Marion University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top Regional University in the South. For over two decades, the University has consistently been ranked as one of the South’s best universities.

This year, FMU was recognized in five different categories and showed improvement in the areas of Best Regional Universities, Top Public Regional Schools, and Top Performers on Social Mobility. The University was also noted as being a Best Value School and a Best College for Veterans.

Additionally, four academic programs earned recognition as some of the nation’s best. The undergraduate business, engineering, nursing, and psychology programs were all honored in their respective categories. Notably, each of these programs was also featured on last year’s list.

To read the full story, click here.