Calling all artists!!! Will you be the 2026 winner? We celebrate 2025 winner of SMALL WORKS, Cecil Norris from North Carolina!
Submissions are open and close on July 3, 11:59 PM EST. Open to residents of South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and newly added Tennessee. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Original works only, no generative AI works permitted.
For more information, click here.
Before most people start their day, the Florence Regional Airport is already in motion. Commercial and private aircraft are arriving and departing. Crews are preparing for flights. Teams across the airport are working behind the scenes to keep travelers moving safely and efficiently. It’s a daily effort that often goes unnoticed, but it keeps FLO connected to the people and places that matter most.
Last week, Cheney Brothers Inc. opened its first South Carolina food distribution facility in Florence at Pee Dee City East Industrial Park.
The company cut the ribbon at the new location that will employ more than 600 people when fully staffed, according to CEO Byron Russell.
Cheney Brothers, Inc., Florence County Economic Development Partnership and design-build firm A M King hosted the official grand opening event at the new site.
The grand opening festivities included Cheney Brothers’ Chairman & CEO Byron Russell, President of Cheney Brothers Florence Operations, Mike Turner, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Florence Co. Economic Development CEO, Gregg Robinson and Florence city and county officials.
To read the full story, click here.
The Florence Chamber held its annual Board Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, June 18th at Victors in Downtown Florence to acknowledge departing board members for their service.
The chamber staff presented current chairperson Paige Ard, VP & People Business Partner at Assurant, with an appreciation plaque honoring her service to the chamber board and to the Greater Florence community. Her service as chair of the chamber ends June 30 but she will remain with the chamber board in a past chair role.
The incoming Chamber Chairperson will be Ashley Christenbury, Senior Vice President-City Executive at First Bank. Ashley’s term as chair will begin July 1, 2026. Also joining the executive board will be Jason Cox, MUSC Health Florence, as Chair-elect. Brian Fast, Regional Business Executive at First Citizens Bank, will remain on the executive team as Treasurer.
Many of the new board members attended the Thursday luncheon. New members include Rachel Lane, FMU/ Kelley Center; Derek Hemmingsen, HUB International; David Cicirello, Pepsi Cola of Florence; Andrew Chaplin, Palmetto Commercial Real Estate; Robert Sasser, Cresent Advisors; Paden Capps, Accountable Insurance; Celeste Padgett Kahn, Pee Dee Hearing and Joette R. Dukes, Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments.
Departing board members include Ed Hoffman, Trinity Collegiate; Kirby Anderson, Raldex Hospitality; Rose Abuaita, Raines Company; Jay Hinesley, MUSC Health Florence; Dr. Brian Sang, Palmetto Smiles and Amber Stephens, American Red Cross.
The Greater Florence Chamber will again host the Women in Commerce Luncheon on Thursday, August 27th at the Florence Center.
The luncheon program will focus on celebrating successes and promoting opportunities for women’s career growth. The program agenda will offer networking ideas helping to create friendships and business relationships that can support growing your career and reaching personal goals.
The keynote speaker for the 2026 Women in Commerce Luncheon will be Elizabeth Bostian, Chief Financial Officer at First Bank.
The event will begin at 11:30 am with a mingle and mocktails. The lunch and program will be starting at noon. A special thanks to this year’s sponsor First Bank and to McLeod Health and MUSC of Florence for their continued support of the program.
Registration is required to attend. Special tables of 8 are $425 and single tickets are $50 each.
Sharelle Holliday and Krystal Walton, owners of Ethereal Experience Spa along with Chamber Ambassadors cut their ribbon officially joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.
Ethereal Experience Spa, a premium boutique wellness sanctuary, is proud to announce its official grand opening. Located in a beautifully curated space featuring historic exposed brick aesthetics, Ethereal Experience Spa provides a dedicated personal escape where clinical recovery meets elevated tranquility. By eliminating the corporate “Middleman” spa experience, clients work directly with elite, independent providers who custom craft every treatment plan to meet meticulous physical and therapeutic standards.
The spa’s restorative bodywork division is anchored by Krystal, a dedicated U.S. Army veteran with 15 years of military service and a proud local alumnus of Francis Marion University. Krystal infuses her deep-rooted commitment to the Florence community and disciplined professional excellence into the spa’s elite manual therapies. She specializes in deep-penetrating hot stone therapy and master-level Ashiatsu massage—an advanced barefoot modality utilizing overhead bars to deliver deep, consistent, and structurally restorative compression.
To read the full story, click here.
South Carolina continues to lead the way. New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows SC ranked third in the country for labor productivity growth in 2025, increasing 3.6% year over year. Only Alaska and Florida posted higher growth rates. Labor productivity measures the amount of goods and services produced by a workforce relative to the time and effort required to produce them.
To read the full story, click here.
Congratulations to Jay Hinesley on his appointment as CEO of Tidelands Health, effective July 1.
Since joining MUSC Health in 2021, Jay has led the Pee Dee Division through a period of growth, innovation and clinical excellence, helping expand access to high-quality care for communities across the region.
His transition marks another important milestone in the ongoing partnership between MUSC Health and Tidelands Health as we work together to strengthen care delivery and improve health outcomes across South Carolina.
Leslie Olsen, owner of Swampbabies and her daughter Lauren along with family members and Chamber Ambassadors, is proud to announce its official Ribbon Cutting Celebration joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.
Swampbabies was founded with a love for timeless children’s clothing and meaningful keepsakes, Swampbabies specialize in boutique-style children’s apparel, monogramming, embroidery, gifts, and custom handmade pieces designed for everyday moments and special occasions alike. Known for its charming Southern style and attention to detail, Swampbabies offers high-quality apparel and personalized products that help families celebrate milestones, holidays, birthdays, baby gifts, school events, and more. Every item is thoughtfully created with care, giving customers a shopping experience that feels personal, welcoming, and one-of-a-kind. Lauren Olsen plays an important role in the business, overseeing retail operations, product buying, and special events while helping bring fresh ideas and a new generation of creativity to the Swampbabies brand.
To read the full story, click here.
Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity is excited to invite you to the Dedication of the Jones family’s new home!
Please join us as we celebrate this joyful occasion and the incredible journey that has led to this moment. Home dedications are a time to gather as a community, give thanks, and recognize the hard work, dedication, and partnership that make affordable homeownership possible.
The Jones Family Home Dedication will take place on Tuesday, June 23 at 5:00 PM located at 418 West Sumter St., Florence.
Whether you volunteered on the build, supported Habitat through your generosity, or simply believe in our mission, we would love for you to join us as we officially welcome the Jones family home.
Thank you for helping us build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. We look forward to celebrating with you!
