Florence 1 Gets Hands On With Engineering Activity Kits

Brockington Elementary school students were the first in Florence School District One to get hands-on with engineering activity kits donated by Honda.

The global car manufacturer, which has a factory in Timmonsville, donated 600 of the engineering kits to the school district at a short ceremony on Wednesday. Chris Rogers, director of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program at Florence One Schools, said the kits will teach students about different types of engineering earlier than they otherwise would be taught.

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Florence Center Announces New GM

The Florence Center is thrilled to announce that Rex Berman has been hired as the Florence Center’s new General Manager! Mr. Berman brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role and we are sure he will be a great asset to the Florence Center and the whole Florence community. Welcome Rex Berman!

All 4 Autism Featured On ChamberLink Radio

Jessica Brown, Executive Director of All 4 Autism, was on ChamberLink Radio this weekend to talk about increasing the awareness, resources and support for those of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The organization was a grassroots effort which started in 2005 by ASD families in the Florence area. The first Autism Resource Center for the Pee Dee opened on April 25, 2017.

You can catch the conversations on ChamberLink Radio each Sunday from 12:00-12:30pm on LIVE 95.3FM in Florence, SC.

ChamberLink Radio is brought to you by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and The UPS Stores.

Florence Dentistry Co. Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Florence Dentistry Co. is a brand new, privately owned general dentistry practice in the Florence community. Official opening date was June 5, 2023. It is owned and operated by Dr. John Curtis Lewis. Florence Dentistry Co. has a strong focus on cosmetic dentistry and digital dentistry. By utilizing the latest dental technology such as 3D printing, intraoral scanners, in-office design and fabrication of dental prosthetics, and 3D imaging, we believe we can provide the most comprehensive and accurate dental care possible.

Pictured during their ribbon cutting is Dr. John Curtis Lewis, his wife Keely, family members, staff and Chamber Ambassadors cutting the ribbon for Florence Dentistry Co.

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Once-In-A-Lifetime Chance For Florence To Remake One Of Its City Parks

Florence has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to remake one of its city parks into a 20-acre, almost-$18 million gateway destination that would be transformative to an east Florence neighborhood. The bulk of the cost would be covered with grant money, CARE Funds, contributions and in-kind services.

That is the plan and vision put forth by Florence City Council members George Jebailey and J. Lawrence “Chipper” Smith II for Levy Park.

“We approved $2.7 million but in total we’re going to receive a little bit short of $18 million to redo this entire park. Granted, if we get the grant in 2024,” Smith said.

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Crown Cork & Seal USA Coming To Florence County

Crown Cork & Seal USA, a manufacturer of metal cans and other packaging, will be investing nearly $21 million over the next three years in a Florence County manufacturing center that will create almost 30 full-time jobs.

The Florence County Council approved an economic development agreement with the company, which was previously identified as “Project Mimosa” to protect the company’s identity while the agreement was finalized, at its meeting on Thursday. Crown Holdings, which is Crown Cork & Seal USA’s parent company, is a leading global supplier of packaging, primarily metal drink cans.

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McCall Farms To Invest Additional $38 Million In Florence County

McCall Farms expects to invest an additional $38 million in Florence County.

This week the Florence County Council unanimously approved on second reading an expansion of the original economic agreement from 2019, in which the company agreed to invest $50 million and create 1,000 jobs.

“McCall Farms has really been a good partner for Florence County,” Chairman Willard Dorriety Jr. said. “They have really grown, and they are doing an excellent job with what they provide to the community, and we’re thankful to have them here.”

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Airport Efficiency Award at Charlotte Airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) was recognized as the most efficient North American airport with over 30 million passengers by the Air Transport Regional Society (ATRS). The award considers operational aspects that include productivity and efficiency, unit costs, and cost competitiveness. As American’s second largest hub, the operational success and performance at CLT continues to receive worldwide acknowledgement that mirrors the area’s development and growth.

To read the full story, click here.

Century Communities Announces New Housing Subdivisions In Florence

The Florence area will see over 200 new houses in the next few years.

Colorado-based Century Communities is building houses in three locations. Freedom Estates will hold 142 homes on its lot on Freedom Boulevard. Another 78 are being built in the company’s West Lakes property in Florence on the way to Timmonsville and another 33 will be built in the Country Club of South Carolina.

All the housing will be single family homes. The president of Century Complete, a brand of Century Communities, Greg Huff, said they expect all the homes within Freedom Estates to be sold within 21/2 to 3 years “based on the high demand for quality affordable homes in this area.”

To read the full story, click here.

Chamber’s Annual Fall Golf Classic

This year’s Fall Golf Classic, sponsored by Field Fastener, will be held on Thursday, October 5th at Traces Golf Club.  Pee Dee Catering will have lunch ready at 11:00 AM with tee off at Noon.

For more information, click here.