2018-2019 Fellows In Education Graduate & Reflect

Thirty community and area business leaders received certificates for completing the Fellows in Education Program at the Review and Graduation luncheon hosted by Duke Energy on Wednesday May 15, 2019.

The program was designed to give leaders a behind-the-scenes look into Florence One Schools. It’s a partnership program between Florence One Schools, The School Foundation and the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Participants of the Fellows program met eight times throughout the year to tour different Florence 1 Schools and learn about student needs and the state and federal requirements placed on schools, teachers and administrators in district. The goal is for current and past participants can share firsthand knowledge in the community about the education system and help collaborate with policymakers and the business community on educational concerns.

To commemorate the completion of the program, participants received a framed certificate as they were congratulated by Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard O’Malley, Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce President Michael Miller and The School Foundation Executive Director Debbie Hyler.

Leadership Florence Oyster Roast

WOW. More than 250 people showed up for the Leadership Florence oyster roast to benefit three charities last night at Florence Center.

Proceeds from “Poppin Shells for A Good Cause,” raised from sponsorships, ticket sales and a silent auction, will go toward three area charities: Harvest Hope Food Bank, Empowered to Heal and Mercy Medicine.

We want to thank True Light Photography for all the great photos as well as all of our sponsors and all of those who donated their time and/or items.

Click here for more pictures.

BMW Diversity Conference in Greenville

Members of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce rode a bus to attend the BMW Supplier Diversity Conference in Greenville, SC. We were joined by members of the Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach Chambers.

Thank you to Coastal Carolina Women in Philanthropy and Leadership and BMW for your hospitality and travel accomadations.

Young Professionals’ “Nachos ‘n’ Networking” Social

Young Professionals of Florence held their March monthly social at King Jefe on Thursday, March 21. Thanks to True Light Photography for these great pictures from that night! To learn more about Young Professionals or to find an application, click here.

Greater Florence Chamber Outlook Luncheon

by Matthew Robertson

Florence’s business community turned out by the hundreds Tuesday afternoon for the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Outlook Luncheon at the Florence Center. Florence Chick-fil-A’s Blake Pate was name small business person of the year at the event.

To view the full gallery on SC Now, click here.

Carolina Havoc and Florence Chamber Celebrate Season Opener with a Ribbon Cutting

Carolina Havoc celebrated their season opener this past Friday, March 15, with a ribbon cutting to signify their membership with the Florence Chamber.

Leadership Florence’s Education Day

Leadership Florence had Education Day for its March program on Tuesday, March 12. The group visited Florence-Darlington Technical College and the Luther F. Carter Center for Health Sciences.

The class also got to hear from and visit many of the many educational institutions in our community. The day included presentations from: Poynor Adult and Community Education, Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School, All Saints’ Episcopal Day School, Florence 1 Schools, The School Foundation, Coker College and ScienceSouth.

An additional thank you goes to Florence-Darlington Technical College for providing breakfast, and several schools, including Wilson High School and Savannah Grove Elementary in Florence, for providing lunch.

Jr. Leadership’s State Government Day

Our Junior Leadership students spent the day at the S.C. State House for 4-H Legislative Day! We appreciate both the Governor and Lt. Governor who took the time to meet with our students Tuesday (March 12) morning!

Don’t forget tomorrow (Friday, March 15) is the deadline for current high school freshman and sophomores who live in or attend school in Florence County to apply for the 2019-2020 Junior Leadership Florence County Class. Public, private and homeschooled students who will be classified as a high school sophomore or junior next school year are eligible. For more information or to download an application, please visit www.jrleadershipflorencecounty.com.

Junior Leadership Florence County (JLFC) is an eight-month program in which area high school sophomores and juniors are empowered to become trustees of the Florence County community. Throughout the eight months of the program students will learn a variety of valuable leadership skills including time management, community issue awareness, and business ethics. The program also provides training in the area of personal development, skills training, volunteering opportunities and team building. Another benefit of the program is the opportunity to gain new contacts through networking and relationship building.

The program is presented by the Florence County Extension Service, The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and Francis Marion University.

Young Professionals Florence First Social of 2019

The Young Professionals of Florence had their first social of 2019 at the Hyatt Place Hotel downtown Florence on Thursday, February 28th. Approximately 70 area individuals attended the networking event and they expect to have a growing base of members in the months ahead. The next gathering is scheduled for March 21st at King Jefe from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM. If you are interested in joining the next social or need information on becoming a member, just call the Greater Florence Chamber at (843) 665-0515.

Florence County Sheriff’s Office Business After Hours

by Ardie Arvidson

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office held a Business After Hours on Thursday night at the Hilton Garden Inn, assisted by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce. Guests enjoyed food and fellowship and learned about the annual Camp Pee Dee Pride, which is held at Francis Marion University during the summer and run by the sheriff’s office. Camp dates are June 17-28 and July 15-26.

To see the full article and gallery on SC Now, click here.