Florence County Economic Development Partnership

09/01/2026

Florence County Progress member The School Foundation will host its 26th Annual Gala on Tuesday, September 29, at SiMT.

This year’s gala will honor Distinguished Graduate Sarah L. Allen, MD, a member of West Florence High School’s Class of 2000. Dr. Allen is a visionary physician, national speaker and founder of Skin Clique, the nation’s first in-home, on-demand medical aesthetics practice.

The evening will also recognize Florence 1 Schools’ Teachers of the Year, Support Employees of the Year, Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year.

📅 Tuesday, September 29
📍 SiMT, 1951 Pisgah Road, Florence
🥂 Reception: 5:30–7:00 p.m.
🎤 Program begins at 7:00 p.m.

Learn more and reserve your tickets at theschoolfoundationgala.com or by calling 843-662-9996.

Florence County Progress is proud to support our members and the important work they do to strengthen education and opportunity in our community. The School Foundation has awarded $2,584,405 in grants to Florence 1 Schools to date.

08/26/2026

Florence County Progress supporter McLeod Health supports the health of our community in more ways than one—from investing in economic development and the future of Florence County to providing the resources that help keep our residents healthy and active. In this latest health tip, McLeod shares what you should know about osteoarthritis, including common risk factors, symptoms and treatment options.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain, especially in the knee and hip. Often referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis,

08/17/2026

Progress Members: Be sure to check your email! The registration link for this year’s Golf Tournament is live, and this event fills up fast. ⛳️

08/17/2026

08/12/2026

Francis Marion University’s School of Business is offering a Certificate in Negotiation & Conflict Resolution, designed for professionals who want to strengthen their leadership and communication skills while gaining practical tools they can immediately apply in the workplace.

The five-session program covers negotiation principles, decision-making, bargaining and facilitation, conflict resolution, communication and more. Sessions begin August 20 and continue through December.

For employers, investing in these skills helps build stronger teams, more effective leaders and a more productive workforce—all essential to a competitive business environment.

Learn more and enroll through FMU School of Business

08/04/2026

Imagine a 32-mile regional trail connecting Florence, Lee, and Sumter counties—creating new opportunities for walking, biking, recreation, and stronger community connections.

Join the Fox & Spur Connector Open House Public Meeting

Wednesday, August 5
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Timmonsville Community Center
150 W. Main Street, Timmonsville, SC

Stop by anytime during the open house to:
• Learn about the proposed trail and project vision
• View maps and planned phases
• Meet the project team
• Ask questions and share your feedback

Can't make it? You can still participate by learning more and taking the community survey at fox-spur.com.

Your input will help shape the future of outdoor recreation and connectivity across Florence, Lee, and Sumter counties.

08/03/2026

From South Florence High School to the national spotlight again—congratulations to LaNorris Sellers on being named to the Maxwell Award Watch List! Junior quarterback from Florence, S.C. one of 16 players from Southeastern Conference on preseason player of the year watch list. The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football.

Junior quarterback from Florence, S.C. one of 16 players from Southeastern Conference on preseason player of the year watch list

07/29/2026

Have you ever wondered why so many companies choose Florence County, South Carolina?

What makes our community stand out? Why do businesses continue to invest, expand, and grow here?

We created “5 Reasons Why Florence County” to highlight the advantages that make our community a premier location for business success — from our strategic location at the crossroads of Interstates 95 and 20, to our business-ready sites, skilled workforce, strong educational partnerships, proven track record of growth, and exceptional quality of life.

Florence County is more than a location — it’s a place where businesses and people have the opportunity to succeed.

Watch our latest video and discover the five reasons companies continue to choose Florence County.

Thanks Meade Agency for helping bring our vision to video.

07/22/2026

Florence-Darlington Technical College has announced its new president. (Full story below.)