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Business Editor's Blog
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the editor and do not necessarily reflect those of the sponsoring organization.

Good Places to Work
Three Florence-area companies are among honorees in the Best Places to Work in South Carolina program
Generating Good Deeds
Progress Energy is dedicating 100 days of summer to 100 service projects throughout Florida and the Carolinas, including the Florence area, to commemorate its 100th birthday July 13
A Lot More Than Ketchup
Florence has landed a $105 million facility being built by H.J. Heinz Co.
A Birds-Eye View at Lynches River Park
Florence County has taken the wraps off a 2,700-square-foot Discovery Center at the 676-acre Lynches River County Park

Education

College Meets Florence’s Workforce Training Needs
With enrollment topping 5,200 students for the fall 2009 semester, Florence-Darlington Technical College has gone from fairly humble beginnings to a major player in the region’s economic development arena.
Entrepreneur Center Looks to Tap Local Business Creativity
The corporations of the future are the one-person operations of today, and nowhere is that better illustrated than at the Francis Marion University Center for Entrepreneurship.
Students participate in ScienceSouth’s Electrophoresis workshop. ScienceSouth Pavilion Offers Hands-On Learning
Science education has sprung up along Jeffries Creek in the Freedom Florence Recreational Complex.
Technical College is Workforce Training Asset
With about 4,500 students, Florence-Darlington Technical College is at work training the Pee Dee Region’s workers of today and tomorrow.
Dr. Barry O’Brien, dean of the School of Business at Francis Marion University, says a new Center for Entrepreneurship w New Francis Marion Center Bolsters Entrepreneurship
Demonstrating an enterprising spirit of its own, Francis Marion University boasts a new Center for Entrepreneurship founded to boost job creation in the Pee Dee Region and nurture the next generation of movers and shakers.
ScienceSouth’s Science on Wheels is a venue for students to conduct experiments. County Schools Adopt Innovative Approaches
Educational institutions implement innovative approaches to learning.
Dr. Charles W. Gould has led Florence-Darlington Technical College since 1993. Florence-Darlington Tech Builds Workforce Muscle
Regional Tech schools help prepare the workforce of tomorrow.
Francis Marion University has nearly 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Francis Marion University Blossoms in Florence
The flowering of Francis Marion University benefits all of Florence.
Construction of the $34 million Advanced Manufacturing Center is scheduled to be completed by summer 2007. It is Phase 1 Training Institute Offers Custom Industry Support
Southeastern training institute will offer customized industry support.
Florence-Darlington Technical College now has more than 4,000 students. Another 30,000 people take continuing-education Education at Head of Class in Florence County
Education is obviously a top priority in Florence County.

Food

Farmers Market Celebrates 25 Years as Big Producer
A fixture in Florence since 1983 is the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, which draws more than 250,000 visitors each year.
Young Plantations Has Pecan-Do Attitude
You haven’t had a pecan pie until you’ve had one from Young Plantations in Florence. At least, that’s what the locals will tell you.
The surf squared at Victor’s Bistro & Garden Room is 4 ounces of sea bass topped with 4.5 ounces of lobster tail Indigo Joe’s Cooks Up Food and Fun
Owners of Victor’s Bistro & Garden room open a new place blending good food with entertainment for families.

Health

Florence Hospitals Make for Healthy Economy
Florence County’s health providers do more than deliver quality care to area residents.
Renovations at the Fitness Forum included the addition of a full-service day spa, expanded gym space and new equipment. Florence Residents Pumped Up By Fitness Center Expansions
Significant renovations at some Florence fitness centers have given residents programs that rival those seen in larger towns.
McLeod Regional Medical Center has added a new surgical tower featuring the “operating room of tomorrow.” Hospitals Provide Prescription for Good Care
The Florence area’s major hospital systems have rolled out new technology and affiliations with outside providers to tackle the region’s biggest health-care needs.
Roche Parmaceuticals Good Medicine for Florence
Roche Carolina Inc. is digging its roots even deeper into Florence County soil with the decision announced in April 2007 to expand its pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
Carolinas Hospital System is a beacon in the Pee Dee region. A Booster Shot For the Region’s Health
Employing the latest advances in technology makes Pee Dee Region hospitals among the best anywhere.
Dental Clinic Earns its Chops on Same-Day Dentures
People flock to Sexton Clinic for dentures in a day.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital has been open since 1985. High-Tech Rehab is Mechanical Medical Marvel
Auto ambulator aids in rehabilitation of those who have trouble walking.
An $82 million expansion of McLeod Regional Medical Center added seven floors to what became a 12-story tower. Florence County’s Two Hospitals Make it a Health Care Hub
Two major hospitals serving region make it a hub for medical care.

Livability

Campaign Plays Up Downtown Florence’s Attributes
It is right to the point: Experience Downtown Florence.
Florence Has Culture Covered
The Pee Dee’s many attractions cover a range of interests.
Florence Center Is at Crossroads of Entertainment
Florence is alive with entertainment, shows and events, and the Florence Civic Center is the crossroads for much of that activity.
Nature Lets You Stretch Your Legs
The trail walking, hiking, fishing, canoeing and other activities at Florence County’s many parks and recreation sites offer no excuses for staying inside.
Woods Bay State Park includes a one-mile canoe trail. Pee Dee is Ripe with Outdoor Opportunities
There’s no excuse to stay indoors in the Pee Dee Region, thanks to a magnificent collection of parks and recreation areas.
The Florence Little Theatre’s 35,000-square-foot facility is a shining example of downtown Florence’s revitalization. A Downtown That’s On a Rebound
The opening of new cultural projects and an increase in marketing activities is giving the district a full head of steam.
The Pee Dee State Farmers Market draws 250,000 visitors a year. Farmers Market Celebrates 25 Years as Big Producer
A fixture in Florence since 1983 is the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, which draws more than 250,000 visitors each year.
Mayor Frank E. Willis brings Star and Major to work, and the two Labrador retrievers help guard the premises. Oprah Request Helps Florence Pets
City government in Florence has gone to the dogs.
This Greek marble sculpture from the 4th century B.C. is among the objects on display at the Florence Museum of Art, Sci Florence Museum Parks in Park
In New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art resides in Central Park.
William H. Johnson’s birthplace is commemorated in a new historical marker at Palmetto and Kemp streets. Florence Native was Renowed Painter
Florence native William H. Johnson has been called one of the foremost African-American artists of his generation.
Locals and visitors are entertained here. Florence Civic Center Gets a Ballroom
With its 10,000-seat arena, the Florence Civic Center is the place to go for entertainment.
The Swamp Fox Quilters Guild produces themed exhibits and donates quilts to hospitals, nursing homes and others. Quilters Guild Keeps Florence in Stitches
The Swamp Fox Quilters Guild has given area quilters a place to practice their craft – and to socialize – since 1980.
As the midway point between Miami and New York City on Interstate 95, Florence offers several thousand hotel rooms. There’s Room at the Inn for Travelers to Florence
Vacationers and business travelers find this to be a convenient place to rest.
As the area’s only enclosed mall, Magnolia Mall draws shoppers from afar. Florence Delivers Destination Dining, Shopping
Florence is regional destination for retail stores and dining establishments.
Nearly 30 courses, including Florence Country Club, lure golfers. Florence County Offers Wealth of Sporting Opportunities
Whether you want to participate or watch, Florence offers multiple opportunities to enjoy sports.
New Arts Venues Paint Bright Cultural Picture
New performance venues would do a larger city proud.
Homes on the golf course at Florence Country Club Affordable Housing Draws Families to Florence
Affordable housing is a strong lure for families and others seeking the good life.
County Mortgage Processor Keeping Busy
New York-based Assurant Inc. planted a corporate seed in Florence a decade ago and has watched it sprout.
Canoeing and kayaking are popular at Lynches River County Park. Healthy Lifestyle is Easy Choice in Florence
Active, healthy lifestyles are easily pursued in the Florence area.
The Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Library opened in downtown Florence in 2004. Recreation, Arts Cornucopia in Florence
From sports to the performing arts, activities abound around here.
Grey Fox (Harry Hunt) performs at the Pee Dee International Festival. Pee Dee International Fest Celebrates Diversity
Like so many successful gatherings before it, the Pee Dee International Festival began as a simple potluck affair.
Florence Airport Hosts Annual Air Show
As ironic as it may seem, for many people the highlight of the annual May Fly Air Show is a duel between two vehicles that never leave the ground.
Frank James and the bank he works for are major supporters of community organizations and local education. You Can Bank on Him for Community Support
Ask banker Frank James why someone should support the community, and he replies, “It’s all about helping one another.”

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