Florence

	Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce

	Florence Community Resource

	City of Florence

	Francis Marion University

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Florence

ong before I-95 side-swiped Florence on its route from north to south; much earlier than I-20 started there and headed west; and way before interstates, bypasses, and auto-trains, there was Highway 301 and it, too, touched Florence on its meandering way down the east coast.

Known 50+ years ago as the midpoint between New York and Miami, Florence was often the resting point for families headed one way or the other. Those were the days of tiny, local motels, roadside Southern food, and lots of stoplights and small farm communities.

Even back then, families just passing through found themselves returning to Florence, some to retire, and others to raise their families.

ow, of course, things are very different in some ways -- not so different in others. Three small, local hospitals have given way to huge regional medical centers that serve many from the eleven-county Pee Dee region and beyond. According to allergist Dr. Steven Imbeau, the Florence Medical Community has about 500 physicians serving the area, and the medical services available serve as a major recruitment point for newcomers and business expansion.

The small building that housed the early days of Francis Marion College, is now part of a large campus -- Francis Marion University -- recently ranked as one of the South’s top 100 Master’s level institutions. Florence-Darlington Technical College is the fastest-growing institution of higher learning in South Carolina and is embarking on a five-year program to help the manufacturing sector; and Coker College (in nearby Hartsville), also is one of the most highly regarded liberal arts institutions in the Southeast.

One thing the city's leaders have learned is that for an area to prosper and move forward, it can't put all its eggs in one basket. The economy of Florence reflects diversity in the sense that most employment is split among four sectors - manufacturing (20 percent), wholesale/retail (25 percent), government (19 percent) and services (21 percent).

According to Florence Chamber of Commerce Director Tom Marschel, this is an area on the move. “About three years ago, Florence recognized that there was a real need to develop a complete economic revitalization plan, and that's happening now,” he said.

“The Bruce and Lee Foundation is building a $17 million library downtown, and our regional airport has two major carriers -- Delta and USAir -- serving the market,” he said, noting that the new Mayfly Air Show, held the first weekend in May, quickly has become a major festival attraction.


	People always traveled to Florence for shopping, but now it's become a regional retail hub, attracting companies such as Target, Stein Mart, Talbot’s, Best Buy, Pier One, and many more. A large multi-million dollar 14-screen theatre has recently opened and restaurants are flourishing.

The area's manufacturing base includes the highly touted $110 million investment in Florence County by Honda, which makes ATVs and soon, personal watercraft in its nearby Timmonsville facility. Other well-known firms include: Roche Carolina (pharmaceuticals), General Electric (magnetic imaging systems), Amana (appliances), Nan Ya Plastics (polyester fibers) and many more. They join strong non-manufacturing employers, including McLeod Regional Medical Center, Fleet Mortgage Group, Carolinas Hospital System, Blue Cross-Blue Shield and ESAB Welding and Cutting Products as the region's major employers. This city also has foreign investments connected to Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and Taiwan.

Roche Carolina Inc. invested in the region more than a decade ago, and is a division of F. Hoffman - La Roche, a family of companies with 21 pharmaceutical research and production facilities worldwide. Pete Mazzaroni is their manager of community affairs, and says it's a great place to raise children. “We like the small town atmosphere because you meet lots of different people,” he said, noting that they also enjoy the resources here usually found in a much larger town. “From a business standpoint, quality of life is important,” he says. “When we bring employees down here, we talk about the moderate climate, proximity to both ocean and mountains, and lots of cultural events.”

While Florence County has about 127,500 residents, there are an estimated 483,000 people living in the region who depend on Florence for shopping and entertainment.


	Florence attracts those who are retiring or relocating. Neighbors make a point to help newcomers feel settled. That's especially impressive when you consider this city's growing reputation in business. Florence has been cited by The Wall Street Journal as “a booming regional center.”

Its advantages are many, says Michael Eades of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, who moved to Florence from Atlanta. “What's attractive about living here are extremely reasonable housing costs, high quality medical care, low personal and property taxes and the wide variety of choices in housing stock and communities.” The town has recently been named among America’s top 50 cities for business relocation and expansion by Expansion Management Magazine.

A ballet company, a very active theatre, concerts and museums keep arts-inclined residents busy. Beverly Hazelwood serves as the President of the Florence Center for the Arts. A musician as well as arts activist, she is enthusiastic about the future of arts in Florence. “I am part of an effort to build a fine arts center for Florence,” she explained, noting that the strong arts community includes symphony, ballet, theatre, a Masterworks Choir, and an active program at Francis Marion University. “We are planning for a 65,000 sq. ft. facility that incorporates many of the items on the wish list of every one of these groups,” she said.

For those who like their entertainment on the sports side there are a number of options. The Pee Dee Pride hockey team moved to Florence from Knoxville Tennessee. A group of local investors bought out the Tennessee investors, which brings local excitement to the team, according to investor Dr. Steve Imbeau. The team has enjoyed instant popularity among hockey fans, but it hasn’t usurped that old southern standby -- stock-car racing. In nearby Darlington lies the most famous stock car racetrack in the world. Darlington Raceway brings about 100,000 people for each of its two main events.

In the Summer of 2003, Florence will host the Dixie Youth World Series at its superb complex, Freedom Florence. There are more than twenty-five golf courses offered as golf packages in the area, including the Country Club of South Carolina, former host site of the Nike and Buy-Com Tournaments.

Not far away are the Great Pee Dee River, three state parks and Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand. Charleston, Columbia and Wilmington all are less than two hours away. But if you like staying home, there are plenty of good reasons close by to keep you entertained, educated and active.

Katherine O. Pettit has worked as a writer, magazine editor, printer and public relations consultant. The Columbia resident has published more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers. Her writing explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles, business and management.

Also written by Gene Able





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