(SPOTLIGHT -- photo of downtown Florence)
The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded $190,000 in grants to South Carolina communities to support downtown revitalization efforts. Funds will be used for facade improvements, wayfinding signage, public gathering spaces, and small business incentive programs or microgrants. Twenty-two organizations have received a grant that will help support community-led projects aimed at transforming downtowns, businesses and neighborhood centers into vibrant places to live, work and gather. They include: City of Anderson, City of Bishopville, City of Chester, City of Clemson, City of Darlington, City of Dillon, City of Fountain Inn, City of Greenwood, City of Inman, City of Manning, City of Newberry, City of Sumter, City of Westminster, Florence Downtown Development Corporation, Laurens County Chamber Foundation, OneSpartanburg Inc. Foundation, Town of Andrews, Town of Clio, Town of Iva, Town of Lowrys, Town of Pamplico, and Town of Ware Shoals.
(SPOTLIGHT)
The Columbia World Affairs Council announced that Fred Carter, Ph.D., president of Francis Marion University, will receive the 2026 Global Vision Award recipient on Dec. 1, 2026. He will be honored for a lifetime of public service and leadership that has advanced South Carolina’s interest and influence around the world. This is the 33rd year the Columbia World Affairs Council has presented the award to a leader whose contributions have made a significant impact on projecting South Carolina globally. Carter is the longest-serving university president in South Carolina. He assumed the presidency of Francis Marion University in 1999, leading the university through a period of extensive growth and development. He has presided over the start of two dozen academic initiatives, including the development of three doctoral programs and the creation of a School of Health Sciences. Under Carter’s leadership, FMU’s International Programs excelled to include 11 semester-long exchange programs with universities in seven countries and travel studies to unique instructional and research sites, such as FMU’s Wildsumaco Biological Research station in Ecuador and RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau in Germany.
An Evening of Hope supporting the HOPE Fund at the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research was held on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center. The presenting sponsor for the McLeod Health Foundation’s 27th Annual Cancer Benefit was Harbor Freight Tools Foundation. The event raised nearly $160,000. Benefiting the HOPE (Helping Oncology Patients Everyday) Fund, the event is supported by donors and sponsors who have helped thousands of patients with needs such as transportation, medications, nutrition, and unique personal financial struggles requiring immediate assistance since 2014.
The Dillon County Economic Development Office has announced a new $2.3 million investment in Dillon County, which is expected to create 38 jobs. Matlock’s Used Parts has acquired the former Hamer Spinning Mill, one of Dillon County’s first industrial facilities, built in 1904, for their new operation in Dillon County. The renovated Hamer Mill will become Matlock’s second large-scale, full-service production facility and its first in South Carolina. The operation will include automotive depollution, dismantling, parts processing, warehousing, and logistics. “We’re excited to expand into Dillon County. This is a big step forward for our company,” said Matlock’s President, Dale Matlock. “We appreciate the collaboration we’ve had with Dillon County and look forward to building a long-term partnership here." Matlock’s operates two facilities in North Carolina and a distribution hub in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Coker University has introduced the Pee Dee Promise, an initiative that will provide 100 percent tuition coverage for qualifying students from 10 local counties — making college more accessible and affordable for students in South Carolina. The Pee Dee Promise, which begins in fall 2027, will be awarded to qualifying full-time undergraduate students with a family adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less who reside in the 10-county Pee Dee region: Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Kershaw, Lee, Marlboro, Marion, Sumter, and Williamsburg counties. Approximately 65 percent of Pee Dee households fall below this threshold, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Anderson Brothers Bank announced the promotion of Michele Rogers to assistant vice president, CFMP project manager. In this role, Rogers will continue to coordinate marketing initiatives that connect the bank with its customers and communities. This promotion recognizes Rogers' continued professional growth and expanding leadership responsibilities within Marketing. Over the past year, she has played an integral role in project management and the development and execution of strategic marketing initiatives. She helps coordinate the bank’s marketing campaigns and works across multiple areas to bring projects, people, and timelines together.
Sustain SC has announced this year’s second round of funding through the Land and Water Action Platform (LAWAP). In September, with support from corporate partners, Sustain SC granted $138,969 across 12 projects in nine counties — helping protect 4,162 acres of land and water in South Carolina. Grants were awarded to the following organizations this round: Aiken Land Conservancy, American Battlefield Trust, Nation Ford Land Trust, Pee Dee Land Trust, SC Farm Bureau Land Trust, and Upper Savannah Land Trust. This is the second round of grants this year. In January, Sustain SC announced $47,175 across five projects spanning five counties: Aiken, Colleton, Greenville, Hampton, and Lancaster.
MUSC Health-Pee Dee Division has named Jason Cox its CEO. In this role, he will lead MUSC Health Florence Medical Center, MUSC Health Marion Medical Center, MUSC Health Black River Medical Center, and the MUSC Health Jean and Hugh K. Leatherman Behavioral Care Pavilion. Cox assumes the role after five years of service with MUSC Health, most recently serving as the interim CEO and previous chief operating officer (COO) for the Pee Dee Division. “During his time with MUSC Health, Jason has distinguished himself through excellent performance, strong operational leadership, and a steadfast commitment to our patients, care team members, physicians and the communities we serve,” said Matt Severance, CEO of the MUSC Regional Health Network.
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) has again been recognized by Niche.com as the No. 1 best public school in South Carolina and the No. 3 best public school nationally, up from the No. 4 spot in last year's survey. “To be ranked No. 3 in the country and No. 1 right here at home is a testament to our curious and driven student body and our dedicated faculty and staff. While we don’t chase the rankings, seeing our community’s efforts recognized nationally is a proud moment for all of South Carolina,” said Danny Dorsel, GSSM president. “We share it with the outstanding K-12 schools and educators across our state who prepare students to thrive at GSSM, and with our state leaders and legislators whose belief in our mission and continued support make these opportunities possible for students across South Carolina.”
On Sept. 30, Vannoy Construction hosted at Topping Out luncheon for its trade partners and crew members working on the new McLeod Health Cheraw expansion. Bren Lowe, CEO of McLeod Health Cheraw, addressed the group about the impact that the state-of-the-facility will have on the lives of the people of Chesterfield and Marlboro Counties. The expansion will replace inpatient services and house 35 beds, including ICU, a new operating suite and a dedicated space for women’s services including mammography, ultrasound and bone density. The expansion is expected to be completed by early 2028.
Florence-Darlington Tech (FDTC) announced that Cynthia Gray, Ed.D., has been named the dean of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. As dean, she will lead the college's Nursing and Allied Health programs that include: Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Respiratory Care, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Dental Hygiene, and Expanded Duty Dental Assisting. Gray steps into the permanent role after serving as interim dean for the past year. She previously served as the director of programs for Corporate and Workforce Development before taking over the interim role. As interim dean, she restructured division leadership from a single-dean model to a dean and associate dean structure to strengthen oversight and support across the college’s Nursing and Allied Health Programs.
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (CPRMC) has awarded a $10,000 grant to Christ City of Refuge through ScionHealth Gives, an initiative of CPRMC’s parent company, ScionHealth. The grant supports a local organization helping individuals overcome homelessness, addiction, and the challenges of reentering the community after incarceration. Christ City of Refuge's Life Transformation Residential Program provides rent-free, structured housing while helping residents find employment and address barriers such as transportation, budgeting, identification, and driver’s licenses. Residents are expected to work, save a portion of their earnings each week and develop the skills and responsibility needed to live independently. Their savings are returned to them when they leave the program. The organization also provides crisis transportation to detox and rehabilitation facilities and other safe shelters.
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