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ISSUE 21
AUGUST CONTENTS 10 Business Spotlight Hunter Seafood Company
12 Health and Wellness Dillon Family Medicine
16 Under The Dome Wilcox, Buyck, & Williams, P.A.
18 Details With Marvin Tisdale
20 Visit Lake City The R.O.B.
22 Advocating Healthcare
27 Cover Story Trent Hill Center | Hartsville
34 Paying It Forward
Local Restaurant Finds
PDRTA | Park and Ride
50 Fashion for Work & Play
FAVOR
36 Experience Hartsville Women’s Leadership Symposium
38 Health and Wellness SwampFox Training Challenge
40 Tax Prep Feeling The Heat | Elizabeth Campbell
42 Around Town
52 Serial Success Sam Patel
54 Florence Community Florence Chamber Membership Directory
56 Business Spotlight Alleyway Printing
58 Business Spotlight Pluff Mud Recycling
Primary Care Primer | HopeHealth
24 Try It Local
48 Developing Downtown
44 Happenings 46 Time to Toast
60 Employee Spotlight Alisha Dorsey | 911 Dispatch Training Officer
August 2017 | VIP Magazine
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COVER CONCEPT
Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executive Mary Kevin Miller marykevinmiller@gmail.com Advertising Executive Jordan Pupa jordan@vipmagsc.com Creative Design Tuesday Taylor
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Contributing Photographers Heather Byrd Phillip Guyton Bradley Lail Fred Salley Jeff Smith Hunter Thomas Contributing Writers Sandra Boyington Kim Brauss Quinetta Buterbaugh Mark W. Buyck, III Elizabeth Campbell, EA Ashley Elvington Mike Miller Jack Muench Edward O’Dell Jordan Pupa Tim Shorter Donna Tracy
VIP Magazine | August 2017
As a large population of professionals are gearing up to begin a new school year, we wanted to dedicate this August cover to Florence Darlington Technical College who is celebrating 50 years of educating minds. FDTC provides jobs and an education to support a better career for so many in the Pee Dee. We salute all they do for our community. Hunter Thomas, Public Information Specialist at FDTC, gathered and photographed a few of FDTC’s finest to grace the cover. Serving Florence, Hartsville, Darlington, Marion, Mullins, Lake City and the surrounding areas
For advertising rates, call 843-687-4236. 2011-B Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501
August 2017 | VIP Magazine
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Hunter Seafood Company Providing Healthy, Fresh and Delicious Seafood story by Jordan Pupa Duncan Hunter grew up with a great appreciation for the outdoors and all that comes with it, including fresh seafood. With a strong upbringing founded on eating whatever game you harvest or whatever fish you catch, he developed a strong interest in fishing, hunting, and spending time with mother nature. Duncan realized if he did not catch fresh seafood himself to prepare, then he would have a difficult time finding it within Hartsville. With that being said, Hunter Seafood Co. opened its doors mid June providing fresh, local seafood for Hartsville and surrounding areas. Duncan grew up in Hartsville and attended Presbyterian College after graduating from Hartsville High School. He lived multiple places after college, but eventually settled back in his roots in Hartsville. Duncan has been married for ten years to his wife, Karen Hunter. They have two children, Campbell and Kate. Duncan has always been in the sales and service industry, and 10
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enjoys interacting with the public. For years, he felt there was a need for fresh seafood in the community and pondered the idea of opening a seafood market. With a love for fishing and working with people, plus endless encouragement and support from his family, he finally brought his idea to life. Duncan states his main goal with Hunter Seafood Co. is to “provide seafood for the community that is as fresh and as local as possible.” Hunter Seafood Co. offers fresh seafood options daily. Items offered vary, but have included everything from crawfish and crab legs, to tuna, sea bass, and more. Take-out meals are offered during lunch hours four days a week and have been extremely popular thus far. The lunch menu offers a little bit of everything, from sandwich options to fish tacos, plus different weekly specials. The store also includes retail items such as seasonings, spices, sauces, and supplies. There are even shirts printed with the Hunter Seafood Co. brand logo available for purchase.
The business has only been open for about a month and is still working on improvements. “We are always willing to listen to supportive comments, as well as constructive criticism. The community seems to be happy that we are here. That is a win-win situation for all involved.” Hartsville is not too far from the coast, but Hunter Seafood Co. is conveniently bringing specialty seafood to Hartsville so it is available for locals to enjoy more often. “An option for healthy, fresh, delicious seafood is something Hartsville deserves and has not really been an option in the past. I am proud to say that it is now a reality.”
127 West Laurens Avenue | Hartsville, SC To place at to-go order, call 843.309.9687.
August 2017 | VIP Magazine
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Care You Can Believe In story by Ashley Elvington For over 50 years, Dillon Family Medicine has been taking care of patients in the Pee Dee Region on a daily basis. A private physician owned practice, the facility has taken care of up to 240 patients on a daily basis. At Dillon Family Medicine, there is a broad spectrum of care offered - including an in-house laboratory, chest X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, bone density tests, cardiac tests, ultrasound services, endoscopy, allergy tests, etc. – with a quick turn-around in regards to lab and test results. This practice also offers lower costs for patients in comparison to hospital owned practices and facilities. With eight medical doctors, one physician’s assistant, and one nurse practitioner, patients can be seen in an efficient manner. After all, they take pride in being a patient centered medical home. Patients from Dillon and surrounding areas choose Dillon Family Medicine because of their reputation for compassionate modern medicine, their variety of medical services, and their extensive skill set created by the lack of specialists in the area. Shirley Turner, a Dillon Family Medicine patient for 37 years, shares, “Dillon Family Medicine is my second home. From the receptionist to the nurses and doctors, they are all wonderful to work with and they treat you
like you are the only one there. They named it right, because they are all like family!” Not only is this special treatment rewarding for the patients, but it has become a blessing for the staff as well. Katie Smith, PA, shares, “When I sit down in an exam room with a patient, I think they can tell immediately that they have the attention of a provider that cares for them genuinely and is ready to invest a lot of time with them. That is the compliment I hear most often, ‘Thank you for spending so much time with me. That really means a lot.’” With such an outstanding reputation, it’s no wonder Dillon Family Medicine is growing in success and expanding their team. Below are four new doctors to the practice, dedicated to your needs and going above and beyond for your health.
Dillon Family Medicine is located at 603 North 6th Avenue in Dillon, South Carolina. In just a few months, the practice will be introducing a new service, telemedicine, to the public. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (843)774-7336. They can be found online at www.dillonfamilymedicine.com.
MEET DFM’S NEWEST PROVIDERS:
Kyle Gehres, D.O. Dr. Gehres, originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2011 and completed his residency at McLeod Regional Medical Center in 2015. He shares, “I was drawn to family medicine because of the broad spectrum of care. I can easily go from doing a well child check to managing the logistics of end-of-life care.” He is a doctor of osteopathy and has served the Dillon community for almost two years. At Dillon Family Medicine, he has learned much from his fellow physicians. They consistently show how to improve patient flow and what all that can be done in an outpatient clinic. His interests include heart failure, diabetes, and holistic medicine. “I love discussing non-pharmaceutical options of care. Healing often doesn’t require a pill.” 12
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David Braddy, M.D. Dr. Braddy is a Dillon native, who has been helping his community with their healthcare needs since August 2016. He received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his medical degree from MUSC. He completed his residency at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood, South Carolina, and enjoys sports medicine. However, Dr. Braddy does not specialize in any specific area of healthcare. “Family medicine provides a unique opportunity to take care of patients across all ages. I love being able to care for the entire family and individuals throughout their entire lives. A wide knowledge base is required to practice family medicine, and I appreciate the challenge that it provides. One of the reasons I wanted to join Dillon Family Medicine was the group of physician mentors that are in place. We never hesitate to ask each other questions or get second opinions. I have definitely grown over this last year, thanks in large part to the mentors that are available at DFM.” According to Dr. Braddy, patients should consider visiting Dillon Family Medicine due to being a full functioning practice, which proves to be rather convenient for patients. He also has personal experience with the practice. “Both of my children and wife are patients at DFM, and I could not be more pleased with the care they have received.”
Nardin Khalil, M.D. Dr. Khalil, also a native of Dillon, attended MUSC and completed her residency at Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia, South Carolina, where she specialized in family medicine and served as Chief Resident. “I chose to enter medicine because I am fascinated by science and the complexities of the human body. I became even more curious in medicine as I helped care for my grandmother and would accompany her to her doctors’ visits. I knew that a career that integrated understanding the human anatomy and caring for others and empowering them to improve their quality of life would be the perfect fit for me.” Dr. Khalil has been serving Dillon County for three years and is honored to work alongside such dedicated individuals. “I work with an amazing team of kind, passionate members that include a great administration who work diligently to answer patient questions and schedule patients, a hard working group of lab and radiology technicians that strive to smoothly carry out diagnostic testing, and an energetic group of nurses who build relationships with our patients. We also have a chronic care team that focuses on patients that may have multiple medical conditions and need regular visits and a preventative wellness team that ensures that patients are up to date with preventative care guidelines.” The best advice she’s received from her fellow team members so far is always remain compassionate and listen carefully to patients.
Katie Freel Smith, P.A. Dr. Smith attended the Methodist University PA Program in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in order to receive her masters in PA Studies. After graduation, she began worked as a Dermatology PA at Carolina’s Dermatology in Florence, while working part time at DFM. After two years, she transitioned into full-time practice in family medicine at DFM. “I had the honor of growing up under a man who embodied a passion for the science of medicine and a heart of compassion for the people he served day to day. This man was my father, Paul Freel, a family medicine physician. I grew up here in Dillon, with my father moving us here and setting up shop at Dillon Family Medicine over 20 years ago. It is truly an indescribable gift, not only to practice in my hometown, but also to do so alongside my father. I speak sincerely when I say that DFM is further set apart in its caliber of medicine practiced and the compassion in which it is done. The fact that so many of our patients are the second and third (and fourth!) generation in their family to seek care here speaks volumes of the genuine, compassionate care they receive at DFM.”
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Wishing all students and faculty a wonderful 2017-2018 school year! - VIP MAGA ZIN E
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August 2017 | VIP Magazine
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UNDER THE DOME
The Heritage Act of 2000 The Removal of Historical Memorials
Jefferson Davis monument
General Beauregard monument
Robert E. Lee
Throughout the South 21st century Southerners are revisiting decisions made by their 19th century predecessors to erect Confederate statues and memorials in public spaces. Opinions on the future of these memorials are as varied as opinions on the cause of the Civil War. Recently the New Orleans City Council removed prominent monuments of Jefferson Davis, General Beauregard, and Robert E. Lee. Some of the work was done under cover of darkness with workers disguised to hide their identities. The Charlottesville, Virginia City Council voted to sell their Robert E. Lee statue and rename the park where it stood. At Washington and Lee University, the school recently removed reproductions of confederate battle flags which hung in the campus chapel in which Lee’s tomb is located. The controversy is not limited to southern states as Ivy League schools such as Yale, Brown, and Princeton continue to address their institution’s historical ties to slavery and slave traders. South Carolinians have been grappling with the legacy at slave holding and confederate past for decades. Most remember the state legislatures’ decision to remove the confederate flag from the State House grounds 2 years ago. The more contentious argument occurred in 2000 when the legislature voted to remove the confederate banner from the dome of the State House. The flag became a national issue during the 2000 Republican Presidential Primary in the state. In May 2000 after rancorous debate, Governor Hodges signed the Heritage Act of 2000 which permanently removed the confederate flag from the State House dome.
story by Mark W. Buyck, III
Concentrating in Banking, Business, Civil and Business Litigation and Appeals, Contracts, Employment, Government, Real Estate
With the exception of the State House flag controversy, South Carolina has generally avoided hostile arguments related to historical markers and monuments. Much of this can be attributed to the provisions of the Heritage Act which protect all monuments and memorials from all wars as well as African-American history markers from relocation, removal, disturbance, or alteration. The Act also declares that no streets, bridges, structures, parks, or other public areas dedicated in memory of, or named for, any historic figure can be renamed. Any proposal to remove or rename a memorial or change the name of a street, park or structure requires a two-thirds vote of both chambers of the legislature. During the Civil War Florence barely warranted a spot on the map as there were only a few hundred residents. In the late 1940’s, the Florence Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy placed 4 monuments around town marking the purported scrimmage at the intersection of Palmetto and Church Streets, the Wayside Hospital marker at the corner of Baroody and Coit Streets, the Gambles Hotel scrimmage marker and the Stockade marker. The earliest monument stands approximately 15 feet and was originally dedicated on April 21, 1882 at the original location of the First Presbyterian Church cemetery in downtown Florence. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad purchased the property in approximately 1905 and the monument and the remains of 64 Confederate soldiers buried there were relocated to Mount Hope Cemetery where they remain today. The monument’s simple inscription reads: Our Confederate Dead.
Serving Businesses and Individuals from Florence to Myrtle Beach: the Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys of Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A.
willcoxlaw.com
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VIP Magazine | August 2017
248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 | Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777
DETAILS
DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS with Marvin Tisdale
Follow along as Marvin Tisdale takes us on a tour of his most recent build. From the interior to exterior, Marvin doesn’t miss a detail. We all know how important location is, but when your building your dream home the details are equally as important!
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1 This home is known as a Craftsman Style home. The exterior has six different textures including metal, brick, stone, shake, lap, and board and batten siding. 2 An oversized stone fireplace framed with cypress bookshelves brings the outside elements into the home. 3 I handmade the beams from cypress wood to accentuate the cathedral ceilings and used wide plank hickory floors. Wood floors with a lot of knots give it more of a rustic look. 4 Most of my homes have wood ceilings on the porches. Choosing the right color stain for your wood and using a linen tint for the trim gives the space a richer look.
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5 Having a coffered ceiling in the dining room adds dimension and texture to the space. 6 We used fabric wallpaper in the office space to add a timeless style and unique visual effect. 7 We prefer the base of the island to be darker than the floor so it will stand out. In addition, we don’t want the upper cabinets to match the floors. Adding a dark glaze to a light paint on the upper cabinets brings out the chocolate glaze on the island.
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8 Several rooms throughout the house, including the master bedroom, have access to outdoor spaces. Pine ceilings in the bedroom add extra character to the space. 9 The closet has built-in cabinets so you don’t need any additional furniture taking up space in the bedroom. All drawers are easy to remove, and with just a soft push retract back into place. 10 We have been using metal banisters opposed to painted banisters for years now. I used heavier post and handrails to make it stand out. What you don’t see in pictures is that this house has spray foam in the attic space. There’s no insulation between the attic and adjoining rooms because it isn’t needed. I’m conditioning the entire structure which makes it more energy efficient. My trim work, paint jobs, and attention to detail is what sets me apart from other builders. I work with the same crews; together we’ve learned the way things should be so we continue to better ourselves with every house. We do small things to make a home better. For instance, making sure that there is enough space around door frames so that the trim doesn’t have to be cut. It’s those little details that make one house stand out above the rest. 18
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VISIT LAKE CITY
Are you looking for the perfect spot to host your next event? Look no further!
R.O.B.
THE
story by Ashley Elvington
An exciting component of the revitalization of downtown Lake City is a dedicated focus on providing unique event venues for rental. The latest addition to Lake City’s eclectic collection of event venues is the renovated former tobacco warehouse and charcoal briquette factory once owned by The Ragsdale Tobacco Company. The “Ragsdale Old Building,” affectionately known as The R.O.B., currently serves as the largest gallery space for the display of artwork during the annual ArtFields competition held each spring in Lake City. Seth Kines, Executive Director of Visit Lake City SC, is thrilled to announce that in addition to its role as ArtFields venue, The R.O.B. is now available for event booking as well! His enthusiasm for this special venue is evident when he asks, “Where else can you book your event or trade show in a charming old tobacco warehouse at a price that a smaller market like Lake City can easily offer?” Boasting 23,000 square feet of space, this warehouse-style “open concept” venue with parking for 500 is ideally suited to accommodate large weddings or parties,
conventions and trade shows. The parking area itself is available to rent for outdoor festivals or trunk shows, and the interior layout of The R.O.B. can easily fit more than 200 ten-foot vendor spaces. With newly renovated restrooms, a plentiful selection of banquet tables and elegant chiavari chairs, an abundant supply of electrical outlets and a convenient loading pad with large double doors at the rear of the building, the necessary amenities are present for a successful event that you would be proud to host in the largest rental facility currently available in Lake City! Seth Kines shares that local residents are excited about the potential to book this stellar space, and that he already has the first wedding that The R.O.B. will host secured for early 2018. The Lake City High School Alumni Association has the distinction of being the first group scheduled to hold an event in the old tobacco warehouse since its most recent round of renovations was completed earlier this year, and efforts to promote The R.O.B. as a premier trade show & large-scale event venue began
The R.O.B. is located at 245 South Church Street in Lake City. To schedule a tour of the facility or learn more, please call Visit Lake City SC’s Seth Kines at (843) 374-0171. 20
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in earnest. They will be hosting the refurbished venue’s “inaugural event” this October, with their annual Homecoming Class Reunion. The first of what are sure to be many trade shows is also booked! The South Carolina Arms Collectors Association will be hosting a Gun & Knife Show in The R.O.B. on December 2 & 3. SCACA’s other shows this year are booked in Columbia, Greenville & Charleston, so it’s definitely a feather in Lake City’s cap to join the ranks of these well-known destination cities as a site for these popular arms shows. With its historic appeal, its “wide open space” interior design, and the availability of modern amenities appropriate for large-scale occasions, The R.O.B. is poised to serve as an “event venue magnet” to draw visitors to Lake City!
T.S. Ragsdale, tobacco buyer, redrying plant operator and breeder of registered beef cattle and hogs.
August 2017 | VIP Magazine
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ADVOCATING HEALTHCARE
PRIMARY CARE
PRIMER
CHECKING YOUR WELLNESS NOW TO STAY HEALTHIER IN THE FUTURE story by Donna Tracy, HopeHealth Today you feel great. It’s a beautiful day. You can breathe well, move easily, had a great night’s sleep, and have plenty of energy to last the day. The last thing on your mind is making an appointment with your primary care provider. However, it is a great time for you to make that wellness visit, and make sure that what your body is doing on the inside matches how you feel on the outside. And if you don’t feel great? All the more reason to visit your provider and find out why. Primary care providers do more than treat colds and manage diseases. They are the individuals who provide your day-to-day health care. Their goal is to keep you healthy, prevent future illness and disease, and to help you manage any existing chronic health conditions. They get to know you, your health history, and your overall health and medical condition. They are your principal point of continuing care within the health care system.
Nicolas Licari, a family nurse practitioner at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence, said an annual, complete physical exam, or well visit, is the most important thing an individual can do for his or her health - even when feeling healthy. These wellness visits will typically include a review of personal and family medical history, routine vaccinations, blood pressure and vital sign checks, blood tests to check how well the body’s organs are working, lifestyle screenings such as nutrition and diet concerns, ageappropriate tests, depression screenings, and more.
photo by Bradley Lail
You also get to know your provider and care team. This builds a long-term relationship that can help reveal ongoing health issues that might otherwise go unrecognized at a single doctor’s office visit. Such relationships lead to better communication and disease management, less risk of complications, fewer hospitalizations, and fewer visits to an emergency department.
www.hope-health.org
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Mary Beth Lynch, a staff nurse at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence, prepares to give Jabarrius Jackson a shot during his well child visit.
While many primary care providers, also known as family medicine practitioners, offer services for all ages, some specialize in treating individuals in specific life stages. Many specialize in senior care issues while others, known as pediatricians, focus on illnesses and health issues that impact children. Senior care can include additional assessments that take a closer look at factors such as fall risks, physical activity levels, and functional abilities, while pediatricians take closer looks at issues such as cognitive and physical development. Jessica Robinson, a physician assistant with HopeHealth Pediatrics in Manning, said that primary care physicians impart the importance of taking care of their health to their patients and teach people to help take care of themselves. “Especially in pediatrics,” she said. “Because that is where it starts – from day one or two after they are born - it is the foundation of them helping care for themselves for the rest of their lives and teaches them that the doctor’s office is not a bad place. It is not just about shots. It’s not a scary place.”
SELECTING A PROVIDER If you are in search of a primary care provider keep the following in mind:
• First, and most importantly, your primary care provider should be someone you are comfortable with and to whom you are willing to be as open and honest as possible about your health concerns. Your relationship with your provider will be a life-long journey addressing your most personal needs. • Do you need a primary care provider who specializes in your stage of life? Some providers, often called general practitioners or family medicine providers, will see patients of all ages. Others focus on specific life stages. Pediatricians care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults through age 18; internal medicine providers generally see only adult patients age 18 and older; and geriatric providers specialized in senior care. Women can also opt to choose a gynecologist, a provider who focuses on women’s health, as a primary care provider. For your best opportunity to stay healthy and for healthier long-term outcomes, make your annual appointment with your primary care provider today.
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COVER STORY
Celebrating
50 Years
of Building Leaders of The Future Here it is – yet another school year arriving with the end of summertime. When choosing the right school for you, it can be overwhelming sorting through the variety of colleges until you find the perfect fit for you. But, it doesn’t have to be! There are many factors that play into choosing the right college – academics, sports, reputation, history, etc. The choices are endless! However, not many schools have the staying power and community influence quite like Florence-Darlington Technical College… A college that is now celebrating 50 years of building leaders of the future. What started out as a single trailer in an open country field has now expanded into nine buildings on a 200-plus acre campus with a health and science campus located in Downtown Florence, a cosmetology center in Darlington, and instructional satellite sites throughout the Pee Dee. There’s also the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology and the Charles W. Gould Business Incubator. As you can see, FDTC is a school that not only stands the test of time, but is also steadily growing as the years pass. Read more on page 28. August 2017 | VIP Magazine
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COVER STORY • FDTC: Celebrating 50 Years
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When the state technical education center concept passed as law in 1962, Mullins native Fred C. Fore was designated to establish a proper campus for the school. Using the old Clemson agricultural research station, FDTC officially opened in January 1964. At the time, the school only had a little over 100 students in enrollment. For 25 years, Fore was the great leader of FDTC. From finding a foundation for the campus to be built upon, to being the Director of the Educational Center, to ultimately being named President of FDTC, the school couldn’t have chosen a better candidate who cared about education and the overall well being of students and faculty. FDTC doubled its size by 1968 after the completion of its first four buildings. Enrollment was filled to capacity after campus expansions in 1969 and plans for a health sciences building and an addition to the 200 building were set into action. FDTC achieved record enrollment once its Allied Health Center was completed. Previously known as the Florence Darlington Educational Center, FDTC finally became a college in 1974. Weekend classes were added, thus causing limits to be placed on enrollment by 1975. Two more buildings were constructed and completed, and 1987 saw the retirement of the beloved Fred C. Fore. Following in Fore’s footsteps was Dr. Michael B. McCall, who filled the role of President in 1988. Dr. McCall was passionate about being out
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story by Ashley Elvington amongst the people, as he loved meeting students and attending events. During his time of college presidency, Dr. McCall established a new computer infrastructure and opened a branch of the college in Hartsville.
FDTC Hartsville Campus
FDTC Mullins Technology Center
Southeastern Insitute of Manufacturing and Technology In December 1993, Dr. Charles Gould became FDTC’s third president and brought about a vast variety of growth and changes to the school. He expanded the Hartsville campus, creating new sites in Lake City and Mullins, and he helped establish the advanced Welding and Cutting Center, which opened in 1999. In
2000, the allied health programs relocated to a new building in Downtown Florence. The Caterpillar Dealer Academy and installation of advanced math hubs also arrived during Dr. Gould’s tenure. Perhaps one of the most influential additions credited to Dr. Gould is the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT). Dr. Gould dreamed of a manufacturing center that featured CNC technology, an additive manufacturing center, a 3D virtual reality center, a conference facility, an auditorium that seats 800, classrooms and labs… All in hopes of providing training and manufacturing services that would bring jobs to the Pee Dee. He was also passionate about a business incubator, which the campus now has and has named after him in honor of his dedication and hard work to the college and its success. In 2013, Dr. Ben P. Dillard fulfilled the role of fourth president at FDTC and brought even more changes. He created a comprehensive plan to bridge the main campus with SiMT, established ideas and plans for new parking, academic programs, and new buildings. Since 2013, Dr. Dillard has increased enrollment to over 6,000 students and he also signed an agreement with Francis Marion University that will allow FDTC students to transfer to their four-year college. SiMT also gained a medical manufacturer from the Upstate that will be opening a facility at the center. Indeed, FDTC has staying power.
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY FDTC
2017 Early College Class
2016 Early College Class
Early College, Online FDTC & Evening Courses At FDTC, prospective students have the option of taking college classes during high school through their Early College program. These courses can be taken at high schools, on FDTC’s campus, and through the SC Virtual College. Once the student’s application is received and approved, they are responsible for paying for tuition and required textbooks (Lottery and Early College scholarships are available if assistance is needed). Once the courses are completed, depending on the type, students may be able to receive both high school credit and college credit. However, there is no guarantee another college or university will accept transfer credit for the courses. Classes off campus, however, are available for more than just high school students. Through the SC Virtual College, anyone can take college courses from the comfort of home, ideal for those who are unable to attend college on campus. FDTC was impressively the very first college in South Carolina to offer courses online. Beginning in 1996, FDTC first offered English 101 and English 102 only, but have since grown to offering over 120 courses online. The cost of online courses is the same as on-campus courses and is more convenient for those with busy schedules. You have the option of completing coursework in the morning, in between work shifts, late at night, etc., whichever works best for you! Better yet, FDTC guarantees the same outstandingly professional and exceptional quality of teaching as one would receive as if sitting in an actual classroom at FDTC. If you’re busier during the daytime, evening classes may just be the perfect fit for you. These courses begin around 6PM or later, with most of the typical 15-week full semester classes being offered in addition to the 8-week “mini semester” classes. If you’re working full-time or are a single working parent, this may be the option for you.
The current evening programs offered are: • Associate in Arts • Associate in Accounting • Associate in Management • Associate in Marketing • Associate in Science • Automotive Technology/Diesel Option, • Computer Technology with Cisco Networking Certificate • Criminal Justice Technology • Diesel and Heavy Equipment Certificate • Early Childhood Development Certificate • Early Childhood Development Diploma • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technology Certificate • Human Services Degree • Human Services Early Childhood Development Option (Diploma and Degree) • Machine Tool Technology with Computer Numerical Control Operator Certificate • Machine Tool Technology with Computer Numerical Control Programmer Certificate • Machine Tool Technology with Machine Operate Certificate • Machine Tool Technology Machinist I Certificate • Machine Tool Technology Tool and Die Certificate • Paralegal Degree
If you’re in pursuit of an Associate in Arts degree, weekend classes are available on Fridays and Saturdays, along with online assignments. These courses last for 8 weeks and can help you obtain an Associate in Arts degree in two years or even less. August 2017 | VIP Magazine
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COVER STORY • FDTC: Celebrating 50 Years
FDTC
Partnerships & Achievements
Such an outstanding school warrants some even more outstanding awards and achievements. FDTC has been the recipient of a $5 million gift from The Darla Moore Foundation, making it the largest donation made to a South Carolina technical college. This monetary gift will be used towards creating the culinary and hospitality program on Lake City’s campus, in addition to providing emergency grants, loans, and academic scholarships to those attending Lake City’s campus.
FDTC President Dr. Ben Dillard and FMU President Dr. Fred Carter
In May 2017, FDTC received $75,000 from The McLeod Health Foundation for its nursing program. This money will go towards nursing scholarships for students in the program, helping build better citizens of tomorrow who will extend a helping hand and aide those in need. FDTC has over 100 students in the nursing program each school year, creating quite the impressive candidates for medical jobs in the Pee Dee and surrounding areas. In July 2017, The Duke Energy Foundation presented FDTC with a $50,000 check for its ReBOOST FastTrack program. The ReBOOST FastTrack assists low-income students in the program who have exhausted all other forms of financial aid in paying for textbooks, curricular aides, uniforms and other fees. The nursing students aren’t the only ones reaping benefits from their hard work. Recently, Caterpillar Inc. of the Carolinas rewarded 10 machinery students from Caterpillar’s ThinkBIG program with a $500 tool scholarship (based on GPA) that lasted through May and June 2017. Just this past April, FDTC’s professional and student welding teams were crowned the first-time winners of the eighth annual Welding Rodeo for the best sculpted representation of automation. Each team, impressively, created their robot in eight hours from scrap metal chosen by the respective teams. All of the artwork was auctioned towards FDTC scholarships. As you can see, at FDTC, students are helping those who haven’t started their educational journeys quite yet while navigating their own pathway to success. Some other notable achievements include the brand new 37,000 square-foot Automotive and HVAC Technology Center. In June 2017, FDTC teamed up alongside Coker College of Hartsville, South Carolina, on a bridge partnership agreement, which will make the transfer of FDTC students to Coker College easier than before as they seek out their four-year degree. Students who are chosen for the bridge partnership will receive
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Dr. Dillard with FDTC and Coker College mascots, along with Coker President Dr. Robert Wyatt dual admission, dual advisement, and dual student development from FDTC and Coker. The benefits of this program include: · Students of FDTC being able to attend Coker athletic and cultural events for free · An academic advisor from Coker made available to FDTC students, who will assist in course selection and can address any questions or concerns regarding academics · A waiver of the application fee when FDTC students are applying to Coker This September, The Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT) will celebrate its 10-year anniversary. Of course, the benefits received from attending FDTC don’t stop there. Visit them online at www.fdtc.edu to learn more about what makes this technical college so exceptional and so well respected in the community.
In case there’s any doubts as to what we’ve shared so far about FDTC, take a look at these student testimonies. After all, better to hear it from the ones who experienced it, right?
FDTC
Sports
And where would we be without mentioning FDTC’s truly talented sports teams? Intramural sports at FDTC date back to the 1970s. While the men’s and women’s basketball teams ended in 1975, softball (Lady Stingers) and baseball (Tech Stingers) made its appearance onto the campus in 2005. Both teams participate in the National Junior College Athletics Association Region Ten and both have made it to the NJCAA World Series. In 2016, the Lady Stingers played in the finals and the Tech Stingers recently traveled to Colorado to play. In May 2017, the Tech Stingers won their first NJCAA Region X (North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia) tournament championship against Spartanburg Methodist. The final score of the game was 15-7 and marked the 12th consecutive win for the team. The team also won the district tournament in May and played in the World Series during their time in Colorado. During last year’s softball season, the 2016 Lady Stingers team became the first in FDTC’s history to compete for the NJCAA Division II Softball National Championship in Mississippi. They also set a school record of 15-1 and finished the season with a winning record of 32-11, ranking second in Region X with hitting, extended hitting, pitching, and fielding. These ladies made headlines again recently when they signed twin sisters from Edgefield, South Carolina, as new team members of the Lady Stingers. There are several players who have gone on from FDTC to play Major League Baseball, so the talent on these teams is surely no laughing matter!
Contact FDTC today and start your path to a successful future today. Florence-Darlington Technical College’s main campus is located at 2715 W. Lucas Street in Florence, South Carolina. To learn more, please call (843)661-8324.
“At Florence Darlington Tech, you get really close to everybody. It really is like a family. If I feel like if I needed something, I could call anyone in my radiology program and they would be there - my teachers, too. They’re very supportive and they really get to know us.” -Abby Hewitt, Class of 2018 (Radiology)
“It made better sense to earn a two-year associate degree here first, and then do two years at a four-year school, rather than paying all that extra money.” -Joseph Paige, Class of 2017 (Human Services) “My family is ecstatic about me getting my education at Florence-Darlington Technical College. They’re so ecstatic that they want me to keep going and get my Bachelor’s and then Master’s degree…and it’s a possibility.” -Johnny Dunham, Class of 2017 (Management) “The Associate in Science program offered a degree that would transfer easily to a four-year institution, and the classes needed for the degree are valuable for the MCAT.” -Andrew Westfall, Class of 2017 (Associate in Science) “It’s hard to put into words what Tech has done for me. Originally, I enrolled at FDTC for financial reasons. The tuition was affordable, and I thought, ‘I just want to get a good job.’ But, that is not at all why I stayed at Tech! I stayed because of the incredible support and encouragement I received from my instructors, from the staff, everybody. They all helped me and pushed me to succeed.” -Sarah Chapman, Class of 2017 (Human Services) August 2017 | VIP Magazine
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS
An all-volunteer organization offering community support for free story by Kimberly Brauss
Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) Pee Dee is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to support long-term recovery from substance use disorders through education, advocacy, and recovery support services. Its primary fundraiser, Rally for Recovery, is its yearly national event. It will be held September 9th at Timrod Park in downtown Florence. Generous donations will help continue to provide a variety of recovery support services, including life-skills trainings, recovery gatherings, and the annual Music in the Park event. “We are an all-volunteer organization relying on community support to provide our free services” to help long-term recovery from substance use disorders, said Dale Purslow, CPPS, Rally for Recovery chairperson. In two studies, South Carolina ranks 10th (2008) and 23rd (2010) highest in opioid painkiller prescriptions per capita. In 2010, the state ranked 23rd per capita in overdose deaths. According to South Carolina Inspector General Patrick Maley, the “key is to fuse education, information, and a supporting system,” which is in line with FAVOR’s initiatives. South Carolina lawmakers also continue to try to reduce overdose deaths and curb misuse because deaths have doubled in a two-year span, according to a newspaper article earlier this year. Former Gov. Nikki Haley also commissioned a panel in 2014, which found opioid addiction increasing throughout the state. “There are needs in education,” Representative Russell Fry, R-Surfside Beach, told the Post & Courier earlier this year. But one of the issues in helping those addicted is the need for funding not only federally but also statewide. It’s underfunded in the state budget. It’s pertinent FAVOR builds better partnerships with the community to continue spreading the awareness. If the issue is not addressed, the problem will just become worse.
“We must help everyone see that addiction is not a character flaw. It is a chronic illness that we must approach with the same skill and compassion with which we approach heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. How we respond to this crisis is a moral test for America.” - Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., MBA, Vice Administrator, U.S Public Health Service Surgeon General
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To make a donation to show community support or be a sponsor, call 843-615-8722. Tax-deductible donations, depending on the level, will show sponsors throughout marketing efforts for the event, including advertising, T-shirts, as well as billboards, social media posts, and signage for the event. For more information about FAVOR as well as The Rally, visit favorpeedee.org.
know
the
Facts
2016 - There were 161 deaths from overdoses in South Carolina from opioid use, a 37.16% increase from 2015 (117) 2015 - There were a total of 594 overdoses from prescription opioid, a 12% increase from 2014 (459) Overdoses that were due to heroine climbed 57% from 2014 to 2015 2016 - Deaths of heroin and opiate overdoses in SC surpassed the number of homicides and almost surpassed motor vehicle fatalities EMS administered Naloxone (used to treat a narcotic overdose in an emergency situation) approximately 4,600 times in 2015 and 6,400 times in 2016 The state of SC has over 1,100 law enforcement officers that are trained to administer Naloxone In 2016 nearly 5 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed for a little over 4 million people Source: Department of Health and Environmental Control
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EXPERIENCE HARTSVILLE
When: September 8, 2017 9 am – 3 pm Cost: $75 Per Person (Lunch included) Where: Harris E. & Louise H. DeLoach Center, Coker College, Hartsville
Hartsville’s Chamber Presents Inaugural Symposium story by Quinetta Buterbaugh On Friday, September 8, the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce will host its first Women’s Leadership Symposium, presented by Sonoco. The symposium, held at the Harris E. and Louise H. DeLoach Center in Hartsville, will be from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and will feature breakout sessions, a panel discussion, award presentations and lunch.
Featuring: Lynn Good, CEO of Duke Energy
Themed “Marketing and Branding Yourself for Success,” the event will feature professional women who have paved the way for the professional development of others. A panel discussion will be moderated by Sonoco’s Vice President of Global Quality and Hartsville Chamber Board Member, Leslie Pemberton. Pemberton will lead the discussion “The Journey to Leadership” with Sonoco’s highest ranking female executive, Senior Vice President Vicki Arthur, first female CEO of SPC Credit Union Linda Weatherford, and the to-be-named 2017 Woman of Achievement. Lynn Good, CEO of Duke Energy, will deliver the keynote address during lunch. “The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce is providing this resource to all who seek to grow professionally in this fast-paced, ever-changing society. We invite you to be a part of it,” said Symposium Chair Rebecca Ward.
The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based business advocacy organization founded in 1910. The Chamber provides a voice for local businesses, supports economic development, and promotes the vibrant and personal community that makes Hartsville appealing to businesses and residents.
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“The chamber wants to provide an opportunity for women in the workforce of all levels to interact with one another, learn from the experiences of some of the best in the business, and have the opportunity for a full day of professional development, right here in Hartsville,” said Hartsville Chamber President Quinetta Buterbaugh. “Our goal is to make the symposium an annual event, delivering relevant content and growth opportunities to women.” Breakout sessions will highlight topics on maneuvering generational diversity for selfbranding, the influence of board participation, use of social media for brand enhancement and social media etiquette. Medical University of South Carolina Media Relations Director Heather Woolwine, Senior Human Resources Consultant of Find Great People Carrie Cavanaugh, and former Administrator of the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs Brandolyn Thomas-Pinkston will deliver inspiring messages during the breakout sessions.
For more information or to purchase tickets for the Women’s Leadership Symposium, visit www. hartsvillechamber.org, or call the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce at (843) 332-6401.
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Are You Up For The Challenge? story by Tim Shorter, Personal Trainer Director, Fitness Forum Find out Saturday, August 26th, as the Fitness Forum hosts the First Annual SwampFox Training Challenge 2017! This event will feature Boot Camp style workouts in which teams of two will compete in 4 workouts for prizes and bragging rights. The Challenge is open to anyone ages 15 and up. There will be two divisions: Novice and Experienced. Within each division there will be a male and female category. The cost per person is $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers. The 4 workouts will be fun, challenging, and varied. We will be announcing the details of the workouts in the coming weeks, but there may be a few surprises too! Each workout will range in length, with some focusing more on strength while others will focus more on cardio and endurance. The events will be incorporating both high and variable intensity challenges that will include things like, rowing, running, kettle bells, medicine balls, etc. The SFT Challenge is an event for everyone who enjoys friendly competition and fitness. The SwampFox Training Challenge is an extension of the Fitness Forum’s SwampFox Training program which offers over 20 different group training classes throughout the week. All of our classes are designed and led by our staff of personal trainers. Each workout can be modified to the needs of the individual, so anyone, regardless of fitness level can participate. Whatever your fitness goals may be, SwampFox training can help you reach them. Over the next two months, the workouts in all of our Boot Camp classes will be geared toward helping participants prepare for the SFT Challenge. While participating in these classes is not required for the Challenge itself, it will help athlete’s gain an edge. If you sign up for a SwampFox Training during the month of August your joining fee will be waived! The Fitness Forum is located in the heart of Downtown Florence. After the event, enjoy the local shopping and restaurants! The Challenge is open to all and we invite all gyms in the area to bring their members and compete. For more information or to sign-up, contact the Fitness Forum at 843-661-3800 or check out the event page on FB and fitnessforumonline.com. See you there! 38
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 8 AM - 3 PM AGES 15 & UP, NOVICE & EXPERIENCED $30 members | $40 non-members
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TAX PREP
FEELING the
HEAT
Summer. Hair gets lighter. Skin gets darker. Water gets warmer. Drinks get colder. Music gets louder. Nights get longer. Life gets better. story by Elizabeth K. Campbell, EA They forgot to add, business gets slower, to this whimsical little saying, but I just did. The sun is out, sun tan lotion is in the air, kids are frolicking, vacations are happening and non summer seasonal business people are pulling their sun streaked hair out. I see the summertime blues impact many of my business clients every single summer and work with them to implement strategies to improve business during this time. Some businesses go for the “batten down the hatches” approach in which they simply prepare financially to weather the summer months and keep their heads down until it’s over. While I will never disagree with saving for the future; why not hold your head up, review your business goals and use the slower time to take action for the final quarters of the year? There are ways to keep the summer heat from getting the best of your business. Sit down with your staff and go over the goals of the business and ask for their input. Sometimes business owners get stuck in a rut and it would behoove them to listen to what their staff has to say. They may have a different approach or new ideas that would be beneficial to the business. Brainstorm those ideas together – after all, out of everyone else, the staff knows your business and wants to see it succeed. Ask questions: Are there additional products or services I could easily add to my business? Are there demographics that my business is not currently focusing on? Should I do a survey to see what my existing customer base thinks about my services? Am I marketing correctly? Are my in house operations as effective as possible? Where do changes need to be made and how can I implement them? Do the necessary research based on the suggestions, brainstorming and answers to the questions. Take your time and come up with a plan that you believe will work for your business and put it in action. The hard part is the change involved in the new game plan. No matter how big or small the revised plan is, most people are set in their ways. It will be up to the business owner to follow through 40
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with staff to make sure the new strategies are being followed. If that does not occur, chances are that the plan will start with a bang and then fizzle right back into the old way of doing things. It is also important to vocalize the fact that the new plan is not set in stone. There may be hiccups and changes that need to be made along the way. Continued input and follow up meetings will be necessary to make the plan successful. In a nutshell, this is a marathon, not a sprint and it takes the cooperation of everyone involved in the business. Time and time again I see business owners trip over their own feet and fall at this stage. Why? Because they are unwilling listen to others and their criticism about the new strategy. They take it as a personal affront because it was their “pet project.” The bottom line is if you let the bird fly with a broken wing it will just cause more damage. Why not take the feedback with an open mind and make the effective changes that will ultimately enhance the business? By the time you have all of the kinks worked out, the summer heat will be diminishing, stores will have fall and winter decorations out and you will be ready to swing into successful third and fourth quarters. You will have had a productive summer and, with any luck, actually have enjoyed it, knowing that you were moving your business forward instead of letting the heat hold you hostage.
Elizabeth “Betsy” K. Campbell owns Campbell Accounting Solutions, LLC. Call (843) 662-9700 or email taxinfo@campbellgroupsc.com for your tax solutions.
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AROUND TOWN
On July 24th, Camp Pee Dee Pride celebrated another successful year of camp. 42
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Photos provided by Phillip Guyton with True Light Photography
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HAPPENINGS
Featured Event
As an effort to give back, the Hartsville Young Professionals (HYP) will be hosting a donation drive, Ales and Tails, for the Darlington County Humane Society.
where: Vintage Craft Beer and Wine Boutique 109 E College Ave, Hartsville, SC
when: Thursday, August 10th | 5pm-9pm Item and monetary donations will be accepted. Suggested donation item list: Puppy and Kitten food (both dry & wet) • Clorox bleach Dog Leads (rather than leashes) • Paper towels
FLORENCE 1.......................................................................................................................... Florence Redwolves 7p 3......................................................................................................................... Florence Redwolves 7p 4......................................................................................................................... First Fridays: Painted Man | James Allen Plaza 6-10p 4-6..................................................................................................................... Tax Free Weekend 5......................................................................................................................... Business Empowerment & Career Fair 10a 6......................................................................................................................... Florence Redwolves 7p 12........................................................................................................................ Rotary Club Forget Me Not 5k | FDTC 8a Back-to-School Bash & Pep Rally | Magnolia Mall 10a Family Day | Florence Co Museum 1p 16....................................................................................................................... Helping Hands Outreach | College Park Baptist Church 6:30p 20...................................................................................................................... Savvy Soirée Wedding & Event Showcase | Civic Center 1-5p 21........................................................................................................................ Breathe Meeting | Palmetto St Church of God 6p 25....................................................................................................................... Florence After 5: Grains of Sand | Downtown 5:30p 31.................................................................................................................................. Darlington Car Hauler Parade | Civic Center 4p WEEKLY EVENTS Wednesdays.................................................................................................. Wine Down Wednesday | Dolce Vita 4p Thursdays....................................................................................................... Trivia Night | Southern Hops 7p Saturdays........................................................................................................ City Center Farmer’s Market | Downtown 9a
LAKE CITY 12........................................................................................................................... Can You Can? | Moore Farms Botanical Garden 10a-11:30p 17........................................................................................................................... Creating & Canning Chutney | MFBG 9:30a-2:30p 19........................................................................................................................... Magnolia Topiary | MFBG 10a-2p Magnolia Bouquets | MFBG 1:30p-3:30p 26.......................................................................................................................... Home Composting Made Easy | MFBG 9:30a-12p
Tax-Free Holi-Days August 4-6 44
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AUGUST 2017 DARLINGTON 16........................................................................................................................... Darlington Professional Women | Dar Country Club 12p 24.......................................................................................................................... Lunch & Learn with PalmetttoPride | Dar Library 12:30p
HARTSVILLE 3.................................................................................................................. Centennial Farmers Market 3p-6p 4.................................................................................................................. Live Music | Retro Sip-n-Seat 8p 5.................................................................................................................. First Responders National Night Out | Burry Park 6:30p 5.................................................................................................................. Screen on the Green: Sing | Burry Park 8:45p-11p 7.................................................................................................................. Small Business Support Meeting | H’ville Chamber 9a-10a 7-11.............................................................................................................. Orlando Hudson’s Skills Camp | Byerly Park 9a-3p 10................................................................................................................ Centennial Farmers Market | Downtown 3p-6p Ales and Tales Donation Drive | Vintage Boutique 5p-9p 12................................................................................................................. Hartsville Farmers Market 9a-1p 11................................................................................................................. Charles Grace of Sleeping Police | | Retro Sip-n-Seat 8p 15................................................................................................................ Teachers Night | | Retro Sip-n-Seat 17................................................................................................................. Centennial Farmers Market 3p-6p Connections After Hours: H’ville Medical Assoc 5:30p-7p 25................................................................................................................ Yoga 6p-8p & Jim Money 8p | | Retro Sip-n-Seat 19................................................................................................................ Super Follies–Free Medical Clinic | H’ville Chamber 24............................................................................................................... Centennial Farmers Market | Downtown 3p-6p 25................................................................................................................ Yoga 6-8p & DJ Nick 8p | | Retro Sip-n-Seat 26............................................................................................................... Trivia| Retro Sip-n-Seat 7:30 27................................................................................................................ HR Managers’ Meeting | Chamber of Commerce 9a-10a 31................................................................................................................. Centennial Farmers Market | Downtown 3p-6p Bourbon Tasting | Retro Sip-n-Seat 8p
DILLON 10................................................................................................................ Cookout with Cops | Harmon Park 10:30a-12:30p Cookout with Cops | Newtown Park 1p-3p
TIME TO TOAST
Local Salute
FMU Nursing Lands $1.8 Million Federal Grant
City of Florence Selected for Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Award
Francis Marion University’s School of Health Sciences is the recipient of a $1.8 million grant from the federal government’s HRSA, aimed at promoting nursing workforce diversity. The four-year grant will provide tuition support for 100 students and will also fund a variety of initiatives by the FMU Department of Nursing designed to support those students on their path to a BSN degree from the university. The HRSA workforce diversity program is designed to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities who are underrepresented among registered nurses. HRSA has previously documented that while diversity is increasing in the nursing workforce, minorities still lag. Total minority participation remains below 20 percent. FMU has long had a diverse population in its acclaimed nursing department, but will seek to improve that performance by providing wide-ranging support for minority students. That will include financial support, assigning graduate student mentors to students beginning their freshman year, special freshman-level “university life” courses just for pre-nursing students, and additional academic help through FMU’s Center for Academic Success and Achievement. “We’re thrilled to receive another HRSA grant and to continue our role in shaping the nursing workforce in the years to come,” says Dr. Ruth Wittmann-Price, dean of the School of Health Sciences. “Our programs, and our impact on the community continues to grow. We’re proud of what we’ve done, but the future is really exciting.” FMU President Dr. Fred Carter says health services have become integral to the university because of their importance to the community. FMU is the only entity of any kind in South Carolina to receive a grant through the workforce diversity program. Other universities nationwide that were part of the grant include the University of Alabama, Arizona University, the University of Massachusetts, Duke, the University of North Carolina and Marquette.
The City of Florence was selected atop other municipalities in South Carolina to receive the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Award for Economic Development. The selection and presentation was made at the Annual Meeting of the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC). This is the fifth year the City of Florence has received an award from MASC. The City of Florence was selected in the economic development category for their Downtown Master Plan that commenced in 2013. The goals of the plan addressed socioeconomic, cultural and physical features of downtown revitalization. The deliverables of the extended plan include public spaces, housing, employment, mobility and infrastructure needs. New restaurants, hotels, shops, small businesses, and museums are also in the works. The next phase of the plan will continue to incorporate additional streetscape enhancements, parking, new housing, establishing downtown as a tourism destination, developing a food/artisan overlay district and linking the downtown area to the city’s existing trail systems. Florence Mayor, Stephen J. Wukela, stated, “We have made great strides and I am proud of the work of our City Council, supported by City Staff; and look forward to what the future holds for our City!”
Sullivan and Baird Receive Award for Bravery On July 24th, Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office recognized Ander Sullivan and Rivers Baird for their brave and courageous deed in trying to save the life of their grandfather. Tammy Hicks, grandmother of Baird says, “I’m so proud to live in a county where our Sheriff, Representative and Fire Chief take time out of their busy schedules to present awards for the bravery of two young boys. What great role models you are for these boys!”
Pictured L to R: Representative Bobby Ridgeway, Ander Sullivan, Sheriff Tim Bailey, Rivers Baird, and Chief Frances Richbourg
In the Spotlight New Elder Elijah Green Way Unveiled
Business Pride of Darlington Award
‘Elder Elijah Green Way’ was unveiled on June 27th at 115 Wilson Road in honor of State Elder Elijah Green. Elder Green is the Pastor of House of God Church on Wilson Road in Florence. He also visits Florence County businesses Monday through Friday, providing encouragement for business owners and staff through prayer.
The City of Darlington Beautification Board presented the Business Pride of Darlington Award to South of Pearl on Monday, July 17, for the work done to both the interior and exterior of the property.
Buterbaugh Completes 3rd Year at the Institute for Organization Management
FMU Receives Federal Grant for Clinicians Francis Marion University’s School of Health Sciences is the recipient of a two-year federal grant worth more than $1 million that is designed to improve both the quality and availability of healthcare in rural areas of the state. Hopla
The FMU plan approved for the grant is designed to encourage students to chose rural or medically underserved locations for their required clinical rotations. By intentionally placing students in those locations, the program aims to push more students into post-graduate employment in those areas.
Francis Marion University’s location in the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina puts it in an ideal position to launch this initiative. It already has a highly successful Nurse Whittmann-Price Practitioner program, and it is surrounded by areas that are both rural and medically underserved (the later being an official federal designation). Fifteen full-time and five part-time Family Nurse Practice students will be involved in the program. The grant will assist with their tuition and expenses. It also pays for additional equipment and additional adjunct staff to help oversee the clinical experiences. Dr. Deborah Hopla, director for FMU’s Nurse Practitioner program, says a number of practice partners in rural areas are already signed on to serve as preceptors for the program. The ANEW grant, says Hopla, just increases momentum for what was already the program’s primary thrust. “FMU is committed to bringing quality healthcare to this state and this region,” says Hopla. “The Nurse Practitioner program is a big part of that. FNPs are, and will be, a critical part of the healthcare delivery in the future, in especially in underserved areas.” Dr. Ruth Wittmann-Price, Dean of the FMU School of Health Sciences, calls the ANEW grant “a perfect fit.” FMU’s ANEW grant is one of 50 awards nation wide, part of a $31.8 million program. In the past two years, FMU’s School of Health Sciences has received five HRSA grants worth more than $5 million. The ANEW grant is the second grant awarded to FMU during HRSA’s most recent grant funding cycle.
Buterbaugh
Institute for Organization Management is pleased to announce that Quinetta Buterbaugh, President, of the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce, has recently completed her third year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at Southeast Institute in Athens, GA.
“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.” Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four week-long sessions at five different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively. Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.
DEVELOPING DOWNTOWN
Why Not Park and Ride?
Franklin Myers
SIT BACK AND ENJOY A STRESS-FREE, ORGANIZED RIDE - FOR FREE! story by Sandra Boyington By now we hope you’ve noticed the attractive trolley running through the streets of Florence. On July 17, the City of Florence in partnership with the Pee Dee Regional Transit Authority began offering an evening shuttle. The shuttle provides FREE weekday transportation from the Downtown Historic District to eight hotels located on Hospitality Drive and Radio Drive, and makes an additional stop at the Florence Mall. Living up to its name, Downtown Connect, the trolley service is doing just that, connecting visitors to our beautiful downtown area. The service runs Monday through Thursday from 5:30 pm until 10:30 pm, and on Fridays from 5:30 pm until 11:30 pm. The shuttle picks up non-stop, every 30 minutes. It will also make stops at FMU Performing Arts Center and the Florence Little Theatre when performances are being held. Locals now have a better way to get around town with the trolley service, too! With all the festivals and events going on downtown throughout the year, there’s never been a better time to climb aboard. No more driving in circles looking for a parking spot. Get front door, curb service with Downtown Connect! For additional information, go to www.florencedowntown.com.
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FASHION AT WORK AND PLAY
Looking to Update Your Wardrobe? Cynthia Apparel & Shoes and Flirt Boutique have a few items that could give your closet the makeover it’s been looking for! Brooke Evans with Dusenbury, Snow & Evans, P.A. reveals some of her favorite looks for both work and play.
PLAY PROJECT SOCIAL T Grasslands sleeveless top in cinnamon Unpublished denim “Kora” shred mid-rise skinny Korks “Anja” open toe platform in black Love Jewelry accessories exclusive at Flirt Boutique
315 Rainbow Dr, Florence, SC 843) 665-6868
WORK Nicole Miller “boutique exclusive” Sleeveless fit and flare abstract floral knit dress Acrobat crop collarless knit jacket Helen Marie Designs vintage Pearl, jet and crystal chain necklace Donald J. Pliner crepe elastic peep toe pumps with patent heel
1935 Hoffmeyer Rd, Florence, SC (843) 665-7669
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SERIAL SUCCESS
Moe’s Southwest Grill | Florence Mall 843.661.7807 Berry Desserts | Celebration Square 843.702.0194 Shane’s Rib Shack | Florence Mall (843) 679-3503
SAM PATEL What was the first business you started? The very first business I opened was a Moe’s in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2006. But, Wisconsin was too cold for me. After visiting my sister in Orangeburg, South Carolina, I appreciated the warmer weather South Carolina offered. I began looking for a location in South Carolina to relocate. I would find things by Googling and my sister would check it out for me. When I found the location in Florence, I knew it was perfect. It’s a great city, with lots of shops and people. I felt like it would be a great place to plant a business and grow a family.
Why did you decide to go into the restaurant business? I’ve worked in a restaurant since I was 16 years old. I enjoy it! I like good food, I like to meet new people, and I like how the time flies by.
Tell us about Berry Desserts. Berry Desserts is my baby. My wife, Priya, and I really want to see it succeed. It’s great food, we just have to get the community to try it. There are a lot of great ice-cream shops around town so we have a lot of competition. Unlike most others though, we have snow cones, dipped ice-cream, fresh fruit smoothies, and frozen yogurts. The people that come keep coming back for more. We use all fresh ingredients, nothing is frozen. 52
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Owner of Berry Desserts, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Shane’s Rib Shack
What is it like to own and operate three successful businesses? I’m here all day, all week. I try to take off Saturdays and Sundays to spend time with my family. I manage approximately 32 people across the three businesses. Apart from the day-to-day responsibilities at the restaurants, we do a lot of catering. We deliver to the entire Pee Dee.
What’s the highest number of people you’ve ever catered? Just recently we did 950 people in two hours. It was the craziest two hours. But we got it done, and everyone was happy. That particular day we made 30 pans of our famous Shane’s peach cobbler. It was a big hit. We work with the businesses in our community; giving them great food at a great price.
What’s your favorite thing on the menu? Oh, everything. I eat everything in all of my restaurants. If I had to pick one thing, at Moe’s it would be the Nachos. I’ve tried nachos a lot of places and in a lot of different towns but I always think, “These aren’t as good as Moe’s!”
SPECIAL OFFER
During August, bring in your student ID and get a 5 oz. yogurt cup for $0.99.
FLORENCE COMMUNITY
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VIP Magazine | August 2017
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
ALLEYWAY PRINTING Bringing Dreams to Life Through Print story by Jordan Pupa A small town with a big heart that draws natives back in due to its charm and endless support for small business success. This was true for Holly and Daniel Watkins, who were both born and raised in Hartsville, moved away, and later returned to open the doors of Alleyway Printing. Growing up, Holly and Daniel both had creative mindsets. As a child, Holly would brainstorm and create fabulous masterpieces from leftover bulletin board paper from her mother’s classroom. Daniel, on the other hand, partook in everything from playing in a band during his teenage years to teaching himself graphic design. Early on, Holly and Daniel both had entrepreneurial and innovative spirits with a “do-it-yourself” focus. Holly and Daniel relocated together to Savannah, GA in 2012. Daniel worked at The Georgia Historical Society where he researched archives, wrote historical text for markers and other landmarks, and used his graphic design skills to aide the society in all kinds of
For Holly and Daniel, Alleyway Printing has been the perfect combination for helping others through their creative spirits. 56
VIP Magazine | August 2017
facets. Holly had the unique opportunity to help open a new coffee shop in downtown Savannah. She gained experience with coding, regulations, and setting up financials for a business. Little did they know, the skills they learned along the way were only inspiring and pushing them to pursue a passion of their own in the near future. After living in Savannah and Bluffton for some time, Hartsville was calling them back home. After moving home and with the extensive support from the Hartsville community, the two were able to pursue their true loves of working with people and being creative by opening the doors to Alleyway Printing. Holly says, “Sometimes you have to leave a place to figure out how special it is, and boy, we think Hartsville is special!” Alleyway Printing is a printing and graphic design business located in the heart of downtown Hartsville. Services include everything from small format prints such as handouts and posters, to large format prints, like banners and signage. They are able to help a client develop their business by starting with logo design, then by progressing towards larger scale projects like industrial printed wall coverings and custom signage. “We really enjoy the “fun” projects that our customers bring in as well! We can print on any substrate that is up to two inches thick – so the possibilities are wide open!” Alleyway Printing has the technology and tools to complete unique requests for human size cutouts, photo prints on old barn doors, custom printed wallpaper, and more.
For Holly and Daniel, Alleyway Printing has been the perfect combination of helping others through their creative spirits. They are able to help customers bring their own dreams and vision to life through graphic design and print. “The city of Hartsville truly welcomes and genuinely values its businesses and the people within them, and I hope that this is a trait that we can pass on to everyone who walks through our doors.” The future is exciting for Alleyway Printing. The pair hopes to become more creative and “forward thinking.” They strive to envision what is on the horizon, both technologically and visually. “We now have a beautiful, almost two year old, daughter who we have the privilege of bringing along on this journey with us – and we couldn’t more grateful or excited!” The future is bright for Alleyway Printing.
Contact Alleyway Printing: 209 N. 5th St., Hartsville (843) 307-3483 web: alleywayprinting.com
August 2017 | VIP Magazine
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
The Easiest Way to Recycle story by Kimberly Brauss
Recycling. It’s one of the easiest ways to have a positive impact on the world environment. By converting waste into new useful products, recycling also reduces air and water pollution. One way to act locally is being a customer of independently owned and operated Pluffmud Recycling. It was founded to offer schools, hospitals, businesses, and residents an easy and convenient way to recycle. “Our simple, convenient recycling service collects co-mingled recyclables from commercial and residential customers in the Pee Dee area. We collect mixed paper, plastic 1 and 2, tin, and aluminum together. And we do all the separating. We want to offer the easiest way for our customers to recycle. It’s that simple,” said Brian Bragwell, owner of Pluffmud Recycling. Pluffmud Recycling services residences and businesses in Florence, Darlington, Hartsville, Lamar, Timmonsville, and Cheraw. Customers include hospitals, schools, manufacturers, distribution facilities, hotels, retirement facilities, and small offices. “We service businesses that want to recycle but don’t want the hassle of separating everything. We handle that part – one bin for everything,” Bragwell said. There are plenty of reasons to recycle, and among those includes job creation. “It does not make sense to bury paper, plastics, and metal in a landfill that can be made into new products. When you throw away a plastic bottle, that bottle is picked up by the trash truck driver and dumped in a landfill. Another person on a dozier covers it up and it is gone forever,” Bragwell said. “That bottle was touched by two people. When we pick up your bottle mixed with other recyclables, that bottle is shipped to a material recovery facility (MRF) that employs dozens of people. The bottle along with the other recyclables is sorted, baled and shipped to companies that turn your
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VIP Magazine | August 2017
Matthew Brown, Brian Bag
well and Jorge Martinez
Our simple, convenient recycling service collects co-mingled recyclables from commercial and residential customer in the Pee Dee area. bottle into fibers for clothes, tennis balls, blankets, car parts, new bottles, life jackets, or many other items. That bottle has been touched by many people which produces job after job after job. That is why it is important to recycle! Recycling produces jobs.” The company also recognizes recyclers of the year. In the past, schools such as Sneed Middle School and All Saints’ Episcopal Day School, and businesses such as Roche Carolina and Carolinas Hospital System earned the recognition of their recycling programs. “Jorge Martinez and Matthew Brown. They do an excellent job and our customers look forward to seeing the ‘Pluffmud Guys’ each week,” Bagwell said.
To see how Pluffmud Recycling can beneifit your home or office, call 843-393-0202 or visit pluffmudrecycling.com today!
August 2017 | VIP Magazine
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
ALISHA DORSEY Training Officer for Florence County E911 Central Dispatch In March, Florence County Emergency Management Director Dusty Owens along with Florence County E911 Central Dispatch Manager Mitch Fulmore announced, that Alisha Dorsey was promoted to her new role as the Training Officer for Florence County E911 Central Dispatch. Earlier this month Alisha completed an instructor training course with SC State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). NCIC is a computerized database of documented criminal justice information available to law enforcement agencies nationwide, 24 hours a day, and 365 days a year. She is now a Certified NCIC instructor. Alisha has been with the Florence County Emergency Management for 8 years. She began working in the E911 Center as a Telecommunications Officer in March of 2009.
“We aren’t promised tomorrow,
so cherish today
and all that it holds!”
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-Alisha
Alisha defines success as “being happy with herself and knowing that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to”. Alisha is motivated to do her job daily by beginning each shift with the attitude that she is going to help someone that day, possibly saving a life. Besides “her kids, her greatest accomplishment in life is realizing how to be happy with herself and her life.